Among the four sets of sisters currently enrolled in the BSN program of University of Virginia’s School of Nursing are Veronica Stroh (from left), Theresa Oliveri, Maria Oliveri and Hye-Ri Winkler. Not pictured are Margie Stroh, Allison Rowe, Amy Rowe and Hye-Lim Winkler.

College of Nursing to offer BSN Degree in Fall 2010

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing has received accreditation to allow it to now offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and change its name to Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing. Dr. Susan Bodin, former dean of the School of Nursing, will serve as dean of the new college.

Bon Secours will begin offering the BSN program in Fall 2010, which will include a new curriculum guided by a faith-based, Catholic health system whose mission is to provide compassionate, quality care to individuals in need. The school is the only faith-based nursing program in Central Virginia to offer the BSN degree. Bon Secours is now accepting applications for the new BSN program; interested applicants can visit mrmcnursingschool.org for more information.

All aboard on track 1, 2 or 3
John Tyler Community College's nursing program now offers three tracks to meet the scheduling needs of students. In the traditional track, classes are held Monday through Friday during the day, and clinicals may take place during the day, evening or weekend.

The transitional track is set up for licensed LPNs and paramedics. Classes are generally taught on the weekends with additional sessions on weekday evenings. Clinicals are held weekday evenings or on weekends at the Chesterfield County campuses.

The nursing program's newest track, the hybrid distance education track, is for students who prefer to take classes online. Lecture courses are taught using PowerPoint and electronic classrooms. Clinicals are held during the day, evening and on weekends.

Unusual 'Sister Act' at U.Va. School of Nursing
The American Nursing Association does not keep statistics on family members in the profession. However, in a 349-member nursing program, having four sets of related people is rare. It may even be unprecedented that four sets of sisters are currently enrolled in the BSN program of University of Virginia's School of Nursing.

Attending the same school with a sibling in the same program guarantees that you'll know someone in the same boat. "[They're] there for you all the time," says one of the sisters.

The sisters are: fourth years Allison and Amy Rowe, second years Hye-Ri and Hye-Lim Winkler, third year Veronica and second year Margie Stroh, and Theresa and Maria Oliveri, who are also third and second years, respectively.