Dean's Blog

Graduate Programs Still Accepting Applications!

2011-11-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

The following graduate programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions are still accepting applications:

The Master of Public Health program, starting January 24, 2012

The Clinical Nurse Leader program, starting January 24, 2012, at the Sacramento campus

The Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice program, starting February 29, 2012.

Please contact our recruiter, Rob Horgan, if you have any questions about submitting an application.

ELDNP Students Receive Grant Funding for Program Proposals

2011-11-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Mary Lynne Knighten's proposal to support smoking cessation programs will be funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Jian Zhang's Hepatitis B program will be funded funded by Gilead Science.

Congratulations to Mary Lynne and Jian!

SF Health Director Applauds USF’s Move to Train Health Professionals

2011-11-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

The University of San Francisco’s new master of public health (MPH) program received a ringing endorsement recently from Barbara Garcia, San Francisco’s public health director, who called the program a much-needed training ground for the next generation of public health leaders.
Read more...

TONIGHT, 10/19 -- Liberation Health with Barbara Garcia

2011-10-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Liberation Health, the University of San Francisco's School of Nursing and Health Profession's inaugural event in celebration of the university's new Master of Public Health Program.

Following a reception, Barbara A. Garcia, M.P.A., San Francisco's Director of Health, will be the featured guest for a provocative talk on the state of public health in the Bay Area. She will speak about trends and challenges in urban healthcare, followed by Q and A with the audience. This exciting, interdisciplinary event marks the launch of the new Master of Public Health program, designed to prepare the next generation of global health managers, public health practitioners, and leaders in health promotion and education.

The event is from 5:00-7:00pm
Lone Mountain Room 100, USF Lone Mountain Campus--2800 Turk Blvd
RSVP to Christina Tai, 415-422-6681 or tai@usfca.edu
Parking will be available at the Koret Center at Turk and Parker Streets

SONHP is the Answer, #9

2011-09-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Which School of Nursing and Health Professions has a student who received a "2011 Heroes in Healthcare" award?

You bet -- The USF School of Nursing and Health Professions!

We are very pleased and proud that one of the 2011 "Heroes in Healthcare" for Fresno, California is DNP student and USF faculty member Debbie Zamora!

Please see heroesinhealthcare.com for the announcement.

$1.7 million Research Grant Goes to School of Nursing

2011-09-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to share that Dr. Judith Lambton and her team in the School of Nursing and Health Professions have received $1.7 million from a US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity grant to help build a simulation research lab for the School of Nursing. The new state-of-the-art lab will engage in research to determine how best to teach nursing students to improve patient safety and avoid medical error by using sophisticated clinical learning equipment. Nursing faculty will research which simulation strategies can be adapted across disciplines that share high-stakes error consequences. The research design of this three year grant includes both assessment and training and will allow faculty to measure the cognitive and affective levels of the students’ ability.

School of Nursing Adds Health Professions

2011-09-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

The University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing has changed its name to the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

The name change reflects the college’s recent expansion to include a master of public health (MPH) degree beginning this fall.

The MPH program is expected to draw recent graduates and professionals interested in careers in fields such as health promotion, community organizing, and healthy lifestyle leadership, allowing them to choose an emphasis in community health, global health, or health promotion education.

“Advancing health professions programming at USF has become a university priority,” said Judith Karshmer, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Read more...

Master of Public Health Degree

2011-09-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

The School of Nursing at the University of San Francisco is set to launch a Master of Public Health degree beginning in fall 2011.

Students will study epidemiology, biostatistics, public health care leadership and administration, social science applications to behavioral health, and environmental health considerations.

“We want to provide an advanced degree option to those who are interested in the health care field but do not want to seek a licensed degree,” said Kia James, program director and assistant professor of nursing at USF.

As the U.S. moves to rein in health care costs and deliver health care to more people through preventative medicine, the School of Nursing’s MPH degree will prepare students to move into this expanding field, working closely with communities.

Read more...

The SON Guatemala Women's Health Project

2011-08-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

USF Guatemala Immersion Project from carina johnson on Vimeo.

HRSA Funding Confirmed for 2011-12

2011-08-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

The USF School of Nursing has received $343,000 in funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services to be used as student funding for the 2011-2012 Academic Year. This represents a 15% increase from 2010-2011. Students will have access to this funding by filing their yearly financial aid application.

SON Dean Judith Karshmer to Lead the USF President's Commission on Health Professions Education

2011-08-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Building on current strength in the delivery of professional education in nursing, the commission will seek to expand the scope and depth of health professions education at the graduate level with a focus on emerging fields, high demand areas for national and global health priorities, and areas of practice that will link the educational endeavor to providing health-related services in innovative and sustainable patterns of outreach.

Potential outcomes may include increased collaboration between health-related programs, initiation of new health and human-services programs, development of strategic ties with external partners, and increased resources.

The Commission will meet four times, June, September, January, and March.
The final meeting (date TBD) will be a presentation of the commission’s recommendations and strategies for implementation to USF President Steven Privett, S.J

RN-to-MSN Launches in Sacramento and Online

2011-07-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

The School of Nursing’s popular RN-to-MSN program is expanding, this time to the University of San Francisco’s Sacramento regional campus.

The program, which has established itself at USF’s campuses in Cupertino, San Ramon, and Santa Rosa as well as with a cohort in Fresno as demand has grown in recent years, is now enrolling at USF’s campus in the heart of California’s capital city for January 2012.

Read more...

The Answer is the School of Nursing, #8

2011-06-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Which School of Nursing is one of only two selected as QSEN (Quality & Safety Education for Nurses) Exemplar School?

You guessed it -- the USF School of Nursing!

Based on the data provided on the QSEN Institute Annual Post Assessment, the University of San Francisco has been selected as a QSEN Exemplar for its implementation of the QSEN competencies into the curriculum. Out of 22 schools participating, only 2 were selected as exemplars.

This is wonderful news and indeed a deserved recognition of the great work
of our QSEN team and a way to affirm our commitment to continue to advance the QSEN priorities.

AACN's CNL Coach Meets with Bay Area CNOs at USF

2011-06-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Linda Rusch, MS, RN, is AACN’s new CNL Resource Coach who is available to help advance the CNL role at the local and national level. Linda can assist you in planning, in the communication-and-roll-out phase, and in the actual implementation of the CNL within the practice environment. She can also assist with financial justification, outcome measurement, and advise you on how to support the CNL over time. Linda has over 30 years experience in nursing administration and has served as the chief nursing officer (CNO) and vice president of patient care services at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. Because of her efforts, Hunterdon Medical Center was at the forefront of the CNL movement and employed the first group of graduates from the College of New Jersey’s CNL program. Linda has given countless presentations across the country on various nursing topics, including “Making the Business Case for the Clinical Nurse Leader” at the recent CNL Conference in Tucson, AZ.

4th Annual CNL Conference: An Implementation Toolkit for the CNL Role

2011-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

From June 10th - 11th, the University of San Francisco School of Nursing
will host the 4th annual CNL Conference: An Implementation Toolkit for the CNL Role. This year, USF will be joined by the Clinical Nurse Leader Association (CNLA) in
presenting a dynamic conference highlighting the impact of the role
as well as developing a toolkit for CNLs to use.

Our goal is to provide a working toolkit for implementing the CNL role.
The conference offers a platform for CNLs, managers, educators, and practice partners to share their successes, challenges, and outcomes of the CNL model. Articulate and knowledgeable individuals associated with the CNL role on a national level will be featured including: James Harris, Daniel O’Neal, Linda Rusch, and Mary Stachowiak.

For more information or to submit an abstract:
www.usfca.edu/nursing/cnl2011

Check out the University of San Francisco

2011-04-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

2011 Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP)

2011-03-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Health Resources and Services Administration is pleased to announce the opening of the 2011 Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP) application cycle. The application cycle opens today and will remain open until 5:00 pm May 6, 2011.

Visit the FLRP website (http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/Faculty/index.html) for more information and to begin the application process. If you have specific questions, please call us at 1-800-221-9393 or email CallCenter@hrsa.gov.

Faculty Loan Repayment Program
Bureau of Clinician Recruitment and Service
Health Resources and Services Administration
Rockville, MD

Master's Degree in Public Health Offered in Fall 2011

2011-02-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

The University of San Francisco is launching a new degree program which will combine our strength in health professions with our commitment to community with a new Master's degree program beginning in Fall 2011. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree will be housed in the School of Nursing and is designed to prepare graduates as leaders in public health practice.

Upon completion of the MPH program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Enhance health in human populations through organized community effort.

2. Identify and assess public health needs of populations with a focus on strategies and practices with a prevention orientation.

3. Utilize an ecological approach that recognizes the interactions and relationships among multiple determinants of health, including environmental conditions and locale.

4. Utilize epidemiology data to assess community needs and policy program implications, including distributions and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations, the characteristics and dynamics of human populations, the natural history of disease, and biologic and nutritional basis of health.

5. Demonstrate competence in collection, storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation of health data, design and analysis of health-related surveys and experiments.

6. Successfully plan, organize, manage and evaluate culturally competent public health programs including consideration of the policy and legal aspects that advance or inhibit effective implementation.

7. Utilize knowledge and skill from the social and behavioral sciences to identify and create solutions to public health problems and propose and address research questions.

8. Employ effective problem-solving skills, interprofesssional communication and collaboration in public health practice.

9. Develop and evaluate effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in public health practice, advancing information technology, and conducting public health research.

10. Develop leadership, career, and professional development skills in order to promote lifelong learning.

11. Focus on the global and locale factors impacting public health of communities and demonstrate cultural competence as a practitioner.

12. Advance the mission and core values of the University of San Francisco.

Applications will be accepted from March 1 until June 15. Apply here!

The Answer is the School of Nursing, #7

2011-02-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

Which School of Nursing has launched the first executive-level Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the United States? That's right, the USF School of Nursing!

The ELDNP program is a dynamic and engaging 6-semester academic exploration that prepares the nurse executive for the multiple dimensions of administrative responsibilities within varied healthcare environments. Content is structured in an innovative hybrid format, integrating the best practices of classroom and computer-assisted instruction.

This program is designed specifically for current nurse executives at the division level or above with supervisory oversight of a group of essential services or functions. This degree extends and enhances the knowledge, skill and performance of these healthcare system leaders in a wide variety of clinical and administrative environments. The curriculum for executive leadership is based on the AACN Essentials for DNP, in addition to the AONE core competencies for nursing executives. The curriculum also conforms to the standards and expectations set forward by Council on Graduate Education for Administrative Nursing (CGEAN), the American Nurses Association, and the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Health Leadership Competency Model.

Effective executive practice requires substantial knowledge of business, finance, labor relations, strategic leadership, organizational development, and healthcare policy, and the ELDNP is an advanced-level practice degree that emphasizes application of research to clinical nursing practice at the highest administrative levels.

The second cohort of the ELDNP program will begin in January 2012. Applications will be collected in Fall 2011.

GOT LOANS??? $4 million available for loan repayment

2011-01-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

The California State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) has approximately $4 million to award in 2011 for loan repayment of outstanding government and commercial loans for expenses incurred during undergraduate or graduate education! Up to $100,000 in funding available for primary healthcare providers who commit to a three-year service obligation at a public or private non-profit medical facility that is located in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Each facility is required to pay a matching grant, meaning that up to $50,000 is paid by the State, and up to $50,000 is paid by the facility.

In order to participate, you must be providing full-time direct patient care in a medical facility. Full-time, except for Ob/Gyn, is defined as 40 hours per week. Qualifying licensed, non-residency, primary care health professionals in following disciplines only may apply:
· Allopathic or Osteopathic Physicians specializing in Family Medicine, General Pediatrics, General Internal Medicine, General Psychiatry, Gerontology, or Obstetrics and Gynecology
· Primary Care Nurse Practitioners
· Primary Care Physician Assistants
· Certified Nurse Mid-Wives
· Dentists
· Dental Hygienists
· Licensed Mental or Behavioral Health Professionals: Clinical or Counseling Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, or Psychiatric Nurse Specialists
A facility must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the SLRP:

• Be either publicly-funded or a private non-profit
• Be located in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area
• Facility Health Professional Shortage Area
• Be willing to match the state award
• Commit to a minimum of two years of employment for each provider
• Pay prevailing wages
• Direct patient care performed in an outpatient setting
• Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of California
• Be listed on or apply to be listed on the California SLRP Certified Eligible Site list

In order to get your facility on the Certified Eligible Site list, your facility will need to submit a Certified Eligible Site application every four years in order to participate in the SLRP. Each clinic must submit a separate application if they would like to employ SLRP providers, even if the clinic is part of a larger parent organization with an automatic designation. A list of the current eligible sites may also be found on the SLRP website and is sorted in three categories: primary care, mental and dental.

If your site is not on this list, it may still qualify if it is located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Please use the following steps to determine if your facility is located in a HPSA:
1) Find the census tract number. Visit http://www.ffiec.gov/Geocode/default.aspx and type in the street address and state and hit search. Write down the number in the "Tract Code" box; this is your census tract (CT) number.
2) Visit http://hpsafind.hrsa.gov/ to see if your census tract is listed on the HPSA Web site. Using the "Advanced Search..." in the right hand corner, select appropriate information for your State, County, and Discipline. Under Status, choose "Designated." When all information is entered, hit "Show me the HPSAs" and search for your CT or MSSA.

3) If you do not see if your site’s census tract number listed, also check to see if the site itself is listed as a HPSA.
The application cycle opened on January 7, 2011 and will be open continuously until funds are expended. Contracts will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that you can only commit to one service obligation at a time and must complete any existing service obligations prior to accepting a new contract for this program. You may find additional program information at: http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/HWDD/SLRP.html . Please review the website and online application.

Graduate Admissions Decisions Update

2010-11-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

After receiving a record number of applications this semester across all graduate programs, the review committees are busy reading and discussing the applications. The schedule for decisions is as follows:

All MSN decisions will be made by December 1.
Traditional DNP decisions will be made by December 8.
Executive DNP decisions will be made on December 20.

We know how hard the waiting is! Hang in there!

EL-DNP program starts February 2011!

2010-10-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Looking to enhance your leadership skills without pausing your career? Want to learn alongside other nurse executives in a challenging and innovative environment? If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to the inaugural cohort of the Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice (EL-DNP).

This dynamic six-semester doctoral program enhances the skill, knowledge, and performance of current healthcare systems leaders. The EL-DNP is an advanced-level practice degree that emphasizes application of research to clinical nursing practice at the highest administrative levels.

Our program provides hassle-free accommodations during teaching intensives. We know that our executive students lead very busy lives. So we’ve included a hotel guest room, most meals, books, and transportation from the hotel to the USF campus into the program cost. Be a part of a groundbreaking program, and apply today!

Nursing in the Jesuit Tradition

2010-10-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

University of San Francisco (USF) freshman Tom* used to cross the street to avoid homeless people. That was before he started the school’s nursing program, which made him realize he never considered what circumstances brought them to be homeless in the first place, such as substance abuse or a mental illness.

Another freshman nursing student, Michelle, says that her nursing class opened her eyes to the plight of women in Africa and India, many of whom have little to no access to health care. Before she started the program, Michelle says, she wasn’t even aware of the issue, and now she is considering volunteering in Africa or India as part of her class work.

Both Tom and Michelle are part of an innovative new program at USF’s School of Nursing called Nursing in the Jesuit Tradition.

Read the full article...

Chronic Depression Skills Workshop

2010-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Are you or your staff frustrated working with depressed clients? Chronic Depression is a difficult, and often frustrating, treatment-resistant disorder that challenges the skills of many nurses and mental health providers.

Join us for a one day Chronic Depression Skills Workshop.
Registration Form

The workshop will introduce an evidence-based approach to the management of individuals with chronic depression and will focus on strategies to identify clients and apply innovative, evidence-based tools, in order to more effectively manage these challenging clients.

Learn real skills for real problems and earn CEU credits while learning to apply practical strategies to manage chronically depressed clients!

When: Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 (8:15 AM-5:00 PM)

Where: Cowell Hall rooms 211, 212, University of San Francisco, School of Nursing, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Cost: $40 (advance, lunch included), $45 (day of event, if space available)

CEUs: 8 contact hours will be awarded to nurses (CA-BRN). Course meets the qualifications for 7 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Science. A brief 2 week follow-up survey must be completed to receive the CEUs (an active and current email and professional license # is also required with registration to obtain CE certificate).

The Answer is the School of Nursing, #6

2010-09-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Which group of students were diverted from their original program providing prenatal care to a disaster relief effort in Guatemala?

Could it be USF nursing students?? You bet!! Join us in congratulating our students who are being honored for their disaster relief efforts this past summer:

San Francisco County Heroes Breakfast
Join the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter and San Francisco County civic leaders in recognizing those in the community who have shown courage, dedication and character through acts of kindness and heroism. The San Francisco County Heroes Breakfast will be held on September. 23, 2010.

2010 community heroes:

Lifesaving Heroes
Paramedic Captains Bob Kuzman and Andy Zanoff, San Francisco Fire Department

Act of Courage Heroes, Individuals
Deputy Zaldy Ralleta, Deputy Robert Rood and Deputy Christopher Sheriff, San Francisco Sheriff's Department

Act of Courage Hero, Organization
USF School of Nursing Prenatal Care Program

Act of Kindness and Philanthropy Hero
Little Wishes

Public Safety Hero
Senior Deputy Fabian Brown, San Francisco Sheriff Department

Community Service Hero, Organization
Veterinary Street Outreach Services - Ilana Strubel, DVM

Animal Rescue Hero
Gabriel Johnson and Jennifer Tacy

Nursing Students Provide Disaster Assistance

2010-09-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

A University of San Francisco School of Nursing immersion trip to San Lucas Mission in Guatemala to provide prenatal care quickly became a disaster relief effort after Tropical Storm Agatha came ashore May 29, turning roads into rivers, causing landslides, and killing dozens.

Read the full article here...

USF Named by High School Counselors Among Top Health Science Schools

2010-08-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

No disrespect to Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, but you don’t need to attend a fabled Ivy to get a big-league education. PARADE asked top high school counselors across the nation to recommend outstanding schools that often fly under the radar.

Read the Full Article at Parade.com

Upcoming Orientations

2010-08-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! We are thrilled to welcome continuing students and faculty back to the foggy USF campus, and we extend a warm welcome to our new students.

New Undergraduate Student Orientation starts at move-in this weekend!

New MSN student orientation in Fresno is scheduled for August 17th at 5:30 pm.

New DNP student orientation is scheduled for August 20-21st.

New MSN student orientation in San Francisco is scheduled for August 24th at 3:00 pm.

New MSN student orientation is Santa Rosa is scheduled for August 24th at 3:00 pm.

Nursing in Belize

2010-08-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Project Learn Belize is excited to announce a new joint initiative with the School of Nursing at the University of San Francisco. The first phase of the SON Health Advocacy Program's participants traveled to Belize in May 2010, as part of a team to explore opportunities for ongoing collaboration between the community of Dangriga and the USF School of Nursing.

During this first trip, participants presented educational modules related to health and wellness to students, faculty, and families of Sacred Heart School in Dangriga. Outside of these presentations at the school, participants had several opportunities to engage in dialogue with health & civic leaders of the wider town community. As in all other ventures, reflective of its name, participants in programs sponsored by Project Learn Belize are exposed to, and hopefully transformed by, the realities of cultural diversity, tradition, and challenges of education, health, and governance in this developing country in the Caribbean Basin.

Contact Dr. Mary Lou De Natale for more information.

The Answer is the School of Nursing, #5

2010-07-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Which Bay Area nursing school is partnering with California Institute for Nursing & Healthcare to provide a program for newly licensed RNs who cannot find employment in our current economy? USF, of course.

New RNs are having a difficult time securing a job with the economic downturn. This new initiative at the USF SON gives new grads the opportunity to work as an RN to gain RN job experience. We start our first group on September 10th. RNs in the program will work as nurses with a preceptor in clinic and school settings with clinic and school nurses throughout the bay area. The RNs in the program will work
20 hours/week in the clinical agency and have 4 hours on Friday mornings at USF working on skills and simulation.

The is a processing fee of $30.00 for those who are accepted into the program. No other tuition or fees will be required. For more information about the program please visit our webpage New RN Transition Program for Professional Development.

Fresno Area Information Sessions

2010-07-20T07:30:00.001-07:00

School of Nursing staff will be in the Fresno area between July 19 and 22 for information meetings at various locations. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, please contact Megan McDrew.

Fall 2010 Graduate Admissions Update

2010-07-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2010 admissions committees are busy reviewing applications for the Fall 2010 Doctoral and Master's degree programs. We hope to decisions ready on or about July 19 for all applicants who applied by the priority deadline. Stay tuned!

Magnetism in Action: the 3rd Annual CNL Conference

2010-06-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

On June 18^th, 2010, the University of San Francisco School of Nursing will host its 3^rd annual Clinical Nurse Leader conference. Through the narratives of CNLs and managers alike, this conference will focus on Clinical Nurse Leader practice within the microsystem and the potential that the CNL role has for enhancing the journey toward achieving Magnet Recognition.

SON Dean Heads State Nursing Advocacy Association

2010-06-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Judith Karshmer, dean of the University of San Francisco School of Nursing, has been elected president of the California Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Karshmer took the helm in early May and will head the resurgent industry advocacy group for the next two years. After new leadership took over in 2008, CACN began to rebuild. Karshmer plans to continue that trend as the organization revamps its Web presence, grows its nursing and health care policy advocacy efforts, and develops strategies for improving four-year and advanced-degree education in nursing.

“My goal is to put in place processes to leverage CACN as the voice for baccalaureate and higher nursing education in California – that speaks to legislators, policymakers, and educational entities about how to advance nursing education and form a stronger collaboration with our colleagues in practice and nursing service,” Karshmer said.

Written by Edward Carpenter »usfnews@usfca.edu

CCNE Accreditation of DNP program

2010-05-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

We just received official word from CCNE that our DNP program received the
maximum 5 years accreditation allowed for a new program and that we had no
compliance concerns!

We are now able to boast that not only do we have the first DNP program in
California, but the first one accredited as well!  This is a wonderful reflection on the school, the faculty, staff and students, and on the university support that we receive for program development and pursuit of excellence.

Marjorie Godfrey, Keynote Speaker at the 3rd Annual CNL Conference

2010-05-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Marjorie M. Godfrey Instructor, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Director, The Clinical Microsystem Resource Group

Marjorie M. Godfrey, MS, RN is Instructor for The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire. Marjorie is a national leader of designing and implementing improvement strategies targeting the place where patients, families and care teams meet-the clinical microsystem. She leads as the Associate Director of Improvement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Improvement Leader with the Vermont Oxford Network.

Marjorie is Visiting Assistant Professor, Fairfield University School of Nursing in Fairfield, Connecticut for the 2008-2009 academic year. Her focus is in collaboration with Dean Novotny and the faculty to design and advance the graduate Clinical Nurse Leader program curriculum to include clinical microsystems, quality and safety in partnerships with local health care organizations to become the premier Clinical Nurse Leader program in the USA.

Marjorie has worked with health systems in the United States, Sweden, Canada, Norway, France, Kosovo, Tunisia, Chile and the United Kingdom. She collaborates with Qulturum in Jönköping, Sweden, senior leaders to support innovation and transformation of their health care system using clinical microsystem processes and frameworks. She co-leads the International Clinical Microsystem Network with Sweden.
Marjorie has consulted and collaborated with leading health care systems throughout the United States including Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Geisinger Health System, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Texas Health Resources, University California, Davis, and Exempla Health System in Denver, Colorado.

Marjorie is co-author of the textbook, Quality by Design, (Jossey-Bass) released March 2007, and the lead author and architect of the Clinical Microsystems "A Path to Healthcare Excellence" series. She is the developer of the Clinical Microsystem website, www.clinicalmicrosystem.org. Marjorie is currently collaborating with colleagues from The Dartmouth Institute writing a second clinical microsystem textbook scheduled for release in early 2010 (Jossey-Bass.)

Marjorie is a frequent contributor to improvement journals and presents widely nationally and internationally on microsystem fundamentals with a focus on development and advancement of front line staff and system outcomes. She is a member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement faculty and has advised improvement activities specific to Idealized Design of Clinical Office Practices. She is actively supporting the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Clinical Nurse Leader program through integration of clinical microsystem frameworks, quality and safety.

Marjorie has a M.S. from the Center for Evaluative Clinical Sciences at Dartmouth Medical School, B.S.N. from Vermont College of Norwich University, and a diploma in nursing from Concord Hospital School of Nursing. She currently is a PhD candidate at Jönköping University, in Jönköping, Sweden researching the impact of coaching interdisciplinary healthcare teams to achieve strategic improvement goals.

Her interests include supporting and coaching healthcare leaders and clinicians, interdisciplinary teams, and young professionals in discovering ideal care delivery systems utilizing clinical microsystem methods and tools that uncover systems and identify opportunities for improvement at the clinical microsystem level to the macro-organization level.

Marjorie will be speaking at our 3rd annual CNL Conference on June 18: Magnetism in Action. To register for the conference, click here.

Funding for FNP Students

2010-04-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Loan Repayment

Now Accepting Applications: $200 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will double the NHSC field strength this year.

Full-Time Service: Apply by July 29
Part-Time Service: Apply by May 25
Help with the Application Conference Call: May 20, 2:30 to 4:30 pm ET, 1-888-889-0974, passcode 8360318

The National Health Service Corps recruits primary care medical, dental and behavioral and mental health clinicians who are dedicated to providing care to the Nation's underserved people. In return, they can reduce or eliminate their health professions student debt by providing care at a National Health Service Corps-approved site.

The Full-Time Program starts with an initial award of $50,000 for 2 years of service. The new Half-Time Pilot Project starts with an initial award of $50,000 for 4 years of service. Participants may apply to extend their service until their debt is paid.

When you join the National Health Service Corps, you become part of a network of more than 10,000 dedicated clinicians and sites caring for the most medically underserved people in the U.S.

Am I Eligible?

U.S. citizen or national [+]
Trained and licensed in one of the following primary care disciplines:

Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic (DO) Physician [+]
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [+]
Certified Nurse-Midwife [+]
Primary Care Physician Assistant [+]
Dentist [+]
Dental Hygienist [+]
Health Service Psychologist [+]
Licensed Clinical Social Worker [+]
Psychiatric Nurse Specialist [+]
Marriage and Family Therapist [+]
Licensed Professional Counselor [+]

Working or applying to work at a site that is approved by or has applied to become approved by the NHSC
Unpaid government of commercial loans for school tuition, reasonable educational and living expenses that are not consolidated with non-educational debts

What is the Service Commitment?

NHSC loan repayors are committed to serve 2 years (full time) or 4 years (part time) at an approved site in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area.

You can apply if you are already working at an approved site or seeking employment at a site that is either approved or meets site eligibility requirements and plans to become approved by applying for Recruitment and Retention Assistance (for more information, see Communities).

Many types of health care facilities are approved NHSC sites. About half of NHSC clinicians fulfill their service commitment at federally-supported health centers. Health center clinicians can be granted medical malpractice liability protection through the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Other types of NHSC approved sites include rural health clinics, Indian Health Service clinics, public health department clinics, hospital-affiliated primary care practices, managed care networks, prisons, and U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement sites.

Loan repayors negotiate their salaries with the employing site.

Questions: CallCenter@hrsa.gov or 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910), Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), 9 am to 5:30 pm ET.

USF Haiti Teach-In on April 19

2010-04-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Complete Program: noon-7:00 pm in McLaren 250

12:00 – 12:05 p.m. Welcome, Dean Jeffrey S. Brand, USF School of Law

12:05 – 12:20 p.m. Welcome Address by USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J.
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. First-Hand Accounts

Walter Riley, civil rights attorney and chair of the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund
Doug Sovern, KCBS radio reporter
Judith Faustin-Gabriel, Novato-Horeb Haitian Seventh Day Adventist Church

1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Cultural, Political, Religious and Historical Context

Brian Concannon, director, Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti and chair, Lawyer's Earthquake Response Network
Pierre Labossiere, cofounder, Haiti Action Committee and boardmember, Haiti Emergency Relief Fund
James Taylor, professor of politics, University of San Francisco

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break & dessert refreshments
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. The Response
Medical

Dr. Barbara Newman, emergency medical physician
Jeanne Krafft, registered nurse and activist with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos
Enna Trevathan, professor, USF School of Nursing and nurse manager, VA Palo Alto Hospital
Especianise Loresca, Haitian medical student

Legal

Brian Concannon, director, Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti and chair, Lawyer's Earthquake Response Network
Margaret O’Shea, senior associate, DPK Consulting
Karen Musalo clinical professor and director of the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, UC Hastings College of the Law
Richard Boswell, professor and director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic, UC Hastings College of the Law
Holly Cooper, lecturer and associate director of the Immigration Law Clinic, UC Davis School of Law

Humanitarian Aid

Anne Bartlett, professor of sociology, University of San Francisco
Annie Blackstone, U.S. director, Sion Fonds, an NGO working in Haiti
Mariam Danielyan, USF law student
Pamela Keenan, resource development coordinator, What If? Foundation

4:30 - 4:45 p.m. Break
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Student Projects
School of Law

Anthony Phillips on Haiti's debt to France
David Smart on Haiti's onerous debt to international financial institutions
Jeff Kaloustian on economic and social rights of Haitians in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Dana Isaac on her experience preparing Temporary Protected Status immigration applications for Haitians during a spring break project in Miami

Undergraduate Students

Students Kalie Patterson, Anna Tull, Kelsey Jones, and Alia Al-Sharif on the Haiti relief bingo fundraiser, which raised $18,000 for relief efforts

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reception and music: Kalbass Kreeyol

HRSA Nursing Scholarship Program

2010-04-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Accepting applications until Thursday, May 6, 5 pm ET. Don't wait until the last minute to:

Read and save a copy of the Application and Program Guidance (PDF - 286 KB)
Submit your On-line Application
Download, complete and fax or mail your Supplemental Forms (PDF - 234 KB) and required documentation

Questions? CallCenter@hrsa.gov or 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910) weekdays (except Federal holidays) 9 am to 5 pm ET.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship, by the application due date all NSP applicants must be:
1. A U.S. citizen (either U.S. born or naturalized) or U.S. National; and Lawful Permanent Resident
2. Enrolled or accepted as full or part time student in a nursing degree program from one of the following:
  1. An associate degree school of nursing – A department, division, or other administrative unit in a junior college, community college, college, or university which provides primarily or exclusively a two-year program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to an associate degree in nursing or to an equivalent degree and is an accredited program;
  2. A collegiate school of nursing – A department, division, or other administrative unit in a college or university which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and related subjects leading to a degree of bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of nursing, graduate degree in nursing, or to an equivalent degree, and including advanced training related to such program of education provided by such school and is an accredited program; or
  3. A diploma school of nursing – A school affiliated with a hospital or university, or an independent school, which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to a diploma or to equivalent training and is an accredited program.
3. Individuals in a Reserve component of the Armed Forces or National Guard are eligible to participate in the NSP.
4. Attend a nursing school or program located in a State –
  The schools and educational programs for which scholarship support is requested must be in a State (includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Territory of Guam, the Territory of American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia). Students attending schools outside of these geographic areas are not eligible for Nursing Scholarships, even though they may be citizens of the United States.
5. Starting the nursing degree program on or before September 30, 2010.

You are ineligible if you:
1. Have any judgment liens against your property arising from a debt owed to the United Sates, and
2. Have a breach of a prior service obligation, or
3. Have judgment lien(s) arising from Federal debt, or
4. Are excluded, debarred, suspended, or disqualified by a Federal Agency.

PLEASE NOTE: Students enrolled in LPN programs, self-paced study programs (online), bridge programs or dual degree programs are not eligible for a scholarship award.

NSP applicants who have a history of not honoring prior legal obligations, as evidenced by one or more of the following factors, may not be selected:
1. Default on a prior service obligation to the Federal government, a State or local government, or other entity, even if the applicant subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary payment or other means;
2. Default on any Federal payment obligations (e.g., Health Education Assistance Loans, FHA Loans, Federal income tax liabilities, federally guaranteed/insured loans such as student or home mortgage loans, etc.) or non-Federal payment obligations (e.g., court-ordered child support payments); or
3. Write off of any Federal or non-Federal debt as uncollectible.

Please be advised that a credit and excluded parties list system check will be performed as part of the application process.

CNL Conference Registration Now Open

2010-04-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Developed in 2004, the Clinical Nurse Leader is emerging as one of the most influential roles in the nursing profession. Whether creating education tools to teach patients how to self-administer injections, improving discharge methods for patients, or streamlining bedside reporting during change of shift, the CNL is a transformational leader, a patient’s voice, and a revolutionary addition to the clinical care arena.

On June 18th, 2010, the University of San Francisco School of Nursing will host its 3rd annual Clinical Nurse Leader conference. This conference will focus on Clinical Nurse Leader practice within the microsystem and the potential that the CNL role has for enhancing the journey toward achieving Magnet Recognition through the narratives of CNLs and managers alike.

CNL Conference 2010 Registration Form (.pdf)

March 29 Crawford Lecture features Loretta Sweet Jemmott

2010-03-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD., RN, FAAN
University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott is the van Ameringen Professor in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Director of the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Pennsylvania - School of Nursing. Most recently, Dr. Jemmott received the Claire M. Fagin Distinguished Researcher Award.

She also holds secondary appointments in the University's School of Medicine and Graduate School of Education. In 2004, Dr. Jemmott was appointed Assistant Provost for Gender and Minority Equity Issues for the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jemmott has been involved in a number of research projects focusing on designing and testing culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and theory-based strategies to reduce HIV risk-associated sexual behaviors among African American, South African, and Latino youth and adults.

Dr. Jemmott has received many awards for her research and community efforts, including the Congressional Merit Recognition Award, The Red Ribbon Award for outstanding service in the field of HIV/AIDS, and the Governor of New Jersey's Nurse Merit Award in Advanced Nursing Practice. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, a member of the CDC's Division of HIV, STD & TB Advisory Council, and a member of the Institute of Medicine. Most recently Dr. Jemmott received the Sigma Theta Tau International Episteme Award and the Distinguished Daughter’s of Pennsylvania (Governor’s Award).

The Crawford Lecture is presented by the University of San Francisco School of Nursing in collaboration with the USF Alumni Association and the Beta Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

The Crawford Lecture was endowed in the memory of Geraldine Crawford to provide education for the community.

Contact the School of Nursing at (415) 422-3691, tai@usfca.edu for more information about the March 29 event and/or to be on the event's invite list.

2010 Faculty Loan Repayment Program Application Cycle

2010-03-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Health Resources and Services Administration announced the opening of the FY 2010 Faculty Loan Repayment Program Application Cycle on March 16, 2010. Applications will be accepted until 5 PM ET APRIL 22. If you know of a faculty member who is from a disadvantaged background, please forward this message.

The Faculty Loan Repayment Program is open to faculty members who are health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Individuals selected to participate in the program agree to serve on the faculty of an accredited health professions institution (college or university) for a minimum of two years. In exchange for that service, the Government pays up to $40,000 of the faculty’s student loans.

Please note this program, while open to individual nurse faculty, is not the Nurse Faculty Loan Program to which schools apply.

For more information about the program see:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Government/opps.htm

http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/faculty/

Summer 2010 Admissions Update

2010-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Applications to the School of Nursing Graduate Programs are up 30% from last year, with over 300 applications to our Master's degree programs beginning in May 2010. Our admissions team has been busily reviewing applications and will be meeting early next week to finalize admissions decisions.

If you have an application in the system, please expect communication from us regarding our decision toward the end of next week, on or around March 26.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Open House and Information Session!

2010-03-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Save the Date!

USF School of Nursing will host a Doctor of Nursing Practice Open House and Information Session on March 27, 2010. Please email Graduate Recruiter, Megan McDrew, for an invitation and to RSVP. Email: msmcdrew@usfca.edu.

The open house will be tentatively held in McLaren 251 from 11-2:00 pm. From 11-12 pm, interested students will have a chance to experience a DNP class taught by chair, Dr. Susan Prion. At 12pm, we will have a light lunch for all participants followed by a program information session.

We invite all RN's to attend this event if interested in pursuing a DNP. We are now enrolling for Fall 2010.

Call for Abstracts for CNL Conference, June 18, 2010

2010-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
3rd Annual CNL Conference
June 18, 2010
“Magnetism in Action”

We want to hear your CNL stories!

The University of San Francisco invites you to submit an abstract for a presentation that showcase a success story or unique aspect of Clinical Nurse Leader practice that characterizes or provides evidence of innovation and change in health care systems.

Abstracts must be emailed, faxed or mailed, postmarked no later than May 1, 2010. Electronic submissions preferred. Submit to: CNL2010@usfca.edu

Directions for Abstract Submission:

The proposal abstract should include background information and a description of methods,
programs or practices in your CNL practice along with recommendations for others who may be considering a similar approach. Abstracts should describe original, unpublished work and can include work in progress. Selected proposals will be presented at the conference for an audience of national speakers, chief nurse executives, nurses, faculty and students.

Abstract Format:

a) The abstract must be typed in Word in 12 point Times New Roman font. All text for
the abstract must fit on one page with one-inch boarders all around. The body of the
abstract should be single-spaced.
b) The following text should appear centered and single-spaced as the first lines on the
abstract:
Line 1: Title of your presentation (in all capital letters)
Line 2: The author and co-author names and credentials
Line 3: Institution/organization
Line 4: City and state
c) Leave one space between the city and state line and the body of the abstract.
d) Each abstract must be accompanied by the contact information form (see below).
Due Date: Abstracts must be emailed, faxed or mailed, postmarked no later than
May 1, 2010. Electronic submissions preferred: CNL2010@usfca.edu. You will
receive an email message confirming receipt of the abstract submission.

Acceptance Notification: Authors will be notified about the status of their submission(s)
via email no later than May 20, 2010. This will be sufficient time to meet the hotel cutoff
and the conference registration deadlines. All presenters must be registered for the
conference in order to present.

For more information, please contact: Megan McDrew - email: msmcdrew@usfca.edu

Upcoming Fair Schedule for the Graduate School of Nursing!

2010-02-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of exciting events coming up this Spring where you will see USF School of Nursing providing information on our innovative Graduate and Doctoral Programs. For more information on any of the following events, please contact our Graduate Recruiter, Megan McDrew, at msmcdrew@usfca.edu.

On March 25th-27th, USF School of Nursing will head to Anaheim for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners Conference.
On March 27th, USF will host the Doctor of Nursing Practice Open House and Information Session from 11 - 2 pm in McLaren 251.
Last but not least in March, USF hosts the Crawford Lecture on Monday, March 29th from 4:30-7:30 pm. Renowned scholar, Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott will be speaking at this engagement.

Starting off in April, USF will collaborate with other schools to host the Med-Surg Conference on April 8th and 9th in South San Francisco.
April 14th will take our recruiter to UCSD for the San Diego Health Professionals Fair.
On April 15th and 16th, USF School of Nursing will exhibit at the California Dietetic Association Conference at the Oakland Marriott.

Keep up to date on all events by contacting Megan McDrew. There will be lots going on in May also! We look forward to seeing you at the Spring health care events!

Health Professions Education Foundation

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Health Professions Education Foundation is pleased to announce the
next application deadline - March 24, 2010 - for its scholarships and
loan repayments. Eligible professions include allied health, vocational
and registered nurses, mental health providers, physicians and other
health professions.

Scholarships (awarded to current students) range from $4,000 to $13,000
and loan repayments (awarded to current health professionals) range from
$8,000 to $105,000. Applicants awarded a scholarship or loan repayments
are required to provide direct patient care in a medically underserved
area for a specified period of time.

For more information, please visit our website at
www.healthprofessions.ca.gov.

We also encourage you to participate in one of our upcoming Technical
Assistance Calls (TAC). During these calls, Program Officers will
review the Do¹s and Don¹ts of applying and you will also be able to
ask questions on how to complete a successful application. Program
Officers will also be available to answer all other questions regarding
these. programs and their eligibility.

The schedule for the TACs is:

All calls will be from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Feb. 11 and Mar. 1
Scholarships:

**Bachelor of Science Nursing

Feb. 8 & Mar. 4
Loan Repayments
**B.S.N.

Space is limited so please RSVP early to calmazan@oshpd.ca.gov or by
calling 1-800-773-1669 or 916-326-3640.

Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program Now Accepting Applications

2010-02-04T14:55:00.001-08:00

The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is now accepting applications for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program, which helps alleviate the critical shortage of registered nurses. Registered nurses (who have completed training) working at least 32 hours a week at certain non-profit health care facilities may be eligible to have some of their qualifying student loans repaid in exchange for service. The deadline is 5:30 PM ET, March 4, 2010. More information, as well as the application instructions, are available at http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/nursing/

The Crawford Lecture at USF on March 29th, 2010!

2010-02-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Once again, USF will host the Crawford Lecture series on March 29, 2010. This year’s theme, “Strategies for Reducing Health Disparities in Research and Practice Among Venerable Populations,” will be presented by Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing.

Dr. Lemmott is the van Ameringen Professor in Psychiatric Nursing as well as director of the Center for Health Equity Research. She has spent most of her life researching and testing culturally sensitive programs to reduce HIV risk-associated sexual behaviors among African American, South African, and Latino populations. She has a consistent track record of evidence-based HIV risk-reduction interventions across various populations.

She is renowned in the medical, nursing, and academic communities for her research and dedicated work to reduce health disparities among venerable populations. We are honored to have such a distinguished person on our campus and invite you to register for this event. The Crawford Lecture is an event put on by the School of Nursing, USF Alumni Association, and the Beta Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

The event will be held in Fromm Hall on March 29, 2010. We will have a reception and buffet from 4:30-6:00 pm followed by Dr. Jemmott’s lecture from 6:15-7:30 pm. Please contact Christina Tai at tai@usfca.edu for registration instructions. The cost is $15 per person.

USF CNL Students Chat with Mary Wakefield of HRSA

2010-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

Clay Hooper, RN, MSN(c), CNL(c), University of San Francisco, School of Nursing
Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, HRSA Administrator, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
Lilly Fung, RN, MSN(c), CNL(c), University of San Francisco, School of Nursing
January 23, 2010 at the San Diego, CA, CNL 2010 Summit

The University of San Francisco had a very strong presence at the National Clinical Nurse Leader Summit in San Diego last week, with close to 20 CNL faculty and students in attendance at the conference.

Students Clay Hooper and Lilly Fung had a chance to meet Mary Wakefield after her keynote address at the Summit.

According to the HRSA website, Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., was named administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) by President Barack Obama on February 20, 2009. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

HRSA works to fill in the health care gaps for people who live outside the economic and medical mainstream. The agency uses its $7 billion annual budget (FY 2008) to expand access to quality health care in partnership with health care providers and health professions training programs.

Orientation Week at SON

2010-01-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

This week at the School of Nursing is seeing various orientation programs under way. Our first orientation for new students in Spring took place on Friday, January 15, and approximately 40 graduate-level students were in attendance to meet their faculty and register for classes. The 3-day weekend was followed by orientations for new RN-MSN students at the Santa Rosa, Cupertino, and San Ramon campuses. New faculty are in Cowell Hall for orientation to the School on January 21, as are incoming BSN transfer students, and the week wraps up with the 2-day intensive orientation program for new doctoral students on Friday and Saturday.

Many thanks to all who participate in our orientation programs!

Upcoming Events for 2010

2010-01-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Don't miss upcoming professional development events with the USF School of Nursing!

Monday, March 29, 2010, Fromm Hall, USF: The Spring 2010 Crawford Lecture Series: "Strategies for Reducing Health Disparities in Research and Practice Among Vulnerable Generations" Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD., RN, FAAN from the University of Pennsylvania will be the presenter.

Thursday, April 8th & Friday, April 9th, 2010, South San Francisco Conference Center: 20th Annual Medical-Surgical Nursing Conference.

Friday, June 18, 2010: Fromm Hall, USF: 3rd Annual Clinical Nurse Leader Role Conference and Workshops.

Volunteers are always welcome! Please contact the Dean's Office at nursing@usfca.edu if you are interested in volunteering for any of these events.

Student Actors Play Standardized Patients for Nursing School

2010-01-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Smith, 78, sat on his hospital bed, but he didn’t want to be there. He didn’t know where he was, no one was answering his questions, and he didn’t understand why nurses were examining him. Determined to get out of bed, he got himself to the edge of the bed and promptly fell to the floor. The nurses—USF nursing students—were stunned.

Read the full article.

End of Year Closure

2009-12-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

The USF School of Nursing will be closed in accordance with University policy from December 24, 2009, to January 3, 2010. The Dean's Office will re-open on January 4, 2010, and faculty will be available starting January 20, 2010. Classes will resume on January 25, 2010.

Happy Holidays to all!

Congratulations Graduates!

2009-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Today the School of Nursing confers 47 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, 44 Master of Science in Nursing degrees, and 4 Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.

We are very proud of our graduates, and we are full of confidence that they will promote quality, equity, and compassion in healthcare, and will serve as moral compasses for Bay Area, California, and national health professions!

Pinning Ceremony for SON Graduates on December 17

2009-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the completion of their studies, SON Graduates will have a pinning ceremony on December 17, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in the McLaren Complex. Family and friends are invited to attend this special event to celebrate our students' accomplishments.

The Answer is the USF School of Nursing, #4

2009-12-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Who has developed and is hosting simulation training workshops for San Francisco RNs and MDs?

The USF School of Nursing, reflecting a long-standing partnership with the Nursing Education department at St. Mary's Hospital, is conducting an ER-OB Simulation Workshop with employees from the St. Mary's Emergency Room at our state-of-art simulation center, located on Hayes Street. The emergency OB simulation scenarios, run by LRC Coordinator Lisa Sabatini, are planned to help the nurses at St. Mary's refresh their knowledge and skills for emergency room births.

Next week MD interns will be participating in med-surg simulations.

Final Healthcare Systems Leadership MEO cohort set to graduate

2009-12-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

The final cohort of the USF Master's Entry Option in Healthcare Systems Leadership program will graduate in December, 2009.

There are 27 students in this cohort who have been implementing and facilitating projects in a wide variety of health care settings across the Bay Area. They will be presenting posters depicting their final practicum project results on Monday, December 7, 2009, at 4:00 pm in the School of Nursing Dean's Office on the first floor of Cowell Hall.

The USF MEO Healthcare Systems Leadership program has graduated over 250 new nurse leaders into the Bay Area workforce since its inception in 1999.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

The School of Nursing wishes a wonderful Thanksgiving to our colleagues, friends, and family. We are thankful for all of the gifts that we receive in our collaborations with each and every one of you!

Post-Master's CNL Certification Now Offered

2009-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

The USF School of Nursing is offering a certificate program in the CNL role for RNs possessing a Master's Degree in Nursing. Graduates must meet the CNL competencies as outlined by the Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and will be eligible to sit for the CNL certification exam. Upon review of a student's MSN transcript, a program of study is tailor-made for the student; only those courses that are linked to the CNL competencies are required.

Required Courses for Certificate
NURS 613 Introduction to the CNL Role
NURS 614 Healthcare Systems Leadership
NURS 623 CNL Role: Team Manager & Leader
NURS 628 CNL Role: Decision Making
*(100 hours of CNL role implementation required with the above role courses)
NURS 651 CNL Role: Role Synthesis
NURS 653 RN-CNL Internship (300 hours)

APPLY NOW FOR SPRING 2010
Please call USF School of Nursing for Application Instructions
415-422-2806
msmcdrew@usfca.edu
http://www.usfca.edu/nursing

The Answer is the USF School of Nursing, #3!

2009-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

The new Chief Nurse for the United States Public Health Service is an alumna of which school of nursing?

That's right -- it's USF!

RADM Kerry Paige Nesseler was selected as the Chief Professional Officer for the Nurse Category effective 1 November 2009. As Chief Nurse Officer for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), RADM Nesseler is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the Public Health Service (PHS) nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). RADM Nesseler will provide guidance and advice to the Surgeon General, the Nurse Professional Advisory Committee (N-PAC), and the Nation’s nursing community on matters such as prevention, primary care, health systems development, recruitment, retention, readiness and career development of PHS nurses.

RADM Kerry Nesseler received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1978 from the University of San Francisco and her Master of Science degree in Nursing in 1985 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Maryland, School of Nursing. RADM Nesseler completed the Public Health Service Primary Care Policy Fellowship in 1996, graduated from the Excellence in Government Fellows Program in 2001, and was inducted as an Honorary Alumna in the National Health Service Corps in 2004. She has held appointments in academia as an adjunct professor and instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Kapiolani Community College.

RADM Nesseler’s nursing career reflects experience in varied positions, agencies, geographical locations, and types of health venues from service in hospitals, clinics, and community health to policy positions and academic posts. RADM Nesseler began her Commissioned Corps career in 1986 as a Maternal and Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation in Cloquet, Minnesota. In addition to her service for the Indian Health Service (IHS), she has held positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most recently at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). She began serving in HRSA as a project officer in the Bureau of Primary Health Care, Atlanta Regional Office and then in the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) at headquarters. In MCHB she was the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs where she was instrumental in the development of the Title V Information System. In 2002, she was appointed as the first woman and first nurse to lead the HRSA Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr) as the Associate Administrator.

In this capacity she provided leadership for the education and training of the Nation’s primary care providers and managed the health professions workforce programs, including the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program, the National Health Service Corps, and the Ready Responder Program. During her tenure as the Associate Administrator for BHPr, the national nursing education program funding was increased two fold and the Nurse Reinvestment Act was passed by Congress. RADM Nesseler has participated in the World Health Organization’s Global Advisory Group on Nursing and Midwifery for six years, representing the US, HHS, and HRSA. She has served on special assignments in Marshall Islands, Micronesia; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Libya; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Her deployment role assignment is Senior Health Official for national emergencies in Region IX and the Pacific Basin.

In 2006 she was appointed as the Director of the HRSA Office of International Health and Commissioned Corps Affairs. She serves as the principal advisor and consultant to the HRSA Administrator on international policies, health systems, and programs to increase the health status of the population worldwide. She also directs the agency’s policy development and implementation of Commissioned Corps initiatives.

Graduate Admissions Review for Spring 2010 is Underway

2009-11-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

The USF School of Nursing received 224 applications to graduate programs for Spring 2010, including on-campus DNP and CNL programs, and regional CNL programs at the San Ramon, Cupertino, and Santa Rosa campuses.

Review committee members are hard at work evaluating files, and we expect that decision letters will reach the applicants on or close to November 15.

The SON admits 35-40% of applicants to graduate programs in a typical year.

Fall Fest 2009

2009-11-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Inaugural Decade Reunion for School of Nursing Alumni:

In addition to soccer, volleyball, and basketball games, campus tours, a 5K fun run/walk, and much, much, more for alumni, families, and friends, the committee is planning events for the School of Nursing Classes of 1960–1969, as part of Fall Fest 2009.

Friday, November 6th
5:30-7:30 pm Reception for Alumni and Guests
Gather in Kalmanowitz (formerly Campion) Hall for no-host cocktails and hors d’oeuvres…mingle with alumni, faculty, and staff…then plan an evening in San Francisco if you like.
Cost: $20 per person

Saturday, November 7th
10:00 am Mass
Followed by brunch for all SON alumni of the ’60s
Cost: $40 per person

2:00 – 3:30 pm: Miniversities followed by a dessert/meet-the-deans gathering in Fromm Hall

Gather to meet the deans and faculty of your school/college. Have a mini lesson on current hot topics and enjoy some refreshments.
School of Nursing: The deans and faculty plan to feature two Clinical Simulation sessions at the labs.
Arts & Sciences: Jeffrey Paris, Philosophy and Chris Thompson, Exercise and Sport Science will highlight new and exciting facts.
Business and Professional Studies: Moira A.Gunn on speaks on biotech; Rich Puntillo and Dan Blakely on the credit crisis.
No charge for this event, RSVP requested.

School of Nursing 1960’s Reunion Committee
Mary Anne Bailey Anderson ’66
Deci Deck Dugan ’66
JoAnne de la Torre Cahill ’66
Georgeanne Feroah Hulbert ’67
Linda Hodgskiss Loftesness ’69
Joanne B. Martin ‘66
Kathe McDonnell Farrell ’62
Janet Nemechek Saalfeld ‘65
Marcie Noltner Leach ’65
Maureen O’Hara ‘72
Terry O’Keeffe Kelly ’67
Veronica Pack Feehan ‘69
Lisa Sabatini ‘83

Fulbright Takes SON Professor to Lebanon

2009-10-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Walking through the streets of Beirut, Lebanon Judith Lambton, associate professor of nursing at the University of San Francisco, passed glimmering skyscrapers next to hollow edifices pocked by rocket-propelled grenades, a testament to the country’s violent history. On a nearby street corner a girl in a hajib pedaled her Barbie bicycle. Surveying the menu at McDonald’s, her eyes settled on the McArabia Meal.

Read the full article here.

DNP Program Open House Tonight

2009-10-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

The University of San Francisco School of Nursing invites you to attend a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) open house and mock class. The event begins at 4 pm with an introduction to the program followed by a buffet dinner and wine. From 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Dr. Susan Prion will teach a DNP level course titled, "Applied Data Analysis" for all guests. The class is meant to serve as a short example of a DNP class at USF and provide an arena for your questions and concerns regarding the program. The event will end at 7 pm for non-students while present students will have a break before continuing with class until 9:45 pm. The entire evening is free of charge and we invite you to bring friends or colleagues who are interested in Advanced Practice Roles at the doctoral level. Please RSVP to 415-422-2806.

This event is for DNP alumni, present students, prospective students, and any friends or associates who are interested in obtaining a DNP degree.

This Week in the Skills Lab....

2009-10-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

This week in the SON Skills Lab, Sophomore 2s have just completed the Risk and Harm Reduction Clinical Simulation. They currently are practicing injections and Foleys.

Junior 1 students have just taken their first mid-term skills evaluation. All students had to perform skills in the lab as part of their midterm grade for their course on Principles and Methods of Practice.

Junior 2 students are busy taking care of 3 patients in simulation, practicing medication and central lines.

All in all, over 200 students completed check-offs this week.

The Answer is the USF School of Nursing, #2!

2009-10-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Which Bay Area Nursing School's faculty members received a Fulbright award, an appointment as a National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education Fellow, and a Jesuit Foundation Grant to study Social Justice and Community Health in Kenya in 2008-09?

That's right, three USF SON faculty members were honored for their academic and community efforts this past year. Dr. Judith Lambton was awarded a Fulbright Award to work as a nursing education consultant in Lebanon, while Dr. Angela Banks organized efforts focusing on women and Children in the Kagaa Village of Kenya. Dr. Gregory DeBourgh was named an NLN Academy of Nursing Education Fellow (ANEF), one of just 65 selected for the honor nationwide.

Yes, we're proud of our faculty!

SON DNP Program Hosts Accreditation Visit

2009-10-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last week our Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the first such program in California, hosted an accreditation visit from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Faculty and staff came together to prepare a report and supporting documentation demonstrating the program's excellence in terms of four different standards of measure: Mission and Governance, Institutional Commitment and Resources, Curriculum and Teaching-Learning Practices, and Aggregate Student Performance and Faculty Outcomes.

Across these four standards, and their 25 sub-standards, the Commission's visitors found that we had complied in all areas! Kudos go to all who participated in this effort!

Bay Area CNL Program Graduates Reach 100-mark

2009-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

This month, The USF School of Nursing will graduate 19 more Clinical Nurse Leaders into the Bay Area Nursing workforce, bringing the number of local Clinical Nurse Leaders to 118!

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a new role developed in response to the Institute of Medicine's 2000 Report, "To Err is Human." The CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL collects and evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician functions as part of an interdisciplinary team by communicating, planning, and implementing care directly with other health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners.

Is it Worth it to Go To Grad School?

2009-09-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Is it worth the money spent on tuition to get a graduate degree?

First, calculate how much it will cost to attend the program of your choice. For example, the BSN-MSN program at USF will cost approximately $30,000 in tuition.

Then, calculate the difference between your current salary and the salary that you would make as a nurse with a Master's degree. How does that difference compare with the cost of your tuition investment?

For example, monster.com lists starting salary for RNs with master's degree as $10,000 above starting salaries for RNs with Bachelor's degrees. In this scenario, a $30,000 investment in tuition would pay for itself in 3 years.

In addition USF's post-licensure programs in Nursing are designed for working professionals so you don't have to calculate lost wages as part of the equation -- you can continue to work full time.

Our Very Own Hometown Hero - Dr. De Natale

2009-09-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hometown Heroes 2009

Recognition Breakfast Event
7:15 am - 9:00 am
Friday, September 11, 2009
A National Day of Service and Remembrance

HONORING
Dr. Mary Lou De Natale
Advocate and Coordinator for
USF geriatric nursing and student nursing intern program at CSA for over ten years

WHO: “Hometown Heroes” is our annual celebration of community service and philanthropic contributions that recognizes individuals and businesses in our community that have had an impact for the better on our community during the previous year. We celebrate their compassion and commitment to our community and highlight the difference they made right here at home.

WHY: We wish that poverty, hunger, homelessness, and aging issues weren’t with us, but they are. “Hometown Heroes” shines the spotlight on the basic needs of so many in our community and on our safety-net programs and services that benefit them. Last year more than 3,500 individuals were helped through our programs supported with the generosity of the community.

Mark your calendars for Friday Morning, September 11, 2009, which has also been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Coffee and registration at 7:15am; breakfast and program at 7:30am: back to work at 9:00am.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, 4290 El Camino Real, in Palo Alto.

SON Pilots 50% Simulation Program for CA

2009-09-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

The University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing is piloting the first program in California to substitute 50 percent of students’ pediatric and obstetrics clinical hours with time in the simulation lab.

After having success with a 25 percent substitution—the maximum currently allowed by law—the school received the go-ahead from the Board of Registered Nursing to increase the lab time to half last fall. The board will evaluate the pilot program.

Read the full article.

The Vietnam Nurse Project

2009-08-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

The University of San Francisco School of Nursing has established a partnership with the prestigious Bach Mai Nursing School in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Known as the Vietnam Nurse Project, the partnership has three primary goals, including promoting cultural sensitivity and awareness of the health care needs of Vietnamese patients, both in Vietnam and the Bay Area, which has a sizeable Vietnamese population. The program also aims to revise the curriculum at Bach Mai to reflect contemporary nursing care standards, particularly in the areas of maternal and neonatal health care, and provide assistance in using instructional methods that promote student engagement and interaction.

Read the full article here...

Record Year for Nursing Applications

2009-08-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Applications to USF's Graduate School of Nursing are up 56% this year over last year, while undergraduate admissions is showing almost a 10% increase.

Although job markets have softened this past year, the nursing shortage remains critical over the long term. Our applicant pools grow stronger each year as more and more students express an interest in the advancement of nursing education, a development which reflects the increasing complexity of the healthcare system.

Master's-prepared nurses can be key players in the shift toward evidence-based practice which is characteristic of the Magnet Journey, or preparation toward seeking Magnet status awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals that demonstrate excellence in nursing services and patient outcomes.

USF students are prepared from day one to skilled and sophisticated consumers of research, and are encouraged by our faculty to explore concrete ways to implement findings in their daily practice.

The Answer is the USF School of Nursing!

2009-08-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

What Bay Area School has had a combined BSN and MSN NCLEX passing rate of over 90% for 7 years running?

That's right, students from USF are exceptionally well-prepared to take this challenging examination, which is a computer-adaptive examination offering students increasingly challenging and more complex questions in order to fully test not only their knowledge of nursing skills and practices, but their ability to synthesize information and apply concepts to practice in a time-sensitive environment.

View the NCLEX passing rates of California Schools at the website of the Board of Registered Nursing.

Yes, we're proud of our students!