Orbis Education and Xavier University Celebrate First ABSN Program Graduates
Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio recently celebrated the ceremonial pinning of the first graduates of the University’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Xavier launched the 16-month ABSN program in January 2017 in partnership with Orbis Education.
Xavier’s ABSN is addressing the current and future nursing shortage, both in Ohio and nationally, by offering college graduates with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to change paths and start careers in nursing. The program delivers a high-quality, clinically intensive nursing education in a short amount of time through a blend of online learning, practical application in a simulation lab and in-hospital clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities in Greater Cincinnati including TriHealth, Mercy Health, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and The Christ Hospital Health Network.
“We offer experienced and credentialed faculty and state-of-the-art labs and simulation experiences to our students,” explained Dr. Lisa Long, associate director of nursing, online and hybrid program at Xavier University. “We put all of that, as well as an emphasis on Xavier’s Jesuit, Catholic mission of care for the person, into a package that prepares students for a successful transition into nursing.”
Xavier’s hybrid ABSN program was developed in partnership with Orbis Education. The University’s curriculum is delivered via an online learning tool. As part of the partnership, Orbis funded and developed a new high-tech learning facility. It includes meeting rooms, testing spaces and simulation labs that feature patient care high fidelity manikins that realistically simulate a wide variety of patient activities and symptoms. In the lab, students practice nursing interventions such as how to monitor blood pressure, give intramuscular injections, dress a puncture wound, provide tracheotomy care, insert a nasogastric tube, administer intravenous therapy and set up oxygen delivery.
Xavier’s ABSN program offers three annual start dates and rolling admissions. The program is currently accepting applications for August 2018 and January 2019 starts.
