In response to the increasing complexity in the health care system, and the increased responsibilities this places on nurses, Rush University College of Nursing discontinued the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2009 and began offering a generalist entry master's (GEM) program, one of three in the city of Chicago to offer such a degree. This program is for students who already have a bachelor's degree in an area other than nursing. The focus of the program is the education of clinician leaders who are able to combine knowledge of systems and nursing care, the ability to build and manage teams, and apply evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.