School of Nursing

The Anderson University School of Nursing is widely recognized as one of the top nursing programs in Indiana. The school is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education. A low student/instructor ratio in the classroom allows for more personal attention and in-depth classroom discussion. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) upon successful completion of the program and are eligible to take the RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). Preparing nursing majors for this juncture is a top priority.

The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, a broadened life perspective from liberal arts, the expertise needed for the nursing profession, and a commitment to Christian service. Nursing students are prepared for beginning practice in the professional roles of practitioner, educator, scholar, manager, leader, and member of the nursing profession.

Major

Nursing (53 hours)

The nursing major is a four-year program consisting of nursing courses, along with additional supporting courses in general psychology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, development psychology, and microbiology. Clinical work begins in the sophomore year as students learn to assess healthy individuals, families, and communities. The junior year focuses on clients who need nurses to perform much of their care, such as post-operative care, critical care, and psychiatric nursing. The senior year highlights complex nursing skills for a variety of clients. Students complete a project with their community church as well as participate in a three-week intercultural experience. Leadership, management, and moral and ethical development are emphasized. Clinical experiences in the hospitals and community have a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Clinical Experiences

Anderson University Nursing students apply their classroom learning in two local hospitals: St. John's Health System, and Community Hospital Anderson. Many health care organizations such as Madison County Community Health Center, home health-care agencies, schools, and senior citizen facilities provide additional practical experiences. Students also have clinical experiences in regional hospitals such as Riley Hospital for Children and Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.

Some Highlights

The School of Nursing is widely recognized as one of the top nursing programs in Indiana. Accredited by CCNE, the school has a low student/instructor ratio that allows for plenty of personal attention.

• A recent survey shows 98 percent of AU’s nursing graduates are employed in nursing and are "very satisfied" with their career choice.
• Multiple efforts and programs are established to aid nursing graduates to pass the state boards such as ATI, a review course, computerized practice tests, and tutors that are distinctive because of their care and compassion.
• The School of Nursing offers excellent facilities and an active Student Nurses’ Association.
• AU’s central location provides access to both rural clinics and nationally known institutions, such as Riley Hospital for Children.
• The School of Nursing offers a graduate program leading to dual degrees — Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration.
• Sigma Theta Tau (Upsilon Gamma Chapter) recognizes superior achievement in nursing.
  

Scholarships

There are a number of nursing scholarships that are administered through the Financial Aid Office. These include the Lester Hardacre Scholarship, Rachel Efroymson Scholarship, Jack Davenport Scholarship, Connie Ausbun Fultz Scholarship, and the George Surbaugh Scholarhip. Information on additional scholarships is continually updated and maintained in the School of Nursing office. Applications for the Hardacre Scholarships may be found here, with the deadline of January 25.

Job Placement

Graduates of nursing have a long history of successfully passing the NCLEX. One hundred percent of nursing graduates have been offered jobs when they completed the program. Also, students in the nursing program are able to find student nurse technician jobs in the local hospitals to support their educational endeavors.

International Experience

The School of Nursing requires an intercultural nursing experience during a student's senior year. Students spend approximately three weeks in a nursing environment in another culture, learning how others meet health-care needs. Learning experiences have included travel to Uganda, Honduras, Korea, Russia, as well as inner-city Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis.

Facilities

The School of Nursing occupies two floors of a wing in Hartung Hall, a state-of-the-art science building completed in 1993. The facility provides a large classroom overlooking Helios fountain, a computer lab for nursing students, an eight-bed clinical skills lab, faculty offices, and conference rooms.