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Mission of the Carroll College Department of Nursing

Inspired by the mission of our College, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses who promote excellence in holistic care.

As community leaders, they are critical thinkers, change agents, compassionate and skilled caregivers, as well as lifelong learners. Our graduates serve Montana, our region and the world.

A graduate of the Department of Nursing will pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and enter into the profession of nursing with the following abilities:

1. Integrate knowledge from the sciences, arts and humanities into nursing practice.
2. Utilize the nursing process to deliver holistic care to individuals, families and communities.
3. Utilize knowledge and skills to practice independently and collaboratively with other disciplines in diverse settings.
4. Integrate moral, ethical and legal principles into nursing practice.
5. Demonstrate excellence in communication.
6. Utilize theory, research and evidence-based practice to optimize health and well-being.
7. Assume personal accountability for upholding the standards of nursing practice.
8. Influence changing social, political, economic and environmental factors that affect nursing and the health care system.
9. Assume responsibility for personal and professional development.

10 REASONS TO CHOOSE CARROLL'S NURSING PROGRAM

1. BEST FACILITIES
   The Nursing Laboratory at Carroll College is one of the premier nurse training facilities in the nation. From the sophomore year on, Carroll's laboratory equipment and high-tech simulated patients-the most advanced available anywhere-allow students to experience the challenges nurses face in any treatment scenario, from patient assessment to labor and delivery to emergency situations. Yes, it's stressful, but studies show these simulated nursing experiences make graduates of the program less likely to experience performance anxiety once they are out in the real world of nursing. Our students also test better on daily skills, from inserting an IV and installing tubes to catheter care. Challenge now builds confidence when it really matters.
2. FACULTY EXPERTISE
   At Carroll, the faculty is our greatest strength, and nursing students can expect extensive personal attention and guidance from professors in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. A Carroll nursing education translates to an intensive internship in the profession. You will enter the profession prepared to succeed in the real world.
3. QUICK ADMISSION/NO WAITING
   Carroll's Quick Admission means you won't have to wait to start your future as you would at other colleges and universities. No wait list means you can complete your entire undergraduate education and earn your degree in nursing in 4 years-this saves you time and money. Check out a sample plan for our nursing majors.
4. NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
   The department of nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation guarantees you as the student that the program has to demonstrate rigorous quality indicators related to the curriculum including student success outcomes, evaluation, faculty qualifications and more. We are also fully approved by the Montana Board of Nursing and this designation is mandatory if you want to be eligible to take the licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. These two indicators of quality is what you should look for in choosing a program.
5. BETTER PREPARED FOR THE JOB MARKET
   Because of our outstanding program and depth of training, Carroll nursing graduates possess the knowledge, maturity and clinical skills that outshine other graduates. Baccalaureate preparation makes a difference as studies show post-operative death rates are drastically lower in facilities with a higher percentage of 4-year nursing graduates on staff.
6. MORE THAN JUST GREAT SKILLS
   Carroll's concentration on holistic health care means our graduates are prepared far beyond basic nursing skills. They emerge ready to take on the challenges of providing the broadest overall care for patients, with an emphasis on both prevention and treatment. Our graduates frequently enter community health professions dedicated to helping people enjoy long lifetimes of good health and shaping the future of U.S. public health policy.
7. PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS
   Alumni surveys of our 1- and 5-year nursing alumni reveal high employer satisfaction. As one employer recently puts it, "The Carroll grads seem to transition more effectively from the student role into work role. Their ability to put into practical application the theory learned is impressive." Or as another employer recently said, "Carroll College produces some of the best nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with!"
8. LEADERSHIP ROLES
   Because of their excellent critical thinking and communication skills honed through our broad liberal education, Carroll nursing graduates not only become top nurses but also rise to leadership and management positions in hospitals and other health care organizations. As one hospital administrator says, "I have worked with several Carroll College graduates-they seem especially prepared for roles which require additional responsibility and leadership."

 

9. TOP INTERNSHIPS
   Carroll students enjoy prestigious internships at highly competitive programs, including the Mayo Clinic. These internships often translate to jobs upon graduation. Top hospitals like Seattle Children's Hospital eagerly recruit our nursing majors on campus, and Carroll nursing graduates enter the profession in excellent health care facilities nationwide.
10. LARGEST CLASS IN HISTORY
    The Nursing Program at Carroll College will be celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2007 by graduating the largest class in school history. The program has earned national accreditation since it began in 1977.

2006 grads explain why they would recommend Carroll's nursing program to others:

If you want a program that will care about your individual success Carroll College has an amazing nursing department.

• Carroll has a special community and no matter how hard the demands of college seem, you always have a big family of faculty and fellow students who want what’s best for you and want you to succeed and will support you through it all.
• I feel very confident in the education that I have received.
• I really loved it here, I learned a lot, the people are friendly, and it’s a great place to come to school.
• I feel that the small program allows for good preparation.
• Everyone is so helpful and encouraging. I felt like my education and success was important to everyone involved.
• It’s a great school with a great reputation for success when graduates enter the work force.
• I LOVE Carroll College and I LOVE the nursing department.

AfterCollege career search sites

Check out these career search sites for scholarships, job opportunities, nursing news and connecting with former classmates:

• Job Resource Center
• Alumni Directory
• Scholarship
• Campus RN

Free Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources

http://www.nursingscholarship.us

Army ROTC Nursing Scholarships

There are 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 YR Army ROTC Nursing Scholarships available...they cover 100% of Tuition and Fees, $1200 a year towards books, and a $300 to $500 monthly stipend.  Graduates are Commissioned Officers in the Army Nurse Corps and serve in world-wide locations.  Contact is MAJ Bill Ballinger, Carroll College Army ROTC, 406-447-5484, bballinger@ carroll.edu.

See Carroll's ROTC homepage for more information.