Rogers State University has partnered with the Cherokee Nation and Ascension St. John to provide real life clinical training for its nursing students.
“Our partnerships have played a major role in helping to provide clinical opportunities for our senior nursing students in the community nursing setting,” Dr. Carla Lynch, nursing department head, said.
The traditional pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in nursing curriculum incorporates classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences creating a rich educational experience. Due to COVID-19, the clinical learning experiences for RSU students were limited.
“Many of our usual community clinical sites are closed or are limiting interaction with outside visitors. The Cherokee Nation and Ascension St. John stepped-in and allowed us to partner and provide flu vaccines to the community,” Dr. Lynch said.
Cherokee Nation Health Services offered free flu vaccinations for Cherokee Nation citizens and their families, including non-Native family members living in the household. Vaccination clinics were scheduled October through December at community buildings, local businesses, churches, town halls, and health centers throughout the tribe’s 14-county reservation.
Senior Carson Danley enjoyed engaging with community members and are grateful for the experience outside the classroom.
“I was able to work in a very busy area of Tulsa as well as the rural parts of Oklahoma. The flu shot clinics helped me gain experience in the skill of administering flu shots as well as working with people from all backgrounds,” Danley said.
RSU’s innovative nursing faculty are dedicated to excellence in the teaching and learning process. Faculty partner with students to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to become nursing leaders.
“Rogers State University’s teacher to student ratio facilitates a more comfortable learning environment. The instructors know who you are and want you to succeed,” Danley said.
RSU also offers a fully online RN2BSN for working RNs. Approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in 2016, the first class of traditional BSN students will graduate in May of 2021.