The nursing program at Sacred Heart University is designed to prepare students for the realities of the profession while offering strong academic and personal support. The program emphasizes gradual progression, hands-on learning and a strong network of faculty and peer resources to help students succeed throughout their academic careers.
Dr. Karen Daley, dean of the Davis & Henley College of Nursing, said the program is structured to help students gradually adjust to the demands of the major as expectations increase over time. Nursing students begin their academic journey with foundational coursework before advancing into more specialized classes and experiential learning opportunities that reflect real-world responsibilities.
Daley said that freshman year involves a lot of science courses and sophomore year begins the intro to nursing courses, as well as the start of clinicals.
Clinical experiences allow students to apply classroom learning in real health care settings. During clinicals, students work in hospitals under the supervision of a clinical instructor and practice hands-on skills alongside registered nurses.
To help students manage the demands of the major, the nursing program offers multiple layers of academic and personal support, including tutoring, peer mentorship and lab assistance. These resources are designed to help students stay on track academically while also supporting their well-being outside of the classroom.
“Every student has a professional advisor,” said Daley.
Daley emphasized that faculty members play an active role in guiding students throughout their time in the program, ensuring that they have access to support when challenges arise. She said the nursing curriculum is demanding, but students are not expected to navigate it on their own.
“What they are learning and what they are doing is extremely hard,” said Daley.
Daley encourages students interested in nursing to approach the major with commitment and confidence while understanding the responsibility that comes with the profession,
“Be ready to take it seriously,” said Daley. “Saving lives is serious work.”
Sophomore nursing student Shannon Neal said that while the program is challenging, maintaining balance is possible with effective time management and organization. Neal said she is able to stay involved on campus while keeping up with her academic responsibilities.
“I think that it is very easy to have a balanced life as a nursing student,” said Neal. “I am involved in several things and still have time for my friends and myself.”
Neal said breaking up assignments and studying into smaller chunks has helped her manage her workload and avoid feeling overwhelmed as the semester progresses. Planning ahead allows her to stay organized.
Neal said the nursing program stands out for its early clinical exposure and advanced simulation labs, which allow students to practice skills in realistic environments before applying them in clinical settings. She said these experiences help students feel more confident and prepared.
“One of the things that drew me to the school was the labs and how realistic they look,” said Neal.
Although the coursework can be challenging, Neal said the experience has been rewarding and has helped her grow both academically and personally as she prepares for a future career in nursing.
“Even though the classes can be rigorous, they have prepped me well and taught me a lot,” said Neal.
For students considering nursing, Neal emphasized the importance of staying positive and focused throughout the program, even during stressful moments.
“It is important to celebrate the small things as a reminder that you are making it and that it will be okay,” said Neal.
