By | Charlotte Rutigliano
Early last spring, the University announced a potential partnership between Humboldt State and College of the Redwoods that could bring the Nursing program back to HSU.
The partnership would create a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This would allow nurses living in the community to continue their education.
Dr. Manohar Singh, Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS) said that the classes would be held at the College of the Redwoods campus with HSU faculty, and this program would be housed within the CPS.
“The two-year program would really only be for College of the Redwoods students,” Singh said. “Or for students who already have their RN license.”
This will be the first time since 2011 that HSU will have had a BSN program. The program was discontinued due to the costs and challenges of recruiting qualified faculty.
Singh said that the University is still trying to collect all the necessary resources to make this program happen. The program is looking to decide on curriculum, hire qualified faculty and get enough financial and community support.
“Any community input and support is welcome,” Singh said.
Joe Rogers, Executive Director of Hospice of Humboldt, said that nursing is becoming more and more complex, and many organizations are recommending or requiring nurses to have a BSN.
College of the Redwoods currently graduates around 55 registered nursing students a year. According to the release estimates from California’s Employment Development Department, the North Coast region will need an additional 48 registered nurses per year for the next ten years.
According to Alex Enyedi, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, this program could generate around 30-50 nurses with a BSN per year which would greatly fill the community need.
“There is a tremendous demand for nurses in the community,” Enyedi said. “This program is a natural solution for the problem we have here.”
According to Enyedi, there has been no objection from the California State University Board of Trustees They are eager for this program to happen.
“This program is HSU doing its part to help make the community a better place,” Enyedi said. “It’s a true win win for everyone.”
Enyedi said that this new partnership and program could be up and running by the fall semester of 2019.
