Nursing - Traditional

Overview

The School of Nursing prepares future nursing leaders who reflect the fundamental values of SIUE. The program prepares a generalist in professional nursing, and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered nurse (see board pass rates). The state-approved program provides a foundation for graduate education.

Nursing is defined as the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations (ANA, 2003, Social Policy statement.)

Nursing courses build on a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and are concentrated in the last six semesters of study. The undergraduate nursing curriculum is built on the following themes:

Analytical reasoning
Communication
Role
Human diversity
Ethics

Clinical and laboratory experiences are an integral part of the nursing major. Healthcare agencies in central, southern and southwestern Illinois and in the greater St. Louis area cooperate with the School of Nursing to provide opportunities for our students to practice their clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.

What can I do with a degree in nursing?

Nursing is a learned profession built on a core of knowledge reflective of its dual components of science and art. As lifelong learners, professional nurses practice in a variety of settings:

Hospitals
Public health departments
Schools
Outpatient clinics
Home health agencies
Mental health agencies

The professional nurse partners with other healthcare professionals in applying evidence-based knowledge combined with caring and compassion to provide quality care.

Accelerated Undergraduate to Graduate Nursing Options

Students in the traditional bachelor's program may apply for accelerated graduate program options for Master of Science degrees in healthcare nursing administration or nurse educator, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for the family nurse practitioner program. Learn more.