To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Owensboro School of Nursing, the University of Louisville Alumni office is hosting a party.
The invitation-only event will be at 6 p.m. March 28 at O.Z. Tyler Distillery. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, as well as a cash bar and live piano music.
Terri Knott, academic counselor, said the program is the only traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the area. The next closest programs are in Bowling Green and Evansville, Ind.
“In a nutshell, students complete the first two years of the degree (pre-nursing) elsewhere, like OCTC, Brescia or KWC, then transfer to us for all the nursing classes,” she said. “The program was brought to Owensboro by Owensboro Health in response to the growing need for BSN prepared nurses in the area, and nationwide.”
She said the program continues to grow and they have seen a lot of success with their students.
“For three years, (2016-2018) we have had 100 percent NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates, meaning each of our graduates passed their licensing boards to become registered nurses on the very first attempt,” Knott said.
Amy Higdon, director of the Owensboro Extension of the University of Louisville School of Nursing, said the community is fortunate to have the program in Owensboro.
“Educating baccalaureate prepared nurses to serve the Owensboro area for the past decade has been an amazing opportunity,” she said. “Through the University of Louisville School of Nursing Owensboro Extension, nurses have graduated with the knowledge and skills to provide high quality care to our community.”
Higdon said they have recently increased enrollment to admit up to 35 students per semester.
“This will allow us to educate even more nurses in the future,” she said. “We look forward to continuing the successful program that’s been established.”
