Waynesburg University’s nursing program took another step forward earlier this year. In late May, it was announced that Waynesburg’s Bachelor of Science in the nursing program placed second in Pennsylvania in a ranking done by RNCareers.Org 

The list evaluated 668 schools nationwide, and Waynesburg ranked 23rd out of those schools. The programs were judged based on their accumulated NCLEX-RN pass rates over the past three years, along with program offerings, accreditation, institutional ranking, cost and graduation ranks.   

The RN/BSN program is familiar with recognition, and Lina Hixson, director of the RN/BSN program and assistant professor of nursing, credits the work of those around her, such as Director of Online Programs Jessica Sumpter, for the consistent success. 

“I think that we’ve done a lot of work,” Hixson said. “All of the part-time faculty, myself, [and] Jessica Sumpter, the online program director, in making sure the courses are manageable, yet challenging… I think it’s because courses are challenging and they meet the needs of the working nurse.”

The program went online in the fall of 2017. As with most new projects, it took awhile for the online program to find its footing. Two years later, Hixson feels that awareness for the program is continuing to grow. 

“I think the word has gotten out,” she said. “Now nurses and hospitals are hearing that this is manageable. It’s something they can do, and it’s applicable and productive.”

Hixson said many students who were in the program years ago are coming back, and this is a sign that the program is turning heads within the field. 

“That tells me there is a conversation that’s going on outside of the university,” she said. 

Waynesburg has long established itself as a top nursing school at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Because the healthcare is always changing, Hixson said, there is no room for complacency. 

“I think [a key is] making sure we’re always looking at current evidence that’s out there,” she said. “Looking at recent articles, things that are applicable to the changes that are always happening on a daily basis in healthcare and the expectations for nurses, it always changes.” 

The idea that the profession is always changing means the faculty of the RN/BSN program constantly need to keep up to date.

“We always have to be reading current journals, articles, listening to current webinars,” Hixson said. “Keeping up to date with what’s going on in hospitals and in the community.”

For Hixson, the key to keeping this success going will be making the program as challenging as possible, while still making sure students get what they need. 

“Just being able to meet the needs of the student [and] maintaining the rigour of a program [is] a challenge,” Hixson said, “because the competition out there is fierce for other RN/BSN programs. Sometimes people want the easiest way to get their degrees, but I think in the long run, those that graduate from our program find that they can take that information, that knowledge they learned from our program.” 

For Hixson, keeping true to the university’s mission of faith, learning and service is counted on for the program to keep up its success and accolades. 

“We just keep plugging away and doing the best that we can,” she said. “We rely on our faith. That’s what’s unique about us. We rely on our faith that God will move us forward.”