History and Milestones
In 2023, the office name was officially changed from the Continuing Nursing Education office to reflect its expanded scope and accreditation capacity, now known as the UNMC College of Nursing Center for Continuing interProfessional Development and Innovation.
Founded in 1980 under the leadership of former Dean Rosalee Yeaworth, our office was initially focused on a few local programs delivered primarily in person. Over time, the office expanded its offerings to include various formats, such as journal articles and monographs, and adopted a paperless, technology-driven approach by 2007, embracing virtual content delivery.
Our office has been at the forefront of innovation, launching notable programs like the Annual Pharmacology Conference for Advanced Practice Nurses, which has grown significantly since 1995, and the Gero Nurse Prep program in 2011, which has helped over 500 nurses achieve board certification in gerontological nursing.
As the office has evolved, our team has grown, bringing together a diverse range of skills and expertise. Together with its partners, the team remains committed to advancing nursing education and addressing learning gaps across all levels of practice.
- 2020: Achieved Joint Accreditation for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, enhancing accreditation services for nurses and the health care team through a partnership between our office and the UNMC Center for Continuing Education.
- 2019: Our office had a productive year, beginning with its first Simulation Day for the Wound Treatment Associate Program in May. Our office launched the RN Huddle Podcast in June, followed by the record-breaking 24th Annual Pharmacological Conference for Advanced Practice Providers in July. In September, they introduced the UNMC PriCare Fellowship to advance primary care skills for RNs. October saw the team promoting the Gero Nurse Prep course at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living 70th Convention, and in November, they published a significant article on the impact of Board-Certified Registered Nurses in skilled nursing facilities.
- 2018: Our office launched the Olson Center for Women's Health Webinar Series in May, set a record with 375 participants at the July Pharmacological Conference, and published impactful research on advanced providers’ preparedness in treating agricultural populations in November.
- 2017: Launched Project ECHO Pain and Substance Use Disorder in collaboration with BHECN, providing a virtual learning network for providers across the state.
- 2013: Expanded its business model to include website and learning management system development and maintenance.
- 2011: Partnered with the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living to launch the Gero Nurse Prep, an online training course for board certification in Gerontological Nursing.
- 2010: The 15th Annual Pharmacological Conference for Advanced Practice Providers utilized distance learning for the first time.
- 2006: Launched its online learning and evaluation system, aligning with the University’s mission to reach out nationally.
- 2002: Received approved provider status from the California Board of Registered Nursing, enabling our office to provide contact hours for live activities nationwide.
- 1995: Hosted the 1st Annual Pharmacological Conference for Advanced Practice Providers, filling a gap in continuing medical education for NPs in Nebraska.
- 1987: CNE became an Iowa Board of Nursing approved provider, allowing it to offer continuing education to Iowa nurses.
- 1986: The office's name was changed to Continuing Nursing Education.
- 1980: Became an American Nurses Credentialing Center provider of continuing nursing education, a significant milestone as American Nurses Credentialing Center began granting such status.
- 1974: Received the first federal grant for a project focused on geriatric nursing, transitioning to gerontology.
- 1967: The Continuing Education for Nursing office was formally recognized as a College of Nursing entity.