Nursing Department
College of Arts and Humanities
Faculty
Julie Luetschwager - Incoming Interim Chair
Karen Black-Vetter, DNP, MSNED, RN
Kimberly Devine, MSN, RNC-MNN
Kimberly McCullough, Acting Interim Chair, DNP, MSN, RN
Elle Myers, MSN
Caryn Ruzic, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
The Rockford University Nursing department is approved by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000
www.acenursing.org
Mission
The Department of Nursing as an integral part of Rockford University, holds a mission that is consistent with the mission and beliefs of the University. The mission of the Rockford University baccalaureate nursing program is to prepare registered professional nurses to provide quality nursing care to individuals, families, groups, and communities, within a global society. The graduate will attain the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for professional nursing practice by integrating liberal education and professional nursing education.
The Student Learning Outcomes of the University’s Nursing program are to prepare graduates to:
- Provide safe and effective care across the lifespan to culturally diverse individuals, groups, families, and communities;
- Incorporate clinical judgment, nursing theory, knowledge from other disciplines, and best current evidence as the basis of practice;
- Utilize information technology and effective communication to collaborate with the healthcare team and provide care to clients; and
- Demonstrate accountability and leadership for nursing practice decisions, with a commitment to nursing core values, professional growth, and life-long learning.
The department offers a four-year track for students interested in becoming registered nurses which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The strong community-based clinical component of the program provides opportunities for the student to apply knowledge and skills in clinical settings. Successful completion of the degree qualifies students to apply for the professional nurse licensure examination.
The liberal arts education of Rockford University fosters a holistic view of persons, facilitates critical thinking and decision-making, provides opportunities for exchanging ideas, stimulates intellectual growth and creativity, and encourages contributions to the nursing profession and society. The integration of professional and liberal arts education at Rockford University ensures that students gain an appreciation for diversity, develop confidence in their own abilities, and apply their talents within a practice discipline.