NORFOLK, Neb. — The first class of students is preparing to graduate from the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division this May.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is on track to present 26 nursing students with their bachelor of science in nursing degrees on May 3.
Students who are admitted into the program already have completed two years of prerequisites at another college.
Thirty-two students were accepted into the program when it began two years ago, said Liane Connelly, assistant dean and associate professor in Norfolk.
Though the graduation rate will be nearly seven-eighths of the students who started in the program, Connelly said that every drop or withdrawal is taken seriously.
"I think that one of our ongoing plans now is we've hired individuals so that we can get a little bit richer in our ability to work with students with tutoring, with mentoring, and we still have programs yet that we are putting into place," Connelly said.
Even so, some students just come to the realization that nursing is not the profession that they want go into, she said.
"We help people decide what they want to be; that is our mission," Connelly said. "In so doing, sometimes that means students are deciding what they don't want to be.
"I honestly take that very seriously as a faculty member: First and foremost, that one of our goals is to help people make this decision — and that may be to not be a nurse."
"The worst thing we want is a nurse who doesn't want to be a nurse, because patients see that. I compare it to if you're nervous holding a baby, the baby's going to cry. If we have a nurse who doesn't want to be a nurse, it's not good for anybody," she said.
And entering the nursing field in any program is a big decision.
"I think this program is just as difficult and intensive as every other nursing program. Are they working really hard? Yes, definitely. Are they dedicated? Yes. Are they committed? Yes," Connelly said. "It is a tough program. And, quite frankly, I'm proud to have students who are excelling in that type of program. I wouldn't want it any other way."
In her experience, the students who do well in nursing like science and people and helping people, Connelly said.
Connelly suggested that prospective students talk to their high school guidance counselors. Then they can adjust their course schedules as needed to get ready for the nursing field.
"Certainly, get connected and contact us and come take a look, see what it's all about. Another thing I would suggest is they shadow a nurse so they can see what the role of the nurse is like," Connelly said.
One of the seniors in the bachelor's degree program, Jessie Ashley, also has advice for prospective students.
"I would suggest if you're in a family — if you might be a non-traditional student not in high school — then make it a family decision," she said.
"They need to understand that this is an intense program, and mom might not be home at 3 to pick up the kids. This is a two-year commitment, and this is your full-time job."
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