August 17, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (8/05/15) - Recent graduates of the Department of Nursing at East Texas Baptist University have obtained a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination. Registered Nurses (RN) are licensed professionals who must meet several requirements prior to receiving their license. Nursing graduates cannot work as RNs without passing the NCLEX-RN.
"I want to be the hands of Christ in caring for those who are sick and hurting and I want an education that prepares me to do just that." These are the words of Lauren McCollum pre-nursing student from Midolthian, Texas. ETBU's nursing program from its inception in the 1990s has sought to set the standard for preparation of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Six cohorts have now scored 100 percent on the national exam.
Dr. Rebekah Grigsby, ETBU Dean of School of Professional Studies, sees the mission of the department is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to practice as professional RNs. She says, "The 100% NCLEX pass rate is clearly a reflection of the combined commitment of our students, faculty, staff and administration to excellence. We are so proud of our ETBU RNs who not only exemplify excellence in nursing but also serving Christ!"
ETBU Director of Nursing, Leslie Borcherding in her long tenure across these successful years says, "Excellence in our students' achievements is top priority for our nursing program. It is important to us that our previous, current, and future students take pride and have confidence in our program."
The admission standards, grading, and preparation for acceptance and successful completion of the ETBU nursing program are rigorous and for good reason. BSNs are on the front line of patient care and healing. Dr. Thomas Sanders, ETBU Vice President for Academic and Graduate Programs states, "Our program may not be the largest in the state but we want to be at the top of the NCLEX scores because it is an indication to our community partners in health care of the kind of Christ-centered nurses we want to produce."
Dr. Sanders added, "This is evident in the fact that demand for our graduates is far greater than the number we are graduating."
ETBU BSNs are serving in many capacities across the nation and are also pursing graduate and terminal degrees in the field. ETBU Nursing is a nationally accredited program that is dedicated to ensuring a mentored experience for students who are called to be professional nurses. The faculty and staff of ETBU Nursing are intentional about providing spiritual, personal, and professional development of every student they mentor.
For information about the ETBU Department of Nursing, call 903.923.2210 or visit www.etbu.edu.