COLLEGE OF NURSING
877 Madison Avenue, Room 620
Memphis, TN 38163
Donna Hathaway, PhD, Dean
Susan Jacob, PhD, Executive Associate Dean
Cheryl Cummings Stegbauer, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic
Programs
Cynthia K. Russell, PhD, Associate Dean for Distributive
Programs
Carolyn Graff, PhD, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Carol L. Warren, MBA, Assistant Dean for Faculty Practice
GENERAL INFORMATION
History
The College of Nursing is an autonomous unit of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and has a history dating back to 1898. The first public hospital in Memphis was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1829. Twelve years later, this small hospital meant for river travelers was replaced with a facility that was used as a military hospital during the American Civil War. It later became the Memphis City Hospital.
Memphis Training School for Nurses was chartered September 28, 1887, at a time when nursing education in the United States was still in its infancy. It was one of the first schools of nursing in the South and was the first in the Mid-South. In December 1887, the school accepted its first student, Lena Clark Angevine, who is now known as Tennessee's pioneer nurse. In 1898, a new city hospital along with the Nursing School of the Memphis City Hospital opened at 860 Madison Avenue, and the Memphis Training School for Nurses closed.
The medical staff of the hospital petitioned the Mayor to appoint Mrs. Lena Angevine Warner Superintendent of Nurses at the new nursing school. In 1913, the hospital became the teaching center of the College of Medicine of the University of Tennessee. In 1920, the Memphis General Hospital became a University hospital by contractual agreement when the University of Tennessee College of Medicine accepted responsibility for the medical care of the patients. In 1926, the University of Tennessee School of Nursing was created, and on November 9, 1926, The City of Memphis and The University of Tennessee entered into a contract governing the operation of the Memphis General Hospital by the College of Medicine. The University began operation of the School of Nursing in June 1927. In July 1949, the School of Nursing became an autonomous unit within the University.
In September 1950, the newly established Baccalaureate in Nursing Program
admitted 26 students. In 1972, the Master's program was developed and admitted
students for the 1973 summer quarter. The PhD in Nursing began August 1988. The
last group of undergraduates graduated December 1997 allowing the College to
focus entirely on graduate education. The faculty set a goal for the College to
offer a clinical doctorate to meet the future needs of the increasingly complex
health care environment in Tennessee and the nation. The first DNSc class
entered July 1999.
In August 2003, the UTHSC and Methodist Healthcare of Memphis announced a unique partnership between the health system and the university's College of Nursing. The purpose of this partnership is to enhance the delivery of nursing care by offering educational opportunities ranging from an entry-level bachelor's degree in nursing, continuing on with the master's degree, and concluding with the doctoral degree. The College of Nursing provides innovative education, patient care, and research programs throughout Tennessee and the Mid South. Most degree programs use state-of-the-art telecommunications and World Wide Web methodology to bring the education to students in East Tennessee, rural West Tennessee, and across the nation. The faculty and staff deliver cutting-edge clinical services in many different locations. The faculty and students bring the science of caring to the daily lives of their patients. The internationally renowned research programs of the faculty advance the frontiers of knowledge in several areas.
Information taken from: From
Diploma to Doctorate: 100 Years Of Nursing Education
by E. Dianne Greenhill, RN, BS, EdD, Professor Emeritus
College
of Nursing Mission Statement
The College of Nursing is an agent of social change whose mission is to prepare
the next generation of nurses for practice, teaching, and research; to seek new
insights into nursing care through critical inquiry; and to provide superb
patient care.
College of Nursing Vision
The College of Nursing will be a leader in serving diverse students and clients in dynamic health care systems through innovative and state of the art education, research, and practice.
College of Nursing Values
The College of Nursing core values are:
1. Innovation and excellence in educational programs, clinical research, and advanced practice;
2. Diversity of students, faculty, staff, and clients; and
3. Partnership with students, health care professionals, and the larger community.
College of Nursing Philosophy
The philosophy of the College of Nursing is consistent with the goals and mission of UTHSC. The College philosophy focuses upon the nature of the PERSON, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, and NURSING. The faculty believes that the PERSON is a unique integrated being that is continuously evolving. Each person has the right to participate in making decisions that affect his/her health and to accept or refuse health care within the context of safety to society.
The faculty views ENVIRONMENT as all conditions influencing the life and development of the person. The health of individuals, families, and communities is affected by these conditions.
HEALTH is viewed as a dynamic state arising from a process of continuous change in the person and environment. The faculty views the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health as a complex phenomenon involving the shared responsibility of the person, health care providers, and society. Faculty view nursing as stated in the second edition of NursingŐs Social Policy Statement (ANA, 2003), ŇNURSING is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populationsÓ (p.6). Nursing must provide leadership in influencing the organizational, social, economic, legal, and political factors within the healthcare system and society. ŇThese and other factors affect the cost, access to, and quality of health care and the vitality of the nursing professionÓ (p.6).
Professional nursing is a science and an art. The science of nursing requires that nurses study, explore, and research nursing and related knowledge areas. From these areas nurses develop and test nursing theories for the improvement of nursing practice and health care. The art of nursing requires that nurses use knowledge gained from the humanities, arts, and sciences as the foundation for acceptance and appreciation of clientsŐ values. Nursing care requires sensitivity as well as critical, logical, and analytical thinking to effect changes in clients and the health care system.
EDUCATION for professional nursing practice includes a sound theoretical knowledge base to support experiential learning. The faculty believes that the educational process facilitates continuing personal and professional growth. The intent of the educational programs is to focus on the learner with active participation of the student in the learning process. Education is a life-long process with the commitment of the learner to establish patterns of continued inquiry.
Faculty
In addition to the full-time and part-time faculty of the College of Nursing, faculty from other Colleges on campus teach in the College of Nursing. The faculty selects, instructs, examines and promotes students in the college; it organizes and maintains the curriculum in consultation with and with the consent of the Dean. The campus directory should be consulted for a list of faculty and faculty rank.
Nursing Alumni Association
The UTHSC College of Nursing Alumni Association represents more than 4,500 graduates and is an integral part of The University of Tennessee National Alumni Association. With the partnership between Methodist Healthcare of Memphis and the UTHSC College of Nursing, almost 4,000 graduates from the Methodist School of Nursing will join the College of Nursing Alumni to participate in the Nursing Alumni Association activities.
Upholding the university tradition of recognizing outstanding students, the Nursing Alumni Association annually recognizes students through the Alumni Awards given for outstanding clinical performance.
Alumni serve on several college committees where alumni representation is appropriate and advantageous to the future of the College of Nursing.
Degrees Offered
The College of Nursing offers programs that lead to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) degree. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree is offered as a part of the College of Graduate Health Sciences.
The College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
Honor Society
Beta Theta Chapter-at-Large, Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, was established jointly at UTHSC College of Nursing and the University of Memphis Loewenberg School of Nursing in 1972. Purposes of the Society are to recognize superior achievement and the development of leadership qualities, to foster high professional standards, encourage creative work, and to strengthen commitments to the ideals and purposes of the profession. Students are eligible for membership consideration.
Faculty Award
The Faculty Award is given annually to a graduating student with the highest scholastic average in the class.
The Alumni Award
The Alumni Award is presented by the Alumni Association of the UTHSC College of Nursing to a graduate student who has displayed genuine enthusiasm for learning and nursing in addition to superior skill in providing patient care and an outstanding ability to interact with peers, patients, and staff.
Elinor F. Reed Award
The Elinor F. Reed Award is presented to a student chosen by a faculty committee for excellence in the care of patients.
Loans and Scholarships
Students in the College of Nursing are eligible for loans and scholarship awards from various sources. Traineeships are available to students through the Professional Nurses Traineeship Program. A limited number of scholarships are sponsored by philanthropic organizations. For more information contact the UTHSC Financial Aid Office.
Faculty Minority Scholarship. The
Faculty Minority Scholarship was established and is funded by the faculty
practice. This scholarship is awarded to a minority applicant to the College of
Nursing based on the applicant's merit and financial need.
Sigma Theta Tau International Scholarship. The Beta Theta Chapter-At-Large awards scholarships to qualified
nurses or nursing students. These
awards recognize outstanding scholarship that will advance knowledge in the
area of nursing science and practice. Applications should be made to Beta Theta
Chapter-At-Large.
Traineeships
Professional Nurse Traineeships. The Professional Nurse Traineeships
provide some financial assistance in the payment of tuition and fees to
eligible full-time nursing students in a practice option. Preference is given
to individuals who are residents of health professional shortage areas as
designated under section 332 of the Public Health Service Act. Once accepted
into the College of Nursing, application for Traineeships is made by completing
a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Primary Care Education Traineeships. The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical
Center provides Primary Care Education Traineeships for medical residents and
associated health trainees. Known as the PRIME program, funds are provided to
foster the development of primary and managed care training and to foster
education in team care in the primary and managed care setting. A call for
applications is made during the summer/fall term of each year.
Fees, Expenses, and Financial Assistance
Expenses and Financial Assistance
In addition to regular fees, students may expect other expenditures for developing professional libraries; for continuation of licensure to practice nursing; for membership in professional organizations; for equipment such as a computer and software, tape recorders, tapes, name tags, and laboratory coats, stethoscope and diagnostic kit; and for travel maintenance, particularly during the practicum. For financial aid information, contact the UTHSC Financial Aid Office.
Applicants in need of supplementary financial assistance should seek information and applications for such assistance from their current employers, service clubs, and professional organizations. Limited loans and scholarships are available. There are also a limited number of federal nursing traineeships available each year for students. To apply for these loans, scholarships, or traineeships, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available online or through the UTHSC Financial Aid Office.
Graduation Requirements
To be recommended for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc), a candidate must have completed satisfactorily the prescribed curriculum with a grade point average of 3.0 or above, must have discharged all financial obligations to the University, and have demonstrated a level of professionalism acceptable to the College of Nursing faculty.
Attendance at graduation is mandatory for all College of Nursing graduates.
Admission and Selection
Applicants
to the College of Nursing are advised that information contained in the General
Information section of this Catalog, under the heading General Admission
Requirements, and the Admissions Requirements Booklet (ARB), is applicable to
them. The statement of regulations for classifying applicants as in-state or
out-of-state for purposes of admission and for paying fees and tuition is
available in the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services.
Admission
Procedures
Applications may be completed online or packets may be obtained from the UTHSC
Office of Enrollment Services:
|
The
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Website: http://www.utmem.edu/admiss/ |
The completed application packet along with transcripts from each college or university attended is returned electronically or by mail to the Office of Enrollment Services.
Only individuals whose application files are complete will be considered
by the Admissions Committee. Preference is given to residents of Tennessee.
Application Deadlines:
January 15: BSN Program
February 1: MSN and DNSc Programs (exception is Nurse Anesthesia Option)
September 1: MSN Program, Nurse Anesthesia Option
Notification:
Applicants will be advised of the
disposition of their applications as soon as possible. For the February 1 application
deadline, the majority of interviews will be conducted the first week in March.
For the September 1 application deadline, the majority of interviews will be
conducted during the first two weeks in October.
The undergraduate program in nursing at the UTHSC culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students enroll on a full-time basis. The College of Nursing offers three options that lead to a student earning a BSN degree.
The options are:
The baccalaureate degree is the first professional degree in nursing. It provides the basis for beginning professional practice as a generalist and the foundation for graduate preparation in nursing. Learning in the undergraduate nursing program is directed toward the study of scientific rationale underlying nursing care and the development of critical thinking skills.
Upon completion of the BSN Program, the graduate will be able to:
Bachelor
of Science in Nursing (BSN) Admission Process
Applications may be completed online or packets may be obtained from the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services. Preference is given to residents of Tennessee.
Minimum Requirements for BSN Admission
The Traditional
Option is for individuals who do not have an earned bachelorŐs degree
in any field and are not graduates of a diploma or associate degree
nursing program.
The applicant must:
1. Submit an application and official transcripts for all college and university work to the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services.
2. Provide current and relevant documentation of physical, learning, psychological, or other disabilities. Documentation guidelines are available in the Student Academic Support Services (SASS) Office, GEB, room BB9. Students should call 901-448-7746 to schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodation needs as soon as possible to facilitate timely acquisition of appropriate services.
3.
Have successfully completed a minimum of 60 semester
hours of college credit with the prescribed prerequisite courses for
the Traditional Option : General Chemistry with lab – 4 hours;
Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab – 8 hours; Microbiology
with lab – 4 hours; English Composition – 6 hours;
Electives –8 hours; Lifespan Development Psychology – 3
hours; Humanities/The Arts – 6 hours; Mathematics – 3
hours; Nutrition – 3 hours; Psychology – 3 hours;
Sociology or Anthropology – 3 hours; Statistics – 3
hours; Historical Studies – 6 hours (American History required
on high school or college level).
4.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA)
of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with cumulative GPAs less than 3.0
generally are not competitive but may submit additional documents for
special consideration that include American College Test (ACT),
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
and/or evidence of outstanding professional leadership.
5.
Submit three (3) recommendation forms. One
recommendation must be from a faculty member or individual who can
address academic ability.
6.
Submit a three-page essay describing why you chose
nursing as a career. The purpose of the essay is to provide the
Admissions Committee insight into the professional goals and
expectations of the applicant and to evaluate written communication
skills.
7.
Hold a current certification in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation or advanced life support prior to and during
enrollment.
8.
Have access to a computer and demonstrate minimum
capabilities for computer literacy.
9.
For foreign applicants, present evidence of
proficiency in English or a minimum score of 550 (earned within two
years prior to application) of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
Computation of Cumulative GPA: A cumulative GPA will include all collegiate work.
The
Second Degree Option is for individuals who have an earned bachelorŐs
degree or higher in any field.
The applicant must:
1. Submit an application and official transcripts for all college and university work to the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services.
2. Provide current and relevant documentation of physical, learning, psychological, or other disabilities. Documentation guidelines are available in the Student Academic Support Services (SASS) Office, GEB, room BB9. Students should call 901-448-7746 to schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodation needs as soon as possible to facilitate timely acquisition of appropriate services.
3.
Have an earned bachelorŐs degree or higher in any
field.
4.
Have successfully completed prescribed prerequisite
science courses: Human
Anatomy and Physiology with lab – 8 hours; Microbiology with
lab – 4 hours.
5.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA)
of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with cumulative GPAs less than 3.0
generally are not competitive but may submit additional documents for
special consideration that include American College Test (ACT),
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
and/or evidence of outstanding professional leadership.
6.
Submit three (3) recommendation forms. One
recommendation must be from a faculty member or individual who can
address academic ability.
7.
Submit a three-page essay describing why you chose
nursing as a career. The purpose of the essay is to provide the
Admissions Committee insight into the professional goals and
expectations of the applicant and to evaluate written communication
skills
8.
Hold current certification in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation or advanced life support prior to and during
enrollment.
9.
Have access to a computer and demonstrate minimum
capabilities for computer literacy.
10.
For foreign applicants, present evidence of
proficiency in English or a minimum score of 550 (earned within two
years prior to application) of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
Computation of Cumulative GPA: A cumulative GPA will include all collegiate work. Applicants with a bachelorŐs degree will have cumulative GPA calculated to include that bachelorŐs degree and subsequent academic work.
The applicant must:
1. Submit an application and official transcripts for all college and university work to the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services.
2. Provide current and relevant documentation of physical, learning, psychological, or other disabilities. Documentation guidelines are available in the Student Academic Support Services (SASS) Office, GEB, room BB9. Students should call 901-448-7746 to schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodation needs as soon as possible to facilitate timely acquisition of appropriate services.
3. Have earned a degree from a state approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a diploma from a diploma nursing program.
4. Hold an unencumbered Tennessee RN license or have unencumbered authority to practice as an RN via the multistate privilege.
5.
Have successfully completed a minimum of 60 semester
hours of college credit with the prescribed prerequisite science
courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab – 8 hours;
Microbiology with lab – 4 hours.
6.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA)
of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with cumulative GPAs less than 2.5
generally are not competitive but may submit additional documents for
special consideration that include American College Test (ACT),
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
and/or evidence of outstanding professional leadership.
7.
Submit three (3) recommendation forms. One
recommendation must be from a faculty member or individual who can
address academic ability.
8.
Submit a three-page essay describing how a BSN will
assist you in achieving your professional goals. The purpose of the
essay is to provide the Admissions Committee insight into the
professional goals and expectations of the applicant and to evaluate
written communication skills.
9.
Hold a current certification in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation or advanced life support prior to and during
enrollment.
10.
Have access to a computer and demonstrate minimum
capabilities for computer literacy.
11.
For foreign applicants, present evidence of
proficiency in English or a minimum score of 550 (earned within two
years prior to application) of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
Computation of Cumulative GPA: A cumulative GPA will include all collegiate work.
The College of Nursing, as a part of the UT system, is a state supported institution and gives priority to Tennessee residents; however, non-residents may be considered. Questions regarding residency status should be addressed to the UTHSC Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, Suite 525, 910 Madison Avenue, (901) 448-5560.
BSN Promotion,
Retention and Progression Requirements
These policies govern the progression of students in the BachelorŐs Program.
1. Promotion and graduation require recommendations of the Progressions Committee and endorsement by the Dean.
2.
Consistent with other professional degrees on
campus, promotion requirements are as follows: All students must
demonstrate satisfactory behavior in personal and professional areas
deemed necessary by faculty for academic success and competency in
clinical practice. Such areas may include ability to establish
rapport with clients; ability to work effectively with other members
of the health care team; dependability; judgment; integrity;
initiative; and interest.
3.
To be considered in good academic standing, a
student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. A student
whose GPA falls below 2.0 may be dismissed.
4.
A student must maintain a minimum semester and
cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to progress to the subsequent term or
to graduate.
5.
A student must earn a minimum grade of ŇCÓ in every
nursing course. A student who earns a ŇDÓ in nursing courses must
repeat that course and earn the grade of ŇCÓ or better.
6.
Dismissal from the program will result from a
studentŐs earning a grade of ŇFÓ or more than one ŇDÓ in nursing
courses or from serious deficiencies in personal or professional
behavior.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN AND DNSc PROGRAMS
There are two major areas considered in admissions decisions: (1) Academic Preparation and Achievement; and (2) Personal Qualities as assessed from personal interviews, recommendations, and the written essay.
1. Academic
Preparation and Achievement
Applicants must have a
minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for admission to
the MSN or DNSc program.
Computation of Cumulative
GPA: A cumulative
GPA will include the most recent bachelorŐs program (regardless of
degree major) and all subsequent collegiate work. Applicants without a
bachelorŐs degree and who hold a masterŐs or doctoral degree as their
first academic degree will have cumulative GPA calculated to include
that masterŐs or doctoral degree and subsequent academic work.
Applicants to the MSN and
DNSc programs are offered admission to their selected specialty
options within the College of Nursing. The total number of students admitted to the
College will vary depending on the number of positions available in
each specialty option. Additionally, applicants may be more
competitive within an option based on previous performance in
selected course work.
Faculty in the Nurse Anesthesia Option, for example, review
applicant performance in basic sciences in addition to the cumulative
GPA necessary for an application to be accepted to the College of
Nursing.
2. Personal
Qualities
A. Interview -
In order to assess the personal qualities of an applicant,
individuals are invited to campus for interviews. Academic achievement, GPA
ranking, previous experience, and written essay are considered in
determining who will be invited to interview. For doctoral programs, match
of applicantsŐ educational goals with faculty programs of practice or
research is an important factor that is assessed in interview.
B. Essay - The
purpose of the essay is to provide the Admissions Committee further
insight into the professional goals, motivation, and expectations of
the applicant and to evaluate written communication skills. Applicants are asked to describe
how the selected program will enhance future roles and activities.
C. References
- Applicants must submit at least three (3) recommendation forms from
graduate prepared nurses or faculty members who can address their
potential or ability for functioning in the advanced practice or
research role (clinical skills, critical thinking, independent
decision making, collaborative skills with other health
professionals, and nursing leadership). Applicants currently enrolled
in a nursing program must submit at least one (1) recommendation from
a faculty member in that program.
MASTERŐS PROGRAM IN NURSING
The College of Nursing offers an accredited program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program provides the opportunity to:
1. Select an area of clinical specialization,
2. Develop an advanced level of clinical competence for leadership in practice that provides consumers with primary, secondary and/or tertiary categories of health care,
3. Develop a research base for systematic review, testing and evaluation of nursing care actions, their effects and outcomes, and
4. Acquire the foundation for doctoral study.
All students are enrolled in a common core of nursing theory and research courses. Each student selects a clinical area of concentration and follows the prescribed nursing courses in the area of the student's choice. Courses of study are offered in Critical and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nursing Administration.
Upon completion of the MasterŐs Program, the graduate will be able to:
1. Demonstrate specialty competencies for advanced nursing roles.
2. Provide leadership in health promotion and disease management.
3. Demonstrate the ability to engage in collegial intra- and interdisciplinary relationships in the conduct of advanced practice and research.
4. Evaluate results of interventions using accepted outcome criteria.
5. Apply nationally accepted guidelines and standards in the conduct of advanced nursing practice.
6. Participate in legislative and policy making activities that influence advanced nursing practice.
7. Demonstrate continuing professional development.
The graduate program in nursing requires at least three semesters of full-time study. The Nurse Anesthesia Option requires five semesters of full-time study. All degree requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing must be completed within five years of the date of initial enrollment. The minimum credit hour requirement for graduation is variable depending on the clinical course of study.
For specific
information about areas of concentration available and the curriculum
patterns, please contact the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student
Affairs at 901-448-6125.
MSN Admission Process
Applications may be completed online or packets may be obtained from the UTHSC Office of Enrollment Services. Preference is given to residents of Tennessee.
Minimum Requirements for MSN Admission
The applicant must: