Published June 21, 2017
The University of Louisiana Monroe continues to set the standard in health care education
with the addition of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
program.
July 5, the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing begins its first class in AGPCNP, which
is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Approximately 20 registered nurses
are enrolled, according to Dr. Rhonda Hensley, Associate Director of the ULM Graduate
Nursing Program and associate professor in the school of nursing.
The AGPCNP joins the Gerontological Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program, which began
in 2016 and will graduate its first class in December 2017.
AGPCNPs are educated to provide comprehensive treatment of acute and primary health
care needs of adults and geriatric aged patients.
CNL students focus on mid-level and upper management in agencies working with the
healthcare of all patients, with an emphasis on gerontology.
In the present, looking to the future
These programs are two of the most highly demanded MSN degrees in nursing today, according
to Director of Nursing Emily Doughty. Doughty, who retires June 30, and Hensley, were
instrumental in securing both degrees at ULM.
“We felt like we needed to add the gerontology to prepare our graduates for the skills
needed for the future of health care (management and gerontology),” said Doughty.
“In the health care arena, there is a major concern about a workforce educated to
care for the rapidly growing elder population.”
Doughty said local health care professionals came to ULM asking for more advanced
education for nurses and more MSN programs.
“Practicing professionals in the community approached us. They see the need first-hand
and we are working to fill that need,” Doughty said. “There was a time when a bachelor’s
degree in nursing was enough to satisfy the requirements for a career in nursing.
However, the health care industry, and the patients, are seeking more specialized
training. These are demands Kitty DeGree School of Nursing is meeting in these post-graduate
programs.”
University Health Conway Director of Nursing Traci Jordan, MSN, RN, works directly
with the MSN programs, and two of the graduate students are on her staff.
“ULM has needed this for years and we are all so excited to see this dream come to
fruition. I’ve always encouraged my staff to further their education, especially those
that I see future leadership capabilities in. These new degrees will help to expand
opportunities for many nurses who are wanting to advance in leadership or advanced
practice,” Jordan said.
Jordan earned her undergraduate nursing degree in 1998, but had to travel for her
MSN.
“When I obtained my master’s degree I had to go out of town. I would have much rather
attended my local university,” she said.
About the programs
AGPCNPs treat patients age 13 and above. The term “gerontological” can be confusing
since the meaning refers to the study of aging and older adults. The combination of
“Adult-Gerontology” is to distinguish the focus of care from pediatrics (the care
of infants and children) to the care of adolescents through aging adults.
The CNL program prepares graduates with the management skills needed to operate facilities
or clinical health care settings devoted to older patients.
“As a CNL, they can take charge of a unit and they become the clinical expert and
researcher,” Henley said, adding the primary focus is on the clinical management.
Having CNLs on staff is an advancement hospitals and health care facilities are proud
to have, according to Hensley.
“It’s like putting a big gold seal on the door of the hospital,” she said.
Brittany Killins, BSN, RN, is an instructor at Kitty DeGree School of Nursing, and
also a graduate student in the CNL program.
“I am fortunate to be enrolled in a rigorous and high-quality program where the faculty
members truly value my education. With the growth of America’s aging population, gerontological
clinical nurse leaders will be of great benefit within health care,” Killins said.
“In addition to the convenience of this online program, I thoroughly enjoy attending
clinical and gaining new knowledge from experienced health care professionals within
the community.”
Both online degree programs have stringent acceptance requirements, including a current
RN license, GPA of 2.8 or higher, at least two years working as an RN, and more. In
addition to the six semesters of coursework, AGPCNPs must complete 640 clinical hours.
CNL students must complete 440 clinical hours while enrolled in the program.
The advance nursing degree programs are supported by the local medical community,
with clinical hours being performed at Glenwood, St. Francis Medical Center and University
Health Conway. These clinical hours are performed under the guidance of a preceptor,
who is a professional working in the field.
Many students will also be placed with physicians in clinics outside of the Monroe
area.
“I love them going to rural communities,” Hensley said.
For additional information on the programs, visit https://www.ulm.edu/nursing and click on Graduate Nursing. Or, call the Graduate Nursing Program at 342-1642
or by email at hensley@ulm.edu.
