Deborah Zbegner

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Deborah A. Zbegner
Dean, Passan School of Nursing
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PhD, CRNP, WHNP-BC, RNC-REI
Dean, Passan School of Nursing
What does it take to be a good nurse and how does Wilkes University prepare you to be one? Deborah Zbegner, Dean of the Passan School of Nursing, recently shared her advice and experiences as a nurse practitioner.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a nurse?

This is a wonderful time to enter nursing, because there are shortages in just about every state. New nurses can enter this discipline and have a successful career. You don’t see that in every profession.
Nursing is a career that is rewarding. It is exhilarating. You will flourish, and you can grow. It’s also very rigorous. It requires intellect, emotional stability, flexibility and adaptability. Not everyone can do all those things.


You’ve been a nurse practitioner for more than 30 years. Can you share what your experience has been like?

I can remember back when I was 22 and a brand-new RN on an overflow oncology floor. I can remember my very first breast cancer patient and the hours that I spent with that family. It doesn't go away.

You will remember those people who you took care of intimately. I don't care what discipline you're in or what specialty, you will always know that you made a difference. It also makes you appreciate your own life and to be grateful for what you have. When you leave that floor and you have witnessed such suffering, or that you made someone's day by just being with them, it means the world.

What makes the Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing unique? Why should students come here?

It's small, it's intimate, and you may not find that at larger institutions.
Plus, the faculty truly care for you here. It is a collaborative partnership, between you and us, to get the best for you. Our responsibility is to educate you so that you are safe, effective, and able to care for those people you encounter. 

More About Wilkes

At Wilkes, we support and applaud lifelong learning. We are constantly changing, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our online student nurses. We look ahead to the degree programs, experiences and opportunities our students will need to succeed, and that includes complimentary nursing clinical placement services.

Our online nursing programs offer a variety of options for working nurses. Whether you're looking to advance your current role or broaden your career path and pursue a new specialty, Wilkes has a flexible program for you. Going back to school is a big decision. That's why we offer the mentoring and faculty member support of skilled nurse educators you need to succeed.

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Out-of-State Students

Our online nursing degree programs prepare graduates to take the national board certification exam appropriate to their degree or chosen NP concentration. ABSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Please see our full list of state authorizations to determine whether our program fulfills requirements for licensure in your home state. For the online ABSN program, your primary state of residence must be PA. Wilkes University will not be able to place any students who move to an unauthorized state before or during the program and this may impact your ability to continue with the program.

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