Date: September 17, 2008
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, September 17, 2008 – The inaugural class of the new Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at Governors State University met their classmates and many of their professors at a recent orientation. The degree program they begin this term addresses the need for advanced practice nurses and nurse educators in the regionally and nationwide.
“There is currently a critical shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty who bring their expertise as clinicians to nursing education,” explained Dr. Linda Samson, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.
“Our program will educate nurse practitioners and educators, healthcare administrators, and specialists in both the direct care of vulnerable populations and in community health disaster management. The DNP provides advanced knowledge and skills professionals need for actual practice in the discipline. Our graduates will bring their advanced knowledge of practice to the nurses on the floor to hospital administration, and the community.”
Dr. Jane Hudak, Provost of GSU, acknowledged the scope and impact of the new DNP program. “These committed students are embarking on an exciting intellectual journey. The will make a major difference in their own lives, the region, and the nation.”
New DNP student Colleen Andeoni, of Mokena, echoed this sentiment. “We are all excited about this opportunity. There are few programs that offer a clinical practice tract, which is my specialty. This will allow me to further my career.”
According to Marie Hansel, of Beecher, the DNP program at Governors State University will give her the opportunity to increase her qualifications to help her community. “I am very interested in addressing the huge disparity in access to healthcare experienced by rural areas.”
Rose Murray of Elmhurst added, “This program has a clinical focus that will help us, as educators, impact the teaching of nurses and how nursing is practiced. We can focus on what nurses do and make their work more effective.”
“DNP program graduates will be advanced practice nurses who will assure that patients receive a high level of care. They will have expertise in nursing as well as in organizational issues, leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health,” said Samson.
For more information about the Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Governors State University, call (708) 534-4035.
