Ursuline College - Programs in Nursing - Overview
Ursuline College
Located in Piper Pike, Ohio, in the midwestern region of the United States, Ursuline College was established in 1871 by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. Founded in the Catholic education tradition, this esteemed liberal arts college was the first women's college in the state of Ohio and one of the first in the nation.
Today it is a co-educational institution that provides a diverse academic and spiritual community for nearly 1,500 students. Its mission is to prepare students for service, leadership, and professional excellence by providing undergraduate and graduate programs that cultivate lifelong learning.
Because of its commitment to academic excellence, Ursuline College has a ranking of 72 in the "regional universities midwest" category on the U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2011" list.
Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline College
Through its Breen School of Nursing, Ursuline College provides nursing students with a "valued-based, holistic, collaborative, evolving education within a caring framework." The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing. Graduate programs include a Master of Science in Nursing, post master's certificates, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
The M.S.N. program includes three tracks: clinical nurse specialist, adult nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner.
All students take master's core courses that enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. Advanced practice core courses help students develop the knowledge needed to become advanced practice nurses.
Palliative Care Subspecialty
Students who are preparing for advanced nursing practice roles may pursue palliative care as a subspecialty. Palliative care provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of individuals who are nearing the end of life and of their families.
This subspecialty includes 4 credit hours as well as clinical practice.
Nursing Education Subspecialty
The nursing education subspecialty, which is offered for all three tracks, prepares students to teach undergraduate nursing in both classroom and clinical settings. This area of study incorporates the core courses with 3 specialty courses --- curriculum, teaching and evaluation, and teaching practicum -- which total 9 credit hours.
M.S.N. Adult Practitioner Track
The adult nurse practitioner track includes 26 credits of core courses and 13 of specialty courses. By studying a curriculum that focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, students learn how to manage acute and chronic diseases in adult and geriatric patients. They also become skilled at using diagnostic reasoning and research-based interventions to meet patients' needs.
M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner Track
The 43-credit family nurse practitioner track provides students with training in administering primary health care to individuals and families at every stage in the life cycle. The curriculum emphasizes health maintenance, disease prevention, counseling, and patient education. To earn a Master of Science in Nursing students must complete all of the course work in the adult nurse practitioner track as well as specialized courses.
M.S.N. Clinical Specialist Track
This 39-credit program incorporates the 26 credits of core courses with 13 credits of health and clinical care management and teaching and evaluation courses. Students graduate with the expertise needed to improve patient outcomes and nursing care.
M.S.N. Program Practicum
The M.S.N. programs integrate theoretical learning with practical application that gives students comprehensive training in nursing practice and education. Depending on their areas of study, students complete 600 to 750 clinical hours.
Post Master's Certificates
Ursuline College offers post master's certificates in the following specialties: adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nursing education, and palliative care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) focuses on clinical practice rather than academic research. Students gain the expertise needed to provide advanced, holistic nursing care; utilize evidenced-based practice; and provide leadership in healthcare organizations.
Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months of full-time study. The part-time program allows students to take up to four years to earn their degrees.
Accomplished Faculty
Ursuline College's nursing programs have an excellent reputation -- in part -- because of its experienced and dedicated faculty. They are experts in their fields and committed to nursing scholarship.
For instance, faculty members Janet Baker, Patricia A. Sharpnack, and Sandra L. Siedlecki give several presentations about nursing education and practice each year. Their colleague Christine A. Wynd recently published the article, "Factors influencing professionalism in nursing among Korean-American registered nurses," in the Journal of Professional Nursing.
In addition to their academic expertise, faculty members are supportive and invested in the success of their students. In fact, alumnae have described their faculty members in the following ways: "encouraging," "ready to help," "offer challenge and hope for the future," and "willing to go 'the extra mile' to help students."
Sigma Theta Tau International
The Breen School of Nursing's chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Iota Psi, is a community of nurses and nursing students whose goal is to provide leadership, education, and research in nursing to enhance health care throughout the world.
Members have the opportunity to advance their nursing knowledge and develop social and professional networks.
Ursuline College's Beautiful Campus Location
Ursuline College's location in Pepper Pike is just 13 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio. Its beautiful campus includes a learning center, a recreational complex, and an art gallery.
The college's community includes a campus ministry, Office of Multicultural Affairs, a wide-variety of student organizations, and an athletics program.
Furthermore, Cleveland offers students a variety of recreational, cultural, and employment opportunities. Attractions include the Rock and Roll of Fame and Museum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, PlayhouseSquare (a premier performing arts center), and University Circle (a square mile of arts and culture venues).