From Peggy Leapley, Chair of the Department of Nursing

 The nursing profession has an obligation to respond to the many changes occurring in healthcare in the United States of America. These changes include: technological advances; a dramatic increase in the number of elderly; increased health needs resulting from unhealthy lifestyle choices; disparities in the health care delivery system; and the possibility of a natural or human generated (including terrorist) disaster.  These changes support the need for an increase in the number of nurses.

 The shortage of nurses in the United States, California and locally is well documented and expected to continue. California has one of the lowest nurse to population ratios in the nation. It is projected that in the next five years California will need 47,000 new Registered Nurses (RN). Currently about 6,000 nurses graduate from the state universities and colleges. In addition, California needs more nurses prepared to practice at advanced levels in hospitals and community agencies, including assistive living, extended care facilities, home health, occupational settings and schools.

 To meet this demand California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) offers a baccalaureate of science degree in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing degree (MSN) and non-degree post-baccalaureate or post-masters programs. The nursing faculty at CSUB recently streamlined the program for RNs seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing, and developed an Entry Level Masters program for people with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree seeking to become RNs prepared at the master’s level. The new program is called the Accelerated Nursing Career Entry (ANCE) program.

 Our outstanding faculty includes experienced teachers with expert clinical skills. The nursing faculty are leaders in the nursing profession. Many maintain clinical practice in partnership with healthcare agencies in the community. Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession. The career opportunities are interesting, exciting and varied.

 I welcome you to our program and look forward to meeting you when you become a student.