The first Accelerated Master of Nursing students at MSU-Meridian receive hands-on basic life support training during orientation

Meridian, Mississippi—Mississippi State University-Meridian’s first-ever Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing group completed their foundational course this week, marking the beginning of their nursing education journey.

The foundational course included basic life support training as part of a comprehensive orientation that commenced on Aug. 5, marking the start of the enrollment of 36 students in the demanding School of Nursing program designed to prepare them for RN licensure within a 12-month period.

Students were taught both in-hospital and out-of-hospital CPR, focusing on individual and multi-rescuer approaches. Additionally, they learned the proper use of automated external defibrillators and the technique of rescue breathing.

“I present them with scenarios based on personal experiences and highlight the emotional aspect in those situations,” explained Sandra Culpepper, the BLS instructor.

She emphasized the physical readiness required to provide prolonged basic life support and illustrated real-life scenarios where students may need to perform life-saving interventions.

“The longest instance I had lasted over an hour,” she shared with the students. “My intention is not to frighten you, but to ensure you are prepared.”

Kayla Carr, the AMSN program director, emphasized that BLS education serves as the cornerstone of nursing training, laying the groundwork for further education in the field.

“When they are in clinical settings, they will be equipped to respond to emergencies involving anyone in the vicinity, whether it’s a passerby, a visitor, a peer, or a patient. They will be ready to act, and we will build on this foundation every week,” Carr stated.

The students will also benefit from MSU-Meridian’s new Interprofessional Simulation Program, featuring multiple clinical exam rooms, medical surgical rooms, computer-learning stations, and specialized prebriefing and debriefing areas with advanced recording capabilities.

The MSU School of Nursing gained approval from the Board of Trustees of the State of Institutions of Higher Learning in May, addressing Mississippi’s critical healthcare personnel shortages through educational expansion.

Progress towards national accreditation will continue in the coming months, with plans to expand the program to accommodate a larger cohort of up to 60 students.

For further details on MSU-Meridian’s Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program, please contact 601-696-2277 or visit nursing.msstate.edu. MSU-Meridian information is accessible online at meridian.msstate.edu.