News-home

A family legacy of fighting for civil rights fuels Chicago native Anana Upton, whose mission is creating positive change in underserved communities. With a major in child development through Peabody College of education and human development and a plan to become a pediatric nurse, Upton aims to bring social justice through delivering quality, affordable health care. She'll enter Vanderbilt School of Nursing's PreSpecialty program in August as the first step in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Read More

Black women in the U.S. are more likely to die in childbirth than other races. VUSN Associate Professor Stephanie DeVane Johnson, PhD, CNM, is helping lead the fight to get more Black doulas trained to meet the need of expectant Black women. She and other experts say it is critical… Read More

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing was again named a Top 10 graduate nursing school, as ranked in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School survey released today. Vanderbilt’s Master of Science in Nursing advanced to be the nation’s No. 8 program and its… Read More

More than 60 Vanderbilt students, staff and faculty members helped Nashville’s Metro Public Health Department vaccinate 10,107 community members in a marathon 14-hour event on Sat., March 20. Recipients received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the drive-through event outdoors at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Assistant Professor Carrie Plummer… Read More

Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, an internationally recognized leader and innovator in nursing and health care education, will become dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, effective July 1, pending Board of Trust approval. Jeffries, professor and dean of the George Washington University School of Nursing in Washington, D.C., succeeds Linda Norman, who plans to step down from her leadership role on June 30.  Read More

Associate Professor Terrah Foster Akard, PhD’08, MSN’01, FAAN, has been named director of the PhD in Nursing Science program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Akard, a Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Faculty Fellow and noted scholar in pediatric palliative care, had been… Read More

Associate Professor Debbie Arnow, DNP’11, MSN’96, has been selected as the new academic director for the Nursing and Health Care Leadership specialty in the master of science in nursing program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. “Debbie Arnow is an accomplished senior nurse… Read More

The first week of October, 2020, Vanderbilt School of Nursing alumna Sherri Randolph, MSN'97, planned to marry her college sweetheart, Stacey Bruff. As things turned out, Sherri and Stacey got married a few days earlier, Sept. 21, in the only wedding ever to take place in the COVID unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tragically and unexpectedly, Stacey died two days after the wedding. Sherri was devastated, and she still has a hard time talking about Stacey without tears welling up. There is a lot of sadness about how things turned out. She knows that all over the world there are millions of lives that have been changed forever by the COVID-19 pandemic, and hers is one of them. So, this is a story rooted in the devastation of the pandemic. But don’t lose sight of this: it is still a love story. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers are prolific and resolute in their pursuit of transformative research and innovation. During the pandemic, more than 3,000 Vanderbilt research personnel have returned to in-person research activities, while many others have continued remotely through perseverance and ingenuity. On campus and at home, they are making discoveries that advance… Read More

It was with sadness that VUSN learned of the death of Ginna Corts, BSN’70, MSN’73. Ginna was a member of our inaugural family nurse clinician class (now family nurse practitioner). That pioneering class led the way to a new level of nursing. Read More

A top expert in chronic pain and a renowned researcher in LGBTQ health have been named visiting professors at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. University of Maryland School of Nursing Professor Susan Dorsey, PhD, RN, FAAN, joined VUSN at the start of the spring 2020 semester. Columbia University School… Read More

Update: View Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s memorial service for Dr. Christenbery. Thomas L. Christenbery, MSN’87, PhD’04, CNE, professor of nursing and director of program evaluation at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, died unexpectedly in his sleep Tuesday, Feb. 16. He was 66.The popular Christenbery was… Read More

Doctors and nurses have been pushed to the limit over the past months. Dean Norman says it’s an important time in health care and important time for nurses to be recognized for their contribution, whether in or out of COVID units. Read More

Franklin (TN) Mayor Dr. Ken Moore announced this week the creation of a scholarship fund in honor of the late City of Franklin Alderman and VUSN MSN Alumna Pearl Bransford, for an individual or individuals pursuing the study of health sciences through Columbia State Community College. Photo courtesy: City Photo… Read More

Mavis Schorn, PhD, APRN, CNM, CNE, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP, served with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s (MVA) Interprofessional Education and Inter-Institutional Collaborative Learning (IPE) program for almost nine years. She was Director and Co-Director during the last four. Earlier in 2020, she stepped away from the program. She recently reflected on her tenure and passing the torch. Read More

Assistant Professor and Clinic at Mercury Courts Clinical Director Christian Ketel, DNP'14, RN, has added a new role: Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Inter-Institutional Collaborative Learning co-director with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance. He sat down with MVA writer Matt Schorr recently to talk about his new adventure. Read More

Preliminary results from a national survey reveal how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), while findings related to the temporary easing of practice restrictions show little effect on APRN practice. In states with restrictive practice requirements, barriers that impact patient care and access continued to exist… Read More

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has received a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to support Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students who are interested in becoming nursing faculty members. The award brings the funds the school… Read More

The American Association of Men in Nursing has again named Vanderbilt University School of Nursing an AAMN Best School of Nursing. This is the third consecutive year that the school was recognized by the association. The honor recognizes a nursing school for significant efforts in recruiting and retaining… Read More

Vanderbilt University has established a search committee for a new dean for Vanderbilt School of Nursing. Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente has appointed the  committee to conduct a national search after VUSN Dean Linda Norman announced she would step down in June, 2021. The… Read More

  Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has launched a scholarship program for family nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery and dual nurse-midwifery/FNP master’s students that aims to increase diversity in primary health care providers, particularly in medically underserved areas. Funded by a new $3.2… Read More

The fall semester is half way through, and you and the entire Vanderbilt community have been diligent in fighting COVID-19 by Anchoring Down and Stepping Up. Thank you for your commitment to safety measures, social distancing and putting the health of others first. It is making a difference. VUSN will have a staggered semester start, with MSN specialties beginning classes on Monday, January 4, and MSN PreSpecialty, DNP and PhD classes beginning Monday, January 11. There will not be a spring break this year. Read More

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has received the 2020 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes schools and universities in health care education that demonstrate outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. “This is a wonderful recognition, and… Read More

Linda D. Norman, DSN, FAAN, dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and the Valere Potter Menefee Professor of Nursing, announced she will step down from the position June 30, 2021. A transformational leader, Norman has served as dean since 2013 and spent nearly 30… Read More

Three Vanderbilt University School of Nursing assistant deans have been promoted to associate dean, while two faculty members have been named to new roles in the school. Ruth Kleinpell, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FCCM, is now the associate dean for clinical scholarship, Kleinpell, who holds the Independence… Read More

Author and Professor Alice Randall spoke to an online audience of nearly 300 when she presented the VUSN Dean’s Diversity Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 10. The bestselling writer shared how and why fiction can expand our empathy and contribute to respect and caring. Click to view the recorded lecture. Read More

It was with sadness that we learned that former faculty member and alumna Lenita "Sue" McConnell Jones, BSN’67, MSN’74, died August 29. A Double 'Dore, she was one of VUSN’s first nurse practitioner graduates as well as one of the first 100 NPs in the U.S. Jones was instrumental in the creation of the first certification process for NPs and enjoyed a long career as practitioner, professor and nursing director. Read More

Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Rolanda Johnson, PhD'98, MSN, RN, talks to allnursingschools.com on how potential students can determine if a school is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Does the school have a measurable diversity, equity and inclusion plan, for example, or does the school provide a variety of educational opportunities on diversity, inclusion and equity topics? Johnson also recommends that students considering online nursing programs should look for schools that provide the same opportunities for community and inclusion as in-person programs. Read More

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing will be reviewed for re-accreditation November 4-6, 2020 by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This will be an evaluation of its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Master’s APRN Certificate programs. Interested parties may submit written comments… Read More

New York Times bestselling author Alice Randall will give the first Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Dean’s Diversity Lecture for 2020-2021 on Thursday, Sept. 10, noon-1 p.m. CST via videoconference. Randall will present “A Novel Approach to Building Your Anti-Racism Toolkit and Self-Care in a Time of Reckoning.” The live online event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Read More

When Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Dean Linda D. Norman, DSN, RN, FAAN, emailed a request to alumni and friends of the school in May asking them to make and send cloth face masks to be used by students during their clinical rotations, she hoped that the school… Read More

Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier recorded a video welcome specifically for Vanderbilt School of Nursing students. In it, he commended the VUSN community for its pivotal role in the university’s Return to Campus, calling VUSN faculty and leaders “our guiding stars.” He reinforced Vanderbilt’s values, including a commitment to a diverse and inclusive community, and encouraged students to dig deep in obtaining an empowering, lasting Vanderbilt education. Read More

The American Academy of Nursing has selected six Vanderbilt University School of Nursing alumni as fellows. The alumni will be inducted in a virtual ceremony during the academy’s annual conference in late October. Invitation to fellowship is one of the highest recognitions bestowed by AAN. Fellows (FAAN) are recognized for… Read More

Friends, former students and past colleagues were saddened to hear of the May 2 death of School of Nursing alumna and former faculty member Sara Hutchison Hampshire, BSN’71, MSN’75. Vanderbilt Magazine recalled the life and impact of this women's health trailblazer. Read More

Nurse leaders from three prominent nursing schools in Tennessee are conducting a national study to measure the impact of a decision by state leaders to waive physician oversight of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic grew in the U.S., governors in 16… Read More

VUMC Department of Medicine hosted a very special Medicine Grand Rounds event on June 25. "How Structural Racism Affects Health and Health Care" featured four distinguished panelists in a discussion of racism in academic medicine and the health care environment. Watch  Read More

Coronavirus, social distancing and postponement of Commencement festivities didn’t prevent the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing from holding its traditional pinning ceremonies for students finishing their programs—the event just became virtual. Pinning is a more than 100-year-old tradition unique to the nursing profession. Every nursing school has a specially designed… Read More

VUSN Assistant Professor Kate Clouse has created an app for smartphones to help South African mothers with HIV stay connected to health care. Nearly one in three pregnant women attending antenatal care in South Africa is living with HIV. Clouse and an international research team are studying whether the app, CareConekta, is an effective method to reach patients during and after pregnancy. Read More

Practices developed by Florence Nightingale are still relevant today, and in fact, are major weapons in the fight against COVID-19, says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Dean Linda D. Norman, DSN, FAAN. Norman, the Valere Potter Menefee Professor of Nursing, outlined Nightingale’s relevance in a video for… Read More

Dean Linda Norman, the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Senior Associate Deans and Program Directors share their good wishes and congratulations for the VUSN Class of 2020 as they move into the next phase of their nursing careers. Read Transcript Read More

Jane M. Mericle, DNP’20, is this year’s Founder’s Medalist for the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She earned a doctor of nursing practice degree. Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente announced Vanderbilt’s 2020 Founder’s Medalists in a video message to the university community on May 8. Read More

Three Vanderbilt School of Nursing faculty tackle the psychological toll of COVID-19 on nurses with an article in American Nurse. With the COVID-19 crisis, nurses face unprecedented stressors in their professional and personal lives, write Brittany Haskell, DNP, Mathew Schroer, DNP, and Marci Zsamboky, DNP. “To best support nurses, understanding the psychological effects of COVID-19 on them, the impact of secondary traumatic stress (STS), and ways to manage these effects during this stressful time is important.” Read More

What do you do with 154 nursing students who are suddenly unable to participate in the hands-on nursing (clinical) care that makes up 60% of their education each week? That was the challenge facing Mary Ann Jessee, PhD, MSN’95, director of PreSpecialty education at Vanderbilt University… Read More

Vanderbilt School of Nursing Professor Mary Jo Gilmer, PhD, MBA, FAAN, has been selected for induction into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The honor recognizes her significant, sustained international achievement and that her research has influenced… Read More

Associate Professor and board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner Geri Reeves, PhD, gives Prevention magazine tips on when you should (and shouldn’t) go to your health care provider if you suspect you might have Coronavirus. Read More

Vanderbilt University has taken the extraordinary action—in order to protect the health and safety of the community—of postponing Commencement and all of its related festivities originally scheduled for May 6-8. The Class of 2020 will be formally celebrated next spring. Please reach out with any and all questions to covid-questions@vanderbilt.edu. Read More

Fever is one of the COVID-19 symptoms. School of Nursing Professor and Emergency Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Wilbeck, DNP, PMC'06, MSN'99, FAAN, FAANP, tells Prevention how to make sure you're taking your temperature correctly. Read More

Dr. Courtney Pitts, Director, Family NP Specialty at VUSN was interviewed about the U.S. Physician Shortage. The goal is to advance healthcare within the community. Vanderbilt received two HRSA grants to increase the number of NPs practicing in rural, underserved areas where there aren’t enough primary care providers. Pitts commented “At… Read More

All incoming students to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s fall 2020 Nursing and Health Care Leadership (NHCL) and Nursing Informatics (NI) programs will receive scholarships valued at 10% of their first year tuition. Returning NHCL and NI students will also receive 10% tuition scholarships… Read More

New nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students who want to work with rural or medically underserved populations are invited to apply for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s new community-based nurse practitioner fellowships based in Tennessee. The HRSA-funded Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Fellowship is for family… Read More