The Nursing School's Clinical Nurse Leader program recently received a grant for $1,320,000 from the Helene Fuld Health trust.
The fellowship's primary function is to provide aid to students seeking nursing education, Nursing School Dean Jeanette Lancaster said.
Eighty-five percent of the fellowship is going directly toward tuition aid for all 20 students participating in the program and the remaining 15 percent is program support, said David Black, assistant vice president for development at the Nursing School.
"The fellowship will virtually fund the first [class] for the full two years, and the next [class] will get one year's release from tuition," Lancaster said.
While the fellowship is not permanent, the CNL program has the option to apply for it again, Lancaster said.
The CNL program is one of 90 pilot programs around the country that enable students to earn a master's degree in general nursing, Black said.
This is an entry-level program which allows qualified students with bachelor's degrees in any other field of study to obtain a master's in general nursing, he added.
"The program is extremely competitive -- we are looking for extremely bright and motivated students who will become nursing leaders," he said.
The CNL program was created out of a call from the medical profession for a nurse that was less specialized but can be the person who coordinates all of the health needs for the patients, Lancaster said.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing then outlined what the new kind of program should look like, Black said.
The 24-month CNL Program is meant to be a new model for nursing education, he added.
The program's 20 students will complete 800-900 clinical hours over the two-year period, working individually with a teacher, referred to as a "preceptor," as well as spending significant time in the classroom, Lancaster said.
"Our program is unique from the other programs because from the first day our students are providing care one-on-one with their preceptor," she said.
The feedback from the University Medical Center about the program has been extremely positive, she said.
Because the program is only one year old and has experienced a great deal of success, it is expected that the pilot will become a full program, she added.
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | YesterdaySheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | YesterdayIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
