The programs in the School of Nursing are central to the San José State University mission of preparing graduates for service and scholarship. The mission of the School of Nursing is to provide innovative education in the art and science of professional nursing while empowering our baccalaureate and masters graduates to be socially and ethically responsible clinicians, leaders, and scholars who will meet the changing healthcare needs of a diverse global community.
A unique program of quality faculty, curriculum and innovative community service distinguishes the School of Nursing at San José State University, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in the 2005-06 academic year. Building on its respected tradition at San José State University, the School of Nursing has foreseen changes in the requirements for nursing education that will meet nurses' and society's needs. The School entered the twenty-first century with a new curriculum and new experiential opportunities prior to graduation. New and expanded offerings in pre- and post-licensure as well as continuing education for undergraduate and graduate level nurses are offered. The undergraduate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates of the undergraduate program are eligible to apply for the California Public Health Nurse Certificate. The graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Family Nurse Practitioner programs (master's and post-master's) are approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. The School Nurse Credential Program is approved by the Commission for Teacher Credentialing.
Women and men seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing will find a quality program to prepare them for professional nursing practice in a variety of acute care and community settings, with opportunities for graduate study and continuing education. Nursing majors at SJSU receive clinical experience in community-health agencies, Nurse-Managed Centers and local hospitals under the guidance of nursing faculty from the university. The pre-licensure nursing program is an innovative academic program that emphasizes professional education based on strong general education. The post-licensure program provides opportunities for registered nurses to earn the baccalaureate degree at a pace that fits their lifestyle. The graduate program in nursing offers additional opportunities for nurses to obtain advanced nursing education in several options. The post-master's certificate programs permit those nurses with master's degrees in nursing to earn a specialized certification for advanced practice.
Recognizing the importance of giving students educational opportunities to prepare for employment in the changing health care system, the School of Nursing provides numerous opportunities for students in community settings. Among these are the faculty and student operated Nurse Managed Centers. The Centers' work and patient outcomes have been presented nationally and internationally through publications and presentations. The Nurse Managed Centers located in the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties provide health promotion and illness prevention services to populations in need.
Active students clubs are the California Nursing Student's Association, Hispanic Nursing Student's Association, Vietnamese Nursing Student's Association, Filipino Nursing Association and the Student Nurses of African Descent Association and Male Association of Nursing Studies. These clubs provide student support and opportunities to further develop leadership skills.
Undergraduate students in the School of Nursing at San José State University have many opportunities for an enriching education, including:
Career possibilities are: Home Health Care Nurse, Case Manager, Sub-Acute Nurse, Hospital Staff Nurse, Health Clinic Nurse, Advice Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Manager, Administrator, Patient Educator, School Nurse, Primary Care Nurse. Nursing careers vary over a lifetime and permit changing careers within one profession.
Faculty have expertise in many areas such as Nursing of Children, Nursing of Adults, Nursing of Families, Nursing of the Chronically and Severely Mentally Ill, Nursing of the Elderly, and Nursing of Individuals with Chronic Illness. The faculty have experience in both community-based settings and institutions. The School offers a variety of learning methods for students; a combination of seminars, lectures and laboratories via traditional classrooms a variety of clinical settings and the Academic Technology Network (ATN). Use of technology is an emphasis throughout the curriculum. Advisors are available to guide students through the degree program. The School of Nursing is known for its exemplary retention program. In addition to regular faculty advisors, a faculty member is designated as a Retention Coordinator providing counseling and mentoring, and arranging tutoring and financial aid. Professionals from the area health care systems act as guest lecturers , classroom and clinical faculty, and serve on the School's Advisory Board. Our alumni include a college president, nursing deans, nursing faculty, authors, politicians, entrepreneurs, administrators, managers, primary care providers, quality assurance experts, cost specialists and national and international leaders.
The Institute for Nursing Research and Practice provides nursing faculty opportunities to develop innovative models for nursing research, evidence-based practice and education. The development and application of new knowledge to the practice of nursing through inquiry are necessary to the growth of the profession and are a responsibility of nurses and nurse educators. Advanced nursing students have opportunities to work with faculty on projects supported by the Institute.
Our baccalaureate-prepared graduates can move directly into graduate study programs for future careers in advanced practice programs such as administrator, teacher, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner. Our master's and post-master's graduates are advanced practice nurses. Many have earned doctorates, become college or university faculty and are employed in research organizations. Courses are scheduled to accommodate the time needs of working graduate students.
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