Universidad de Sta Isabel

The '''Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI)''' is a private Catholic Vincentian university owned and run by the Daughters of Charity in Naga City, Philippines. It was established by the first five Daughters of Charity that arrived in the country (Philippines) in January 1868 with Bishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Francisco Gainza, O.P., the founder of Colegio de Sta. Isabel(1867) through the royal order of Queen Isabella II of Spain.

On April 12 1869, the school was inaugurated. Colegio de Sta. Isabel became the first normal school for women in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Formerly Colegio de Sta. Isabel, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel achieved its university status in August 2001.

Campus
The main campus of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel is located at Elias Angeles Street, Naga City. Its annex campus is located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City

USI College of Nursing
The most dominantly populated college of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel is the College of Nursing. It consists of more than 1,500 students.

The USI is widely known that it is the best nursing school in the Bicol Region. It produces the most number of board passers per examination, defeating the Bicol University, Naga College Foundation, Ago Foundation, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges – Nabua, and other newly founded nursing colleges.

History
The College of Nursing was formally opened through years 1966 – 1968 with twenty seven (27) pre-nursing students, under the leadership of then college dean, Sr. Ricarda Mendoza, DC.

As a special feature of USI’s Centennial Celebration, the first capping ceremony was held on September 11, 1969. Sr. Imelda Espiritu was then Sister Superior. The Mother Seton Hospital became USI’s base hospital, under the directorship of Sr. Paula Vargas, DC. The first three full-time Clinical Instructors (CI’s) were Mrs. Josefina Salvador, Mrs. Ofelia Magsalin, and Miss Monica Mangubat.

Curriculum
To graduate from the college of nursing, one has to study at USI for four (4) years. At the second year, one already experiences to affiliate with Mother Seton Hospital and community health centers. Like most Catholic Schools, every USI student nurse is required to take Religious Education subjects every semester. One is also required to complete Eight (8) SOOR (Social Orientation) subjects.

Before one reaches the 3rd year of student nursing, the student nurse undergoes the Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremonies. The candidates of BSN Batch 2008 participated in the 40th Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremonies during May 2006. Batch 2008 is also dubbed as the Ruby Batch for being the 40th batch to be capped.

Presently, 3rd year students have their classes at the Annex Campus of the university, which is located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City.

Manila Summer Affiliation
Affiliations with Manila hospitals began in 1970 and included the UST Hospital, ABM Sison Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, and the National Orthopedic Hospital. Presently, USI expanded to accommodate the expanding clientele. The university affiliates with the UST Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, National Orthopedic Hospital, National Center for Mental Health, San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation Hospital, Don Jose Fabella Hospital and Hospicio de San Jose.

After a student nurse’s third year of student nursing, he/she is required to participate in the Manila Summer Affiliation before he/she enters the 4th and last year of student nursing.

During Manila Affiliations, the student nurses and their CI’s avail the services of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Student Catholic Center for board and lodging. It is located at Legarda, Sampaloc, Manila.

Performance at the Local Nursing Licensure Examinations
During the past, there was a long record of 100% passing rate in the Local Nursing Licensure Examinations. There were several years with board topnotchers. The latest board topnotcher is Emmie Aslor Villamer, who became the tenth placer during the June 2006 examinations.

Unfortunately, the passing rate during the June 2006 examinations was 43%. The December 2006 passing rate increased to 62%. Students of Batch 2008 are determined to increase it dramatically to 80%

Dean Leadership
Since 2000, there have been four deans who led the college of nursing, namely: Elizabeth S. Azutillo, RN, MAN, MSN; Dr. Wilhelmina Z. Atos, RN, MAN, PhD; Sr. Editha A. Bagayaua, DC, RN, MAN; and presently, Claudette C. Estrada, RN, MAN.

Graduate Programs
Doctor of Philosophy major in Human Development Management Master of Arts in Education major in Administration and Supervision, Guidance and Counseling Master of Arts in Nursing with specialization in Community Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing Master in Management Master of Science in Social Work

Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Bachelor of Science in Food Service & Institutional Management Bachelor of Arts major in: Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, English, Mass Communications, Political Science

Bachelor of Science major in: Biology, Human Ecology & Environmental Studies Bachelor of Science in Social Work Bachelor of Elementary Education Bachelor of Secondary Education Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Management Information System, Banking & Finance, Economics

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy Bachelor of Music major in Piano, Voice, Music Education Diploma Course in Applied Music

Two-year Courses
Computer Technology, Alternative Night College (Small and Medium Term Enterprise Management) Diploma Course: Caregiver Course

Special Programs
Call Center Training Program, Teacher Certificate Program