Nursing 22-23

School of Professional Studies

Welcome to the Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing 

It is an exciting time to be a Registered Nurse!  Never before have so many career opportunities been open to RNs prepared with a BSN. The Nursing Program at NWOSU prepares its graduates to tackle the role of the professional registered nurse in a variety of settings and lays the foundation for its graduates to pursue advanced nursing education and leadership roles.       

The NWOSU Charles Morton Share Trust Nursing program is among the top in the state with the national RN licensing examination (NCLEX) pass rates. The BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN). The BSN-to-DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The BSN-to-DNP Nursing Program for the preparation of Family Nurse Practitioners has received full approval from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.  The yearly application process begins in October.

Our nursing conceptual framework is based on Jean Watson’s caring theory and several other important concepts.


The Division of Nursing is seeking continuing accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and will be having an onsite accreditation visit with CCNE on November 4-6, 2024. Students, faculty, and third-party indviduals can submit comments to CCNE via email at thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org. The deadline to submit student, faculty, and third-party comments for the Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is October 14, 2024.
 

Faculty

BSN Program

Online RN-to-BSN Program

BSN-to-DNP Doctoral Program

Master of Business Administration (MBA-Health Care Option)

Information Request Form

American Nurses Association

Contacts:

Brenna Smith
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing Assistant
(580) 327-8442; Fax (580) 327-8434
brsmith@nwosu.edu

 

Pam Hess
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing Coordinator
(580)327-8493; Fax (580) 327-8434 
prhess@nwosu.edu

Dr. Leslie Collins 
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing Chair
Professor of Nursing
(580) 327-8489 
lncollins@nwosu.edu

Mrs. Heidi Ritchie
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing BSN Program Director
Instructor of Nursing
(580) 213-3159
hrritchie@nwosu.edu

Dr. Gwyneth Holderby
Wisdom Family Foundation Doctoral Program for Rural Nursing Practice Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Director
Assistant Professor of Nursing Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing (580)-327-8497
glholderby@nwosu.edu 

 



Clubs:


Student Spotlight

Cheyenne Jones, 2020 Graduate 

Cheyenne Jones

"The BSN nursing program holds a special place in my heart. It truly shaped me into the nurse I am today. I felt so prepared to take on my first job as a new graduate in any specialty. The one-on-one learning and clinical experience is unmatched. The professors care about you as a person. I am proud to tell anyone that I am a Northwestern Nursing graduate."


See other Nursing Student Spotlights


Ranked No. 4 by EduMed.org - 
Online Higher Education in Healthcare for both Online RN-to-BSN program and Online BSN-to-DNP program

Best Online Degree in Healthcare badge

Accreditation

Nursing Program Accreditation and Approval

The Bachelors of Science (BSN) Degree in Nursing program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University located in Alva OK, Enid OK, Woodward OK, and University Center in Ponca City OK is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for the Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is continuing accreditation.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The Northwestern Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. The BSN-to-DNP Nursing Program for the preparation of Family Nurse Practitioners has received full approval of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Blvd, Suite 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
(405) 962-1800


For questions regarding the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program accreditation, write to:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing logo

 

ACEN
3390 Peachtree Rd., NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, Ga. 30326
Phone - 404-975-5000

CCNE Seal for Accreditation

 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 2001, 202-887-6791

Articulation Agreements

Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Nursing program participates in articulation agreements with selected career technology centers within its region, as listed below.

These agreements apply only to students who have earned a nationally recognized certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A total of 25 credit hours toward the BSN degree and a student may test out of an additional three (3) credit hours. 

  • Northwest Technology Center
  • Autry Technology center
  • High Plains Technology Center
  • Pioneer Technology Center

Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Nursing program has established RN-to-BSN Pathways for students who wish to obtain their BSN after completing their Associates degree nursing programs and obtaining their Registered Nurse License with the Community Colleges listed below.

These RN-to-BSN pathways decrease barriers for degree completion and allows students access to interim courses to help with enrollment and plan of study progression.

  • Northern Oklahoma College
  • Redlands Community College

 

 

Departmental Program Highlights

  • Traditional BSN and online RN-to-BSN programs
  • 100% job placement for BSN students
  • 95% NCLEX pass rate (2024)
  • Dedicated faculty who have an open-door policy and are always willing to go above and beyond for their students
  • Employers seek out NWOSU nursing students during school and after graduation with job opportunities
  • A caring nursing division that ensures graduates are holistically prepared
  • Oklahoma LPN students may receive advanced standing for multiple courses, extended credit options for area tech-center graduates
  • Student representation on faculty committees
  • To stay current with their areas of expertise, faculty complete continuing education hours in addition to professional development hours each year

Simulation and Skill Laboratories

Northwestern Nursing Simulation and Skill Laboratories

Each Division of Nursing location includes a Simulation and Skills laboratory. The Wymer Lab, located on the second floor of Carter Hall on the Alva Campus provides support to Northwestern Oklahoma State University nursing students with high fidelity simulators across the lifespan and other equipment and supplemental items used for skills and assessment training for the BSN and DNP programs. The Wymer Lab is used for CPR training, tours for visitors of all ages, and is home to the DNP Residency sessions.

The Ketteman Lab, located on the Enid Campus, provides support to the clinical education of nursing students and healthcare staff in northwest Oklahoma. Students of all ages, allied health and medical personnel tour the lab or attend an American Heart Association Basic Life Support class, or a specific simulation designed to meet the students' learning outcomes. The Ketterman Lab is also equipped with high fidelity simulators across the life span and other equipment and supplemental items used for skills and assessment training for the BSN and DNP programs.

The Simulation and Skills Laboratory at the University Center in Ponca City is equipped with an adult and pediatric simulator, as well as many equipment and supplemental items used for skill and assessment training.

The Alexander Lab at the NWOSU Woodward campus includes high fidelity simulators across the lifespan and many equipment and supplemental items used for skills and assessment training. The Alexander Lab is used for tours of visitors of all ages and a career exploration location for students that visit the Woodward Campus.

Each lab can be configured as a hospital ward or private room settings depending upon the simulation scenario. Each lab has SimMed cabinets for medication dispensing to allow students to practice and gain experience safely preparing patient medications. The labs also include seating at tables for students, a SMARTBoard® and Zoom board in each lab as well as a computer. Each lab contains space for the simulation experience as well as prebriefing, debriefing, skills practice, and class sessions. 

The high-fidelity adult, child, maternity, and infant simulators along with additional training equipment and supplies allow practice of nursing skills and communication in a safe learning environment.Simulation practice prepares nursing students for the clinical setting by increasing confidence. Students experience a variety of simulation situations which may or may not be commonly present in the clinical setting. Simulation by health care professionals improves patient outcomes in the health care setting.

To arrange or schedule a tour or class in any of the Nursing Simulation and Skills Lab settings, contact the Skills Lab Coordinator.

Contact Information:

Dr. KeEra Byrd CHSE®-Alva and Woodward Locations
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing
Northwestern - Alva
(580) 327-8498
kmbyrd@nwosu.edu

Mrs. Crystal Gillett CHSE®-Enid and Ponca City Locations
Instructor
Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing
Northwestern-Enid
(580) 213-3156
csgillett@nwosu.edu

 

Nursing In the News

Text

Program Outcomes for Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing

The Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing at Northwestern Oklahoma State University values its role and recognizes its responsibility in preparing baccalaureate-prepared nurses for northwestern Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. The Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing is proud to share its program outcomes with our stakeholders:  

 

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for students in this department.

Current students have until March 15 for academic scholarships using the Continuing Student Scholarship Application.

For departmental scholarships you will need to fill out a form provided by the department chair by February 15.

Departmental scholarships available in this area and more can be found at at https://ournorthwestern.org/make-an-investment/scholarships, including numerous miscellaneous unspecified scholarships.

All incoming freshmen or transfers are encouraged to fill out their respective scholarship forms: Freshman Scholarship or Transfer Scholarship along with the Application for Admission to the University. The incoming freshman deadline is May 15, while the transfer student deadline is July 15.

For additional information, please visit Scholarships, as well as contacting Dr. Jennifer Mahieu at jlmahieu@nwosu.edu.

NWOHEC Scholarship
NW Oklahoma Healthcare Coalition
2929 E. Randolph, Rm 130
Enid, OK  73701
Carol Williams, 580-747-197

State Licensure Information

State Board Statutes - July 1, 2024

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
Phone: (580) 327-1700

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University. All Rights Reserved.

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