SIUE nursing program: Linked to Carbondale campus

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's nursing program has grown so fast, it is the only full-service program in south Springfield, Illinois. A settlement program will be starting on the Carbondale campus with the assistance of the U.S. government. In 2003, the students of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's school of nursing decreased to 400 students. This includes graduate and undergraduate students. According to Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer, the school will open a regional nursing program at Carbondale this year; their aim is to solve the scarcity of nurses in Southern Illinois and rural areas. Maurer stated that classes will be done in both campuses; Edwardsville will be the home base. Carbondale offers pre-nursing courses; but they motivate the students to pursue the nursing-degree.

Edwardsville offers baccalaureate, masters, and certified nurse anaesthetist programs. Satellite classes are done via live video conferencing. The type of class will permit a pediatric nursing professor to teach two classes simultaneously. The simulated lab was equipped with the facilities needed. Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo. is a four-year nursing school also. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., announced last week that the Senate Appropriations Committee has granted $500,000 to help the school’s program.

They promise to cover the first two years of costs and purchase of equipment for the Carbondale lab. The university is committed to the Carbondale satellite program even the federal grant was not approved. SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift stated, "This is a great example of how our two campuses are able to collaborate to serve the southernmost part of the state". "In this endeavor, SIUE has the expertise in nursing and existing administration to provide a much-needed service to the region, while SIUC can help deliver that service to Southern Illinois students in an efficient manner." The hospitals in the St. Louis area have students from 13 different associate and baccalaureate programs competing for clinical experience. SIUC Chancellor Samuel Goldman was very pleased with their linkage with SIUE. Both campuses will benefit and the location will be served by well-prepared nurses. [via]