Nurses can work and earn degree through new Siena program

By KATHLEEN LAMANNA- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Nursing students working toward a bachelor's degree will now be able to work full-time and still attend classes, thanks to the new Baldwin nursing program being introduced at Siena College in Loudonville this fall.

The program only holds classes on campus on Wednesdays; the rest can be completed online.

Technically, nurses only need an associate's degree to practice. However, they are granted more responsibilities if they hold a higher degree.

"Right now, both nationally and locally, there's a push for [registered nurses] to be educated at the bachelor's level," said Lisa Flack, director of the new Siena program.

Students will also be able to graduate from the program in just two years. Since the students enroll with various college credits already completed, the program is individualized for each student.

Many of the nursing students have finished all the required credits in science, said Dr. Flack, but "Siena College has some basic core curriculum that students need to get their bachelor's degree. Most students haven't take religion or philosophy, so they have to be taking those."

Because many nurses work long days, the program is set up so they are able to complete most of their courses online, on their own schedules. Every Wednesday, the students will spend the entire day on campus for classes.

Another feature of the program embraces the Franciscan tradition of the college: helping nurses learn to treat patients with compassion.

"The relationship between the patient and the nurse is really key," Dr. Flack said, also noting that "it's important for nurses to care for themselves, so we're doing a lot of self-care activities, as well."

The program welcomes nursing students who have recently graduated, as well as those going back to school to further their career, said Dr. Flack. About 10 students have already enrolled.

(Learn more at www.siena.edu/nursing.)[[In-content Ad]]