Reinhardt Launches Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

WALESKA, GA -- Reinhardt University has launched a bachelor of science in nursing program in Cherokee County.

Quality healthcare providers always are in demand and according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 79 percent of employers are requiring or expressing strong preference for nurses with a BSN.

Additionally, an increase of only 10 percent in the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses lowers the odds of mortality by 10.9 percent, the 2014 edition of Medical Care notes.

Dr. Kina Mallard, president of Reinhardt University, said the BSN is the first step for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, with more programs planned for the future.

“Our goals for health sciences at Reinhardt include our launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2017-2018 with 40 students," she added. "We plan to add an additional 40 students annually,”

Dr. Mallard said the school also plans to launch an RN to BSN online degree competition program by fall 2018, and are working with area health professionals to plan for future programs that will meet the needs of the community.

Reinhardt’s program will provide a quality program in a "faith-based atmosphere to prepare nurses to serve their communities," the university states.

Members of the community and those interested in the program are invited to attend a special event with Dr. Glynis Blackard, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, demonstrating simulated nursing scenarios with her staff.

The sessions are set for 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the Hoke O’Kelley auditorium on the main floor of the Burgess Administration Building on Reinhardt University’s campus in Waleska.

“Just like the aviation industry, high fidelity simulation has become a standard for today’s school of nursing," Dr. Blackard said. "High fidelity simulation allows the student to step into realistic patient care scenarios. These scenarios allow the student the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a safe environment where no human life is impacted by the student’s decision-making processes."

Part of Reinhardt University’s goal in educating the nurses of tomorrow is to prepare them for not only the physiological aspects of their careers but other aspects of the profession of providing care. Blackard notes nurses deal with not only the biological parts of one's health, but also contend with the psychological, cultural, social and spiritual aspects "that make us human."

"Every day, nurses have the opportunity to provide care with dignity and respect – to be an advocate for a patient who doesn’t have anyone else," the dean continued. "That’s an amazing opportunity, responsibility and privilege.”

With classes starting in Spring 2018, Reinhardt University will educate the nurses of tomorrow with state-of- the-art equipment and faculty with a combined 60 years of experience.

• Reinhardt University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing has received initial approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is seeking approval through SACSCOC.

BSN students will utilize the labs and classrooms of Chattahoochee Technical College's Appalachian Campus to gain hands-on experience with state-of- the-art equipment. Patient care clinicals will be held throughout metro Atlanta.

Reinhardt University currently is enrolling new and transfer students for its BSN program. For more information, visit www.reinhardt.edu/BSN.

For questions about Reinhardt University’s BSN program, contact Dr. Blackard at GDB@reinhardt.edu.

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