Grace College Celebrates First BSN Graduating Class, 100% Boards Exam NCLEX Pass Rate

The 2020 graduates of Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College boast a 100% NCLEX pass rate for RN Boards exam so far. This number surpasses the national average pass rate by twelve percent, and is achieved by the first-ever graduating class of the baccalaureate nursing program (BSN) at Grace. Nursing students at Grace participate in the Grace College campus life and liberal arts courses while studying nursing with Bethel University nursing professors. The bachelor of science in nursing program transitioned from an associate degree program in 2017.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of this graduating class! We know that these nurses will be wonderful examples of Christ as they care for their patients, and we are excited to see the first BSN class graduate and generate impact in the field of nursing,” said Kristen Richmond, the new Coordinator of Nursing at Grace College.

The program welcomed Richmond, who brings 16 years of previous nursing experience to the position, on July 1. Richmond holds a master’s of nursing education from Ball State University.

The nursing program at Grace College now has nearly 120 years of combined nursing experience among its four full-time faculty instructors. One instructor, Dale Robbins, has been a part of the program since 2008. Robbins says she has watched the program evolve and grow tremendously over the years — renovating state-of-the-art labs, updating equipment, and introducing new and innovative curriculum — but the mission has remained the same.

“We provide the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for our graduates to care for clients holistically in a Christ-centered environment,” said Robbins. “The RN Boards exam is just a piece of accomplishing our mission. We walk alongside our students as they apply for jobs. And once they are in the field, we pray for them, celebrate them and encourage them,” she added.

The intentional faculty support at Grace from a student’s freshman year to clinicals and job placement is reflected in graduate hiring reviews. Employers that hire Grace BSN graduates report 100% satisfaction.

Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College is now accepting applicants. Learn more about the program at grace.edu/major/nursing. For specific questions, contact Kristen Richmond at richmokr@grace.edu or call 574-372-5100, ext. 6255.