Shorter College is responding to the needs and demands for health care professionals by adding a nursing program to its list of strong academic programs. Registered Nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.4 million jobs and the demand for nurses (RNs) has never been greater. The nursing shortage is predicted to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows.

Message from the Dean

Shorter College, with a rich tradition of excellence in education and an innovative vision for the future, decided to prepare nurses for practice with a Baccalaureate Degree (BSN). Healthcare leaders and the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration are calling for baccalaureate preparation for at least two-thirds of the RN workforce. The BSN nurse has the greatest employment flexibility of any entry-level RN (AACN, 2002). Research studies report that higher levels of nursing education are linked with lower patient mortality rates, fewer errors, and greater job satisfaction among RNs (AACN:Fact Sheet June 2008 Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce).

The opportunity to develop a new Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program on a college campus that affirms a commitment to the Christian faith and strives to integrate Christian values in a nurturing student centered learning community is an exciting opportunity. The overall goal for the School of Nursing at Shorter College is to develop a nursing program of distinction that is committed to academic excellence and spiritual integrity while reaching out to both the local and global community through healthcare service.

The next two years will be busy ones as nursing students join the Shorter College students in core classes. We will be advising potential students, finalizing nursing policies, delineating the admission criteria, developing the courses that will make up the curriculum, designing classroom, learning laboratories, and submitting progress reports to the Georgia Board of Nursing. Anticipating continued approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing, students will enroll in the nursing courses beginning in Fall 2010.

To the readers of this web site, your comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged both now as the planning begins and anytime in the future. Shorter College/School of Nursing website will have additional information added as we develop so check back for updates.

In addition, if you have questions about the profession of nursing, types of degrees, and or career opportunities you will find links to numerous web sites helpful as you consider or pursue a nursing degree.

	Dr. Vanice W. Roberts, DSN, RN Dean of Nursing, Shorter College Professor of Nursing 20 Riverbend Drive SW, Rome, GA 30161 Telephone: 706-233-7464 e-mail: vroberts@shorter.edu
	April Allen Administrative Assistant 20 Riverbend Drive SW, Rome, GA 30161 Telephone: 706-233-7464 e-mail: aallen@shorter.edu
	Pamela B. Dunagan, MSN, RN Assistant Professor, School of Nursing Location: 20 Riverbend Mall, Rome, GA 706-233-7464 pdunagan@shorter.edu
	Roxanne Johnston, MSN, RN Assistant Professor, School of Nursing Location: 20 Riverbend Mall, Rome, GA 706-233-7464 rjohnston@shorter.edu