Called to Care: DBU Pre-Nursing Program Celebrates Partnership with Baylor

"Learn, Lead, and Serve." The mission of the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing program aligns perfectly with DBU's commitment to professional education, leadership development, and callings of human service. Since the articulation agreement was established in the fall semester of 2012 with only five enrolled, DBU's pre-nursing program, which prepares students for admittance into the LHSON, has steadily grown to now serve approximately 100 students. This past spring 14 students advanced to the LHSON, and this summer another 40 incoming freshmen will begin the program at DBU.

Under the articulation agreement, the School of Nursing reserves up to 30 preferential spots for DBU transfer students each spring semester who have completed over 60 hours of prerequisite courses and have achieved adequate performance on the HESI entrance exam. After admission into the LHSON, students complete their junior and senior years in downtown Dallas near Baylor University Medical Center to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While attending the LHSON, they are considered Baylor students but have the option to remain in DBU housing and commute.

"I cannot think of a career that better exemplifies servant leadership than nursing," said Dr. Mark Bloom, DBU Professor of Biology, who serves as the program's director and advisor. "When I look at the Divine Servant statue on DBU's campus and also at the entrance to the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, I am acutely aware that nurses actually wash their patients' feet--just like Christ did."

A current student in the program, Helen Schlenker, knew from a young age that she wanted to go into the medical field after spending time abroad on mission trips and having two brothers with Type 1 Diabetes. "When looking at colleges, I was interested in DBU, and when I heard about the nursing partnership, I was sold," she explained. "As I prepare to enter into the professional world, I am confident that I will be successful at finding a job due to how I have been equipped."

In particular, Helen is grateful for the personal time and investment that Dr. Bloom made to her overall success. "Dr. Bloom is an incredible director for the pre-nursing program. As his student, it does not take long to see that his position is more than a job to him--it is a true passion. He worked with me, made me feel heard, and sought my success more than any professor or teacher I have ever had."

Emily Warren graduated from the LHSON in 2017 and since then has been serving as an E.R. nurse at Baylor Scott & White in Waxahachie. She was called to pursue a career in nursing after realizing that caring for people's physical healing in their most vulnerable moments can provide special opportunities to share about the peace that comes through a relationship with God. "DBU's pre-nursing program prepared me for nursing school while also instilling and growing Christ's values and heart of compassion and servanthood in me," Emily shared. "Dr. Bloom consistently pointed us back to Christ through prayer and Scripture. The DBU pre-nursing program changed my life and made me a better nurse."

"Nurses care for people when they are experiencing some of the most emotional moments in their lives, both happy and devastatingly sad," said Dr. Bloom regarding the important emphasis the program places on holistic care, tending not only to the hourly physical needs of patients but to their emotional and spiritual needs as well.

"It is at times like these when nurses can minister to people physically as well as spiritually. Nurses who have been taught and trained in the Christ-centered way of DBU and Baylor LHSON are truly prepared to work wonders for the Kingdom."