BEND, Ore.

Licensed registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing can now take their courses in Bend, thanks to a new partnership between St. Charles Medical Center and the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing.

Whether a nurse has recently completed an associate degree in nursing or has been a nurse for several years, the opportunity now exists to complete a bachelor of science degree in nursing in Central Oregon, rather than commuting to one of OHSU's four campuses throughout Oregon. The first of 11 courses will be offered at St. Charles Medical Center Feb. 2, 3, 23 and 24.

"Nurses make a difference in the quality and outcomes of patient care," said Nancy Moore, R.N., Ph.D., vice president, Clinical and Healing Services for St. Charles. "Because St. Charles is committed to the growth and development of its nursing staff, we are pleased to announce a partnership with the OHSU School of Nursing to bring on-site access to support nurses in achieving their bachelor of science."

A drop-in information session will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 12:30-4 p.m. in the Center for Health and Learning at St. Charles, conference room C. Catherine Salveson, R.N., Ph.D, director, Statewide R.N./B.S. Program for OHSU, will be available to answer questions about the Bend-based program.

Application materials and information are available on the OHSU School of Nursing Web site: www.ohsu.edu/son. Application materials can also be requested by calling 503 494-7725.