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History of the School of Nursing
Capital's nursing program was established in 1950 as a department
of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1965, the School of Nursing
became an independent college of the university, furthering Capital's
mission to prepare students with a liberal arts education for lives
of service. Over 2,000 Capital nursing graduates now practice throughout
the United States and around the world, continually earning a reputation
for caring and critical thinking.
Through
the years, the School of Nursing has been characterized by innovation,
creativity and service. During the 1950's students traveled to the
rural South for public health nursing experiences. Nursing faculty
and students participated in space research at Wright Patterson
Air Force Base in the 1970's, and a number of graduates have served
in military nursing positions around the globe. An early revision
of the curriculum incorporated holistic health concepts. A senior
precepted learning course incorporating internships has been widely
emulated in other programs.
The
1970's also saw the award of a Federal grant to the School of Nursing
which allowed faculty to take the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
program to registered nurses in rural areas of southeastern Ohio.
This activity enhanced the faculty's skills in adult education and
laid the groundwork for the BSN-completion program. Today, RN students
travel to the Columbus campus or the Dayton Adult Degree Center
to complete the BSN. Capital's Adult
Degree Center in Cleveland offers general education and support
courses.
In
the 1980's, the faculty welcomed computer technology -- first as
they achieved computer literacy themselves and then as they offered
an elective course for students. The Helene Fuld Health Trust Nursing
Resources Laboratory, dedicated in 1990, houses state-of-the-art
microcomputer and audiovisual technology for use by nursing students.
By the end of 1997, all the computers will be networked to the campus
and have Internet access.
Theta
Theta Chapter, Capital's affiliate of Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society for Nursing, has been recognized with a Key Award.
Currently, there are over 350 chapters on campuses in five countries.
The School of Nursing is mentoring the first Sigma Theta Tau Chapter
in Sweden.
Since
1991, students have participated in off-campus learning opportunities.
This fall, the sixth group of students will spend a semester at
the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, studying
child health and community nursing. Since 1993, groups of students
have spent eight weeks at the Health Care for the Homeless Project
in Washington, DC, providing psychiatric and community health nursing
care to the homeless under the guidance of Sister Roni Daniels,
recipient of an honorary degree from Capital. Beginning Fall, 1997,
students will study in Sweden at Mälardalens Högskola
University and in England at the University of Luton. Students have
also traveled to northern Ohio to learn about childbirthing practices
among the Amish and spent time at a summer camp for children with
disabilities.
Faculty
have also spent time abroad to learn about other cultures, schools
of nursing, and health care systems. Countries visited include Australia,
Botswana, Chile, China, England, Jamaica, Jordan, Mexico, Qatar,
Sweden, and Taiwan.
In
1994, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program was launched
in cooperation with the Graduate School of Administration, the Law
School, and Trinity Seminary. This collaborative approach offers
leadership at the interdisciplinary frontier in health care. Students
enroll in a variety of options. The single MSN degree offers concentrations
in family/community nursing, occupational health nursing, parish
nursing, administration, legal studies, theological studies, school
health nursing, and interdisciplinary family focused health care
across cultures. Dual degrees include the MSN/MBA, the MSN/JD, and
the MSN/MA in Lay Ministry. The first graduates received their degrees
in 1997.
In
1996, the School was named a Partner in Nursing Education by the
US Army ROTC program, one of 41 schools across the nation to receive
this honor. This designation was given in recognition of academic
excellence and high retention.
Long-standing
affiliations with all major hospitals and health care agencies in
the Columbus area are used to expand students' horizons and enhance
their skills. Faculty members are adept practitioners as well as
expert educators. The current enrollment of 400 traditional, registered
nurse, and graduate students serves the community's need for well-educated
professional nurses who bring critical thinking and compassion to
health care. This year, Capital University School of Nursing celebrates
its 47th year of service and 32 years as a college.
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