Bachelor of Science
Nursing (RN to BSN)
Olympic College has been granted informal candidacy at the baccalaureate level for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Olympic College is accredited at the associate degree level by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Questions about Olympic College’s accreditation can be directed to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, telephone number (425) 558-4224, website www.nwccu.org.
The Olympic College Associate degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; the Olympic College BSN Completion Program plans to seek professional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Olympic College and University of Washington Tacoma Relationship
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Olympic College is the first degree of its kind to be offered at a community college in the State. The new program offers students who have obtained an associate/diploma nursing degree an opportunity to obtain a four-year degree in their field.
Olympic College (OC) and the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) have collaborated to create this unique, one-of-a kind program. Their combined efforts are “jumpstarting” the program. UWT is providing support to OC nursing faculty in curriculum and faculty development, recruitment, and student advising, and will teach some nursing courses at the OC campus the first year of the program (2007-2008). Olympic College is honored to be a part of this unique relationship with UWT.
RN to BSN Education
Earning a BSN degree will provide multiple benefits to the associate degree registered nurse and the greater health care community.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will:
- Facilitate a broad scope of practice as a result of enhanced clinical reasoning and analytical skills.
- Enhance leadership skills.
- Educate nurses in issues surrounding community health, health care delivery systems and health care policy.
- Develop understanding and participation in research methods leading to evidence based practice.
- Enhance health care delivery and health promotion for clients and communities BSN nurses serve.
Curriculum
The BSN curriculum has been designed to foster professional development of the student and to meet the following program goals.
Program Goals
- Communicate effectively in writing and speech.
- Promote communication between clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for professional development and practice within the legal and ethical framework of nursing, including awareness of limitations in knowledge and seeking opportunities to enhance competent practice.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, competent clinical reasoning and analytical skills necessary for safe quality nursing practice.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in delivery of care.
- Empower individuals, families, and the community to develop positive health behaviors through health promotion and health education.
- Integrate methods of research process and findings in planning, implementing and evaluating care and in support of evidence based practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to positively adapt to the dynamic of change present in health care settings.
- Provide holistic health care that enhances a client’s dignity and reflects a commitment to caring.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities and political skills to attain quality care for families, groups and community clients.