Nursing Program

Jessup Launches Sacramento’s First Faith-based

NURSING PROGRAM

BY DR. GEORGE STUBBLEFIELD

As the end of yet another cold and flu season nears, reports of RSV, Covid and the need for surgical procedures and ongoing medical care will continue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs are expected to grow by nine percent. This equates to nearly 200,000 job openings each year over the next decade. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Health Workforce expects California to face the largest nursing shortage of any state, with a projected shortfall of 44,500 nurses by 2030. One thing is certain — we need nurses and Jessup has officially opened its doors to meet the burgeoning need.

Spring semester 2023 marked the launch of Jessup’s new BSN nursing program. WASC has approved Jessup’s School of Natural and Applied Sciences to offer a BSN program, which has received full approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing. Our BSN program is supported by our advisory board, comprised of experts in the field of healthcare.

These board members include former CEO’s of local hospital organizations, nurses, and physicians with expertise in high quality and relevant academic endeavors creating impactful results within the healthcare industry. Because entry-level nurses need to transition smoothly from their academic preparation to a range of practice environments, with an increased emphasis on community and public health settings, board member guidance has been of significant value in the design, development, and implementation of Jessup’s nursing program.

As part of the University’s vision, it recruited exemplary faculty to know, equip and educate students and also anticipates offering medical mission opportunities. In addition, the program already shares a plethora of partnerships with healthcare agencies including Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Adventist Health, California Correctional Healthcare facilities, Placer County Office of Education, VA healthcare facility at Mather, and several hospice agencies.

Last year, the University constructed a brand new, 6,000 square-foot simulation lab with state-of-the-art technology and video streaming for training and educating future nurses. This technology and video streaming, in combination with highly qualified clinical faculty, creates an exceptional learning environment.

Nursing students will be involved in specialized skills training with high fidelity mannequins under the supervision of expert faculty and simulation lab supervisors. They will also be engaged in clinical rotations in specific departments with Jessup’s partner agencies.

In addition, Jessup is the only faith-based, four-year BSN nursing program in the greater Sacramento area, creating a new option for nursing education to prospective students within surrounding communities. Jessup’s nursing degree is offered on-campus, for 15-week fall and spring semesters.

Jessup’s new nursing program will impact our local communities as it provides exemplary graduates who are expertly trained in the physical and emotional health of their patients. Students are trained to offer a spiritual component in the recovery process for all patients in their care. These three components (physical, emotional, spiritual) have been proven to provide patients with the greatest results and potential for recovery and health. Jessup’s nursing program will bring not only relief to the community at large through the application of these three components, but also increase the availability of healthcare provided by nurses in an environment where the nursing shortage is extremely challenging.

We invite our local communities who are interested in finding more information about our new BSN nursing program to schedule a tour of our new simulation lab. For more information, contact the School of Natural and Applied Sciences Administrative Assistant, Kerry Irvine, at kirvine@jessup.edu.