Why Consider Nursing?

If you are an individual who enjoys working with people, likes science and social studies, seeks new experiences and challenges on a daily basis, and desires opportunity for career advancement, nursing is definitely for you. 

Nurses work in a variety of areas including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, mental health facilities, and public health departments. With education beyond the baccalaureate level, nurses can assume the role of nurse administrator, nurse educator, nurse practitioner or nurse researcher. 

The nursing program at SAU prepares a graduate for a general beginning level position in nursing. Students with a special interest may pursue this interest using an independent study approach under the guidance of a consenting nursing faculty advisor. SAU strongly encourages males, as well as females, to explore their options for a career in nursing.

What is the employment outlook for professional nurses?
The current shortage, in the Quad City area and nationally, of qualified nurses is expected to continue in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that positions for RNs will grow 23% in the next six years. By the year 2010 it is estimated that there will be 656,000 trained nurses in the workforce while the projected demand for nurses at that time will be 1,385,000. The potential income for an entry-level nurse with a BS degree is projected at $35,000-40,000.

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What are the advantages of the St. Ambrose nursing program?

• Students are introduced to nursing concepts early in the program so they can decide if nursing is the right career fit.
• Because they are exposed to nursing early in the curriculum, students qualify for early work opportunities.
• Nursing students can interact with students in other SAU health science programs such as athletic training, master of physical therapy and master of occupational therapy.
• Students use state of the art technology in the classroom and in various clinical settings.
• Students are encouraged to problem-solve and perform independently.
• Students gain national and international perspectives in nursing.
• Class sizes are small, with labs limited to a maximum of 12 students.
• Flexible schedules accommodate working adult learners.
• Refresher courses may help improve the study skills of students who are returning to the classroom after some time.

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How are professional nurses licensed?
Licensed nurses must graduate from a state-approved nursing program and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Board of Nursing will not permit a person with a felony record to sit for the licensure examination until the individual applies to and receives a waiver from the Board.

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Where can I learn more about St. Ambrose and nursing?
Contact Dr. Dolores Hilden at nursing@sau.edu or the St. Ambrose Admissions Office at 563/333-6300 or toll free at 800/383-2627, or admit@sau.edu. Campus tours are a great way to see our state-of-the-art classrooms, meet the faculty who will give you personal attention, and talk with other students about the advantages St. Ambrose offers. Information on nursing is also available on the Iowa Board of Nursing web site at www.state.ia.us/government/nursing.

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