Header Graphic

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

RN-BSN Program

Applications are being accepted NOW for the next cohort in Moultrie, GA beginning August 2009 and Tallahassee, FL beginning January 2010.
Click for Application

The mission of the Division of Nursing is to educate registered nurses for professional nursing practice in a variety of health care settings and to challenge them to continued personal and professional growth. The RN-BSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and fully approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education. The RN-BSN program is offered at the main campus in Thomasville, GA and at our satellite campuses in Moultrie, GA and Tallahassee, FL.

The Thomas University RN-BSN nursing courses are designed to allow the registered nurse to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing while maintaining an active nursing practice. Registered nurses attend nursing classes on campus only one-half day per week. Courses are offered through a “hybrid” learning model, using a combination of a traditional classroom environment and online instruction. Class sizes are intentionally small to allow for dynamic interaction between students and faculty. Additionally, two required practicum experiences are completed at times convenient to the student and clinical preceptor. Students may select one of several approved health care facilities located throughout southwest Georgia and the north Florida area for their practicum experience.

The program requires 120 credit hours for graduation. Most graduates from Associate Degree nursing programs have completed the majority of core general education courses. Any remaining core general education courses needed to meet the requirements for graduation may be completed at Thomas University. Students with four-year degrees in other majors and students with AA degrees may have satisfied all core general education requirements. In addition, thirty-three credit hours may be awarded for prior nursing education under the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Plan. RN-BSN Articulation Plan and nursing program admission details are listed below.

Thomas University’s RN-BSN program is a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
P. 404.975.5000
F. 404.975.5020

For more information, e-mail TU Admissions or call 229-227-6925.

Gen. Admission Requirements

General Requirements for Admission to the RN-BSN Program

  • Completion of the Thomas University Undergraduate Admission Application and the RN-BSN Application Packet.
  • Submission of official transcripts from all universities / colleges attended.
  • Completion of Thomas University RN to BSN Admission Data Form.
  • Current valid Georgia/Florida Registered Nurse License without limitations or sanctions. Students who live in Florida but plan to do any practica (clinical practice) in Georgia must hold a Georgia R.N. license. Applicants who have recently (within six months) graduated from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma program but are not licensed as a Registered Nurse may be admitted conditionally to the RN-BSN program. R.N. licensure must be obtained during the first semester of full or part time enrollment in the RN-BSN program in order to remain in the program. Students may not progress beyond the first semester of upper division nursing courses (NSG 303, NSG 304, NSG 311) if a valid, unencumbered R.N. license has not been obtained. Conditional status will be removed only upon written verification of R.N. licensure prior to the start of the second semester of full or part time enrollment.
  • Successful completion the Critical Writing, Reading, and Thinking Examination (CWRTE) prior to or during the first semester in the RN-BSN program. Students not passing the CWRTE exam will be required to take an English reading course before progressing beyond the first semester of upper division nursing courses (NSG 303, NSG 304, and NSG 311).
  • College grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 in the required core and nursing coursework completed to meet the requirements of an Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited post-secondary institution at the time of admission to the RN-BSN program. Remaining core coursework required for graduation from Thomas University may be completed following admission to the RN-BSN program.
  • Provide documentation of the following to the Division of Nursing:
    • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification from American Red Cross or American Heart Association (Health Care Provider Level).
    • Current professional liability insurance with a minimum of $1-3 million in coverage prior to enrolling in a practicum course.
    • Current health insurance.
    • Criminal background check prior to enrollment in a practicum course through PreCheck, Inc. at the student's expense. See advisor for details.
    • Recent physical examination with documentation of specific immunizations/screening tests and ability to meet the Technical Standards for Admission.
    • Toxicology (drug screen) if required by the practicum facility at the student's expense.

Tech. Admission Standards

Technical Standards for Admission

A candidate for the BSN degree program must have the following observational, communication, motor, and behavioral abilities and skills. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with disabilities. However, a candidate is expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

  1. Observation: A candidate must be able to observe a patient/client accurately. Examples of observation include listening to heart and lung sounds, visualizing the appearance of a surgical wound, detecting the presence of a foul odor, and palpating an abdomen.
  2. Communication: A candidate must be able to communicate effectively, including verbal, nonverbal, and written communication, with patients/clients and other members of the health care team in order to obtain information and describe patient/client situations.
  3. Motor: A candidate must have adequate motor function to effectively work with patient/client issues and complete the related nursing care. Examples of nursing care include ambulating and positioning patients, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of medications, the application of pressure to control bleeding, the opening of an obstructed airway, and the provision of patient/client daily hygiene care.
  4. Behavioral: A candidate must possess the emotional health required to tolerate a physically taxing workload, function effectively during stressful situations, adapt to ever-changing environments, and interact professionally with others.

Articulation/Placement

Articulation/Advanced Placement

Thomas University participates in the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to enable registered nurses to advance their education with minimal loss of credit and/or duplication of knowledge and skills while maintaining the integrity of the educational process and the autonomy of participating programs. The registered nurse articulating to the baccalaureate level will be awarded 33 course credit hours for nursing. These credits will be held in escrow until the student has successfully completed nine semester hours of nursing (NSG 303, NSG 304, and NSG 311). Credits held in escrow will be then be placed on the transcript. The applicant must provide the necessary materials to establish proof of compliance with the articulation criteria at the time of admission. These materials include the following:

  1. Certified transcript of all completed nursing courses from previous nursing school.
  2. Documentation of NLN-AC accreditation status of previous nursing school.
  3. Documentation from employer stating completion of at least 1000 clinical practice hours in the last three years, if the time since graduating from an associate degree or diploma nursing program is greater than four years. If the applicant has not completed at least 1000 hours of clinical practice within the past three years, he/she must either (a) complete 1000 clinical practice hours in nursing prior to enrollment, or (b) successfully complete one of the National League for Nursing (NLN) ACE II Examinations prior to enrollment.
  4. Undergraduate application fee payment

Upon completion of these requirements, the student will be awarded the 33 hours of credit held in escrow. Please contact a nursing advisor for details of the program.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer of Credit

Students who have been enrolled at another institution must submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. Most institutions require that you write a letter requesting a transcript and include a processing fee. These transcripts should be sent to the registrar. The registrar will determine transfer of non-nursing credits. Transfer credit may be given for those courses taken at accredited institutions provided that the courses fall within the scope of Thomas University’s curriculum. Acceptability of non-equivalent courses is subject to the approval of the appropriate division chairperson. Students who fail a nursing course at Thomas University and successfully complete a similar course at another institution cannot transfer that course back to Thomas University.

Progression

Progression and Re-Admission

  • Evidence of valid, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Georgia or Florida; Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation certification (Health Care Provider Level); and professional liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million are required.
  • Students who have graduated from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma program but are not yet licensed as a Registered Nurse must obtain R.N. licensure during the first semester of full or part time enrollment in the RN-BSN program in order to remain in the program. Students may not progress beyond the first semester of upper division nursing courses (NSG 303, 304, and 311) if a valid, unencumbered R.N. license has not been obtained.
  • Successful completion the Critical Writing, Reading, and Thinking Examination (CWRTE) prior to or during the first semester in the RN-BSN program. Students not passing the CWRTE exam will be required to take an English reading course before progressing beyond the first semester of upper division nursing courses (NSG 303, NSG 304, and NSG 311).
  • The student will be required to obtain a grade of no less than a "C" in all required nursing courses. If a student obtains a grade of less than "C" in a required nursing course, the student may not continue in the program. A student may request re-admission by submitting a letter to the Division of Nursing Admission / Progression / Retention Committee that includes a plan of action designed to promote the student’s success if re-admitted. The Committee will review the student’s file and written request to determine whether the student will be re-admitted. Re-admission is not automatic. If the student is re-admitted he/she must repeat the course for an acceptable grade. A second grade of less than "C" will result in exclusion from the program. The student will be eligible to take other courses not requiring the course in which the student received an unacceptable grade as a prerequisite.
  • Each student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all core and upper division nursing courses required for the degree. Students not meeting this requirement will receive a letter from Thomas University indicating academic probationary status. A student may not continue for more than two semesters on academic probationary status in the Nursing Program.
  • A student’s continued enrollment in the Nursing Program is based on physical as well as emotional health. If the student demonstrates evidence of a physical or emotional illness, the student may be referred to an appropriate resource. If, in the opinion of the faculty, the student’s illness impairs ability to implement nursing responsibilities safely, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program until the student can resolve the situation. Re-instatement will be considered on an individual basis by the Admission/Progression/Retention committee.
  • Each student is expected to demonstrate behaviors that support and contribute to a positive professional learning environment in the classroom, university, and community in congruence with the mission and philosophy of the university and nursing program. In accordance with the policies of Thomas University, the faculty of the Division of Nursing, upon recommendation of the Admission/Progression/Retention Committee, reserves the right to dismiss a student whose scholarly (e.g. cheating, plagiarism) or professional conduct, scholastic standing, or violation of the Georgia or Florida Nurse Practice Act make it inadvisable to retain the student in the program. In accordance with the policies of Thomas University, the faculty of the Division of Nursing, upon recommendation of the admissions committee reserves the right to dismiss a student whose scholarly conduct (e.g. cheating, plagiarism), scholastic standing, or violation of the Georgia or Florida Nurse Practice Act make it inadvisable to retain the student in the program.

Graduation

Graduation

To graduate from the Thomas University RN-BSN Program the RN student must meet the following requirements:

  • 51 semester hours (credits) of lower division core course requirements. Thomas University accepts an Associate of Arts degree issued by any nationally recognized regional post-secondary accredited institution to satisfy the core requirements (excluding Statistics 250 or equivalent). Students are responsible for meeting any prerequisites in the major program.
  • 36 upper division requirements
  • 120 total semester hours as specified in the catalog for the baccalaureate degree
  • Successful completion of the CWRTE exam
  • Application for graduation by specified date and approval received
  • Cumulative 2.5 grade point average in all core curriculum and upper division courses required for the degree
  • Payment of all outstanding fees due to the university.

Degrees will be conferred annually at the end of the semester, upon the recommendation of the faculty, to students who have successfully completed all course requirements. Students who are awarded Bachelor Degrees may earn the distinction of graduating summa cum laude (4.0 GPA), magna cum laude (3.75 – 3.99 GPA), or cum laude (3.5 – 3.74 GPA). All graduating students are expected to attend graduation.

The progression sheet (in PDF format) lists required courses and electives. It also allows students and advisors to track progress toward the RN-BSN degree.

RN-BSN Progression Sheet

Total Hours for Degree: 120 — Core Curriculum: 48; UNV Articulation Credit: 3; Upper Division Courses: 36, Nursing Articulation Credit: 33

Core Currriculum

Upper Division Courses
Communication (12 credits required)
CSC 120 Computer Applications...3
ENG 101Composition I...3
ENG 102 Composition II...3
SPE 105 Oral Communication for Professionals...3
Science/Math (15 credits required)
Approved college level math...3
BIO 261 Anatomy & Physiology I...4
BIO 262 Anatomy & Physiology II...4
BIO 270 Microbiology...4
Social Science (12 credits required)
HIS 201 US History/Govt. I...3
HIS 202 US History/Govt. II...3
PSY 201 General Psychology...3
SOC 201 Sociology or Social Science Elective...3
Humanities (6 credits required - choose two of the following four courses)
HUM 200 Western/Non-Western Culture I...3
HUM 201 Western/Non-Western Culture II...3
HUM 202 Western/Non-Western Culture III...3
HUM 203 Western/Non-Western Culture IV...3
Lower Division Elective (3 credits - only if needed to meet the 51 credit minimum)
Courses Related to Program
STA 250 Statistics...3
University Studies (3 credits - credited/waived for all RN-BSN students)
UNV 103 Personal Wellness...1
UNV 201 Career Development...1
UNV 202 Introduction to Ethics...1
 NSG 303 Professional Nursing Praxis: Context, Issue, Trends...5
NSG 304 Scholarly Writing...1
NSG 311 Health Assessment...3
NSG 370 Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice...3
NSG 450 Community Health Nursing...3
NSG 452 Nursing Research...3
NSG 460 Community Health Practicum...3
NSG 470 Leadership in Nursing...3
NSG 480 Leadership Practicum...3
Electives: Select 9 Hours
NSG 490 Special Topics in Nursing and Human Services...3
Consult with nursing advisor about appropriate electives.
 

 

Note:
Thomas University accepts an Associate of Arts degree issued by any nationally recognized regional post-secondary accredited institution to satisfy the core requirements. Students must declare a major at the time of transfer and are responsible for meeting any prerequisites in the major program.

Not an RN?

Thomas University does not offer an Associate Degree in Nursing program. However, several Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs are available in the area. They enable a student to be eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse. TU offers general education "core" courses that are required by these ADN programs. Successful completion of TU’s general education core does not guarantee admission to the ADN programs. Application must be made to whichever school the student plans to attend.

To later graduate from the TU Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program, ADN registered nurses will need to complete the remaining courses in the Core Curriculum at TU.

For more information, contact the Nursing Division.

Thomas University Pre-RN Curriculum

Links to area ADN programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Thomas University RN-BSN Program

Q. What are the requirements to apply to the Thomas University RN-BSN program?
A. Applicants must first be admitted to Thomas University. To apply, complete the application (available online at www.thomasu.edu/appugr.htm), send official transcripts from ALL previous colleges attended to the Admissions Office, and submit a $25 application fee. After you have been accepted to Thomas University, your application will be forwarded to the Division of Nursing. Your application to the Division of Nursing will be reviewed in detail. Upon acceptance to the RN-BSN program, you will receive a letter of admission from the Nursing Division Chair and information about enrollment in nursing classes. You must be a graduate of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program prior to enrollment in nursing classes. In addition, your GPA for must be 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Please see the RN-BSN Admission Requirements for further details.

Q. It has been a while since I was in college. Will I need to repeat any of my previous classes/credits for the nursing program?
A. All transferable credits will be honored no matter when they were taken…20 years ago or 2 years ago, it counts! In addition, Thomas University will award up to 33 credits for previous nursing coursework completed at the A.D.N. level, at no additional cost to you, following successful completion of the first 9 credits of upper division RN-BSN coursework at TU.

Q. Do I have to complete all of my “core” classes, such as Humanities or History, before enrolling in the nursing program?
A. No. Most students who graduate from an A.D.N. program will need to complete an additional 3 – 12 credits of “core” classes in order to graduate from Thomas University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. But these classes can be completed at the same time you take your nursing classes – it’s up to you!

Q. How long will it take me to complete the RN-BSN at Thomas University?
A. The program is designed so that students can complete the program in 3 semesters plus one summer. This means you can earn your BSN in as few as 15 months! You can attend full time or part time – it’s your decision.

Q. I have a busy schedule. How much of my time will be spent in the classroom?
A. Nursing classes are delivered using a combination of traditional (face-to-face) and online instruction. This “hybrid” model of delivery means that you well spend just 5 hours in the classroom each week; the remainder of the time is spent online. Nursing classes meet on the same day, at the same time, each week, for all semesters, so that you can plan your schedule well in advance. Please note: Nursing practicum and "core" class times /days may vary – check the class schedule for details. Many core classes are also available online.

Q. I live in Florida. Will it cost more for me to attend Thomas University since I am an out-of-state student?
A. No. Regardless of where you reside your tuition is the same. TU does not charge out of state tuition whether you live in Georgia, Florida, or elsewhere in the US.

Q. Is financial assistance available?
A. Yes! Nearly 90% of students attending Thomas University receive financial aid. In addition, there are numerous scholarships and loans available specifically for RN-BSN students at TU. Please contact our Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance at 1-800-538-9784 ext. 158.

Q. Who can I contact for more information?
A. For information about the Thomas University admission process, contact the Admissions Office online or call 1-800-538-9784 extension 214 or the direct line 229-227-6925. For information about the RN-BSN program, email the Division of Nursing or call 1-800-538-9784 ext. 173 or the direct line at 229-227-6904.

Useful Links

Faculty Positions

Follow this link for a listing of faculty positions in the Division of Nursing.

Newsletter

Follow this link for the current Division of Nursing newsletter.

Financial Aid Info

TU Institutional Scholarships for Nursing Students
http://www.thomasu.edu/scholshp.htm

Grants and Other Financial Aid for Eligible Nursing Students
http://www.thomasu.edu/grants.htm

Financial Aid Links
http://www.thomasu.edu/finaidlnk.htm

Georgia Residents - Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program
NELRP is a competitive program that repays 60 percent of the qualifying loan balance of registered nurses selected for funding in exchange for 2 years of service at a critical shortage facility. Participants may be eligible to work a third year and receive an additional 25 percent of the qualifying loan balance. http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm

Qualifications include:

Florida Residents - Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Employees Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program (NSLFP)
For those who qualify and are awarded, a portion of the student loans used to obtain a nursing degree can be cancelled if you work at an approved site in Florida. See the website for more details. http://www.nslfp.com/index.htm

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Various scholarship options at the undergraduate and graduate level: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/financialaid.htm

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association
http://www.nsna.org/foundation/scholarships/undergrad.asp

Discover Nursing
Scholarship search for nursing scholarships: http://discovernursing.com/nursing-scholarship-search

Medi-Smart
Various financial aid links related to the health field: http://medi-smart.com/finaid.htm

Lydia’s Professional Uniforms/AACN Excellence in Academics Nursing Scholarship
For juniors in a BSN program: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/2004/04LydiasScholarship.htm

Campus RN
CampusRN will award a $1000 scholarship to a deserving nursing student in Georgia each year. This is part of a nationwide nursing scholarships initiative, the most comprehensive of its kind, featuring scholarship winners from all 50 states.

To apply, you simply need to join CampusRN if you are not already a member and download the scholarship application. Click for more information on the scholarship opportunity.

In addition to the CampusRN scholarship, the website provides students with access to a vast database of other scholarships and grants. The CampusRN network also includes local employment resources on each state site and opportunities nationwide on the main site.

New Funding Available for Potential Nursing Faculty

This scholarship is available to nursing students preparing to become nursing faculty.

Website: http://www.usg.edu/nursing_ed/students/faculty.phtml

Application (PDF)

Nursing Faculty

Full-time Faculty

Kimberly Cribb, Ed.D., M.S.N., R.N.
MSN Program Coordinator
kcribb@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College A.D.N.
Valdosta State College: B.S.N.
Albany State College: M.S.N. (Community Health; Nursing Education focus)
Valdosta State University: Ed.D. Curriculum & Instructional Technology

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Emergency Nursing; Nursing Education & Staff Development

Professional Service / Membership / Certifications
Member: Sigma Theta Tau
Member: GA Association of Nurse Educators
NLNAC accreditation site visitor
RN licensure in GA and FL
Grant Coordinator-Darton College Nursing: Dept of Labor CBJTG $2.48 million 2005-present
Certified Emergency Nurse 1991-2006
Trauma Nurse Core Course Instructor 1989-1997
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor 1988-2005
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor 1989-1994
AHA Basic Life Support Instructor 1990-2008

Research Interests
Instructional Strategies in Nursing Education

Community / Volunteer Activities
Bayside Club Soccer; FUMC Worship at the Water (Beach Ministry)

Shannon Joswick B.S.N., R.N., C.N.O.R.
sjoswick@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
University of Central Arkansas (Conway, Arkansas): B.S.N.
Thomas University: M.S.N. Nursing Education, (in progress)

Professional Expertise/ Area of Practice
Emergency services, surgical services, nursing education, progressive care unit, prison health services.

Professional Service / Membership / Certifications
Certified Nurse Operating Room
Member of the Society of Chest Pain Centers
Professional Nursing Honor Society

Research Interests
Clinical orientation - methods for success and retention; Incorporating evidence-based practice into daily practice.

Community / Volunteer Activities:
Go Red for Women AHA volunteer community speaker, annual Stroke telethon volunteer, Ask the Doctor volunteer, Take your child to work volunteer; EMS community BP and health screening volunteer, BLS and First Aid instructor / volunteer for community education and awareness.

Eleanor Moore, M.S.N., R.N.
emoore@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Memphis, TN: Diploma in Nursing
Vanderbilt University: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing: M.S.N. (Health Systems Management focus)
Georgia State University: Ph.D. in Nursing (in progress)

Professional Expertise/ Area of Practice
Pediatric nursing; orthopedics; neurology; medical-surgical nursing; nursing education

Professional Service / Membership / Certifications
National League for Nurses
Sigma Theta Tau International
Professional Nursing Honor Society
Southern Nurses Research Society

Research Interests
Health information literacy; Incorporating nursing research into practice.

Community / Volunteer Activities
Hands on Thomas County; Hands and Hearts for Horses; Thomasville Thomas County Humane Society; Safe Haven.

Marty O’Neill, M.S., B.S.N., R.N
moneill@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: B.S.N. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona: M.S. (Nursing)

Professional Expertise/ Area of Practice
Administration; Leadership; Management; Critical Care; Medical Surgical Nursing; Rehabilitative Nursing

Professional Service / Membership / Certifications
Sigma Theta Tau American Organization of Nurse Executives Council for Advanced Practice Nurses

Research Interests
End of Life issues; Clinical orientation; Management development.

Community / Volunteer Activities
Board member of Girl Scout of Apalachee Bend; Active in Hope Center Quilt group making blankets and quilts for transition families; Active in Tallahassee Quilt group making quilts for Neonatal unit at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Susan Otto, M.S.N., R.N.
Division Chair
sotto@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Milwaukee County Medical Complex: Diploma in Nursing
Cardinal Stritch University: B.S. in Business Management
University of Wisconsin – Madison: M.S.N.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Ph.D. Candidate (ABD), Nursing

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Administration/management; Leadership; Ethics; Risk management; Healthcare outcomes research; Orthopedics; Medical-surgical nursing

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
American Organization of Nurse Executives
National League of Nurses
Georgia Association of Nurse Educators
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society
Certified Nursing Administration – Advanced (2002)
Consultant in educational outcomes research, evidence-based nursing practice

Research Interests
Legal and ethical issues in nursing practice; Leadership and management

Community Service/Volunteer Activities
Florida Association of Voluntary Agencies for Caribbean Action, Inc. (FAVA-CA) - Member/volunteer; volunteer, Hands on Thomas County

Part-time /Adjunct Faculty

Patrice Bullock, M.S.N., F.N.P.-C

Educational Background
Kennesaw State University: M.S.N. Primary Care/Family Nurse Practitioner with focus in Integrative Medicine
Thomas University: BSN
Dekalb Community College: ADN

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Family Nurse Practitioner; Cardiovascular ICU; Neuro/Neurosurgery, Home Health Nursing; owner of New Genesis Center- A multidisciplinary holistic healthcare center promoting Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, Integrative Medicine Therapies and holistic skin care and services.

Professional Service/Memberships/Certifications
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
American and Georgia Nursing Association
American Holistic Nurses Association
American Holistic Medical Association
Board Certification-ANCC, Family Nurse Practitioner
Certified Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Healthcare Provider
Functional Medicine Graduate-Institute for Functional Medicine, Gig Harbor, Washington

Research Interests
Effect of therapeutic lifestyle changes on health promotion; Chronic disease management using nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Community / Volunteer Activities
Medical Mission Trip- Nicaragua, 2007 and 2008; Georgia Nursing Association Legislative & Policy Committee 2008; Speaker-Health Promotion and Natural Therapies.

Kyle Coston, M.S.N., A.R.N.P

Educational Background
Chipola Junior College: Associate of Arts
Florida State University: B.S.N.
University of Southern Indiana: M.S.N. (Nurse Practitioner)

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Case Management/Utilization; Pulmonary nursing; PACU; Employee Health.

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (FL)
ACLS Certification
Certified Facilitator, Development Dimensions International

Joan Darden, Ph.D., M.SN., R.N.
jdarden@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA: Diploma in Nursing
Georgia Southwestern State University: B.S.N.
The University of Alabama, Birmingham: M.S.N.
Georgia State University, Atlanta: PhD in Higher Education Administration

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Nursing Education and Administration; Pediatrics; NICU.

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Founding member of Mu Pi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
Georgia Board of Nursing member (5 years)
Georgia Board of Nursing President (1 year)
National League for Nursing Board of Governors (2 terms)
University System of Georgia’s Task Force on Health Professions Education (2005-2008) Member of the University System’s Task Force on Nursing Education since 2006;
Author of several professional articles on various topics in nursing.

Shelly Kirkendoll, B.S.N., R.N.
skirkendoll@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Kentucky Wesleyan College: A.D.N.
Thomas University: B.S.N.
Thomas University: M.S.N. Nursing Administration (in progress)

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Long Term Care; Nursing Administration; Certified Legal Nurse Consultant; Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Sigma Theta Tau
Professional Nursing Honor Society
President of Georgia Healthcare Association Southwest Council
Georgia Healthcare Association Regulatory Committee member
Georgia Healthcare Association Quality Committee member.

Rhonda Payne, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., C.N.E., B.C.
rpayne@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Medical College of Georgia: B.S.N.
University of Alabama: M.S.N.
Touro University: Ph.D. International Health Educator/Researcher (in progress)

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Pediatric nursing; critical care nursing; Instructor, ADN nursing; Community Health Nursing.

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Certified Nurse Educator
Emergency Preparedness certification
Distance Teaching/Learning certificate
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Community Health Certification (APRN)

Tina Richards, M.S.N., R.N.
trichards@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Darton College: A.D.N.
Thomas University: B.S.N.
Thomas University: M.S.N.

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Labor and Delivery/Women’s Health; Utilization Management; Subacute Care.

Research Interests
Clinical pathways; Evidenced-based practice

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Professional Nursing Honor Society
Volunteer Hospital Association Case Management Council
Certificate in Healthcare Management and Leadership (Georgia Hospital Association)
Member – Georgia Hospital Association Society for Clinical and Resource Management

Tracy Suber, M.S.N., R.N.
tsuber@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Darton College: A.D.N.
Thomas University: B.S.N.
University of Phoenix, Online: M.S.N. (Education focus)

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Critical care, medical-surgical nursing

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
National League of Nursing
Sigma Theta Tau

Research Interests
Bioterrorism and disaster nursing

Community / Volunteer Activities
Serve on Local Emergency Planning Committee for Dougherty County; Community service activities affiliated with Darton College

Stacy Wheeler, M.S.N., R.N.
swheeler@thomasu.edu

Educational Background
Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Roanoke, Virginia: Diploma in Nursing
Valdosta State University: B.S.N.
Valdosta State University: M.S.N. Clinical Concentration: Advanced Adult Health Nursing; Role Concentration: Nursing Education

Professional Expertise / Area of Practice
Emergency nursing; critical care nursing

Professional Service / Memberships / Certifications
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society
Emergency Nurses Association
Instructor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Instructor, Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course
Instructor Trauma Nurses Core Course

Research Interests
The Readability of Patient Education Information

Community / Volunteer Activities
Volunteer, Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society