Kaiser Permanente Fresno is partnering with Samuel Merritt University to offer a baccalaureate degree in a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses.
It’s a 20-month program that starts in January 2020. The five-semester program is specifically designed for working nurses and has a weekly face-to-face class, online coursework and clinical rotations in community health agencies.
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“We want to support our nurses who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree because we know it leads to better care for our patients,” said Kaiser Permanente Fresno Chief Nursing Executive Karen Strauman in a release. “This program removes barriers by allowing them to go to school while they are still working, so they can position themselves for better career opportunities in the future.”
The program will work on evidence-based care, community health training and communications skills.
Samuel Merritt University developed the curriculum, and Kaiser Permanente’s Nurse Scholars Academy team helped with the conceptual development of the program. Curriculum includes coursework on Caring Science, self-care and stress reduction for nurses.
The university has similar programs at its campuses in Oakland, Sacramento and San Mateon and is exploring additional nursing and health science degree programs that will meet the needs of the Fresno community.
The deadline to apply for the program beginning in January is Nov. 1, and the deadline for the fall term is July 1, 2020.
