Boise State may have been training nurses since 1955, but like most schools with decades of history, today’s education looks much different than it did in those early years.
Kelley Connor, interim divisional dean for the School of Nursing, shared with “Idaho Matters” on Oct. 6 just how Boise State’s nursing education has evolved.
Before the 1950s, nurses trained in an apprenticeship model within hospitals. But soon it became evident that “nurses needed more of a foundation in the sciences, in humanities, and needed to have a little bit more academic preparation to be able to do their job effectively,” Connor said.
The big question of that decade: “What would nursing look like if it moved to an academic model?”
Enter Boise Junior College (and, eventually, Boise State University).
In addition to a historical overview, Connor highlighted the hallmarks of the current on-campus bachelor’s in nursing program, from its recent expansion to the crucial role of simulation training.
To celebrate these 70 years of nursing education, the school will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The event offers an opportunity to reconnect with members of the Bronco Nurse family and will include school tours, historical exhibits and panel discussions with current students and faculty.
For more information about the event and anniversary, visit the school’s website.