When Olivet Nazarene University nursing alumna Laurie Peeples ’77 passed away in 2017, her family wanted to recognize the commitment she had to her profession. They decided to make a lasting gift to help students become the best nurses they can be. Their gift to the Olivet Department of Nursing Virtual Learning Center (VLC) is already accomplishing their goal.
This designated gift from Stephen ’72 and Kathie (Peeples) ’73 Wells, and Jack ’85 and Susan Peeples provides a Baby Simulator for Olivet’s VLC. The full-size infant manikin realistically simulates a six-month-old patient. It is specifically designed for training in basic and advanced infant care procedures.
“We thank you for this generous gift and for helping our students be successful,” said Dr. Tiffany Greer ’97, Olivet’s director of nursing programs, as she recognized these alumni donors and their gift during the first ever White Coat Ceremony for Level One nursing students on Sept. 22.
Olivet’s simulation lab on campus features the best in training and equipment. To develop their patient care skills, students work with manikins that have heart and lung sounds, cry, seize and sweat. All of the simulators have names; baby “Laurie” will join Wiley, Diane, Noelle, Anne and Andy in Olivet’s VLC.
Other distinctives of Olivet’s nursing program include:
Licensing exam pass rate: Olivet graduates enrolled in the traditional program consistently exceed the national average pass rate for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam for registered nurses.
Experienced faculty: All faculty members have professional experience in the healthcare field. Many also have experience serving on the mission field, in churches or with nonprofit organizations.
Dedicated advisors: From the day they enroll in the program, each nursing major has a nursing faculty member as a one-on-one advisor.
Christian faith: Faith-based programs and faith integration are key components of the nursing curricula at Olivet.
Specialization: The undergraduate curriculum offers a stand-alone 300-level course on gerontology and palliative care, as well as a 400-level course in critical care nursing.
Currently Olivet’s largest major, nursing now extends into the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies with these degree programs: R.N. to B.S.N.; R.N. to M.S.N.; and Master of Science in Nursing with Education, Leadership/Management or Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.
Olivet’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce. Coursework covers each essential of learning, as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
For more information about enrolling in Olivet’s nursing program, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
