School of Nursing Seeks Applicants

LOMA LINDA>> Loma Linda University's School of Nursing is currently seeking early-career PhD applicants in their 20's and 30's, a transition many educational industries are moving toward. "Drawing candidates earlier in their career could mean a greater number of nurses with the opportunity to sustain a longer career in research they are passionate about, said Ellen D'Errico, PhD RN NEA-BC, an associate professor who oversees the school’s PhD program. “Our graduates get to further their career as health care leaders or get involved in academia as researchers, faculty, and developing the next generation of nurses, which many people find exhilarating and rewarding." This year, Loma Linda University reopened applications for its PhD program after a two-year retooling effort that includes more distance learning and an enhanced flexible program. Applications for the autumn cohort were reopened after an examination of how to best serve potential students revealed that incoming students had less of a demand for face to face teaching methods, than their predecessors. Current candidates will finish with the existing format while new doctoral candidates will spend several days on campus each quarter. Plans are also in the works to implement learning options that work for students who are a distance away from campus. Loma Linda University School of Nursing Administrators said they anticipate a larger pool of qualified applicants. These students will want a more flexible program, one that allows them to work as nurse scientists, leaders and faculty. The program launched in 2002 as a year-round program and later included summer intensives. The program has since changed to become more accommodating to working nurses’ schedules. “They’re trying to do anything they can to help me accomplish my degree,” said Mai Yaseen, a 30-year-old native of Saudi Arabia who has one child. Yaseen, who holds a BSN and a master’s degree in health care leadership, said she did not have as much experience as a nurse compared to other nursing PhDs she’s encountered, but was pleased that the School of Nursing took into account her age, life experience and goals. “This is my dream and my dad’s dream to advance in life,” she said. “A PhD will open a lot of opportunities for me when I get back home in hospital administration, as a researcher or as faculty.” Hazel Ada, director of nursing education and training at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, said she is earning her PhD at the School of Nursing to serve as a role model for both her family and colleagues. “I see a lot of nurses interested in innovation and research, and I’m interested in helping more nurses who want to do that,” Ada said. “You can apply nursing research wherever you are and for all kinds of specialties.” “If you commit to us, we commit to you,” D’Errico said."We haven’t had anyone drop out. That’s our reputation.”