Welcome to the Department of Nursing!
Nursing is one of the most fulfilling careers, giving individuals the ability to work in various healthcare environments and in many different roles. As a nurse, you may choose a path of a traditional bedside nurse providing care to patients and families in areas such as pediatrics, emergency or critical care, medical/surgical care, home health, mental health, obstetrics, etc. or you may decide on other pathways in the community such as clinic, school, public health, or forensics. You may further your education to work in leadership, research, advanced practice roles, or teaching. The freedom of setting your own schedule, working part- or full- time, career advancement, and even opportunities for travel are more examples of the flexibility and opportunities that await you in this career. No matter what your chosen path in nursing, the comradery amongst the healthcare team, the respect by the public, and the feeling of self-fulfillment is second to none! Nurses play a pivotal role in saving lives, advocating for those in need, bringing clarity and compassion to the scared and confused, and managing and coordinating care for an individual from their first breath to their last.
With a strong background in the liberal arts, the program at NSU encourages you to embrace the human behind the science. We are deeply committed to supporting you every step of the way as you achieve your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. The BSN degree program offered here at Northern prepares students to become highly competent, compassionate, and innovative nursing professionals. Our program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to earn your baccalaureate degree in nursing, complete your licensure exam (NLCEX-RN), and excel in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Furthermore, your BSN degree at NSU establishes a foundation for graduate studies and other advanced career opportunities.
Throughout your time at NSU, you will build critical thinking skills and engage in hands-on training opportunities in a variety of ways including clinical experiences, simulation, laboratory, classroom, and service-learning. You will be able to learn in a brand-new state-of-the art educational facility and simulation and skills center. You will learn from faculty that care about you as an individual, have experience in many different healthcare areas and who embrace credibility by remaining active in clinical practice, research, service, and education. The nursing curriculum includes experiences across the lifespan and in several different settings, assuring that you graduate with the tools you need to be competent, confident, and ready to successfully transition into the nursing practice setting that you choose.
We are dedicated to your well-being and success as you embark on this journey and excited to have you join us here at Northern State University!
Dr. Lyncee Monson, DNP RN CCRN CNE
Associate Dean of Nursing