A Nursing First

Last fall's commencement included the first 16 students from the traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at the Treasure Coast campus. The program was expanded to the Port St. Lucie location two years ago and offers the BSN degree to transfer students who do not have backgrounds in nursing. This differs from the RN-BSN program, which is offered at the Treasure Coast campus and online, but only accepts transfer students with registered nurse licensure.

“We implemented the traditional BSN at this campus to open doors for more students who are interested in the nursing profession,” said Dr. Jill Winland-Brown, Treasure Coast campus director of nursing. “This also supports our continuing effort to fulfill critical nursing shortages in area hospitals and other healthcare facilities, as well expand our college’s caring philosophy to this area.”

In contrast to the campus’ RN-BSN program, which offers unlimited access to transfer students, admission to the traditional program is highly competitive, with a cap of 20 students annually. The students are typically chosen from a pool of 60 or more applicants.

Erin Lancaster, one of the first graduates of the program, is a University Scholar representing the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She has been a very active student, serving as president of the Treasure Coast Campus Nursing Students Association. “It is has been more like a family than a class,” said Lancaster. “All of the professors have brought together different aspects of nursing that represent the holistic theory of the college. I have taken pieces from all of them to come up with my own identity as a nurse.”

For more information, contact Dr. Jill Winland-Brown at ext. 6-3378