College partnership to promote nurses getting master's degree

Southeast Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cape Girardeau has partnered with Cox College, a nursing college in Springfield, Mo., to establish a program that beginning in October will provide an avenue for registered nurses to obtain a master of science in nursing.

Dr. Tonya Buttry, president of the College of Nursing, said she expects the partnership to promote an academic progression for nursing professionals in the Cape Girardeau area to continue their development and provide valuable services.

"We know that studies have shown that patient outcomes are improved and mortality rates decreased when there is a higher number of nursing staff with advanced degrees," Buttry said.

Dr. Anne Brett, president of Cox College, echoed a similar theme. "As health care continues to evolve, the role of the advanced-practice nurse will become even more important to provide access to quality care."

The partnership is the result of an 18-month effort between the colleges and was created to address, as Brett sees it, one of the greatest threats to nursing education today: the aging faculty workforce.

"Nearly 50 percent could retire within the next five years," she said. "This partnership will provide an opportunity to educate the next generation of nursing faculty for Southeast Missouri."

The program, based at the College of Nursing, will be open to registered nurses who possess at least the associate in nursing degree. The initial classes will be offered one day a week, which will allow students to continue work while obtaining the advanced degree. Candidates will study in accordance with the program's curriculum in a classroom setting at the College of Nursing and online through Cox College. However, courses that are applicable toward the master's degree will be online, with only the clinical aspects being offered at the College of Nursing. Upon completion of their master's degree, students will be able to sit for the national certification exam as a clinical nurse leader, family nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Dr. B.J. Whiffen, assistant professor at the College of Nursing and coordinator of the clinical program for master's candidates, said she is glad the program has Southeast Missouri as its focus.

"The need for health care in rural areas continues to grow, and our goal is keeping high-quality nursing care in the region," she said. "The program represents a great opportunity for nursing students to learn locally. We don't expect there to be a great deal of travel for those who take advantage of the program."

Whiffen said the program is funded by a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, a philanthropic organization, and by a three-year state grant.

"We're grateful for the help we have received in getting this program running," she said. "It has helped tremendously with the startup costs. By the end of the three-year grant period, we hope to be self-sustaining."

The program will offer financial aid to those who qualify.

For more information, contact Whiffen at 334-6825.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

2001 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO