Christ Hospital Nursing Program Review
Christ Hospital was established in Hudson County in 1872 under the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. The opening of the hospital was inspired by a reverend who witnessed a patient suffer due to lack of medical care in the county. With that case, the reverend swore to open a hospital which happened in 1872. 12 years down the line, the need to train more personnel became a roaming need and as such, Sister Gertrude of Sisters of Margaret deliberated on opening a training school for nurses under the hospital. As a result, Christ Hospital School of Nursing opened its doors for its first students in 1890.
The Nursing Program at Christ Hospital School of Nursing
The school of nursing offers a professional nursing program that leads to the associate of science in nursing. The program is a cooperative effort between Christ hospital and Hudson County Community College. It is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The program also has an accelerated transition option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to become registered nurses. For this nursing program, Christ hospital prides itself in being designated as one of the few Centers of Excellence in nursing education by the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Cooperative Nursing Program
Christ hospital school of nursing had been offering a nursing program that led to a diploma in nursing until 1999. The school of nursing formed agreements with Hudson County Community College; established in 1981, for a cooperative nursing program which has been effective to date. Candidates for the program must make applications to both colleges separately. After evaluation of applications, candidates will be required to take Pre-Entrance NLN exams and attain a satisfactory grade which will be used for the selection process. The number of students admitted is limited and selection is done on a first-come first-served basis until the class if filled. This cooperative program admits one nursing group per year.
Once admitted, students take courses from faculties of both schools. All general education and science courses are taken at Hudson County Community college while courses with clinical requirements are taught at Christ hospital. Students have two options to choose from in terms of covering the curriculum. In the day division, students take their coursework of theory and clinical portion during the day at the designated location while for the evening division; courses are offered from 5.30 pm. Depending on the student’s availability, non- nursing courses may be offered during the weekends.
A total of 72 credits are required for degree completion: 34 nursing (Offered at Christ Hospital) and 38-39 general education and science credits (Hudson). Completion of the curriculum awards the student a Diploma in Nursing from Christ Hospital School of Nursing and an Associate of science in nursing degree from Hudson County CC. Students also gain eligibility to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs)
Note
This cooperative program also involves Bayonne Medical Center School of Nursing. Students from the 3 colleges can benefit from the RN to Bachelor of Science seamless transition at New Jersey City University.
Accelerated LPN to RN Program
This program is designed for LPNs who wish to become registered nurses. Admission requirements of the Associate degree must be met for application eligibility. Additionally LPNs must have current licensure to practice in New Jersey. Students can receive up-to 30 credits in advanced standing for the registered nursing track. Likewise, completion leads to the award of a diploma and associate degree besides gaining eligibility to take the NLCEX-RN exam to a become registered nurse.
Contact:
Christ Hospital
176 Palisade Ave, Jersey City,
NJ 07306
