What does it mean to be a Bronco Nurse?

“I knew I wanted to be a nurse since I was 13. I earned my CNA in high school and immediately started working. While I was looking at colleges my senior year, Boise State stuck out to me for multiple reasons. I would have exceptional professors teaching me, a wide variety of clinical experiences at nationally recognized hospitals, an excellent simulation lab, and could graduate without debt.

My expectations were exceeded! My professors were not only able to teach me the basics, but help me understand how the information applied to the real world. Simulation allowed me to make mistakes in a safe environment. I loved my clinical experience, because I was able to experience so many areas of nursing. My experiences working with phenomenal nursing staff made me decide to stay in the Treasure Valley after graduation.

I now work at St. Luke’s Boise in the operating room as a circulating nurse. If I hadn’t attended BSU, I don’t think I would be as prepared for the “real world” of nursing as I felt when I walked across the blue turf for my diploma (debt free, too). Thank you, Boise State!”

-Leslie Bunce, BSN Program

“I was a stay-at-home mom for almost 14 years when I decided to apply to the nursing program at Boise State. I started the program when I was 41! I have three kids, all of whom I credit for my ability to get through school.

I have been working with the St. Luke’s Clinical Support Unit in the Children’s Service Line for the Treasure Valley Hospitals (Boise, Meridian, and Nampa). I cover Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, and NICU.

I credit the passion that many of my Nursing School Educators have for this profession as a catalyst for my success in nursing. I learned how to be an advocate not only for my patients but also for myself and the profession as a whole”

-Kim Popa, BSN Program

“I first looked into the RN-BSN program because I’d heard that the advisors were very helpful in determining which credits I had would transfer. Boise State fit like a glove, I only had to take one additional class in order to meet all requirements, and they let me take it as part of my RN course-load, so I was able to start immediately.

I have recommended this program to all my RN friends seeking a bachelors. It was manageable while maintaining a full time job, and I felt like I received quality education. It was a benefit that there were no clinicals, because I was already a working RN, and the clinical projects were interesting and very educational.

The addition of a bachelor’s degree to my education gave my clinical knowledge a more rounded foundation. It improved my ability to critically think, consider the future of nursing, and take initiative in my unit. With the degree I am now able to hold leadership positions in my field. I was able to work full time and raise 4 kids, (2 born during the program!), work full time, and still have a social life.  Pace yourself, keep at it, and feel accomplished when you are done!”

-Valerie Morris, RNBS Program

“When researching schools, Boise had the most complete program and focused on a different aspect of nursing, rather than the fundamentals of nursing. In addition, when I requested information from Boise State, the packet was sent right away and the admission process was easy compared to other schools.

Prospective students can expect a curriculum that is geared towards preparing nurses for higher level positions. They can expect a comprehensive program that focuses on different aspects of the nursing field.  In addition, they can expect a great deal of help from the teachers and the advisors. The two advisors for the nursing program provided me with information to all of my questions. Each question was answered promptly and the process was made simple.

Having a bachelor’s degree has opened up more career opportunities for me. It has always been my dream to work at a children’s hospital, but it was not possible with just an associate’s degree. Now that I have my bachelor’s degree, I can finally make that dream come true.

Attending Boise State was the best decision for me because I was able to set up my own schedule and worked at my own pace.  I did not feel pressured in any of the classes and each class provided me with valuable information for my nursing career.”

-Sonia Estrada, RN-BS Program

“What attracted me to the Boise State RN-BS program is that the nursing school has an excellent reputation. I knew I would receive a quality education from a brick and mortar school with the convenience of being able to do the work from home, or elsewhere. It allowed me the flexibility to continue working and maintain my family and work obligations while not sacrificing a quality education.

The professors and staff in the nursing department were always very helpful and I always felt like they cared about the students, even though all correspondence took place via email or online.

Having a bachelor’s degree has created new opportunities in that I feel that I am better equipped to contribute to changes in policy regarding patient care in the emergency department. The program has also allowed me to greatly improve the care that I provide to wide variety of patient populations in the ER setting. I also have been considering the idea of a new role as a case manager for which I am now qualified as a BSN is required under the job description. I also have decided to continue learning and growing my career in nursing and have been applying to grad school. My ultimate goal is to become Family Nurse Practitioner.

I feel that my education at Boise State has well prepared me for this new journey. Overall, I consider the value of the RN-BSN program to be extremely high. The cost in relation to the quality of the education I received is very well matched. All of the classes were beneficial to nursing practice and especially helpful in the process of doing research and using evidence-based practice.”

-Helen Amey, RN-BS

“I was attracted to Boise State’s RN-BS program because it was relatively inexpensive and I felt I was getting great value education for my money.

I would recommend the program to prospective students because I believe the faculty and staff prepares them very well in a holistic manner with the knowledge needed by employers and the healthcare industry.

Prospective students can expect professionalism and a passion from staff aimed at ensuring students succeed in attaining their BSN degree. All the Faculty at Boise State RN-BS program made a big difference in one way or another. I remember all the faculty that were part of my educational journey.

The RN-BS program helped advance my RN care to mentor new graduates, teach, and understand the health care environment in a broader sense. In addition, the BSN degree enabled me to apply to graduate school. I subsequently graduated with a master’s degree and I am currently a board-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse practitioner. I would like to encourage prospective students to enroll. It might seem hard at first, but it is not. The key is to simplify your life, set priorities, start slow and before you know it you will be done.”

-Kimereng Kipsuge, RN-BS Program