Major Review: Hunt School of Nursing – challenging, rewarding

Photo by Hannah Haggerty

By: Ellen Laws

“The Hunt School of Nursing offers the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Registered Nurse (RN) to, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program which includes education, administration and FNP tracks and the DNP program with educational leadership and administrative leadership tracks,” according to the Gardner-Webb website.

In addition, the nursing program offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education, and Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Photo by Hannah Haggerty
Photo by Hannah Haggerty

“Gardner-Webb’s program is hard, but do-able. Our classes and labs are challenging, but it is all in the best interest of us as future nurses,” said Aubrey Winum, junior BSN student.

Students are required to put a lot of time into studying, simulation preparation, documentation and clinical experience. The nursing program has a higher grading scale than other majors, but the academic standards lead to the more than 90% NCLEX pass rate Gardner-Webb has according to Winum.

The time and effort put into the work seems to be balanced with approachable instructors and a feeling of altruism.

“The professors are very passionate about nursing and teaching. I have always felt comfortable with confronting professors with questions and concerns,” said junior BSN student, Christina Alexander. “They are very receptive to our questions, and encourage us throughout the semester.”

Most of the faculty worked as nurses for several years. In addition to answering questions about coursework and working as a nurse, Winum said the professors are also there to answer questions about life in general.

“Even though nursing school is hard, it is worth it to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Winum.