Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Youtube
Instagram
Galen Stories – Leeann Riddle: The Only Regret I Have Is Not Coming Here Sooner
— Audio Transcript —
My name is Leeann Riddle. I’m in the two year ADN program at Galen. I graduate March 2018 and I have a seven-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter.
Why pursue a career in nursing?
I decided to go to nursing school because I knew that my kids needed someone to look up to and I wanted to be a good role model for them, so I started at a local community college doing pre-reqs.
But things weren’t working out like you hoped…
After a year and a half of pre-reqs at the local community college, I wasn’t even in a nursing class. I felt like I was getting the runaround. I would talk to my advisor and she didn’t even know my name and I was meeting with her very frequently. After realizing that I wasn’t getting anywhere at the other school, I decided that I needed to look into other actual nursing schools. Working in a nursing home, I was able to talk to many nurses and ask them about the schools that they went to. And every nurse that I spoke to that graduated from Galen in their ADN program said that it’s the best program you can go to, and it’s accelerated so you’re able to get into the classes right away.
How was Galen different?
Galen College of Nursing was completely different than the other schools that I attended. I walked in and they gave me a tour of the school. Everyone was nice and they remembered my name. I actually received follow-up emails not long after coming for my tour because they wanted me to succeed also. Even if it was just a, “Hey, how are you doing,” email, they are more than happy to help. I felt welcomed here. Honestly, I have never felt more at home than Galen has made me feel. Luckily, I was able to have the majority of my credits transfer from my other school so I didn’t have to retake my pre-reqs that I took before.
What did you like about the Galen ADN program?
The teachers are amazing. I have never had a teacher tell me they couldn’t stay after to explain something to me that I didn’t understand or even come before class to explain something to me. Unlike bigger schools, you’re able to have that one-on-one with your teacher. If you don’t understand something, you don’t have 50 other people in your class. It’s very small classes so you’re able to connect with each other and ask personal questions.
They even have an entire class devoted to student success…
The success class that we have here at Galen actually helps us become successful in nursing classes. It introduces you to critical thinking questions. And the school and the staff, everyone is so welcoming in that class. It’s really to help you make friends and to get to know each other because you can’t be an island, you have to make friends in nursing school because you guys are going to spend a lot of time together. It’s really based on having you succeed early on so you can succeed in the long run.
Final thoughts?
Coming to Galen has been the best thing I have ever done. I know that my kids are going to be so proud of me when I graduate and that I’m going to be proud of myself. And I know that I’m going to have job security and, being a nurse, I’m going to be able to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives, just like a lot of people at Galen have made a difference in my life. Galen has made me by far the strongest I have ever been. The only regret I have is not coming here sooner.
Galen College’s Hazard Campus Graduates First Class
October 12, 2018 – Hazard, KY – Galen College of Nursing’s mission is to expand access to nursing education. The Hazard campus, a partnership between Galen and Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Hazard, Kentucky, embodies this mission.
In February 2017, Galen announced plans to open an associate degree program at a new location based in the ARH System Center building in Hazard. Galen and ARH joined together to offer additional nursing education opportunities in response to the continued and growing nursing shortage in the region. The program supports the development of the local nursing workforce and addresses the need throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Galen offers two programs at the campus: a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a 15-18 month Bridge program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to continue their education in pursuit of their associate degree and subsequently their RN. The inaugural class started March 30, 2017.
“It is with great pride that Galen celebrates the first graduates from the Hazard campus, and we’re honored to share this auspicious occasion with ARH and leadership from the region,” said Mark A. Vogt, CEO of Galen College. “We look to our Hazard campus for inspiration for future partnerships to increase high-quality nursing education opportunities.”
The first three graduates of the Hazard program are Courtney Banks, Eric Seth Jones, and Allyson Tufts, all of whom are graduating with their ADN through Galen’s LPN to ADN Bridge program.
Allyson and Courtney went to school together to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma and decided to enroll at Galen to pursue their RN. According to Allyson, who is from Melvin, Kentucky, her Galen experience offered “a really great education.” Because her class is small, “it felt like a family – everybody was super nice.” It was Allyson’s mother who originally convinced her to try nursing, and now with Allyson’s graduation, her mother is “a proud mom. She talks about it all the time.”
Galen is already looking forward to the next graduating classes, as students from the 2-year ADN program begin to complete their program.
The first graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hal Rogers Center, and will feature speakers Chris Fugate, Kentucky State Representative; Sandy Dunahoo, Commissioner for Local Government; and Scott Alexander, Perry County Judge Executive.
The ceremony includes the Nursing Pledge, recited during the Ceremony of Lights, as one flame is passed to another to signify the passing of knowledge, the acceptance of responsibilities, and the rights and the obligations of the nursing profession. Graduates also will receive the nursing pin, a 1,000-year old symbol of service to others.
“Nursing is a profession that is steeped in honor and tradition,” said Dr. Connie Cooper, Dean of Galen’s Hazard campus. “And while graduation from our nursing programs is a momentous occasion, and a chance for all of us in nursing to reflect on our commitment to the profession, we also expect to have a lot of fun and a joyful celebration.”
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers a practical/vocational nursing diploma, and associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.
# # #
GALEN CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF A BRAND NEW TAMPA BAY CAMPUS
Galen College of Nursing recently hosted a Grand Opening to officially welcome community leaders, students and alumni to the new campus in Tampa Bay, Florida.
As a symbol of our ongoing commitment to the region and our students, the new campus is one of the largest campuses in Southwest Florida dedicated solely to nursing education. Faculty and staff were on hand to usher in special guests and provide tours of the new state-of-the-art facility, which encompasses nearly 70,000 square feet.
Visitors to the new campus are first greeted by an impressive 3-story atrium with large windows overlooking the front plaza. The open area and lots of natural light make the building entrance immediately inviting. Another bright focal point of the new campus is the “Why Wall” on the second floor, where students are encouraged to write on a glass wall about their inspiration for becoming a nurse.
The classrooms are well-equipped with advanced educational technology and there are lots of colorful and comfortable student areas for studying and collaborating. The new campus also includes the Ruth Corcoran Simulation Hospital, which offers an ER, ICI, Pediatric and OB Units, as well as a studio apartment setting for students to practice transition and home care techniques. In addition, there are several clinical learning labs that each feature 6 – 8 beds and mannequins for the teaching of essential skills.
Early feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. One student exclaimed, “Look, I have actual goosebumps” while another student declared she was “Speechless – it’s breathtaking!” Faculty is equally impressed. Interim Dean Audria Denker said, “Now our students have all the resources they need in one place so that they can focus on what’s really important: learning to be a great nurse.”
As part of the Grand Opening festivities, we were also pleased to dedicate the Sharon A. Roberts Library in honor of the 40-year career and legacy of Tampa Bay’s first and founding Dean. Ms. Roberts served as Dean from Tampa Bay’s beginning in 1989 through her retirement in 2013. CEO Mark A. Vogt and Kathryn M. Mershon, Chair of Galen’s Board of Directors, provided warm remarks about Ms. Roberts before unveiling a beautiful commemorative plaque.
The September 25th Grand Opening was an exciting and emotional event, as staff from Galen’s other campuses around the country came to wish their Tampa Bay colleagues well. The atmosphere for the whole evening was spirited and supportive.
“We’re humbled by the reception we’ve received from the community and honored that our students trust their future to us,” said Vogt. “Their dedication to nursing, and Tampa Bay’s dedication to higher education, have allowed us to grow into the college we are today.”
Finding Balance: A 3-Step Approach
Let’s face it: Nursing school can be tough. So is being a parent or a spouse, or sometimes even a friend.
There are a lot of articles written about balancing school, work, and home life. And there’s no doubt that nurses and nursing students can face extraordinary stress. The study and practice of nursing are both physically and emotionally demanding.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t achieve balance, although “balance” may not be the perfect word for it. Very rarely will you experience an even three-way split between school, work and life. So right off the bat, consider thinking about achieving satisfaction in each of your roles.
How do you go about doing that? There are definitely some common themes in the literature and also in the advice shared by Galen College’s nursing faculty.
Manage Your Time
Time management can be especially challenging for those who are called to nursing. Many of these individuals aren’t typically known for their likelihood to say “no.” But creating a schedule and sticking to it can go a long way to alleviating stress.
It’s important to set boundaries. Look for ways to define time limits, and then enforce those limits. Set aside specific time to study; find the best time and place where you can focus on your studying with minimal interruptions. But make time for friends and family, too — as a nurse or nursing student, it’s important to nurture those supportive relationships.
Dr. Kathy Burlingame, Dean of Galen’s Online RN to BSN program, has this concrete advice for nursing students: “Start your assignments early and don’t procrastinate. Develop a plan for success by mapping out your coursework, work and family schedules all in one place. And celebrate small milestones with your loved ones!”
Nurses must face the catch-22 that their dedication fosters — being prone to overwork because it’s hard to feel like you’re off-duty. Unfortunately, this leads to burnout, which in turn can lead to less effective patient care and unsatisfactory self-care.
During your day or shift, don’t forget to plan for and take breaks. Not taking a break is actually more detrimental than taking 10 minutes for a walk or finding a quiet place to meditate. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people can sustain a maximum level of concentration for no more than 90 minutes. After that, your ability to retain information decreases dramatically. It’s hard to practice nursing or “ace” a test when you’re not thinking clearly!
Remember, time management is a skill that can be learned. It will be important to master this skill as a student because you’ll definitely need it in your nursing career. So, put some time into managing your time!
Practice Positivity
Take a tip from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): the way that individuals perceive a situation is more closely connected to their reaction than the situation itself. In other words, the way you think about a situation will impact the way you feel about it.
As a nurse, many of the situations you experience will be difficult emotionally. In their article on “The Power of the Positive,” Roberts and Strauss point out that negative emotions in nurses can be exacerbated because nurses are trained to look for the negative – that is, negative indicators about a patient’s health.
Importantly, as Roberts and Strauss also state, “being positive isn’t all about happiness and smiles. It’s about finding ways to increase the whole range of positive emotions.”
One helpful habit to get into: At the end of your day, take a few moments to reflect on the positive things that occurred. And work on positive self-talk — that internal dialogue that frames your reactions to life’s circumstances. Just like time management, positivity can be practiced.
It’s also okay to ask for help. Students and nurses need a home and a work support system, and sometimes you also may need the extra support of a professional counselor.
Acknowledge & Accept
“The first step toward change is awareness.
The second step is acceptance.”
– Nathaniel Branden, Canadian-American psychotherapist and writer
Acceptance is a powerful state of mind. First, there is no escaping stress — it’s a fact of life, if not specifically a fact of nursing. A little stress is a good thing because it can motivate us to try harder, to learn from our mistakes. But of course, too much stress isn’t good for you and it isn’t good for the patients in your care.
Start by acknowledging the stressors in your life that are and are not in your control. Accept those stressors that you can’t change and work on developing healthy coping strategies for them.
No one’s perfect, right? Admit your mistakes and move on. Be open to reasonable feedback. Ask for help when you need it, and learn how to delegate, even at home, trusting that others will do their jobs. Enjoy the process, not just the outcome.
In his article for Greater Good Magazine, Leif Haas talks about the compassion paradox often experienced by health care workers. First, there’s an overwhelming desire to problem solve when it comes to patient health, yet sometimes it’s more helpful to listen before jumping into fix-it mode. The second part of the paradox is that compassion requires a certain amount of detachment from the outcomes. The only way to show true compassion is to stay present and focused in the moment, rather than worried about the future.
Even while you practice positivity and mindfulness in your role as a nurse, you will sometimes need to give yourself permission to grieve. When it comes to working with others and caring for others, try not to judge — rather, ask questions and try to see from others’ perspectives.
The Last Word
According to Dr. Nancy Bellucci, a member of Galen’s online nursing faculty, when it comes to competing responsibilities, there are six basic principles of management:
The learning journey requires one to be:
- Patient and kind to oneself
- Open to change
- Patient with the process
- Willing to spend priceless time away from family and friends
- Dedicated to working to the final goal
- Persistent, resilient, and motivated to meet the demands of the degree
Achieving balance — or gaining the skills that make you feel more satisfied — is not going to be a one-shot deal. Students and nurses must work at it, and periodically it’s a good idea to reevaluate your goals and priorities. Along the same lines, remember you don’t have to change everything at once. Try making a small change and see if it makes a difference, and then try something else.
Will nursing school and your nursing career be tough sometimes? Of course. Will it be worth it? You bet.
“Be prepared to put your heart and soul into your nursing education and career,” says Dr. Connie Cooper, Dean of Galen College’s Louisville Campus. “As challenging as nursing is, you’ll get back much more than you put into it.”
Resources
Beck Institute. What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)? Retrieved from https://beckinstitute.org/get-informed/what-is-cognitive-therapy/
Bellucci, N. (Sept. 10, 2018). A personal interview: Dr. Nancy Bellucci’s path to persistence. Galen College Faculty Focus, 8 (9), 6-10.
Boertje, J. & Ferron, L. (Nov. 2013). Achieving a work-life balance. American Nurse Today, 8 (no. 11). Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com/achieving-a-work-life-balance
Haas, L. (2018, July 30) The Compassion Paradox Faced by Health Care Workers. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_compassion_paradox_faced_by_health_care_workers
Jantz, G. L. (2016, May 16). The power of positive self-talk. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-relationships/201605/the-power-positive-self-talk
Johns Hopkins University. School-life balance. Retrieved from http://jhsap.org/self_help_resources/school-life_balance/index.html
Mayo Clinic. Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/work-live-balance/art-20048134?p=1
Roberts, P. & Strauss, K. (July 2015). The power of the positive. American Nurse Today, 10 (no. 7). Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com/the-power-of-the-positive/
Thew, Jennifer. (2018, Feb. 20). Is nurse work-life balance a myth? Retrieved from https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/nursing/nurse-work-life-balance-myth
University of Texas. (2017, March 9). Why work-life balance is important for nurses. Retrieved from https://degree.utpb.edu/articles/nursing/worklife-balance-for-nurses.aspx
Walsh University Online. (2018, January 4) The top 10 tips for nurses to maintain work/life balance. Retrieved from https://online.walsh.edu/news/top-10-tips-nurses-maintain-worklife-balance
Galen Stories – Paul Tankersley: You Definitely Hit a Glass Ceiling
— Audio Transcript —
Hi my name is Paul Tankersley. I’m the director of infection control and transplant with an LTAC in Houston, Texas. Currently completing Galen’s online RN to BSN program.
How did you get into nursing?
My first profession was working for a police department as a dispatcher doing police, fire, EMS dispatch. After doing that for seven, eight years I decided that I wanted to get on the other side of it with the actual patient care, taking care of the people. As a dispatcher you’re hearing the stories, you’re taking on 911 phone calls, but then you always wonder what happens on the other end. So I decided at that point that I would retire early, take that money and go back to nursing school.
Why pursue a BSN?
After working as a nurse for almost a decade, you definitely hit a glass ceiling, especially if you wanted to go into a specialty. My passion I found was lung and heart transplant and it was impossible to go any further without having a bachelors or higher.
Why did you choose Galen’s Online RN to BSN?
So as a full time nurse one of the things you definitely look at is cost, quality and ease of access. For me, Galen hit all three. The different online reviews were excellent. The tuition was very reasonable and they also partnered with my employer, Kindred Healthcare, so with that partnership – it really enabled me to have a lot of flexibility and one of the things that was very impressive with Galen’s online program is the critical thinking and the requirement to critical think. Galen really focuses on that. It gives you the A to Z, why, the rationale and how to be successful in that so it’s very impressive.
What do you like about the program?
Galen offers a wide range of different learning styles so if I’m an auditory learner, if I’m an interactive learner, if I like to read, whichever – you have the option for each of the classes. You can either use your iPhone, your iPad, Android based, laptop, desktop, you can listen while you’re in your car, you can do something interactive either on any of those other electronic devices or you can just literally participate online with the other different interactive platforms that they have.
What if you have a question or problem?
Galen’s online program enables you to ask really any questions to either the faculty or the students or the entire class. It has a great mobile application from your phone or if you have a question, you did a discussion post and you’re not quite sure about the topic, it pops up on your phone and you’re able to see that somebody had a question. You can either respond yourself or you can wait to see what the response is but it’s pretty much almost immediate. The faculty itself is very, very quick to respond. If you do have a question late at night or if you need to physically speak to someone, FaceTime’s available or they’ll respond or you can even call or text them. If you’re working 12 hours during the day and you have a question late at night, it’s not like you’re gonna have to be waiting for a day or two for a response because you’ll ordinarily get it that same day even when it is late.
Final thoughts?
When you’re choosing schools, you’re definitely worried about prestige. You’re worried about respectability, is it an excellent school to go to and Galen definitely is. You have the quality of not only the program itself and the curriculum but also the staff. The staff is excellent. The enrollment process was seamless. The courses are very in-depth, very challenging. But at the same time you’re able to get through that challenge very well supported either with the online content or with the interactivity of the other students that you have in that course or the professors themselves or all of the above.
Galen Announces Cincinnati Launch of 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
September 10, 2018 – Cincinnati, OH – Galen College of Nursing announced today the launch of their CCNE accredited 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree at the Cincinnati Campus. Offering solely nursing education, Galen is focused on supporting the nursing profession through excellence in education.
This exciting program extends the pathways to nursing available through Galen’s Cincinnati location. “We are always developing ways to meet the needs of students and ultimately, healthcare as a whole,” said Dr. Joan Frey, Academic President. Especially at a time when the U.S. is in the midst of a national nursing shortage, with an increasing need due to an aging population and the retirement of nurses from the Baby Boomer generation, nurses are in high demand. “Our mission is to expand opportunity in nursing education, and by offering more options to become an RN, we support workforce development and a diverse population of students with multiple lifestyles and learning needs.”
Galen’s new program also supports an industry with rising demand for the BSN. “We created an innovative and quality program that will allow students to get into the healthcare workplace with a BSN in a shortened timeframe,” said Judy Rudokas, Dean of Galen College in Cincinnati. “This new 3-year BSN enhances our prelicensure nursing pathways so we can educate more students for entry into professional nursing practice and help meet the needs of our partners in healthcare. We are excited to be taking applications now for our first class start on January 7th.”
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers a practical/vocational nursing diploma, and associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.
Galen Stories – Emily Foster: It Just Takes Walking Through the Door
— Audio Transcript —
My name is Emily Foster. I’ve been married for 13 years. I completed the LPN evening program and the LPN to RN bridge at Galen. I currently serve as a full-time faculty member at Galen, and also as a telehealth supervisor at a local hospital.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My brother has cerebral palsy, and he lives with a nurse who is his caregiver full-time. She has always done an amazing job with him. That’s the type of care I wanted to be able to provide. I wanted to make that difference in someone’s life like she has with my brother.
But you didn’t pursue nursing right after high school…
When I got married, life kind of took over, and I decided to go into the workforce. Later on, I felt that calling still and decided that it was time for me to return to school and get my nursing degree.
Why Galen College of Nursing?
Galen offered me the option to go to school in the evening, and that fit my schedule perfectly, so I was able to continue to work my full-time and part-time job, and go to school in the evenings, and still be able to realize my potential.
How was the Galen experience?
Galen has been fantastic. It’s been life-changing for me. I was immediately impressed by the number of instructors that were reaching out to offer assistance if any of us needed it. The class sizes were small. There was no more 300-plus people in a class. My largest class at the time was 15.
Do you feel that Galen prepared you for post-graduation?
I would have never been able to accomplish the things that I have so far if it hadn’t been for coming to Galen. I passed both of my nursing boards on my first try in the minimum number of questions, and I have yet to run into a situation on the floor that I haven’t felt prepared for.
Why did you return to Galen as an instructor?
I felt so strongly about the program and the education that I had received here that I wanted to be able to provide that same opportunity to students at Galen. I felt that I would bring a unique perspective to their education, having gone through the program, and could provide some insight to them that may be helpful.
Any final thoughts?
Nothing should stand in the way of what you want to do with your life. It just takes walking through the door. You just need to take that first step, and we’ll help you with the rest.
Galen College of Nursing Joins with American Nurses Association to Offer Human Trafficking Intervention Course for Nurses
Galen College of Nursing has joined with the American Nurses Association (ANA) to offer a new continuing nursing education (CNE) course on “Human Trafficking: Recognition & Intervention.”
Designed to help nurses in the important role they play in recognizing and responding to this growing humanitarian issue, the course will provide an introduction to the emergent nursing care of victims of human trafficking. Included is an overview about types of human trafficking, methods of coercion, and recognition of human trafficking victims. Nurses will explore screening tools, available resources, and nursing interventions that facilitate interdisciplinary, victim-centered care.
Nurses are ethically required to report suspected human trafficking. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements states that the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The course is offered as part of a new collaboration between Galen College and ANA.
ANA has teamed up with colleges and universities to offer an innovative solution to nurses who are considering advancing their professional education and wish to explore quality nursing programs. By collaborating with higher education organizations such as Galen College of Nursing, ANA is creating additional channels for nurses to advance their education.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Galen College to bring this course to nurses across the country, so that they are better prepared to recognize and provide care to victims of human trafficking,” said ANA Enterprise Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hatmaker, RN, PhD, FAAN.
Created by Dr. Kathy Burlingame, Dean of Galen College’s Online RN to BSN program, and Galen’s Online Technology and Instructional Design team, the course will help nurses recognize victims of human trafficking in diverse healthcare settings.
“Human trafficking is a complex, national, and global healthcare problem,” said Burlingame. “Research has shown that up to 87.8% of sex trafficked survivors had at least one interaction with a healthcare provider while being trafficked. Because victims are unlikely to ask directly for help, nurses need to be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking and implement a victim-centered, multidisciplinary approach.”
The online continuing nursing education course is available to all nurses with a discount offered to ANA members. Nurses who complete the course are eligible for a $500 tuition discount at Galen’s CCNE accredited Online RN to BSN program.
Galen College of Nursing is a single-purpose nursing college with 5 campuses in 4 states and online. With a mission to expand access to quality nursing education, Galen emphasizes continuing education for all levels of practice and a dedication to lifelong learning. Galen specializes in online course development with an in-house team of advanced multi-media specialists and subject matter experts who create all of Galen’s online course material for over 5,000 nursing students. All courses within Galen’s Online RN to BSN are Quality Matters™ certified.
For more information about the course, visit https://www.nursingworld.org/continuing-education/online-courses/human-trafficking.
For information about Galen College’s Online RN to BSN, go to https://galencollege.edu/american-nurses-association.
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing, associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu
About ANA and the ANA Enterprise
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. The ANA Enterprise is the organizing platform of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Nurses Foundation. The ANA Enterprise leverages the combined strength of each to drive excellence in practice and ensure nurses’ voice and vision are recognized by policy leaders, industry influencers and employers. From professional development and advocacy, credentialing and grants, and products and services, the ANA Enterprise is the leading resource for nurses to arm themselves with the tools, information, and network they need to excel in their individual practices. In helping individual nurses succeed—across all practices and specialties, and at each stage of their careers—the ANA Enterprise is lighting the way for the entire profession to succeed. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.
Galen Stories – Doris Sanchez: It Is Just About the Dream of Nursing
— Audio Transcript —
Hi, my name is Doris Sanchez. I am an RN, recently completed the online RN to BSN program with Galen College of Nursing, and I’m a clinical instructor at Galen College of Nursing.
Why Pursue your BSN at Galen?
So as an educator, it’s almost logical to continue your education. And the online RN to BSN program was the logical choice for me knowing that this is such a great program, working for the company themselves. It met the demands of my job where I was able to work at my own pace, do things at home, online and meet the demands of my family as well.
Describe the Galen Online RN to BSN.
I think the best thing about the online program was that there was not just one method of learning or teaching with them. It wasn’t just the discussion post or the required readings, there were also videos to watch, and there was also always open communication with the instructors. They were always available to you whether it was through video conferencing, or through telephone calls, or through emails.
What do you love about teaching at Galen?
So I teach clinicals, which is where we actually go out to the clinical sites. But one of the great things that Galen has is the simulation lab. We come into this room where we have the mannequins and we simulate a safe environment where they can provide patient care without actually hurting somebody.
The mannequins that we have in the simulation lab are not just dolls. They breathe, you can measure respirations, you can take blood pressure, you can check their pulse. They talk, they’re interactive with you. So it feels like a real-life scenario as you’re going through it.
I feel like I’m making a difference here as an educator. If I can teach the new nurses coming onto the field how to do things right, and how to do nursing for the right reasons, then I think that’s where I can make a change later on – that’s where we’ll have quality nurses who really care.
Describe your approach to teaching.
When dealing with students, I and my peers are continuously thinking about how they’re going to be our future colleagues, they’re going to be future nurses. You cannot give up on them. They hopefully will be side-by-side working with us one day if not on us. So you can’t help but treat them almost like family members. I try and make it a point to take a really big lunch with me or extra snack bars, because in the past I have had students that I’ve noticed they’re not eating because they’re having a hard time making ends meet, just so they can get through school so they can make a better life for themselves.
What sets Galen apart from other colleges?
Pure nursing. I think that’s one of the reasons that Galen has been so successful, is that we are all about nursing, and only nursing. We’re not delving into things that we don’t understand or going into x-ray technicians, or dental assisting, it’s just about the dream of nursing.
Galen College of Nursing Executive Vice President Audria Denker Appointed to Kentucky Board of Nursing
June 15, 2018 — Louisville, KY — Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce that Dr. Audria Denker has been appointed by Governor Matt Bevin to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Denker currently serves as Executive Vice President of Prelicensure Nursing for the college where she leads day-to-day prelicensure program operations, including staffing and workload, clinical operations, simulation, and student support across all campuses.
Dr. Denker will be able to apply her extensive leadership experience in clinical practice, healthcare management and nursing education to the appointment as a KBN member. Her appointment begins July 1, 2018.
“This is a tremendous honor for Dr. Denker, and also highlights the high caliber of faculty and staff who continuously propel Galen College forward,” said Mark Vogt, Chief Executive Officer for Galen College of Nursing. “We couldn’t be more proud that she is a part of Galen’s mission and congratulate her on this latest achievement within an already noteworthy career.”
The Board of Nursing is composed of 16 gubernatorial appointees representing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, nursing education, long-term care, and the public at large. The Board approves programs of nursing, and regulates and controls the licensing and conduct of nurses within the Commonwealth.
“With my experience as both a practitioner and an educator, I look forward to bringing a broad perspective on the strengths and opportunities in healthcare throughout the state,” Denker said. “I am proud to serve with the distinguished team of experts comprising the Board, and excited to help Kentucky provide an effective and competent nursing workforce to its citizens.”
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.