TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama is forming separate partnerships with St. Vincent's Hospital and Jefferson State Community College to provide a more convenient way for registered nurses to earn advanced degrees in nursing.

Jefferson State Community College President Judy Merritt and St. Vincent’s Hospital President Curtis James will join UA President Andrew Sorensen in signing formal agreements outlining the arrangements in an 11 a.m. ceremony today in the hospital's 2 East Board Room.

Dr. Jeanette VanderMeer, assistant professor in the UA Capstone College of Nursing and coordinator of the RN Mobility tracks, said the arrangements’ strengths include increased flexibility and improved communication. These agreements are designed to give nurses more flexibility in earning advanced degrees.

“Everyone can't attend classes during typical times -- Monday through Friday, between eight and five,” VanderMeer said. The severe national nursing shortage can make it particularly challenging for nurses to arrange times away from their employment to attend class. “They need them out there working,” VanderMeer said.

Through the use of the Internet, e-mail and UA's video based program, QUEST, nurses can complete the nursing courses in one year, without facing the restrictions of being in class on a specific time and day. Instead, RN students have the flexibility of choosing the best time to go on-line and attend class or watch a videotape of class. Required clinical activities are designed on an individual basis and efforts are made to arrange times and locations convenient to students.

“We are excited to meet our associates’ needs to better their careers through technology and partners such as The University of Alabama and Jefferson State,” said James.

Prior to beginning the upper division aspect of the curriculum, students complete UA core curriculum requirements, the majority of which can be completed at Jefferson State.

The RN student with an associate degree will have already completed the majority of the lower division courses. The nursing courses not available at Jeff State are offered at UA via distance education, so students have the option of earning their entire degree without ever setting foot on the UA campus.

“The Jefferson State nursing faculty are very excited about the opportunity this agreement offers to registered nurses in the area,” said Jefferson State Health Sciences Chairperson Janice Pyle. “The students will have the scheduling flexibility afforded by the technology of distance learning, but will also have the advantage of contact with faculty in a smaller academic environment. Many of the potential students are already familiar with our school and faculty and will feel very comfortable with the personal touch we will provide.”

UA has similar arrangements with the University of West Alabama, in Livingston; Bevill Community College, in Fayette and Jasper; Alabama Southern Community College, in Monroeville; Wallace Community College in Dothan and Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.
Coordination with the community colleges and St. Vincent's Hospital enables potential students and working nurses to get their questions answered in a familiar environment. “This arrangement bridges the gaps between us, the community colleges and the hospital,” VanderMeer said.

VanderMeer said she wants students enrolled in the program to participate in non-classroom activities as frequently and fully as they would like. “We want them to come to sporting events, Honors Day and commencement.” Earning a bachelor's degree in nursing can provide additional opportunities for registered nurses, VanderMeer said. “It opens doors,” she said. “They may have plans of obtaining leadership management positions.” After earning a bachelor’s degree, a nurse would then also have an opportunity to seek a master's or doctoral degree.
For more information, contact the UA Office of Nursing Student Services at 205/348-6639 or 1-800/313-3591 or the nursing department at Jefferson State at 205/856-6022 or educational services at St. Vincent’s at 205/939-7272.