I am pleased to report that in October 2010, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Nursing was reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Our undergraduate and graduate programs were approved for the maximum of 10 years. The accreditation team summarized its report, stating that the College of Nursing meets every standard for education at the BSN and MSN level. I must acknowledge our team of outstanding, creative and dedicated faculty and staff members who consistently exceed teaching, scholarly and service expectations.
In addition, our outcomes would not be possible without our clinical partners who provide meaningful clinical experiences along with the large group of registered nurses who serve as preceptors for our students. A hearty “thank you” to all!
Healthcare reform, the economy and changing demographics are driving rapid change in all aspects of patient care. In October 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, which is having a profound impact on stimulating positive change in nursing
and healthcare.
As you will learn in this issue of CONtact, the College is quickly responding to the IOM report and other forces. Faculty and students must apply innovative competencies to health environments that are only now emerging. An increased emphasis on health promotion, evidenced-based practice, technology in all its forms, cultural competence and transforma-tional leadership will assist graduates for the future.
The need for nurses with graduate education and advance practice skills has never been greater. In fact, the IOM report calls for doubling the number of nurses with doctoral degrees by 2020. In summer 2010, the first class of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students was admitted into the MSN to DNP track.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education’s initial accreditation site visit was held April 4–6, 2011. The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Educator MSN emphases are moving to a totally online or technology-driven format. The CNL curriculum is evolving along with healthcare industry changes and closely mirrors national standards.
It takes the team effort of all members of our community of interest to fulfill the College’s mission. Your contributions, whether they include financial support for vital scholarships, service as a preceptor or participation in alumni events, are critical to our growth.
Dean Rosemary Smith, RN, Ph.D.