SSM HEALTH, SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY PARTNER ON RN-TO-BSN PROGRAM

The following information was released by St. Louis University:

SSM Health has selected Saint Louis University as its preferred provider of online RN-to-BSN education for its nurses, expanding educational pathways across one of the nation's largest health systems.

The partnership enables eligible SSM Health registered nurses nationwide to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through SLU's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, while taking advantage of SSM Health's tuition reimbursement benefit. Nurses can complete the program in as little as one year of full-time study through a flexible, primarily online format designed for working professionals.

"At SSM Health, we have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to retain and recruit nurses, especially since our industry navigates a national shortage of qualified caregivers," said Amber Wood, SSM Health Vice President of Clinical Education and Clinical Placements. "This new agreement deepens our longstanding relationship with Saint Louis University, while providing affordable career growth and development for RNs."

Health systems nationwide increasingly seek bachelor-prepared nurses as patient care grows more complex. Evidence continues to link higher levels of nursing education to improved patient outcomes and safety. The SSM Health - SLU collaboration strengthens both institutions' commitments to advancing the nursing profession and expanding career mobility for nurses.

"This partnership expands opportunities and lowers tuition costs for SSM Health nurses, while strengthening patient care across the communities they serve," said Kristine L'Ecuyer, Ph.D., R.N., the Joan Hrubetz Dean of the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at SLU. "Our RN-to-BSN program equips nurses with advanced skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health, preparing them to improve outcomes and lead in today's complex health care environments."

To qualify, participants must be SSM Health employees who have earned an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and hold an active RN license.

The collaboration continues a relationship between the two institutions that dates to 1903, when the founding Sisters of St. Mary now the Franciscan Sisters of Mary welcomed SLU medical students into their hospitals. That partnership led to the establishment of SLU's School of Nursing in 1928.

SSM Health nurses interested in learning more about the online RN to BSN program can visit the partnership website for more information. There is no fee to apply.

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

Founded in 1928, the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University has achieved a national reputation for its innovative and pioneering programs. Offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral nursing programs, its faculty members are nationally recognized for their teaching, research and clinical expertise. For more information, visit slu.edu/nursing.

SSM Health

Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.

With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization's footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization's more than 40,000 team members and more than 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health's Mission: "Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God."