The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff invites nurses interested in pursuing degrees in nursing to attend an open house Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Susan Wilhelm, Ph.D., UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff, said besides providing more nurses with advanced degrees to care for Nebraskans especially in the Panhandle are, the college is hoping to ultimately hire more faculty to teach, as well as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists who teach as well as practice nursing.
“We need more faculty to educate and mentor students who will ultimately be caring for Nebraskans,” Dr. Wilhelm said. “Besides a shortage of nurses, we’re experiencing a shortage of faculty, something that is happening nationwide in academia.
“Degrees in nursing help prepare nurses to meet the growing demands placed on them, promote skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and prepares them to practice in a variety of settings,” Dr. Wilhelm said.
The open house, which will be held at the college, 4502 Avenue I, will provide an opportunity for nurses to learn about degree programs, as well as information on financial aid and scholarships. Refreshments, tours, and free parking will be available.
Degree programs available in Scottsbluff for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as the new fast track program for those who have bachelor’s in nursing degrees who want to earn a doctoral degree.
Information also will be available on programs for advanced practicing nursing degrees for nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, including specialties in adult health, family health, gerontology, health systems, psychiatric, children’s and women’s health.
Faculty in Scottsbluff will be available, as well as Peggy Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs at UNMC College of Nursing in Omaha.
Non-nursing courses taken to pursue a bachelor’s degree can be earned at accredited colleges and will apply toward a degree through UNMC. Some of UNMC’s nursing courses are accessible through the Internet, which offers students the flexibility of learning at home according to their schedule.
For more information about the programs, contact the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff or call 1-800-626-8431, extension 5184, or develoff@unmc.edu.
The UNMC College of Nursing is the largest nursing college in the state with campuses in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney and Scottsbluff. It is the only nursing program in the state offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.