MADERA, Calif. – Fourteen Valley Children’s Healthcare nurses are members of the inaugural “class” enrolled in Fresno State and Valley Children’s innovative Associate of Science in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pathway Program, which is committed to enhancing professional development and local retention of highly qualified nurses.
The 18-month ASN to BSN Pathway Program began this month and is a focal point of Valley Children’s partnership with Fresno State, for which Valley Children’s provides funding for all coursework, allocated study time and internal professional guidance.
“Everything we do at Valley Children’s is centered on advancing the clinical care we provide to children. Fostering the growth of our staff is an integral part of that,” said Vicky Tilton, Valley Children’s vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “This first-of-its-kind partnership with Fresno State will allow our nurses to pursue advanced degrees while continuing to gain valuable clinical experience.”
“Bachelor’s-prepared nurses produce better outcomes in the hospital, including reduced hospital stays and lower rates of readmission,” said Dr. Kara Zografos, Dean of Fresno State’s College of Health and Human Services. “Valley Children’s has a great reputation, and our students want to work there. Our graduating nurses are better equipped to handle the emerging healthcare needs of our diverse region.”
The ASN to BSN Pathway Program with Fresno State is the latest in series of projects that are bringing significant results. Valley Children’s paid internship program has introduced more than 60 Fresno State students to healthcare in the first two years of the program, with several interns offered positions after graduation in both clinical and nonclinical areas.
Fresno State Magazine recently published this article on the ASN to BSN Pathway Program. Watch this video to learn more.
