R.N.s invited to learn about advanced degree program at Mars Hill University

Registered nurses who would like to add a higher degree to their credentials are invited to attend an upcoming event at Mars Hill University's Judge-McRae School of Nursing. The R.N. to B.S.N. Open House will be held Thursday, November 9, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The drop-in open house will be in Ferguson Health Sciences Center on the university campus, at 211 Cascade Street in Mars Hill. Light refreshments will be offered, a brief overview of the program and admissions requirements will be provided, a financial assistance official will be available, and faculty will be prepared to offer preliminary transcript reviews for anyone bringing a copy of post-secondary transcripts. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that at least 80% of registered nurses hold an earned bachelor of science (B.S.N.) degree to meet the current and future challenges in healthcare and to provide for safest patient outcomes. Cathy Franklin-Griffin, dean of Mars Hill's nursing program, says, "Many clinical agencies are requiring R.N.s to have a B.S.N. or be on the path to earning one. At this time in North Carolina, only 45-50 percent of registered nurses are prepared at the B.S.N. level." Mars Hill University offers the only seated option in western North Carolina for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas who desire to return to school to earn a B.S.N. About the Judge-McRae School of Nursing: The Judge-McRae School of Nursing offers classes in the R.N. to B.S.N. program at Mars Hill's Asheville Center for Adult and Graduate Studies. The pre-licensure B.S.N. program is offered in the Ferguson Health Sciences Center on the main university campus. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Mars Hill University (Judge-McRae School of Nursing) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). The Judge-McRae School of Nursing and Ferguson Health Sciences Center received support from GoldenLEAF Foundation.