RSU To Hold First Nursing Alumni Reunion Event

In conjunction with homecoming week activities, Rogers State University will be hosting its first reunion of nursing graduates with an open house on Friday afternoon celebrating a new Simulation Lab and tours of the health care education facilities at RSU.

A reception and open house will begin at 1:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in the Health Sciences building on RSU’s Claremore campus. A 1:30 p.m. ribbon cutting will be held for the simulation lab, which is located in the building. The facility tour and open house is free and open to the public until 4 p.m.

The Simulation Lab, which opened for student use this fall, includes a four-bed, high fidelity simulation environment with high-tech mannequins allowing students to practice their skills in a realistic hospital setting with faculty supervising throughout their exercises. The Simulation Lab is yet another opportunity for RSU students to have hands-on training from one of Oklahoma’s leading nursing schools, said program director Dr. Lynn Korvick.

The lead gift for the Simulation Lab came through a grant from Founders of Doctors’ Hospital Inc., along with additional funding through academic fees for nursing students.

RSU has one of the state’s premier nursing programs with more than 1,700 graduates during its 36-year history. RSU nursing graduates often lead the state in the pass rate for the NCLEX national certification, while routinely exceeding both state and national averages. RSU graduates are in high demand from area employers and can be found in hospitals, doctor’s officers and health care facilities throughout the region.

The varied locations and employment fields for RSU nursing graduates is reflected in the event’s theme, “Where in the World are You?” The nursing program has invited graduates from not only RSU, but also its predecessor institutions, including Claremore Junior College, Rogers State College and Rogers University.

An invitation only luncheon will be held earlier in the day, with the event sponsored by Hillcrest Claremore, RSU Alumni Association, RSU Foundation and the RSU Student Nurses Association.

RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said that he continually hears from health care professionals that RSU nurses are among the most qualified in the state.

“RSU’s nursing graduates are known across Oklahoma for being the best prepared, most knowledgeable and most dedicated nurses around,” he said. “We’re proud of their accomplishments and want to welcome them back home to RSU and see the great facilities that are available for our students. We also extend our gratitude to the Founders of Doctors’ Hospital for their continued support of RSU students and programs, especially those that advance health care in northeastern Oklahoma.”

RSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a bridge program for Registered Nurses seeking to earn a BSN. An associate degree in nursing with an option to bridge NREMT-Paramedic/LPN to RN is available, as well as an associate degree in emergency medical services.

For more information on RSU health science degree programs, visit www.rsu.edu/Nursing.

The RSU Nursing Reunion event is in conjunction with Homecoming activities on Friday Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18. To register to attend the RSU Nursing Reunion or for a full schedule of Homecoming activities, visit www.rsu.edu/alumni-homecoming or call 918-343-6816.