Nursing

On November 15, 2024, Andrew Tinker, a junior Saint Francis University BSN student, was recognized with the prestigious Student DAISY Award during a surprise ceremony at UPMC Altoona. This national honor celebrates nursing students who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, care, and commitment to their patients and their families. Andrew’s exceptional contribution to patient care was highlighted by his nominator, a UPMC registered nurse, who witnessed his remarkable dedication firsthand.

Saint Francis University's Department of Nursing is proud to collaborate with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to help new nurses thrive in their careers through innovative residency programs designed to give recently graduated RNs and NPs the support, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to build confidence and stay in the profession.

To enhance disaster preparedness in nursing education, an innovative simulation was introduced three years ago as part of the NURS405 Care of Community clinical requirement. Students collaboratively designed and participated in a disaster simulation, taking on roles such as patients, narrators, and triaging nurses. The simulation emphasized critical thinking, resource management, and decision-making under pressure, with a debriefing session to reflect on outcomes. Following this, students transitioned to an ICU simulation, caring for disaster victims and honing their clinical skills. This dual-phase approach improved teamwork, collaboration, and disaster management, preparing students for both community and hospital-based nursing care.

An immersive weekend residency experience is a pivotal component of our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program. View scenes from the Fall 2024 residency and learn why these face-to-face opportunities are so valuable to future FNPs

On October 18th, the Poverty Simulation Event gathered students and faculty from nursing, PT, social work, and public health to experience the challenges of poverty firsthand. Participants faced scenarios involving housing, healthcare, and limited resources, fostering empathy and raising awareness. The event highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired attendees to take action in addressing poverty within their communities.

Michaela Smith, a 2016 Saint Francis University BSN graduate, recently served as a volunteer nurse for a two-week rotation in September with Mercy Ships, bringing healing and hope to communities in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Saint Francis University celebrates 10 years of earning the "College of Distinction" honor for demonstrating hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.

Kelsey Crittendon, senior Saint Francis University nursing BSN student, received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students on April 22, 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students recognizes and celebrates nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) elected the Saint Francis Univesity Nursing Department chair, Rita Trofino, DNP, MNEd, RN, to serve a two-year term on its Board of Directors.

In 2022 SFU launched its Second Degree/Accelerated BSN to meet the demand of non-nurse college graduates who wanted to move towards a profession in nursing. Congratulations to the first class of graduates!