The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions at Thomas Edison State University honored 19 pre-licensure nursing students from its September 2021–December 2022 Accelerated BSN Program with a Pinning Ceremony.
The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions at Thomas Edison State University honored the 19 pre-licensure nursing students from its September 2021–December 2022 Accelerated BSN Program with a Pinning Ceremony on Dec. 22.
The ceremony heralds an entrance into the profession for program completers who are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before entering the field.
“Interest in nursing continues to grow in the face of expanded healthcare needs in a variety of settings,” said Dr. Lia van Rijswijk, associate dean of undergraduate nursing programs, who noted that a third yearly cohort was recently added for incoming nursing students to keep up with demand. “The program expansion represents Thomas Edison’s commitment to meeting the needs of the healthcare community,” added van Rijswijk.
Nearly 195,000 job openings per year – with a median salary of $75,330 – are projected for the field through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The expanding Accelerated BSN Program will help address a looming nursing shortage resulting from more seasoned RNs and baby-boomers retiring from the profession.
The 15-month program is already distinguished for its consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rates and enduring connection with the Trenton community. Staff and students in the school have collaborated with the Trenton Department of Health in delivering thousands of COVID-19 vaccines and volunteered at various other community events.
During the ceremony, Moriah Lanteigne of Middlesex, N.J., received the Dr. Christine M. Rosner Clinical Excellence Award. The award honors the memory of Rosner who served as an associate dean of the school before her untimely death in 2014.
To learn more about this and other academic programs available through the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions, please visit www.tesu.edu/nursing.
Toni M. Terry, BA