As a preeminent nursing program, Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing (KSN) continues to innovate its offerings to produce some of the most highly skilled nurses in our region.
This fall, KSN is adding several programs for students wanting to further their education. LPN’s will now have the option of an LPN-BSN degree track. Nurses who want to pursue their Master’s degree, but need flexibility, can choose the MSN-HyFlex program.
Nurses who work within the context of population-focused care will have the choice of getting an MSN in the Community Based Public Health (CBPH) track, which is also offered as a DNP Completion track.
And in response to the need for increased mental health providers, KSN is the first university in the state to offer the BSN-DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track. It’s evident that KSN is positioning itself to continue to provide nurses with a variety of educational options that places them in a position to advance their careers.
The mission of KSN is to provide unique education and service opportunities that prepare professional nurses who practice with integrity, knowledge, and compassion while positively impacting the health care needs of diverse communities.
Crystal Westmoreland, PhD, MSN, RN, Chair of Traditional BSN Education at Kramer, states, “I love the collaboration between faculty, staff and students. The mentorship program allows faculty and staff to really get to know students as individuals, helping them through life’s obstacles as they pursue their degree.
“As with all of our programs, Kramer doesn’t have wait lists and offers students a variety of full-time and part-time options.” The NCLEX pass rate for Kramer School of Nursing BSN graduates is above the national average and graduates who are ready to enter the workforce have employment.
The Meinders Simulations Center offers a seven-bed high-fidelity laboratory mirroring the hospital environment, allowing students to practice with realistic patient care scenarios.
KSN offers an outstanding RN-BSN program in which RNs can complete their BSN in just two semesters, with no prerequisites required.
“We have small, individualized classes taught by a group of amazing faculty who love working with practicing nurses” said Denise Burton, MS, RNC, CNE, Chair of the RN-BSN program. “The RN-BSN program is a gateway to career advancement or furthering your education by attending graduate school; the sky is the limit.”
The program features the best of both worlds with nursing courses meeting face-to-face half day per week and the remaining elective/general education courses offered online. The program is currently offered at OCU, Mercy Hospital-OKC, and Norman Regional Hospital. No nursing exams, care plans or clinical hours are required. RN-BSN students are awarded a discounted tuition rate from the standard OCU tuition.
ADVANCING PRACTICE Vanessa Wright, PhD, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor and MSN Program Coordinator notes the MSN program is now offering Hy-Flex program delivery options where students may choose to attend face-to-face, synchronously using video conferencing, asynchronously fully online, or some combination of the three based on their life schedule and preferred learning modality. The MSN currently offers tracks specializing in Education and Leadership, with a new program track in Community-Based Public Health anticipated to begin in August 2020.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Completion program is for nurses with careers in all types of health care settings who already hold Master’s degree in nursing, advanced practice, or a related field.
Focus areas include clinical, community based public health, and executive leadership. Post masters certificates are also available for advanced practice nurses who seek additional certification in an advanced practice role.
Gina Crawford, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP, CNE, Chair of Advanced Practice Program and Director of the FNP program points out, “Kramer School of Nursing was the first to offer a post-bachelors Doctorate of Nursing Practice program in the state of Oklahoma.” she said. “It’s been very fulfilling to see this program grow and see the success of our alumni who are now working in a variety of clinical settings and some who own their own clinics.”
Kramer School of Nursing will be the first in Oklahoma to offer the BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option.
Elizabeth Diener, PhD, RN, PNP, CNE Assistant Dean and Chair of Graduate Education discusses the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
“The PhD degree prepares expert nurses in the roles of nursing education, research, and leadership to serve the community, state, and nation,” she said. Students meet on campus for 2-3 days at the beginning of each semester and then complete courses online over the remainder of the semester.
KSN is offering a virtual open house on June 9 from 5:30-7 pm. Prospective students can join an informative webinar and then participate in a breakout session to meet with program advisors and faculty for information specific to the program of their interest. More information is available online at www.okcu.edu/nursing
