Nursing

Baby Day 2025 united OT, Education, and Nursing students for a hands-on developmental lab with young children. The event strengthened practical skills through authentic observation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Disasters, both human-made and natural, are an ever-present challenge in today’s world. Recognizing the critical importance of disaster preparedness in nursing education, Saint Francis University integrated an innovative teaching strategy into the undergraduate nursing curriculum: the student-created disaster simulation.

Saint Francis University is proud to announce its partnership with UPMC Altoona and the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing to expand access to nursing education across the region. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing has officially approved the establishment of a new location of the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona, with the inaugural class set to begin in fall 2026.

Saint Francis University honored five nursing students with the Fall 2025 Ward Scholarship, celebrating their achievements and commitment to the future of healthcare.

Saint Francis University’s White Coat Ceremony marks students’ entry into clinical training, uniting academic rigor with compassion and service in the healthcare field.

Acknowledged as a College of Distinction, and Catholic College of Distinction for 2025-26, SFU has also received specialized recognition in Business, Education, Engineering, and Nursing.

With job growth projected at 46% and a median salary of $126,260, Nurse Practitioners are in higher demand than ever—filling critical gaps in healthcare nationwide. Saint Francis University’s flexible, affordable Family Nurse Practitioner programs are designed for working nurses, offering 100% online coursework, minimal campus visits, and no GRE/GMAT required. Learn how SFU can help you take the next step in this top-ranked, high-impact career.

On November 15, 2024, Andrew Tinker, a junior Saint Francis University BSN student, was recognized with the prestigious Student DAISY Award during a surprise ceremony at UPMC Altoona. This national honor celebrates nursing students who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, care, and commitment to their patients and their families. Andrew’s exceptional contribution to patient care was highlighted by his nominator, a UPMC registered nurse, who witnessed his remarkable dedication firsthand.

Saint Francis University's Department of Nursing is proud to collaborate with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to help new nurses thrive in their careers through innovative residency programs designed to give recently graduated RNs and NPs the support, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to build confidence and stay in the profession.

To enhance disaster preparedness in nursing education, an innovative simulation was introduced three years ago as part of the NURS405 Care of Community clinical requirement. Students collaboratively designed and participated in a disaster simulation, taking on roles such as patients, narrators, and triaging nurses. The simulation emphasized critical thinking, resource management, and decision-making under pressure, with a debriefing session to reflect on outcomes. Following this, students transitioned to an ICU simulation, caring for disaster victims and honing their clinical skills. This dual-phase approach improved teamwork, collaboration, and disaster management, preparing students for both community and hospital-based nursing care.