ISU nursing program wins high ranking
Idaho State University has one of the best nursing schools in the west, taking fifth place on a list of 442 schools, according to a ranking by NurseJournal.org. The schools were measured in five categories, like quality and convenience, but quality is what ISU’s program cares about most.
At ISU’s School of Nursing, not only is the Bachelor’s of Science offered, but also Master’s of Science, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Ph.D. in Nursing. The school also offers a baccalaureate completion program for already licensed nurses.
“We have all the programs a student could want in the nursing arena,” said Nies.
The need for nurses to have at least a Bachelor’s degree has been rising over the years. According to Nies, the Institute of Medicine wants at least 80 percent of nurses to have Bachelor’s-level degrees by 2020. Right now, Idaho is around 55 percent.
As the need rises, Idaho Department of Labor’s regional economist Dan Cravens says employers are getting picky.
“We’ve got a lot of hospitals and clinics that are showing a preference toward hiring individuals with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing as opposed to folks with the Associate’s degree in nursing,” said Cravens.
Nies says nurses with Bachelor’s-level degrees are better prepared in the field.
“Research shows that nurses with a baccalaureate degree have a greater knowledge base and a greater skill set and they can make better decisions to take care of patients,” said Nies.
Nationally, there’s also a need for retaining and having qualified nurse faculty. Nurses with Master’s degrees or higher would qualify for these positions. Nurses with higher degrees also would be able to supplement a physician’s patient load, or substitute a physician if needed.
