The Higher Education Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) recently granted final approval to Siena Heights University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-licensure degree program.

SHU Director of Nursing Dr. Sue Idczak said now that this final hurdle has been cleared, Siena becomes one of 20 fully approved baccalaureate nursing programs in the state of Michigan.

“At almost every turn there was a different step that had to be completed,” Dr. Idczak said of the thorough approval process that lasted approximately two years. “It still almost doesn’t seem real. But it is.”

“This is the news we have been waiting for since we started the process of establishing a nursing program,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “Getting final approval is the culmination and affirmation of a lot of peoples’ efforts, including our administration, faculty and staff. Of course, Dr. Idczak has been the driving force in this process, and we are blessed to have her leading our program.”

With a shortfall of nurses predicted in the coming years, and with the health care industry being Michigan’s largest employer, Dr. Idczak said Siena will help fill a huge community need. In fact, it already is. In February 2008, Siena Heights had its two-year RN to BSN completion degree approved by the HLC-NCA. The first classes started in the fall 2008, and the second class began in August. The first RN to BSN graduating class will graduate in May 2010, with the first four-year BSN pre-licensure class slated to graduate in May 2012.

“I believe nurses will be drawn to our nursing philosophy,” Dr. Idczak said of her program’s holistic approach to patient care. “A nurse who chooses to complete his/her BSN at Siena Heights will embrace the belief of the dignity of all human beings, and will want to learn in a caring, student-focused classroom. We believe that life is sacred, and that is reinforced from the mission of Siena Heights University and the truth of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.”

Dr. Idczak said Siena’s nursing curriculum will be practical and relevant to today’s health care environment. Siena nursing students will complete 78 credit hours of coursework in the nursing major after completing prerequisites in the liberal arts and sciences. Some of the innovative curriculum includes classes like Ethical, Cultural and Spiritual Nursing Care; Pharmacology/Pathophysiology; Health Policy, Systems and Informatics in Nursing; Community, Population, and Global Health Care;  and Nursing Care of the Family: Men, Women and Children.

The program will also challenge a nurse to explore his or her values and beliefs about the profession of nursing, including concepts relating to diversity, spirituality, ethics, evidenced-based practice and leadership, Dr. Idczak said.

Dr. Idczak said the first four-year BSN students will begin their first classes Jan. 11, 2010. Because of the expected demand, Dr. Idczak said she anticipates spots in the first class to fill quickly. However, the application process will be rigorous, with special consideration given to candidates based on grades, character, and fulfilling certain other entrance requirements.

“We invite anyone interested in learning more about our nursing program to contact us,” Dr. Idczak said.