Dear Future Nurses,

Welcome to the Department of Nursing here at St. Francis College! It is my pleasure to welcome you as you begin this exciting and rewarding journey toward becoming professional nurses.

By choosing nursing, you have entered a profession founded on compassion, integrity, knowledge, and service to others. The path ahead will challenge you academically, personally, and professionally, but it will also provide opportunities for tremendous growth and fulfillment. You will develop the skills, confidence, and critical thinking necessary to care for individuals, families, and communities across diverse healthcare settings. The faculty and staff here at St. Francis College are committed to supporting your success. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment that promotes excellence, collaboration, respect, and lifelong learning. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by experienced educators and clinicians who are passionate about helping you achieve your goals.

As you begin this new chapter, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to learn, ask questions, seek support when needed, and build meaningful relationships with your classmates and instructors. The friendships and professional connections you develop here will become an important part of your nursing career. Nursing is more than a profession, it is a calling to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We are honored to accompany you on this journey and look forward to celebrating your achievements along the way.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Nursing Department, I welcome you and wish you every success in the years ahead.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Candice Birthwright-Philip DNP, MSN-Ed. 
Chairperson, Department of Nursing

PLO 1: Apply knowledge from the arts and sciences to the care of individuals and families throughout the health-illness continuum.
PLO 2: Apply knowledge and skills in leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety to provide quality health care.
PLO 3: Translate current evidence into clinical decision making and professional nursing care.
PLO 4: Utilize technology and informatics appropriately in professional nursing settings.
PLO 5: Apply knowledge of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments both directly and indirectly to influence the function of the health care system.
PLO 6: Collaborate and communicate effectively among health professionals to promote quality and safe patient care in a variety of health care settings.
PLO 7: Apply health promotion and disease prevention at the individual and population level to improve health.
PLO 8: Demonstrate autonomy, integrity, self-assessment, and social justice as part of developing the professional nursing role.
PLO 9: Provide culturally competent nursing care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan across a variety of health care environments.

NURSING BS | 133 CREDITS

The philosophy of the Department of Nursing views nursing as an art and a science consistent with the Franciscan tradition of St. Francis College in New York. The Philosophy emphasizes teaching through partnership to prepare future nurse leaders. This is demonstrated through a commitment to the teaching/learning environment, with the belief that nursing education should include the traditions of teaching, research, and service to meet the demands of a global society.

See the full curriculum for the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program.

Qualified students seeking an additional academic challenge can participate in the St. Francis Honors Program, where students participate in a series of small, intensive seminars, trips, and other activities that lead toward a senior thesis.

The College is also home to 15 national honor societies and its own Duns Scotus Honors Society which recognizes students for their academic and community achievements.

CCNE

 The College’s CCNE NCLEX pass rates for calendar year 2023 is 74%. 

Student Success Corner:

Welcome to the Nursing Student Success Corner at St. Francis College. Our goal is to support every nursing student throughout their academic journey by providing academic support, tutoring resources, NCLEX preparation, and tools for success.

Nursing school can be challenging, but you are not alone. We are committed to helping students grow academically, professionally, and personally as they prepare to become future nurses. Our hope is that every student feels supported, encouraged, and empowered throughout the program.

The Nursing Student Success Corner provides students with the resources and tools they need to succeed in the nursing program, prepare confidently for the NCLEX, and pursue future careers in healthcare.

Academic Success Support:
Students have access to a variety of academic support services, including:
• One-on-one tutoring
• Group tutoring sessions
• Peer tutoring opportunities
• Faculty support and academic coaching
• Study strategies and time management support
• Academic success plans for students needing additional support

Tutoring Services:
Tutoring is available for nursing courses across the program to help students strengthen understanding of course content and improve confidence.
Services may include:
• Weekly tutoring schedules
• Group review sessions
• NCLEX style practice questions
• Course specific support
• Recorded review sessions and resources
Students are encouraged to attend tutoring regularly and seek support early.

NCLEX Success and Readiness:
The Nursing Department is committed to helping students prepare for NCLEX success throughout the program.
Resources include:
• NCLEX readiness support
• ATI resources and remediation
• Practice exams and question review
• Test taking strategies
• Clinical reasoning support
• Recorded content review sessions
• Student success workshops

Nursing Resource Repository:
Students have access to a Nursing Resource Repository containing:
• Recorded tutoring sessions
• Study resources
• NCLEX preparation materials
• Success playbooks
• Course support materials
• Student success videos and guides

Student Support Resources:
The Nursing Department understands that the nursing program can be challenging. Students are encouraged to seek support whenever needed.
Support may include:
• Academic advising referrals
• Success coaching
• Student wellness resources
• Accessibility support referrals
• Faculty and departmental support

Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I seek tutoring?
Students are encouraged to seek tutoring early, even before difficulties arise. Regular tutoring can strengthen understanding and improve confidence.

 Are tutoring sessions available in groups?
Yes. Both group and individual tutoring opportunities may be available depending on the course and semester.

How do I prepare for NCLEX throughout the program?
Students should consistently complete practice questions, engage in tutoring and review sessions, use ATI resources, and focus on clinical reasoning skills throughout the nursing program.

Where can I access nursing student resources?
Resources, recorded sessions, and additional support materials can be found in the Nursing Resource Repository.

Student Success Commitment:
At St. Francis College, we are committed to helping every nursing student grow academically, professionally, and personally. The Nursing Student Success Corner was created to ensure students feel supported, connected, and prepared every step of the way.

Clinical Partners:

• Bay Ridge Connects
• Brookdale University Medical Center
• Brooklyn VA Medical Center
• Diana Jones Senior Center
• Maimonides
• Mount Sinai Health System
• New York-Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
• New York-Presbyterian/Queens Hospital
• New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
• NY Veterans Administration
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
• Richmond University Medical Center
• The Brooklyn Hospital Center
• The Guild for Exceptional Children
• White Plains Hospital
• Wyckoff Heights Medical Center

Career Opportunities with a BS in Nursing (BSN) 

Registered Nurse (RN) — Work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practices caring for patients.
Emergency Room Nurse — Provide fast-paced critical care in emergency situations.
Pediatric Nurse — Care for infants, children, and teens in hospitals or pediatric offices.
Cardiac Nurse — Help patients with heart conditions and recovery.
Psychiatric Nurse — Support patients with mental health and behavioral conditions.
Geriatric Nurse — Specialize in caring for older adults and aging populations.
Nurse Manager — Lead healthcare teams and oversee nursing staff operations.
School Nurse — Promote student health and wellness in educational settings.
Public Health Nurse — Improve community health through education and outreach programs.
Home Health Nurse — Provide personalized care to patients in their homes.
Travel Nurse — Work temporary assignments in different cities or countries while exploring new places.
Operating Room (OR) Nurse — Assist surgeons and care for patients before, during, and after surgery.
Clinical Research Nurse — Help conduct medical studies and advance healthcare treatments.
Nursing Educator — Teach and mentor future nurses in colleges or healthcare programs.
Nurse Informaticist — Combine nursing with technology to improve healthcare systems.
Advanced Practice Nurse — Continue education to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).