Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Today, GV students are finishing up classes for the week and University offices close tomorrow (Wed.) at noon and will remain closed through the weekend. Therefore, you won't be hearing from me until next week. Safe travels to everyone and have a happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 20, 2009
GV Grad Fact Friday
The GV Graduate Studies office has teamed up with the YPC to offer members a free one-year parking pass for graduate students enrolling in the M.S. in Innovative Leadership next fall. $50 value. Details are coming soon on the YPC's Member Discounts page. Check it out.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Spotlight on the Clinical Nurse Leader
The nursing track in Grand View's Master of Science in Innovative Leadership leads to the role of Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). The CNL is a relatively new role in nursing, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
According to the AACN, "The CNL role emerged following research and discussion with stakeholder groups as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement. In practice, the CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master's degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system, and the implementation of this role will vary across settings."
CNL graduates are eligible to take the CNL certification exam through the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), an autonomous arm of AACN.
Because the CNL role is new, there is sometimes confusion about the differences between the CNL and other advanced practice nurses. The AACN defines the difference this way: "The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice nurse (APN) as the APN is currently defined. The CNL is an advanced generalist in contrast with the specialized focus of the practice by clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners. Advanced practice nurses are prepared with specialist education in a defined area of practice. The CNL and APN roles complement one another. For example, the CNL may call on the CNS to provide consultation when a specialist area of concern arises (i.e. when a patient does not respond to nursing care or therapeutics as expected)."
The AACN has published a brochure on the CNL role. Go to http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/pdf/Brochure.pdf to download it. Other information about the CNL role is available on the AACN web site at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/Index.htm.
As an example, the Department of Veteran's Affairs is among the health care systems employing Clinical Nurse Leaders. At VA hospitals, CNLs serve as the point people on patient care teams and are leaders in the health care delivery system across all settings in which health care is delivered. This revolutionary role is making a difference in patient care outcomes and professional role satisfaction for many staff nurses.
According to the AACN, "The CNL role emerged following research and discussion with stakeholder groups as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement. In practice, the CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master's degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system, and the implementation of this role will vary across settings."
CNL graduates are eligible to take the CNL certification exam through the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), an autonomous arm of AACN.
Because the CNL role is new, there is sometimes confusion about the differences between the CNL and other advanced practice nurses. The AACN defines the difference this way: "The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice nurse (APN) as the APN is currently defined. The CNL is an advanced generalist in contrast with the specialized focus of the practice by clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners. Advanced practice nurses are prepared with specialist education in a defined area of practice. The CNL and APN roles complement one another. For example, the CNL may call on the CNS to provide consultation when a specialist area of concern arises (i.e. when a patient does not respond to nursing care or therapeutics as expected)."
The AACN has published a brochure on the CNL role. Go to http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/pdf/Brochure.pdf to download it. Other information about the CNL role is available on the AACN web site at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/Index.htm.
As an example, the Department of Veteran's Affairs is among the health care systems employing Clinical Nurse Leaders. At VA hospitals, CNLs serve as the point people on patient care teams and are leaders in the health care delivery system across all settings in which health care is delivered. This revolutionary role is making a difference in patient care outcomes and professional role satisfaction for many staff nurses.
Friday, November 13, 2009
GV Grad Fact Friday: Student Spotlight Edition
I decided to change it up a bit this week. This student spotlight article was in our November newsletter and I thought it would be great to post it on my blog. Enjoy.
A Student Perspective: Peter Kiernan, Business
Peter Kiernan decided to pursue a graduate education after a discussion of career path planning at his employer, John Deere. He saw an opportunity to advance his level of education, communication skills and credentials, for both his career and personal growth goals.
Peter has a long tradition with Grand View. He graduated with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration in 1994 and is successfully completing his first semester of graduate studies. In addition, he has been appointed to President Henning's Advisory Council and as the student representative on the Graduate Council.
"I looked at Grand View’s program because I wanted to focus on improving my leadership skills and to gain an understanding of the dynamics of leadership. After looking at Grand View's curriculum, a traditional MBA would not meet this objective. I was interested in expanding my knowledge in areas other than business. Since my undergraduate degree from Grand View was in Business and Accounting, this prepared and has provided me a very successful career with John Deere."
Peter has worked for John Deere for the past ten years and is currently a pricing analyst in the Intelligent Vehicle Solutions Division. They develop and manufacture satellite technology to provide combines and tractors field solutions of yield mapping and hands-free steering. Peter was raised on a farm south of Des Moines that has been in his family since 1855. Today he farms southeast of Des Moines, which allows him to stay current with farming practices, technologies, and marketing of commodities. So he was also looking for a graduate program with plenty of flexibility to match his busy schedule.
"I’ve really been impressed with the caliber of the subject matter and the professors at Grand View. This is a tremendous learning opportunity, and I’m also having a great time. The interdisciplinary nature of the program means classes have a great mix of students, a very diverse group with different perspectives and personal experiences. That matters because leaders will not always be interacting with the same type of people in one area at the same time. "I encourage those contemplating graduate study to look at their own career and personal goals, their strengths and areas where there is room for improvement. Then look at what Grand View offers to meet these goals. My great grandfather used to say, your life is what you make of it; Grand View has definitely prepared the foundation to allow me to not only set goals but to obtain them."
A Student Perspective: Peter Kiernan, Business
Peter Kiernan decided to pursue a graduate education after a discussion of career path planning at his employer, John Deere. He saw an opportunity to advance his level of education, communication skills and credentials, for both his career and personal growth goals.
Peter has a long tradition with Grand View. He graduated with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration in 1994 and is successfully completing his first semester of graduate studies. In addition, he has been appointed to President Henning's Advisory Council and as the student representative on the Graduate Council.
"I looked at Grand View’s program because I wanted to focus on improving my leadership skills and to gain an understanding of the dynamics of leadership. After looking at Grand View's curriculum, a traditional MBA would not meet this objective. I was interested in expanding my knowledge in areas other than business. Since my undergraduate degree from Grand View was in Business and Accounting, this prepared and has provided me a very successful career with John Deere."
Peter has worked for John Deere for the past ten years and is currently a pricing analyst in the Intelligent Vehicle Solutions Division. They develop and manufacture satellite technology to provide combines and tractors field solutions of yield mapping and hands-free steering. Peter was raised on a farm south of Des Moines that has been in his family since 1855. Today he farms southeast of Des Moines, which allows him to stay current with farming practices, technologies, and marketing of commodities. So he was also looking for a graduate program with plenty of flexibility to match his busy schedule.
"I’ve really been impressed with the caliber of the subject matter and the professors at Grand View. This is a tremendous learning opportunity, and I’m also having a great time. The interdisciplinary nature of the program means classes have a great mix of students, a very diverse group with different perspectives and personal experiences. That matters because leaders will not always be interacting with the same type of people in one area at the same time. "I encourage those contemplating graduate study to look at their own career and personal goals, their strengths and areas where there is room for improvement. Then look at what Grand View offers to meet these goals. My great grandfather used to say, your life is what you make of it; Grand View has definitely prepared the foundation to allow me to not only set goals but to obtain them."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Graduate School: Question of the Week
I’m interested in graduate school, but my work schedule isn’t a typical 40-hour week. I work some days, evenings and nights. Are there part-time graduate schools that will fit in my schedule?
You’re definitely in a tricky situation because your work schedule doesn’t allow for a traditional day or evening program. Most graduate schools try to be as accommodating as possible, but have to draw the line somewhere if they want you to benefit from the classroom experience. I am a huge believer in the face-to-face interactions that you will receive in the classroom, but certainly understand if it isn’t compatible with your schedule. You might want to explore online options for graduate school and a few schools even support a “hybrid” structure that is largely online work with minimal classroom time. Please keep in mind, you’ll gain flexibility, but lose the classroom experience.
You’re definitely in a tricky situation because your work schedule doesn’t allow for a traditional day or evening program. Most graduate schools try to be as accommodating as possible, but have to draw the line somewhere if they want you to benefit from the classroom experience. I am a huge believer in the face-to-face interactions that you will receive in the classroom, but certainly understand if it isn’t compatible with your schedule. You might want to explore online options for graduate school and a few schools even support a “hybrid” structure that is largely online work with minimal classroom time. Please keep in mind, you’ll gain flexibility, but lose the classroom experience.
Friday, November 6, 2009
GV Grad Fact Friday
Any prospective graduate student who applies to Grand View from now until April 1, 2010 through the website will receive an application fee waiver. It's a $40 value. Have a nice Friday...and enjoy the warm weekend!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Graduate School: Question of the Week
"I have never been a good standardized test taker, so I’m very nervous about taking the graduate entrance exam. What should I do to prepare for it?"
Whether you’re taking the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT, most graduate admission experts will encourage applicants to study for the exam, but how you go about the process should be based on your personal study habits. At a minimum, I believe all applicants should purchase a study guide with prep tests. You can go to your local bookstore or order new and/or used study guides online (Amazon.com is a great resource). Using these test prep books enable you to take simulation tests which helps assess your strengths and weaknesses and also allows you to gauge your time management. Too many times, I hear stories of applicants who say they ran out of time and guessed on the final questions of the section.
Some applicants need a structured study plan and because of this, many will turn to a company that assists clients in studying for graduate exams. Some of these courses can be expensive, but are proven to be extremely helpful for many test-takers. For a low-cost prep course, I recommend contacting DMACC in Ankeny to see if they have a class that fits in your schedule.
Please keep in mind that the standardized test is only one component to the application. Graduate admission committees also consider the personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate gpa and any other components the school requires. So don’t get too stressed about taking the test!
Whether you’re taking the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT, most graduate admission experts will encourage applicants to study for the exam, but how you go about the process should be based on your personal study habits. At a minimum, I believe all applicants should purchase a study guide with prep tests. You can go to your local bookstore or order new and/or used study guides online (Amazon.com is a great resource). Using these test prep books enable you to take simulation tests which helps assess your strengths and weaknesses and also allows you to gauge your time management. Too many times, I hear stories of applicants who say they ran out of time and guessed on the final questions of the section.
Some applicants need a structured study plan and because of this, many will turn to a company that assists clients in studying for graduate exams. Some of these courses can be expensive, but are proven to be extremely helpful for many test-takers. For a low-cost prep course, I recommend contacting DMACC in Ankeny to see if they have a class that fits in your schedule.
Please keep in mind that the standardized test is only one component to the application. Graduate admission committees also consider the personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate gpa and any other components the school requires. So don’t get too stressed about taking the test!
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