January 20, 2006
The director of the nursing program at Hesston College says the program
is doing all it can to tackle the shortage of nurses in Kansas.
Director Bonnie Sowers reports that 88 of the 104 graduates (85 percent) during
the past three years took their first nursing job somewhere in Kansas. The other
16 are working in other states. Solid statistics aren't available for the 1,088
graduates from Hesston's nursing program since the first class of 13 graduated
in 1968, but Sowers estimates at least half live and work in Kansas.
A report submitted to Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the 2006 legislature by
the Kansas Board of Regents last month indicated the state will need more than
11,000 new nurses by the year 2010.
 |
| Bonnie Sowers |
In the fall of 2003, 40 freshman and 30 sophomores were admitted, a pattern similar to the previous fall. Then in the fall of 2004, 48 freshman and 46 sophomores matriculated, an increase of 31 percent over the fall of 2003.
Last fall, 48 freshman and 48 sophomores were accepted for admission, while 10 additional fully-qualified applicants were not accepted and were placed on a waiting list. "I would be surprised if we don't have a significant wait list for next fall," Sowers said.
The graduating classes grew accordingly, with 28 in 2003, 30 in 2005, and 46 in 2005. Sowers estimates that 45 will graduate in May 2006.
Sowers feels good about the recent expansion of the nursing program. "It was a big leap, and a significant expansion, but it's amazing how smoothly it's gone.
"However," Sowers continued, "we're still adjusting to the increase of students. The primary change is felt by the faculty, who have larger classes, which results in a number of different dynamics." Other changes included adding the equivalent of one full-time nursing instructor, restructuring the curriculum, and making some changes in the use of campus facilities.
"We want to make sure we're meeting the mission of our nursing program," Sowers continued, "which is a person-oriented approach to nursing education. We don't want to lose any of that."
Recent statistics support Sowers' claim that the higher student numbers has not diminished the quality of instruction. Of the 46 graduates last spring, 96 percent (44 grads) passed the RN (Registered Nurse) national licensure exam on the first try. The percentage hit 100 two years ago, when the class of 2003, which had 28 graduates, all passed the RN test the first time they took it.
Another astounding figure reveals that the average score for the 46 students in the class of 2005 put the class in the 99th percentile in the nation on the RN Comprehensive Predictor Test, a test that predicts how nursing students will fare when they take the actual RN licensure exam. That's an incredible statistic, according to Sowers. "It indicates that of all the students in the 1,000 RN schools in the U.S. who took this test, our 2005 graduating class of 46 students placed in the top percentile."
Those test results are indicators for Sowers that students are developing a comprehensive nursing knowledge base. "It tells me we have an effective program with effective faculty, plus students who are taking responsibility for their learning," she said.
Sowers admits that with the high demand for nurses, and with the shortages that are predicted, most schools have a waiting list.
But Sowers points to other reasons for Hesston's waiting list. She says the major reason people enroll in Hesston nursing program is word-of-mouth. "Prospective students are often referred by a graduate, or by someone in the healthcare industry who knows about our program," Sowers said. "That's always a good feeling when our graduates or people in the industry affirm our program and tell prospective students to check us out.
"Many want a Christian nursing program," Sower pointed out. "They want a Christian emphasis and environment. Many view nursing as their calling.
"The nursing program at Hesston College is the only two-year associate degree program in the state with an explicit mission to educate nurses within a Christian framework."
Sowers is interested to see how Governor Sebelius and the 2006 legislature respond to the Kansas Board of Regents proposal to increase nursing school enrollment by 250 students a year. The proposal also calls for the hiring of additional faculty members, updating equipment and buildings, and funding a tuition forgiveness program. The total cost is estimated at nearly $11 million over five years.
"That proposal is for public colleges and universities in Kansas," Sowers emphasized. "The state is being encouraged to develop plans that include private, independent colleges and universities, like Hesston College, in the long-term effort of increasing nursing school capacity and decreasing the nursing shortage."
Hesston College Nursing Department
Start
Here, Go Everywhere