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Nursing Division THOMAS UNIVERSITY
Welcome to the Division of Nursing Website at Thomas University!
Welcome to the Division of Nursing Website at Thomas University! We hope to assist you in your future of nursing and the Journey of Transformation that is key to our Mission and Philosophy at Thomas University and for the Division of Nursing. Click the links to the left for more information regarding the various programs that are available.
News:
The Division of Nursing...
Thomas University's RN-BSN, MSN, and Graduate Certificate in Nursing programs are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
NSG 490/ NSG 614 China Travel Abroad- Fall 2011
The first study abroad trip to China occurred Fall 2011 (Sept. 8-17). Participating in this trip were faculty, staff, and students from the RN-BSN program, MSN program, and Interdisciplinary Studies’ program who are studying Asian history. The group traveled to 3 cities: Beijing, Wenzhou, and Shanghai. During the trip, there were many cultural site-seeing activities (Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Pearl-Jade-Silk factories, Buddhist Temple, Shanghai Bund, and museums). The highlight of the trip was 3 days in Wenzhou spent with our 2 partner institutions: Wenzhou Medical College and Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During this time, the students and faculty had an opportunity to visit a hospital and hear a presentation by a chief nursing officer and tour the nursing and rehabilitation units; participate in a junior nursing level physical assessment lab; participate in a presentation about the partnership and nursing in the U.S. with the freshman Wenzhou nursing class; and interact with students one-on-one during a welcoming banquet. Students had numerous opportunities to speak directly with the citizens, observe their behaviors and customs, and sample the variety of traditional food offerings. Positive comments were received from both partner facilities, the hospital, and the students, faculty and staff.
Nursing Scholarships
The Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE) offers three nursing scholarships for students enrolled in Georgia’s nursing programs. A call for scholarship applications is now in effect and applications must be submitted by December 16th, 2011 deadline. The scholarships include:
LUCY WILLARD Scholarship which is given to an Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Student
SARAH HELEN KILLGORE Scholarship which is given to an Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Student
SPILLMAN-BISCHOFF Scholarship which is given to a Graduate Nursing Student
The amounts of the scholarships depend on the interest earned on the scholarship accounts for the previous year. The amount is never less than $500. The scholarship is for a one time award and will be presented to recipients at the Awards Luncheon held during the GANE Annual Conference February 16th-18th, 2012 or at a subsequent GANE Board Meeting. A Scholarship Application Form is attached to this email. Applications must be submitted by December 16th, 2011 to:
GANE Scholarship Committee
Attn: Gwen Renee Baca
Gwinnett Technical College
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Bldg. 900, Rm. 3.213
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
gbaca@GwinnettTech.edu Office Phone: 678-226-6269
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Thomas University's Professional Nursing Honor Society (PNHS) received word that their application for becoming a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (STTI) was approved. The final step in the review process is a vote by STTI's Hourse of Delegates (Jenny Paugh @ STTI). This will take place in September. The journey toward becoming a chapter of STTI began back in 2006 as a vision by Dr Susan Otto, Division of Nursing Chair. Congratulations to the Division of Nursing and all of the Registered Nurses who have supported TU's PNHS!
Sigma Theta Tau International Organizational Mission and Vision
The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world’s people (STTI webpage).
Blackboard Collaborate Hall of Fame 2010
Thomas University is an Elluminate Center of Excellence. In addition, "TU was named to the Blackboard Collaborate Hall of Fame, specifically for the university's integration of Elluminate technology in a wide array of its programs. These teaching strategies are just a small sampling of the use of technology to promote flexibility within the Nursing Division to enhance student learning.
Dr. Kimberly Cribb named to NLNAC Board of Commissioners
NLNAC describes the election process and the Board of Commissioners responsibilities (http://www.nlnac.org/About%20NLNAC/NLNAC_Commission.htm)
“NLNAC is governed by fifteen members, called “Board of Commissioners” who are elected by the members of NLN at the NLN annual meeting.
The Board of Commissioners sets accreditation policy, makes accreditation decisions, and decides corporate matters such as budget, planning, and administrative policy.
Commissioners serve as chairperson of the program specific evaluation review panels. The final decision of accreditation status is based on review of program materials, peer reviewer reports and recommendations.
The outside perspectives of Commissioners provide an objective appraisal of NLNAC business and evaluation activities. The NLNAC also benefits from the members’ first-hand experience and broad range of contacts with nursing, higher education, health service delivery systems, and business, community, and other professional groups.”
Congratulations, Dr Cribb!
Congratulations to Dr. Eleanor Hall
Dr. Eleanor Hall, Assistant Professor of Nursing, completed her Ph.D. in Nursing from Georgia State University in October.
Dr Hall's dissertation explored adherence to hypertension treatment in the Latino migrant farm worker population in Southwest Georgia.
Amy Jarmillio Griffin, MSN, RN Receives the TU
Distinguished Alumni Award 2011
Ms. Griffin has worked at ArchboldMemorial Healthcare for approximately 18 years. She currently serves as the Vice President of Patient Care Services. She started as a staff nurse in the ICU. Amy obtained her BSN from Valdosta State University and her MSN with a focus in Nursing Administration in 2008 from TU.
The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award must meet the following requirements:
- The recipient must be older than the age of 40 as of January 1st of the year following Homecoming.
- The award is given in recognition to an individual in honor of personal and professional accomplishment, in addition to their generous support and commitment to Thomas University.
At the awards presentation Dr. Bonvillian recognized Amy as, "Being a wonderful role model and leader and is a true patient advocate. She is very involved in the Thomasville community and has a strong affiliation for TU and its nursing program."
Congratulations Amy!
Rhonda Payne, PhD., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E. Joins Nursing Division Full-Time
The Nursing Division wishes to extend a warm welcome to Dr Rhonda Payne who has transitioned from adjunct faculty into a full-time postion beginning Fall 2011. She recently received her Doctoral Degree from Touro University as an International Health Educator/Researcher. She has an extensive background in education and clinical practice.We are excited to have her as part of the Thomas University family.
2011 Academy of Nursing Education Fellow - Dr. Joan Darden
Thomas University is proud to congratulate TU Nursing professor, Dr. Joan Darden, on her recent fellowship into the National League for Nursing's Academy of Nursing Education. The NLN's Academy of Nursing Education recognizes outstanding nurse educators who are leaders in nursing education, conduct research, participate in faculty development, develop public policy related to nursing education, institute learning innovations, and participate in collaborative community partnerships.
The NLN established the Academy of Nursing Education to foster excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding nurse educators. Fellows support the mission of the NLN, assist in the work required to prepare graduates from all types of nursing programs, and serve as resources for new educators and those in clinical practice who hope to someday enter the ranks of nursing faculty.
Fellows of the NLN Academy of Nursing Education will be inducted at the 2011 NLN Education Summit in a ceremony on September 24. For more information on the NLN's Academy of Nursing Education, click here.
Certified Nurse Educator and Thomas University’s 2011 Professor of the Year –
Dr Kim Cribb
Thomas University Division of Nursing is pleased to announce that Kim Cribb, Ed.D., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E., Director of MSN Program has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE / December 2009) after meeting strict eligibility criteria and successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the National League for Nursing.
The NLN’s Academic Nurse Educator Certification (ANEC) Program has conferred new visibility and stature upon the academic nursing community, long overdue, said Dr. Beverly Malone, CEO of the NLN. “Through the certification program, we have made clear to the ranks of higher education that the role of nurse educator is an advanced professional practice discipline with a defined practice setting and demonstrable standards of excellence,” she commented.
The newly certified nurse educators reflect the spectrum of their academic colleagues in the United States*:
- 29.2 percent hold doctoral degrees; the remainder master’s degrees
- 44.1 percent teach in baccalaureate or higher degree programs; 39.8 percent in associate degree programs; 9.6 percent in diploma programs; and 5.8 percent in practical nursing programs
- 55.6 percent hold the rank of assistant professor or higher: 12.6 percent are full professors; 17.7 percent, associate professors; and 25.3 percent, assistant professors
- 30.9 percent have more than 15 years of full time employment experience as academic nurse educators.
With nearly half (42.8 percent) of nurse faculty projected to retire within the next decade and nearly three-quarters (69.7 percent) within 15 years, replacing them is of grave concern, noted NLN president Dr. Elaine Tagliareni. “We must encourage more nurse faculty to prepare for certification as nurse educators so that our nursing schools can be staffed by academicians of the highest caliber. Only in this way can excellence in nursing education be ensured for another generation.”
In 2009, 502 nurse educators were awarded the CNE credential. Since the unveiling of the program in fall 2005 through December 31, 2009, 1,993 nurse educators representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have become CNEs.
*Demographic data reflects those who took the examination 9/28/05 through 12/31/09.
According to the National League of Nursing website: “The mission of the Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program is to recognize excellence in the advanced specialty role of the academic nurse educator.” Dr Kim Cribb has achieved this status. Her ongoing dedication to education and the field of nursing was further recognized at Thomas University’s graduation ceremony in May, 2011. Dr Cribb was recognized as the Professor of the Year!
Nurse of Excellence
Dr Susan Otto, Division Chair of Nursing, received the Nurse of Excellence award for Thomas University. This award was presented at the 23rd Nurse of Excellence Banquet in May/2011 which was hosted by Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida where area nurses were honored for their achievements within the field of nursing. Dr Otto was recognized as a “Nurse of Excellence” for her many accomplishments in the clinical, managerial, and educational arenas in nursing.
Dr Otto completed her Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in August, 2009. Her Dissertation title was: Perceptions of Registered Nurses Concerning Organizational Factors that Influence Decision-making and Action. Recent exemplary accomplishments include the J.D. Archbold Memorial Hospital Foundation Nursing Grant and the Parker-Poe Charitable Trust. Dr Otto is a proactive nursing representative who is well-versed in the new legislative areas regarding health care. She uses this knowledge to impact awareness and change for the betterment of the community. She is indeed a "Nurse of Excellence."
