University of Turabo Sign Agreement with IUON

UNIVERISTY OF TURABO SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NURSING ST. KITTS-NEVIS TO CREATE A BILINGUAL NURSING PROGRAM TO COMBAT NURSING SHORTAGE

Caguas, Puerto Rico, September 21, 2007 –The University of Turabo, School of Health Professions (UOT) and the Robert Ross International University of Nursing (IUON) St. Kitts-Nevis have joined forces and signed an agreement aimed at putting more nurses to work who are bilingual practitioners. The signing took place on Friday, September 21st at the UOT Campus.

Under the agreement, students enrolled in IUON's Bachelor's of Science (BSN) four-year program will attend IUON in the Caribbean during the first three years, and then transfer to UOT's nursing program to complete the senior year degree requirements. After successful completion of the program, students will receive a BSN degree from UOT and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination to become a registered nurse. The unique approach to this program is the bilingual component which is begun in coursework at the St. Kitts campus and continues at UOT. All of the courses at UOT will be taught in English with the exception of the Spanish language courses. Students will be placed in clinical facilities throughout Puerto Rico and provide care for both English and Spanish speaking patients and their families. 

Warren Ross, Esq., IUON's President and Dr. Charlene Connolly, Executive Vice President, IUON, attended the signing ceremony along with Dr. Dennis Alicea, Chancellor, UOT and Dr. Maria Rosa, Dean, School of Health Sciences, UOT among other UOT staff.

"The opportunity to become a bilingual practitioner in today's world is a component of significant value as the need for "global nursing" grows right here in the U.S," Dr. Connolly said. Dr. Alicea commented on the value of bringing IUON students to UOC which would help students there improve their English skills as well.

Warren Ross said. "Upon graduation from this special program, nursing students will receive two degrees – one from UOT and the other from IUON. After passing the NCLEX-RN examination, these graduates will be able to practice at any medical facility throughout the US making approximate salaries of $65,000 per year, plus bonuses."

IUON opened its doors in May of 2005 in an effort to help with the nursing shortage in the United States.