CONtact
COLLEGE OF NURSING | FALL 2020
Message from the Dean
Dr. Judith Westphal
This issue of CONtact is focused on how the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Nursing faculty and staff function in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. 2020 is the Year of the Nurse, and the COVID-19 pandemic makes this proclamation even more appropriate. As essential workers, nurses are critical healthcare providers and in the college they are also faculty.
Balancing Act: Nursing educators adjust quickly to online teaching
The year 2020 has been anything but ordinary. These unprecedented times have caused educators across the country to scramble to adjust their processes and lesson plans in order to ensure the safety of their students and faculty.
First class nurse anesthetists, first class researchers
Healthcare in Wisconsin just got a big boost of doctoral-prepared nurse anesthetists from UWO. 11 students graduated in May as the state’s first class of nurse anesthetists in UWO’s rigorous three-year, 74-credit bachelor’s degree to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
Virtual practice helps nursing students perfect skills
There’s no pause button in the nursing profession. Crucial—sometimes life-saving—decisions are made moment to moment in healthcare, and nursing students need to be ready for that challenge when they enter the workforce.
Update from the CON Director of Development
Since writing this update for the 2020 CONtact magazine, I have retired from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I want to thank you for the trust that you have given to me over the last three years.
CON Alumni Association chapter looks to connect, build strong relationships
As one of the nation’s leading nursing schools, alumni of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Nursing are part of a growing network of more than 8,500 healthcare professionals.
Points of Pride
students were on the Dean’s List this spring.
Our Accelerated BSN program ranks as the best online BSN program in the state by RegisteredNursing.com.
1st ever CON Alumni Association Chapter was developed this spring
DNPs graduated this spring—the largest cohort to date
student graduates in spring 2020—the CON’s first time over 200
DNPs with the new nurse anesthesia emphasis graduated this spring. This cohort marks the first-ever BSN to DNP doctoral-level nurse anesthetists to graduate in the state of Wisconsin.