History of the Nursing Program at BYU-Idaho

History

The Department of Nursing has long-standing experience with nursing education at the associate degree level and continues to believe that the graduates of its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Degree program are well-prepared for entry-level practicing professional nursing. Therefore, the faculty remains committed to providing quality education for the student seeking an ASN as well as the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

The Department of Nursing has been in existence since 1957 preparing ASN students. The graduates have been well-received by the healthcare industry and have a long history of successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Clinically well-prepared, graduates are being recruited by hospitals and health care facilities throughout the country. The baccalaureate program was conceived and finalized during a year-long process beginning June 2000. The department received strong encouragement and support from the University administration and local community to develop the BSN program.

The goals and outcomes for the Department of Nursing incorporates and reinforces the basic belief system of caring relationships regarding man, environment, health, education, nursing practice and nursing roles throughout the program for the benefit of the student. Additionally, the understanding and utilization of laws, opposites, knowledge, agency, and stewardship are governing principles. These principles reinforce the belief system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A basic outcome is that the patient and the nurse develop caring relationships, incorporating responsibility and knowledge to provide effective nursing care. Further outcomes include that the students are instructed both in theory and practical implementation and then are evaluated based upon the ability to solve problems through the use of critical thinking. In addition, outcomes are developed applying the nursing process.