Mercy Hospital and Marian University to Showcase Career Opportunities in Nursing
Sept. 27 “Come Explore Nursing” event to help the next generation find their calling while addressing Oklahoma’™s years-long nursing shortage
Marian University and Mercy Hospital are helping the next generation of nurses find their calling while putting more of these helping professionals on the front lines of care.
The university’s Leighton School of Nursing and Mercy Hospital will host “Come Explore Nursing” from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Mercy Hospital Conference Center, 4200 Memorial Road. The event will enable those considering a nursing career to meet the university’s nursing faculty, admissions staff, students and alumni, along with the hospital’s nursing leaders. Participants will also learn about Marian University’s nursing programs, including:
- An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program. This 16-month second-degree program combines online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations. Through the partnership with Mercy Hospital, Marian University provides a unique opportunity to make a career transition without starting over.
- A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program for BSN-prepared registered nurses at the highest level seeking advanced clinical practice and leadership roles. This Indiana-based program includes both Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) tracks.
“Whether you are a young student or contemplating a career change, nursing offers good-paying jobs and the opportunity to give back to something bigger than yourself,” said Morgan Beard, site director for Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. (story continues below)
Clinical Research Nurse – Targeted salary at $60,500 – OU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
The nursing shortage in Oklahoma is two decades in the making. “Even before the pandemic, there was a critical need for nurses in our community,” Beard said.
There are 7.5 nurses per 1,000 Oklahoma residents, ranking the state 46th in the nation in terms of nurses per capita, according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Despite the dire need for nurses locally and nationally, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing noted that U.S. nursing schools turned away 91,938 qualified applications from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2021 due to a lack of faculty, facilities and clinical programs, as well as budget constraints.
“Giving prospective students a taste of the field is what our Sept. 27 event is all about,” Bailey said.
To register, visit www.ComeExploreNursingOKCMU.eventbrite.com.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EVENT
“Come Explore Nursing,” hosted by Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing and Mercy Hospital. This educational event provides an opportunity to meet Marian University’s faculty, admissions staff, current students, alumni, and Mercy Hospital nursing leadership while learning more about Marian University’s nursing programs.
WHEN: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 27th.
WHERE: Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City Conference Center located in the lower level of the hospital at 4300 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.
WHY: Oklahoma is facing a dire shortage of nurses. This event will introduce prospective students to this growing and fulfilling field to put more helping professionals on the front lines of care faster.
