Emory Nursing School Joins National Effort to Increase Numbers of Qualified

Emory University
Friday, 14 November 2003

The critical nationwide nursing shortage spurred administrators and faculty into creative efforts to draw prospective students into nursing. But as nursing student numbers increase, there has been a push by administrators and the federal government to help boost number of qualified nursing faculty. With help from a $194,000 award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Emory University's nursing school will provide students tuition assistance in exchange for serving four years as nursing faculty at an academic institution after graduation.

The Nursing Faculty Loan Program is being implemented by the Health Resources and Services Administration of DHHS. Students enrolled full-time in an advanced degree nursing program at eligible schools can qualify for up to 85% of the loan being cancelled after their four-year agreement as a faculty member has been fulfilled.

"The severe faculty shortage has impeded the ability to accept all qualified applicants into nursing programs across the country," said Sandi Dunbar, RN, DSN, FAAN, professor of adult and elder health. Dr. Dunbar is working with Professor Roberta Kaplow, RN, PhD to coordinate the program.

Emory's nursing school currently has 53 combined part and full-time faculty.

This past summer, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing also coordinated another effort in response to the pressing need for nursing educators. Ten students completed the Emory Summer Nursing Teaching Institute, an innovative post-master's certificate program.

The fast-track course offered the masters-prepared clinicians an efficient program to become skilled educators. The teaching practicum built on the clinical knowledge of nurses and ensured that participants learned the techniques to deliver educational materials in a skilled and effective manner.

Participants in the 2003 Emory Summer Nursing Teaching Institute had the option to complete all or part of the program. Upon completion of the entire sequence, participants earned twelve graduate level academic credits (nine semester hours in the summer and three semester hours in the fall).

During the summer session, classes were held in workshop format, followed by on-line activities and assignments. The program participants concluded with a preceptorship at their employing agency or institution from September to December. During their preceptorships, they participated in both classroom and clinical instruction under the direction of a faculty preceptor, who provided guidance, critique and support.

For more information about Emory's Nursing Faculty Loan Program, interested registered nurses who want to pursue graduate education can contact Chrystal Jefferson at (404) 727-7953.

For more information, or to contact Emory University, see their website at: whsc.emory.edu