Immaculata University has more reasons to celebrate and honor nursing students and alumni: National Nurses Week. The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, and May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. Jane Tang, Ph.D., R.N., NE-BC, chair of Immaculata’s Division of Nursing, notes that the significance of the nursing profession has only been magnified during the current COVID-19 pandemic, where nurses are on the front lines of fighting the coronavirus battle. Many of Immaculata’s alumni are serving as leaders on the front line, and professors are busy educating the next generation of health care leaders.
“Florence Nightingale was a foundational component to the nursing profession, and Immaculata’s nursing students and alumni are carrying her vision forward — especially during the current pandemic,” states Tang. “I am proud to celebrate our nurses, and the entire nursing profession, with the Immaculata community.”
Immaculata has been educating nurses for more than 30 years and has over 4,600 alumni. Currently, 260 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in IU’s nursing programs: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for traditional undergraduates, accelerated B.S.N. programs for registered nurses or college graduates who have a bachelor’s in another discipline, and a Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in education or administration.
The faculty in the Division of Nursing support students throughout their entire academic program. This support is reflected in the high first-time nursing licensure exam pass rate of 96.67%, which is much higher than the national average of 88.07%. In addition, 100% of Immaculata’s 2019 B.S.N. graduates who passed the licensure exam have jobs as nurses.
Immaculata’s faculty teach a holistic approach to nursing practice, in keeping with the core values of the university. The faculty believe that nursing is an art and a science that cares for patients as whole persons — composed of mind, body and spirit — who are unique, valuable members of their cultures and communities. Immaculata nurses help patients to promote, restore, and maintain their health, and to die in comfort and with dignity. The American Holistic Nurses Association recognized Immaculata’s R.N. to B.S.N. degree-completion program for its excellence in holistic nursing education.
Matthew Day, a B.S.N. student and hospice nurse, appreciates the holistic focus and acknowledges that it has helped him think beyond individual patients — to think about the families and their anticipated issues as well.
Nursing alumna Ally Carmody ’17, a registered nurse at Penn Medicine, also understands how important holistic care is. “I take pride in my work, the care I provide my patients and their families, as well as the collaboration and teamwork amongst my coworkers. I continue to care for my patients with compassion, and continue to reassure families they’re getting the best care within Penn Medicine.”
Find information about Immaculata’s nursing programs, or call 484-323-3060 or email admiss@immaculata.edu. Also, explore more stories about Immaculata’s nursing alumni’s responses to COVID-19.