Reddie to Care
Nursing Education With A Difference
Experience small classes, flexible curriculum, and integrated state board exam (NCLEX-RN) preparation in Henderson State University’s bachelor of science in nursing program. Our program prepares novice generalist nurses for success in clinical practice and advanced study and is the only four-year professional nursing program in southwest Arkansas. Additionally, the Henderson liberal arts emphasis adds depth and a global perspective to professional nursing education.
Henderson’s small class sizes (21-28 students) allow individualized teaching in a personal atmosphere. Students benefit from mentoring relationships with accessible nursing instructors. Faculty members also serve as advisers to student organizations such as our 90-student-strong, NSNA-affiliated Student Nursing Association. Students are encouraged to participate in state and national student nurse conferences and conventions.
Henderson’ Department of Nursing faculty brings diverse education and practice experience to nursing classes. A warm, collegial environment promotes both faculty and student exploration of nursing. Instructors model caring and individual respect through their interactions with students and clients.
Our bachelor of science in nursing program promotes a flexible and holistic approach to nursing education. At Henderson, students can balance studies with participation in student organizations and athletics. We work closely with collegiate athletics to encourage student success in and out of the classroom.
The nursing curriculum allows classes to be offered every semester to meet student needs. Starting in the Fall 2009 semester, students will be admitted twice a year, in fall and spring. Students with Nursing Assistant certification (CNA) can waive a basic skills course. Student knowledge is validated through standardized tests in multiple courses as preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Department of Nursing faculty promotes continuous and ongoing preparation for boards via course-level practice exams and remediation.
Henderson’s new nursing facility features a skills lab with simulator technology purchased through a $300,000 Health Resources and Services Administration grant. From the start of clinical nursing classes, students gain confidence and insight as they practice patient care skills on simulators before entering instructor-guided clinical experiences. Simulators include adult, child, and infant mannequins with pulses and respirations for learning vital signs, injections, and assessment skills. Computerized simulators facilitate student development of critical thinking and priority-setting skills through real-life scenarios. Clinical experiences include a broad spectrum of local, regional, and state-wide practice settings for professional nurses.
A listing of prerequisite courses and the eight-semester curriculum can be found on the Henderson State University Department of Nursing web site, www.HSU.edu/NURSING. The application deadline for the clinical nursing courses is February 15, 2009.