Notes From the Acting Dean

This past year has been a busy one for faculty and staff as we continued to implement our revised curriculum while phasing out the current one. Throughout this transition, our faculty have worked very hard, demonstrating their commitment to the professional development of our students. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, nurses will witness the transformation of our healthcare system as models are developed to assure health, quality of care and cost control. In response to these changes, the roles of nurses will continue to evolve, which means that nursing curricula will too!

One of the key strengths of our program is the close relationships between faculty and students. Students seek out faculty beyond the classroom, lab and clinicals to talk about their future plans: where to practice, and which residency programs or graduate schools to consider. We often hear from graduates with updates on passing the NCLEX-RN exam, getting a new position in nursing, or pursuing graduate work. We receive letters and messages in which they share important experiences or moments of insight into their professional practice. These are often warm, moving stories that describe the differences they have made in the lives of their clients.

The School of Nursing recently joined a national initiative called Joining Forces, launched by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. Part of that initiative focuses on the healthcare of our veterans and their families. In response, our School of Nursing Curriculum Committee has been reviewing how best to integrate concepts related to this population as we participate in this effort.  

Summer term is busy with student activities, seniors preparing for late summer graduation, and faculty and staff continuing preparations for accreditation site visits in October 2013. It is exciting and fulfilling to prepare our students for the challenges they will encounter in the ever changing, dynamic profession of nursing.

Pam Wheeler, Ph.D., RN
Acting Dean of Nursing