The Keene State College Nursing Program is back in action. From April 11 to 13, three members from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) visited KSC, along with two members from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON).
Photo Contributed By Rebecca Dixon
Photo Taken by Tina Tschirch
Upon their arrival, KSC Director of Nursing Dr. Patricia Shinn said they prepared a resource room for all five visitors, equipped with information from the comprehensive self-study the nursing faculty wrote up in preparation for the CCNE’s visit. The self-study describes work done over the course of the year regarding the program itself and how KSC students are meeting the learning outcomes.
Throughout the week, CCNE and NHBON members met with Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell, Provost William Seigh and and Dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies Dr. Karrie Kalich. They also met with nursing faculty members and the junior and senior class’ nursing students.
In addition, they observed students at two local clinical sites: the Brattleboro Retreat and Cheshire Medical Center. Although Shinn said she won’t know whether KSC has achieved 10-year accreditation until October, she said the board members “sung our praises” and reported that everything looks “good.” Additionally, all 17 seniors in the program passed the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam on their first try, signifying their preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Shinn also said the Nursing Program has added one full-time medical surgical faculty member to start in the fall and hopes to hire another faculty in a different specialty.
Jessica Ricard can be contacted at jricard@kscequinox.com
