FOCUS: Eastside partners with Argosy University for improved nursing

By Carole C. Carr  |  Snellville, Ga., May 10, 2016  |  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly the Institutes of Medicine) recommends academic nurse leaders across all schools of nursing should work together to increase the proportion of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN)  degree from 50 percent to 80 percent by 2020.

Caroline Ashman, who holds a master’s in nursing, and is the director of Professional Development at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, says: “Eastside Medical is pleased to partner with Argosy University of Atlanta to provide their nurses the opportunity to attain their BSN. Combining Argosy’s tuition partnership rate, with Eastside’s reimbursement policy, along with onsite classes every week, this is a win-win situation for all of us.”

16.0510.EastsideHospitalThe BSN program fosters a commitment between the employer and the employee and most importantly, the patient.

Dr. Dorothy Miller, chair of the Nursing program at Argosy University, Atlanta, responds: “The program is a great benefit to nurses because it gives nurses the opportunity to advance and gain critical thinking skills that will ultimately help their patients and improve preventive care,” says Dr. Dorothy Miller, chair of the Nursing program at Argosy University, Atlanta.

Providing onsite classes at Eastside will aid the Gwinnett County hospital to qualify to obtain magnet status. The American Nurses Credentialing Center developed the Magnet Recognition Program to recognize healthcare organizations that provide nursing excellence. One hundred percent of Eastside’s nurse managers and 80 percent of its nurses must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify. The medical center’s mission is to advance professional development of its employees while ensuring the skills they learn are tailored to the needs of the organization.

Miller adds: “Eastside staff members understand what must be done in order help train more nurses. This program proves that the hospital is not only investing in its nurses but, it says we care about this community and we are willing to come to you to improve healthcare in the state of Georgia.”

The BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who have earned either a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing, the university’s new bachelor’s degree program will build upon pre-licensure nursing coursework to help prepare students for professional advancement while meeting the goals articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

The BSN program will focus on practical core and elective courses geared towards building the necessary skills professional nurses require. Miller says:  “By preparing our nursing students to exercise leadership and establish care priorities they will be better equipped to meet the emerging needs of various healthcare systems.”

Share