Celebrating 50+ Years of Healing on October 25:
WCU’s Nursing Programs Help Mend National Healthcare Workforce Shortage
West Chester University’s Nursing Programs are celebrating 50+ years of healing, producing
thousands of nurses who are addressing the nation’s critical healthcare workforce
shortage. The University’s Nursing Programs have spent more than half a century preparing
nurses for evolving healthcare challenges — from the era of paper charts to today’s
AI-assisted diagnostics — and maintain a 95% pass rate on the national licensing exam
for registered nurses (NCLEX) while continuing to exceed state and national averages.
WCU’s Nursing Programs invite visitors to celebrate their golden anniversary on October
25, from 4-7p.m., in the SECC Ballroom and Immersive Learning Center, 155 University
Avenue, West Chester.
During the celebration, guests will tour the University’s technologically-advanced Duey Immersive Learning Center, where high-fidelity patient manikins simulate real-life scenarios found in hospital emergency rooms; see a retrospective display of historical nursing artifacts from across the years; engage in meaningful connections with current nursing students; and hear about the dramatic transformation of the nursing practice from alumni and faculty. Providing opening remarks will be West Chester University President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Scott Heinerichs, and Chair of the Nursing Department Dr. Nancy Barker. A special announcement will also be made at 5 p.m.
Today, the need for nurses could not be greater. As our U.S. population lives longer, the need for acute care has risen exponentially. Coupled with the retirement waves that numerous health systems have faced, the stakes are even higher for patient outcomes as overstretched teams struggle to deliver the same quality of care with fewer experienced providers.
“Our nursing students are needed in the Commonwealth and when they graduate, they are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to hit the ground running,” says Barker. “From day one, students engage in diverse, hands-on clinical experiences across leading hospitals, community agencies, and specialty care settings. Small faculty-to-student ratios ensure personalized coaching, reflective learning, and real-world skill development that prepares graduates to think critically and provide compassionate, evidence-based care.”
“In addition to our students’ consistent high-level of preparation, there’s another reason for us to celebrate this important milestone,” Barker adds. “Employers actively seek out WCU nurses for their competence and readiness for practice. We have nursing graduates in all of the health systems within the Commonwealth of PA, including Penn Medicine, Main Line Health, Christiana Care, and Tower Health. We are very proud of the achievements of our alumni.”
Typical employment settings for WCU nursing graduates include hospitals (medical-surgical units, telemetry, step-down, etc.), rehabilitation centers or long-term care facilities, community health agencies or public health settings, and physicians’ offices or outpatient care clinics. Many Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates also go on to graduate study (i.e., Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or other advanced studies) after gaining some clinical experience. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) graduates work in advanced practice roles focusing on a specialty (i.e., adult-gerontology) with emphasis on evidence-based practice, patient populations, or care systems. WCU’s Nurse Educator graduates work in various teaching roles --- either in academic settings preparing future nurses, or within hospitals offering education/continuing education programs to clinical staff. In addition, many of the University’s DNP graduates go into high-level advanced practice or leadership roles.
“Spanning more than 50 years, the history and vast work of WCU’s Nursing Programs is not only impressive, but inspiring,” says Heinerichs. “Our nursing faculty members are committed to cultivating students so that they can become exceptional health professionals, while making a significant difference in the Commonwealth. At this urgent moment when our nation’s healthcare systems need even more qualified professionals, the University’s Nursing Programs are to be applauded and celebrated not only by the College of Health Sciences and the West Chester University community, but by the numerous citizens who live in the areas that we proudly serve.”