Recently, Dr. Nakiya Torres DNP, MSN-ED, RN has been named as Nursing Program Director for Elizabethtown College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) RN to BSN program. 

“It’s an honor to lead Elizabethtown College’s innovative RN to BSN program, which offers practicing nurses a flexible program to move at their own pace within a student-focused learning environment made up of dedicated faculty and advisors,”  Dr. Torres said. “My vision is that Etown continues to prepare nurses that lead the way in improving quality of care and clinical outcomes while serving as mentors and role models for all.”

Dr. Nakiya Torres, Nursing Program Director for Elizabethtown College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) RN to BSN program.

Torres is tasked with leading Etown’s nationally accredited program from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which was launched in the fall of 2020 to address a nationwide nursing shortage. According to the American Nurses Association, in 2022, there are far more registered nurse jobs available than any other profession, at more than 100,000 jobs per year.

“The BSN degree is an integral part of the evolution of nursing,” Dr. Torres said. “This program prepares nurses to expand their knowledge base by embracing theory, evidence-based practice, research, critical thinking, and leadership.”

The 100 percent online program offers flexible step-in, and step-out options to meet the needs of practicing nurses. ​​

Dr. Torres led a front-line team during the Covid-19 pandemic and managed a Covid decompression field facility, while also providing hands-on clinical training and contributing to educational efforts. She played a crucial role in enhancing nursing skills and competency during this historic time.

A Registered Nurse, Dr. Torres holds a baccalaureate degree in nursing, a master’s degree in nursing education from Chamberlain University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Grand Canyon University. With a passion for teaching, Dr. Torres has served as a faculty member in various nursing programs and has taught diverse health courses and settings, including mentoring on nursing mentor committees.

About Etown’s RN to BSN Program
Nationally, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is becoming the standard entry-level degree for registered nurses. Etown’s program, designed for licensed registered nurses with an associate degree or nursing diploma (ADN), advances the skills and knowledge of professionals within the high-demand nursing field through interactive and engaging courses taught by highly-trained professionals.

Key differentiators for Etown’s RN to BSN Program include:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) creates a pathway for nontraditional students to accelerate their academic progress by earning credits for previous work and life experience.
  • Dedicated faculty and advisors who take a student-focused approach
  • An education that aligns with Etown’s Educate for Service mission.

Etown SGPS will hold several upcoming virtual information sessions where participants can speak with admissions counselors to discover more about the program.