Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce that the 2020 graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program ranked first among state-supported four-year universities in Arkansas for first-time NCLEX pass rate, as reported by the State Board of Nursing.
Mary Armwood, assistant professor of nursing, center, assists SAU students with procedures in the Wharton Nursing Building.
To obtain licensure in Arkansas, graduates of the program are required to take the National Council for Licensure Exam-RN (NCLEX-RN) which ensures candidates are well prepared for entry-level practice. For the 2020 year, which runs from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, SAU nursing graduates achieved a 97.3 percent pass rate on their first attempt, according to Dr. Karen Landry, department chair.
Landry attributes the success of SAU’s nursing students to their dedication and hard work. She also praised nursing faculty and staff as well as the SAU Administration and Magnolia community for consistently supporting the program.
“We are so proud of our students,” Landry said. “They have the commitment necessary to successfully complete this program. Nursing curriculums are not easy. We are preparing these students for one of the most challenging and versatile careers available today. Family members entrust their loved ones to our care and patient safety is our highest priority. We are an essential member of any healthcare team and we take our responsibilities very seriously at SAU.”
The department has made great strides over the past year due to a grant awarded by the Blue & You Foundation. The grant, totaling $149,000, enhanced the SAU Nursing Science and Simulation Center by adding an automated medication dispensing system, iPads for every student and faculty/staff member, and faculty training on mental health issues. It has put the program on the front lines in responding to medication safety issues, prescription drug abuse and other medical addiction issues.
For more information, please visit https://web.saumag.edu/nursing.
