Expanding North Park’s Nursing Program

New direct entry Master of Science in Nursing program helps non-nursing students and career changers gain an advanced degree.

As part of our innovative work in new program development, North Park now offers a five-semester Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) degree designed for students who already have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. The program, which prepares students to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to patients, will include clinical rotations that align with their coursework.

“Graduates of this program will have learned to integrate core scientific and ethical principles, advanced nursing knowledge, professional values, and clinical excellence in a nursing practice that reflects the Christian principles of the philosophy of the North Park University School of Nursing,” said Provost Michael Carr.

DEMSN recipients will be qualified to apply for the professional nurse licensing examination, and those who pass will become registered nurses eligible to work in a healthcare setting. Graduates will also have the academic foundation necessary to pursue further education in the field, such as post-master’s certification in an advanced practice specialty, nursing leadership, and management.

“Nursing shortages around the country will enhance the value of the DEMSN degree,” added Carr.

Book in Common: North Parkers Discuss Subversive Witness by Dominique Gilliard S’12

Last fall, President Mary Surridge invited members of the North Park community to read and discuss Subversive Witness. The book, by Dominique Gilliard S’12, explores the ways different types of privilege can help us “see and participate in God’s inbreaking kingdom,” said Gilliard.

“Scripture repeatedly affirms that privilege is real and declares that, rather than exploiting it for selfish gain or feeling immobilized by it, Christians have a responsibility to leverage it.”

During the panel discussion in April, Gilliard was joined by author Kathy Khang and pastor David Swanson. During a question and answer session following the discussion, Gilliard addressed “trendy” advocacy.

“There’s very much a siloed advocacy that has come out of so many Christian institutions that is self-interested or that’s a popular trend at the time, and not something rooted in a commitment to liberation and freedom for all people created in the image of God,” he said.