After spending 15 years in marketing, John Jadia felt a strong calling to shift careers and pursue nursing, driven by his passion for service and helping others.
Though initially apprehensive about entering a new field, Jadia found tremendous support at California State University, Fullerton’s School of Nursing. There, he gained valuable hands-on clinical experience and developed the professional skills required to launch his health care career as an emergency registered nurse (RN) at Providence Mission Viejo Hospital.
“My time at the School of Nursing gave me the knowledge, confidence, and support I needed to pursue this career with purpose and passion,” said Jadia. “The faculty pushed us to think critically, apply our knowledge in clinical settings, and provide excellent patient care.”
For 50 years, Cal State Fullerton’s School of Nursing has empowered students like Jadia to build successful careers and contributed to the health care workforce in Orange County. At the anniversary celebration on 11 March, faculty, staff, and students came together to reflect on the school’s growth and achievements.
Founded in 1974 with just one programme and 51 students, the School of Nursing has expanded significantly. It has since graduated nearly 8,000 nurses who serve in Orange County and beyond. Today, the school is home to over 600 students, offering both graduate and undergraduate programmes that equip students to succeed in various health care settings, including inpatient care, ambulatory services, community health, and public health.
In the last decade, the school has secured more than $20 million in research and training grants, including a $5 million grant from CalOptima Health to develop the next generation of nursing leaders.
“The impact that the School of Nursing has had on the community over the past 50 years is unparalleled,” said Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, dean of the College of Health and Human Development.
University President Ronald S. Rochon highlighted the significance of the nursing profession while celebrating the commitment and dedication of CSUF nursing students.
“To our students, you are entering a profession of grace, dignity, service, and intentionality as you prepare to serve complete strangers. Walk with confidence, courage, and understanding that what you are about to do is not only necessary but truly essential,” Rochon remarked.
A Leader in Nursing Education
In 1974, Cal State Fullerton introduced its first RN to BSN pathway programme, paving the way for its 1981 national accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
In 2000, the school launched its Master of Science in Nursing programme, offering concentrations in women’s health care, nursing leadership, and school nursing. Since then, the nursing programme has expanded to include a variety of undergraduate pathways and a Doctor of Nursing Practice programme, which graduated its first cohort in 2014.
“Our pre-licensure programme graduates consistently achieve an average first-time pass rate of 95% on their licensing exam, well above the 80% accreditation benchmark,” said Sadeeka Al-Majid, professor of nursing and interim director of the School of Nursing. “We will continue to innovate, challenge our students, and equip them with the skills necessary to lead in their respective specialties.”
To meet the demands of an evolving health care industry, the School of Nursing has invested in advanced spaces designed for practical experience. The Nursing Simulation Centre and the Fudge Family Women’s Health Simulation Lab and Training Centre allow students to practice safe intervention techniques on manikin patients while honing their collaboration and communication skills alongside faculty experts.
Students also benefit from the school’s extensive partnerships with over 300 organisations, such as Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health and Services, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and L.A. General Medical Centre.
“Students gain invaluable hands-on experience in acute care facilities, clinics, health centres, community-based agencies, school districts, and more,” said Kerri Ruppert Schiller ’82 (B.A. business administration-accounting), senior vice president and CFO of Children’s Hospital of Orange County. “These partnerships exemplify our mutual commitment to excellence in nursing education and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nursing profession.”
A Strong Legacy and Future
As CSUF’s School of Nursing celebrates its 50th anniversary, the institution continues to lead in nursing education. With a focus on real-world experience, academic excellence, and collaborative partnerships, the school remains at the forefront of addressing the evolving challenges in the health care sector.
Graduates from CSUF’s nursing programmes are now influential leaders in the health care system, and the school’s impact on the local community and beyond is undeniable. As nursing needs continue to grow, the future of nursing education at CSUF remains bright, with innovations that promise to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.