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Nursing Department

Two nursing students wearing white scrubs and stethoscopes smile at the camera.

Prepare for a career in nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree.

Our award-winning nursing programs at Westfield State University are thoughtfully crafted to align seamlessly with real-world practice, ensuring you are well-equipped with practical skills and knowledge. By bridging the gap between theory and application, our programs empower aspiring nurses to excel in dynamic healthcare environments after graduation.

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Academic Programs

Major

  • NCLEX license pass rates higher than national benchmark

  • Traveling clinical opportunities

  • Internships in high-level specialty areas

Learn from expert faculty practitioners.

Your success is a key component of the culture within the B.S.N. program and RN to B.S.N. program here at Westfield State University. Our highly dedicated team of faculty provides a learning environment that enables all nursing students to reach the finish line, graduate, and pass the licensing exam—even continuing to coach students after graduation. You’ll benefit from their extensive experience and expertise in a wide variety of specialties, including acute care, community and public health, harm reduction, medical-surgical nursing, neonatal, women’s health, and more.

Two nursing students receive instruction from their professor while working hands-on in the simulation lab.

Nursing mentorship and professional connections that help you thrive.

As a B.S.N. or RN to B.S.N. student at Westfield State University, you’ll receive dedicated academic support from both peers and practicing professional nurses. As an incoming nursing student, you’ll be paired with an upperclassman nursing mentor who will help you transition into the program, connect with other nursing students, and engage in activities on campus. We also provide career networking for employment opportunities, individualized coaching for academic success, and interprofessional engagement to help you prepare for success after graduation. 

Four nursing students wearing blue scrubs pose for a photo in front of Westfield State University’s globe statue.

Get student support from start to finish. 

Experience comprehensive support at the Center for Student Success and Engagement. Whether you’re navigating the college transition, seeking academic advice, honing study strategies, or accessing various resources, our dedicated programs are ready to assist you.

Nursing Department Links

Bring your studies to life though cutting-edge, hands-on learning and real-world experience.

The Nettie Stevens Science and Innovation Center Simulation Lab brings your nursing coursework to life. The Simulation Lab provides immersive education for both B.S.N. program and RN to B.S.N. program students and uses progressive hands-on teaching methods to replicate patient care situations, from nursing care procedures to crisis management.

You’ll also gain valuable hands-on experience through a clinical practicum in your area of focus. Our nursing department maintains teaching and clinical relationships with a wide variety of local clinics, neighborhood health centers, hospitals, schools, and home care agencies to meet your individual needs and interests.

A nursing student wears a virtual reality headset in the nursing simulation lab.

Clinical Experience in Nursing

Please visit the Nursing Department Directory to discover more about our faculty and staff.

  • Headshot of Kate Crowley
    Kate Crowley, M.Ed., B.S.N., RN

    Assistant Director, Practice Placements

    Crowley began her nursing career working in an Emergency Department before moving into infusion nursing and home care. She now specializes in infusion and vascular access. 

  • Joan Kuhnly Headshot
    Joan Esper Kuhnly, D.N.P., NNP-BC, APRN, IBCLC, CNE

    Professor

    Kuhnly, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner/APRN and certified lactation consultant, specializes in Maternal Newborn and women’s health. Her research includes perinatal topics, breastfeeding, empathy, and nursing education.

  • Sherri (L) Fitzgerald
    Sherri Fitzgerald, D.N.P., M.S.N.-Ed., RN

    Assistant Professor

    With over 18 years of nursing experience, Fitzgerald holds five nursing degrees from LPN to DNP, and is a Westfield RN to BSN alumna. She specializes in psychiatric and mental health nursing.

  • Jessica Holden Headshot
    Jessica Holden, D.N.P., RN, NPD-BC

    Executive Director of Nursing & Allied Health, Associate Professor

    Holden specializes as a harm reduction nurse, focusing on marginalized groups with healthcare barriers, and conducts street outreach. Certified in Nursing Professional Development, she has contributed to workforce development for 25 years.

  • Jennifer Pappas
    Jennifer Pappas, D.N.P., RN-BC

    Assistant Professor

    Pappas has a background in acute care, community, and public health nursing. Her research relates to population health, and she has assisted students with projects tied to workforce development, medication compliance, rural health, and more. 

  • Jean Prast Headshot
    Jean Prast, MSNed, RN, CHSE

    Associate Director, Simulation Lab Manager

    Prast is the Simulation Lab Manager at Westfield State University. Her clinical expertise is in the care of adults in acute care. She is creative and passionate about using simulation to improve clinical care competence of nursing students.

  • Jamie Rivera Headshot
    Jamie Rivera, Ph.D., RN, CPN

    Department Chair & Associate Professor

    Specializing in pediatrics, Rivera currently works as a nurse in a pediatric emergency department and urgent care. She holds multiple certifications relating to pediatrics advanced life support, pediatric emergency care, and trauma.

  • Marcia Scanlon headshot.
    Marcia Scanlon, D.N.P.

    Professor

    Scanlon’s nursing background and expertise is medical-surgical nursing as an educator, manager, and clinical nurse specialist for acute care, cardiac, stepdown, and trauma units. She holds several advanced degrees and professional memberships. Scanlon also has a strong interest in global travel with students.

  • Sue Scott Headshot
    Sue Scott, Ph.D., RN, CCRN

    Associate Professor 

    With over four decades of acute care nursing experience, Scott specializes in critical care. Her research focuses on patient safety, transfusions, and titration of vasoactive medications. She also mentors students in research, particularly on transfusion safety.

Contact Us

Please reach out with any questions you have about the Nursing Department. We are happy to connect with you one-on-one.

Jamie Rivera, Ph.D., RN, CPN, Chair of the Nursing Department at Westfield State University, smiles while posing for a professional photo.

Contact us

Jamie Rivera, Ph.D., RN, CPN
Chair – Nursing Department 
Wilson Hall 216

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Nursing Department