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Smart moves, sage advice


Gloria Ferraro Donnelly, PhD,RN, FAAN, FCPP, serves as dean and professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia. She shares her wisdom and experience about online nursing education, the benefits of interprofessional education and in-demand nursing degrees and certificates in this Q&A.


Q:


What has been your most successful strategy when encouraging nurses to pursue advanced degrees?


A:More than 15 years ago, DrexelUniversity’sCollege ofNursing and Health Professions, in collaboration with Drexel University Online, began designing online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing programs. I was one of the first online teachers in 2000 and was skeptical at first.At the end ofmyfirst online course,which includedmonthly in-personmeetings, students askedwhy we had tomeet at all, givenwhat they had learned, beyond the course and in their own timeframe. They were right. Remote but quick access to the teacher turned out to bemore effective. It is the unique blend of academic advisement and


innovative course delivery that are keys to encour- aging nurses to take the online plunge. All nurses at Drexel have a dedicated adviser to shepherd them through enrollment, course selection and problem solving with respect to business and technology issues. The faculty has selected unique programs to feature within their online courses. Weemphasize howmuch fun learning online can be. Our stu-


JANICE PETRELLA LYNCH MSN, RN


NPwomen’s health students,medical and PA students and under- graduate nursing studentswork together through seven advanced clinical women’s health scenarios. I find students pursuing the doctor of nursing practice degree


become well versed in the ins and outs of working with a wide range of health and business professionals, and we encourage them to identify dilemmas in dealingwith other professionals and explore themthrough simulation. There is no doubt that improved relationships among all health professionals result in fewer adverse events for patients.


Q:


Which nursing degrees are in demand and are being pursued by nurses through advanced education?


Gloria Ferraro Donnelly, RN


A:NPs are in high demand. In fact, ourNP programs have grown300%over the last three years, andrequests from employing organizations to post their position opportunities have also increased.TheDNPprogram has also beeninhighdemand as the healthcare system increasingly requires evidence-based solutions to clin- ical and healthcare management problems.


I think the certificate is a great approach to exploring role tran-


dents complete programs not only with advanced nursing degrees but alsowith a high level of sophistication in online methods and web surfing that will serve them well for years to come.


Q:


Do you place a priority on interprofessional work in your advanced degree programs?


A: Interprofessional educationis anintegral part of ournurse practi- tioner program,which is accomplished throughpreceptored, clinical experiences.NPstudentswork withMDs, psychiatrists,PAs andNPs as they learn the art and science of advanced practice. One of the most creative and satisfying experiences in our program occurs during a one-week, in-person residency when


18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY2016 • WEST


sition for an advanced practice nurse. For example, many nurses withmaster’s degrees in nursing education or administration are pursuing post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates. Emergency roomnurses are getting certified in forensic healthcare since they often deal with victims and perpetrators. We offer nurses the option of delving more deeply into the care of the autistic child and family or into the care of veterans. As educators, we need to balance cost and need. To me, the certificate is like a cost-effec- tive battery charge to get the nurse moving in a new direction. •


Janice Petrella Lynch, MSN, RN, is nurse editor/nurse executive. Read the extended article at Nurse.com/Article/Advice-Donnelly


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