New Nursing Program Kicks Off Its First Semester

Monday, October 14th, 2024

Drake University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program welcomed its first cohort of professional students this fall. The new program was developed in response to community and campus needs, fulfilling the widespread need for nurses and responding to Pre-Nursing students’ wishes to stay at Drake. Now, those students can finish with two degrees in four years – and start making a difference in healthcare right away. 

However, a 12-month curriculum isn’t the only thing that sets Drake’s new ABSN program apart. The program offers a “cutting-edge” competency-based education, where hands-on learning activities are the main focus during class time. The program is thrilled to be partnering with Broadlawns Medical Center as their Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) demonstrating a newer clinical model in Nursing.  

“Our focus is teaching students not only about the science of Nursing, but also the art,” says Mary Owens, Nursing Program Director. “We want to prepare students to be great nurses who will serve as leaders in our profession.” 

The new on-campus nursing facility is located on Carpenter Street, in the former student health center. The renovation process was a labor of love for CPHS faculty this past summer. The building houses classroom and demonstration space, simulation rooms equipped with cameras and microphones, a fully-stocked medication sample room, home care room, and several acute patient care rooms with high and low-fidelity mannequins.  

Feedback from the program’s first cohort has been excellent. Students enjoy their new learning environment and are taking advantage of several learning opportunities available to them. They’ve been spending time in lab learning new skills and are completing their first clinical experiences with WesleyLife. They have worked alongside staff at Wesley’s long-term and skilled care units, as well as in their memory care, assisted living, and adult day care centers. In addition, they have been immersed in a community nursing setting through a hospice and home care experience. Clinical sites and partners have noted the professionalism and engagement displayed by students, making Drake proud.  

The new program gave Avery Mertz, ABSN student and member of the Drake Women’s Soccer Team, the opportunity to pursue a Nursing degree while continuing to play her sport at Drake.  

“The program has been really accommodating,” Mertz said. “If I have to miss class for a game, they carve out time for me to come in and make up the work.”  

Beth Posey, another ABSN student, also decided to stay at Drake for a fourth year. 

“I really enjoyed my time at Drake for the past three years and built some great relationships, and now I’m able to stay and maintain those relationships,” Posey said. “Getting two degrees in four years is definitely a bonus.” 

Drake’s ABSN program opens its doors to students coming from a variety of different paths. Several students are current Drake Health Sciences students studying Clinical & Medical Sciences (or have met the pre-requisites otherwise). These students apply in their junior year and complete the program during their senior year. The program also accepts transfer students who have met the requirements. Several others come from entirely different industries such as kinesiology, physiology, and counseling seeking a second career in nursing. Applications are submitted through the Nursing Centralized Application System, or NursingCAS.  

It should be noted that the new ABSN program is not Drake’s first Nursing program in history. There are many Drake Nursing alumni who have been positively impacting communities for years, and the newly redesigned program welcomes the opportunity to partner with these individuals. 

Nursing faculty and staff, along with the rest of CPHS, are excited to discover this program’s potential and its opportunities for expansion. The program has received tremendous interest so far, and its faculty and students look forward to continuing to build relationships on campus and fill a need in the community.  

Read more about Drake’s ABSN program here.