CHANGING FACE of NURSING - School of Nursing - University of ...

In honor of the centennial, and to welcome
the arrival of our second century, we asked
nine key individuals to answer the question,
“How is nursing changing, and how is
the School of Nursing helping to lead that
change?” Here’s what they had to say:
Celebrating
a Century
Nursing is changing because of changes in
health care needs and technological advances.
Nurses must continue to be in the forefront
of disease prevention and care of chronically
ill patients. Nurses are also assuming
greater roles in shaping health care policy.
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing is helping
lead the changes by its commitment to preparing new graduates
to assume their roles. The progressive curriculum ensures
better preparation within a reasonable time. Curricula changes
position graduates to take their place in the profession and to
seek further knowledge. Research is a cornerstone and ensures
continued change and progression.
Clara Adams-Ender, PhD(hon.), MMAS, MS ’69, BSN, RN, FAAN,
CNAA | President and CEO, CAPE Associates, Inc.; Brigadier general,
retired, United States Army; member, School of Nursing Board
of Visitors; keynote speaker, 2009 BSN commencement ceremony
In March 1909, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing
welcomed its first class—four students—to campus. Today
the school is preparing to commemorate an amazing century of
research, scholarship, education, and service to the people
of Minnesota and the world.
“We’re planning a yearlong celebration through a variety of
different activities—scientific and scholarly through pure fun,” says
SoN professor Joanne Disch, PhD, RN, FAAN, who is co-chairing the
centennial celebration with associate professor Kathleen Krichbaum,
PhD, RN, and Marie Manthey, BSN ’62, MNA ’64.
The celebration will kick off on January 27, 2009, with a stateof-the-school
address by Dean Connie Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN,
FACMI. Over the course of the year, the school will host several
regional and national professional conferences, including the
annual conference of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, a
1,300-member organization that promotes the development of
nurse scientists.
Spring and fall galas will provide schoolwide opportunities to
gather and celebrate. In November, the school will host a Summit
of Sages international conference that will draw world-class
speakers to examine innovation, inspiration, and transformation
in the creation of new care delivery models.
Mark your calendar now for the peak of the festivities, three
days of fellowship and fun planned for November 5–7, 2009. Events
will include a gala event, alumni tours and lunch, recognition of
100 distinguished alumni, and a tailgate party and football game
at the new Gopher stadium.
For more information on all centennial celebrations, watch
the School of Nursing Web site, www.nursing.umn.edu.
Nursing has expanded beyond the traditional
role of bedside care to a dynamic
profession that offers careers in informatics,
legal, forensic, research, and entrepreneurship.
The opportunities are limitless. The
University of Minnesota School of Nursing’s
bachelor of science program educates future nurses as leaders
in patient-care management and prepares them for professional
success. The school offers not only academic programs but also
builds partnerships with universities, research centers, communities,
and hospitals locally, nationally, and internationally. Its
collaborative efforts embrace us as part of a global community
to improve health and healthcare worldwide.
Benish Punjwani | BSN Class of 2009
The big change is the nurse shortage, and
the School of Nursing has been very proactive
in addressing that. The post-baccalaureate
program we cosponsored has helped bring
more nurses to the bedside. We are also
seeing increased interest on the part of
nurses in pursuing advanced education, and on the part of the
health care system in engaging nurses at every level in a way
that maximizes the use of their skills. The new DNP program
provides professionals a nice opportunity to pursue additional
education while staying aligned with clinical programs.
Kathie Taranto, MA, BA, RN | CEO and senior vice president of patient
care services, University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview
6 minnesota nursing