ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD:Vanguard, Hoag nursing program serves needs of community

A year after Vanguard University launched a bachelor of science degree program in nursing, it has received strong community support and high demand from registered nurses.

Vanguard created the program in collaboration with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and other major Orange County hospitals and community colleges. It received a $500,000 development grant in partnership with Hoag.

“Vanguard’s program is unique,” said Rick Martin, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Hoag hospital and founding member of VU’s nursing program advisory board. “We at Hoag have had a great opportunity to develop this program from the ground up. It’s the first time, to my knowledge, that those of us in the industry or hospital side have had the chance to tailor this curriculum from Day 1.”

As a result, the curriculum is innovative and forward-looking. VU’s degree, intended for registered nurses, makes them eligible for management positions in hospitals and nursing positions in the private sector.

Some hospitals are already demanding a certain number of nurses on their staffs have bachelor’s degrees in nursing so the hospital can meet higher accreditation standards. VU offers the only private faith-based registered nurse to bachelor’s in nursing program in Orange County.

“The addition of a nursing degree shows our commitment to the continuing educational development of working professionals,” said Paul Cox, dean of Vanguard’s School for Professional Studies. “By partnering with Hoag hospital, we will equip Orange County RNs to become future leaders in the nursing field.”

Working nurses particularly enjoy the Vanguard program’s user-friendly schedule. Classes meet one evening a week, in the same room, with the same group of people, on the same night for two years. With this predictable schedule, nurses don’t have to modify work and family schedules each semester to accommodate new class times.

“As the complexity of health care and the acuity of patients goes up — meaning we have more complex ill patients who need care — nurses will need to engage in more critical thinking. They’ll need to handle complex situations with patients and families,” Martin said.

This summer, Vanguard’s program will begin providing hands-on training with lifelike, computerized mannequins that simulate a live patient with heart sounds, breath sounds, supple skin, dilating eyes and a “voice” supplied by an instructor. The mannequins, bought with a grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation, can simulate cardiac arrest, an asthma attack and 90 medical scenarios in all, and respond positively or negatively to the treatment received from students. The mannequins can even receive injections and IVs.

In fall 2008, Vanguard’s School for Professional Studies will begin offering a master’s degree for nurses who wish to continue their professional development.

“As an organization, Hoag hospital is committed to advancing nursing education for the benefit of our patients, staff and community,” Martin said. “Our partnership with Vanguard University is a substantial step toward expanding advanced-education opportunities for RN’s working at Hoag and in the local Orange County area.”