Tag: Leach College of Nursing

USF News

Fortune Names USF’s Online Master of Science in Nursing Program the Best in Illinois

Joliet, Ill. – As the University of St. Francis (USF) prepares to open the fall 2022 semester later this month, it will do so with the top-ranked online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in Illinois according to Fortune’s inaugural Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs in 2022. In fact, USF’s MSN program (#29 overall) was one of only two Illinois programs included in Fortune’s 2022 rankings. “Graduates from USF’s program incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population. Through that advanced role, they are instrumental in ensuring health promotion, health maintenance, and health restoration in their community of practice. Through scientific inquiry and collaborative relationships, the advanced practice nurse continually augments and refines the science of nursing,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean, Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE. “Online master’s degree programs in nursing provide nurses a path into an APRN career by enabling them to remotely earn their degree from top-ranked programs. These online programs offer more flexibility than an in-person master’s degree program in nursing, but still deliver the guidance and curriculum required for licensure. The online path is a critical part of meeting the stark demand for advanced practice registered nurses in the coming years, which is why Fortune is launching its inaugural ranking of online master’s in nursing (MSN) programs,” said Meghan Malas of Fortune Education. Fortune’s online MSN program rankings were based on three criteria: Selectivity Score (55% comprised of the average undergraduate GPA of incoming students, and a weighted program acceptance rate), Success Score (40% comprised of one-year retention and graduation rates), and Demand Score (5% comprised of the program’s most recent graduating class). Click here to view Fortune’s inaugural Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs in 2022 rankings. Other Recent Top Accolades for USF USF’s MSN program earning top accolades in Illinois by Fortune adds to a growing list of top State honors by Joliet’s university. In the past 12 months, USF also earned recognition for having the best online MBA program in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report, as well as the safest college campus in Illinois according to WalletHub. To learn more about state and national recognition earned by USF and its programs, click here. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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Two USF Online Programs Recognized by The Princeton Review

Joliet, Ill. – The Princeton Review, a national ranking agency that provides admissions resources for college and graduate school-bound students, recently recognized two online programs offered at the University of St. Francis (USF). USF’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and its online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs and Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs lists, respectively. “It’s one thing when a school tells everyone how wonderful they are, but it’s something else when professional groups and publishers across the country speak out. USF faculty and instructors provide our students with nationally-recognized education and experiences every day, so this type of acknowledgement of their efforts and the university’s programs is both invaluable and validating,” said Eric Wignall, USF vice president of admissions. Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Program The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at USF brings together practitioner-scholars to support doctoral candidates in learning and scholarship. The program is a combination of research, experiential learning, and shared knowledge about the key skills needed to lead, inspire, and educate. The program degree is designed for master’s prepared professionals from every career path. “Our online programs are designed to provide students from all over the country exemplary learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.  The courses challenge and support the students in the learning process and offer them an opportunity to interact with other professionals and exceptional faculty members. To have our online doctoral program recognized in this manner is an indication and a validation that we are realizing our mission to develop high quality leaders who can have a significant positive impact on their communities,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., dean of the USF College of Education. Two program concentrations include Superintendent Endorsement and Leadership, Learning, and Stewardship. Visit stfrancis.edu/educational-leadership-edd for program information. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Doctor of Education” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs listing. Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and in health care delivery. Graduates of the USF MSN program will incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population. “Our Master of Science in Nursing programs offer knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance careers available to members of our community across Illinois and the Midwest by using online learning platforms. The competencies developed in our programs are evident by the care that is given back to the community by our graduates. However, we do not prepare our students just for a career. Our MSN students enhance their passion to actualize the core values of serving others as advanced practice nurses. Besides being well-trained, skilled, and confident in their areas as advanced nurse practitioners, they are compassion-rooted providers at all times, most especially during the most vulnerable times,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE. Program options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and R.N.-B.S.-MSN. Visit stfrancis.edu/msn for more information. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Master of Science in Nursing” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs listing. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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USF NCLEX Nursing Certification Rate Surpasses State, National Averages

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) recently announced that its Leach College of Nursing students’ pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) – Registered Nurse rose to 86% in 2021, placing USF above both the Illinois and national averages (both were 82% for 2021). The data is based on candidates completing the licensure examination for the first time upon graduation from an Illinois approved nursing education program. A full data report is available through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at idfpr.com. Pass rates on the NCLEX are a key indicator of the quality of a nursing program and is one of the metrics used by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) when it accredits a nursing program. In 2021, the USF Leach College of Nursing also successfully completed a CCNE reaccreditation process for its baccalaureate degree program in nursing, its post-graduate APRN certificate program, its master’s degree program in nursing, and its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, each of which are now certified through 2030. Visit stfrancis.edu/leach-college-of-nursing for more information USF’s nursing programs. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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USF Announces Fall 2021 Graduates

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) celebrated its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 18, to recognize its graduates for the fall 2021 semester. Three in-person ceremonies (College of Education Ceremony at 9 a.m.; College of Business & Health Administration Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.; and the College of Arts & Sciences and Leach College of Nursing Ceremonies at 2 p.m.) were held in USF’s Pat Sullivan Center on the university’s main campus in Joliet. USF congratulates its graduates and wishes them peace, success, and the very best in all of their endeavors. USF Fall 2021 graduates included: College of Arts & Sciences Master’s Degrees Jenna Lanoue (Manteno, IL) Master of Social Work – Social Work Davisha Pulley (Joliet, IL) Master of Social Work – Social Work Bachelor’s Degrees Matthew Attard (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Thiago Bandeira (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Jacob Bayuk (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Communication & Media Arts Sara Cahill (Kinsman, IL) Bachelor of Arts – English Morgan Cattle-McKenzie (Hull, United Kingdom) Bachelor of Science – Biology Laisha Corona (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Jennifer Duax (Crestwood, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Katherine Fierro (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Social Work – Social Work Keely Garbacz (Hickory Hills, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Recreation & Sport Management Amanda Graf (Kankakee, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Matthew Hamilton (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Computer Science Brandon Jarosz (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science – Digital Audio Recording Arts Yashleen Kheterpal (Durg, Chhattisgarh, India) Bachelor of Science – Computer Science Martina Kotrba (Minooka, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Zhaobo Liu (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics & Computer Science Alexander Lopez (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Joshua Martinez (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Charleen Mascote (Streator, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Terra Metz (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics-Secondary Kelli Pietrowski (Wheeling, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Erica Powers (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Jose Sanchez (Wood Dale, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Hannah Schilling (Ottawa, IL) Bachelor of Social Work – Social Work Alexa Valencia-Corona (Decatur, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Alyssa Vann (Crete, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Ryan Webb (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science – Digital Audio Recording Arts Brooklyn Withey (Lapeer, MI) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Maoyun Xu (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics & Computer Science College of Business & Health Administration Master’s Degrees Mohammed Alazman (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Abdullah Alshojaa (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Thaddeus Ampadu (Romeoville, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Temitope Asein (Matteson, IL) Master of Science – Management Wendy Bell (Harker Heights, TX) Master of Science – Health Administration Amy Biggs (Manito, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Justin Bradley (Beach Park, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Sherrie Brock (Olney, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Natalie Burks (East Peoria, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Bret Byars (Irondale, AL) Master of Science – Health Administration Peter Couri (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Luke Davis (Herbster, WI) Master of Science – Health Administration David DiLorenzo (Minooka, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Daniel Duplessis (Lockport, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Erhiga Ekhama (Rochester, MN) Master of Science – Health Administration Jaclyn Fisher (Arlington, VA) Master of Science – Health Administration Noah Fritz (Bourbonnais, IL) Master of Science – Management Stefanie Gall (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Theresa Gavilan (Gilberts, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Kira Gleason (Braidwood, IL) Master of Science – Management Xochitl Guzman (San Fernando, CA) Master of Science – Health Administration Erin Hardin (Apollo Beach, FL) Master of Science – Health Administration Kyle Hoffman (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Dasha Humphries (Birmingham, AL) Master of Science – Health Administration Mara Johnson (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Management Carissa Jones (Whiting, IN) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Anne Kindelin (Campton Hills, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Stephanie Klavohn (Naperville, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Christina Kuzava (Minooka, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Christine Lawrence (Crete, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Eriel Lockhart (Chicago, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Jill Moss (Peoria, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Susan Muscat (Grosse Ile, MI) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Ari Norfleet (Bartlett, IL) Master of Science – Management Christopher Novak (Cape Coral, FL) Master of Science – Management Paulette Richardson (Nassau, FC) Master of Science – Training & Development Joshua Schreckengost (Campbell, CA) Master of Science – Health Administration Laketa Simpson (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Karen Storer (Des Plaines, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Callie Surber (Hanover Park, IL) Master of Science – Training & Development Russell Tillery (Portland, OR) Master of Science – Management Blaine Tisdale (Denver, CO) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Taylor Valant (Pompano Beach, FL) Master of Science – Management Elizabeth Wall (South Elgin, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Amy Wegrzyn (Chicago Heights, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Cayla Wojcik (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Management Christopher Zmudka (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Bachelor’s Degrees Megan Ackland (Rochelle, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Christian Aguayo (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Autumn Barbey (Du Bois, PA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Barbara Berka (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Constance Bridges (Peoria, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Amanda Casey (Wauconda, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Clayton Cash (Morris, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance Rien Covington (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Kimberly Currin (Merrillville, IN) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Goofran Dalwan (Bridgeview, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Christina Durbin (Taylorville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Russell Egan (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Eric Estrada (Conyers, GA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Mark Gezik (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship Dylan Gilbert (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Ronald Gilliam (Gridley, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Antonio Gutierrez (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Molly Harej (Bloomington, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Lynda Jandek (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Evan Jaros (Yorkville, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Christopher Johnson (Hillside, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Audrey Johnston (Amherst, NH) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Annmarie Kalemis (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Colin Kelly (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Lea Klucinski (Matteson, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Nicole Lakomski (Schaumburg, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Tashari Loggins (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Eric Maffie (Coal Valley, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Madison Maloney (Seneca, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Candice May (Country Club Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Cavell Miller (Atlanta, GA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Jennifer Nemeth (Loda, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Michael Nickel (Des Peres, MO) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Kenny Park (Birmingham, AL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Sergio Peres (Goiania, Goias, Brazil ) Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business Elizabeth Rohrer (Mokena, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Heather Sampson (Ocean Shores, WA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Hailey Santore (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Emily Schrader (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Amanda Simale (Highland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Jessica Smyk (Reading, PA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Abbey Spesia (Coal City, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Sheng-Ju Ting (Taoyuan, Taiwan) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Mary Turner (Pekin, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Crystal Ulrich (Pekin, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Briana Washington (Country Club Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Michele Whitehurst (East Peoria, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Alejandra Zavala (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) College of Education Doctoral Degrees Benita Anderson (Lynwood, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Misha Blackman (Flossmoor, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Tamela Daniels (Oswego, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Jessica Knobbe (Plainfield, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Christine Moskalik (Shorewood, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Nancy Oesterreich (Algonquin, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Rudy Puente (Chicago, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Anni Rasmussen (Orland Park, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Yovan Reyes (Valrico, FL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Catherine Rienzo (Macungie, PA) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Robert Schiffbauer (Minooka, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Paula Sereleas (New Lenox, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Master’s Degrees Meghan Aguilar (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Abigail Allen (Batavia, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Amy Betts (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Sean Brandt (Arlington Heights, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Todd Brown (Aurora, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Dana Browne (New Lenox, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Alicia Carlisle (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Luz Carmona Colon (Morris, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Patrick Cunningham (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Jamie Cuny (Wheaton, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Kristin Drake (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Amanda Esgar (Morris, IL) Master of Science – Reading Scott Fulton (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Paul Gibbs (Northbrook, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Marissa Goodlet (Newark, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Patrick Goy (La Salle, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shelly Gupta (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Brittany Halliday (Coal City, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Brandon Harding (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Melissa Hill (Joliet, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Gabrielle Horabik (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Briana Ingram (Rockdale, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Laura James (Bourbonnais, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Eileen Kapcar (Park Ridge, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Scott Klepadlo (Niles, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Samydra Lakes (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Christine Lawson (Bloomingdale, IL) Master of Science – Reading Karen Lee (Carol Stream, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Zoe Levin (Bellevue, WA) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shannon Martin (Homer Glen, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Gina Miglieri (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Linda Miller (Westchester, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Elizabeth Molla (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Mary Murdie (Manhattan, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning J Ivan Ortiz (Joliet, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Richard Ortiz (Lombard, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Erin Perkinson (Arlington Heights, IL) Master of Science – Reading Jessica Perry (Carpentersville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Clara Prosiliakos (Norridge, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Alexandra Rambo (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shannon Rolland (Minooka, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Amanda Schmidt (South Elgin, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Lauren Siadak (Mokena, IL) Master of Education – Elementary Educ Licensure Kevin Smith (Plainfield, IL) Master of Education – Middle Grades Education Amy Smith (Orland Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Taylor Sobieski (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Jennifer Starkman (Yorkville, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Josephine Tadros (Mokena, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Michelle Taylor (Yorkville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Zachary Vienne (Newark, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Allison Warner (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Paul Welsh (Oak Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Elizabeth Witt (New Lenox, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Jennifer Wood (Tinley Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Aaron Wurtzel (Wheaton, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Bachelor’s Degrees Zachary Earls (Channahon, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Middle Grades Education Samantha Fritts (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Elementary Education Leach College of Nursing Master’s Degrees Lisa Borgealt (Westmont, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tammy Dubose (Gurnee, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Magdalena Huisman (Winfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Zuzana Killam (Jacksonville, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Samantha Kulpa (Chicago, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Marcey Millage (Moline, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing-RN BS MSN Sherry Nelson (Santa Fe, NM) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Roseanne Niese (McHenry, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Abosede Ogundimu (Montgomery, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Nancy Robinson (North Judson, IN) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Susan Swager (Grand Island, FL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Rhonda Sykes (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Sally-Ann Tamizuddin (Springfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nancy Tomasek (Bartlett, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Renalda Tomic (Chicago, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ikechukwu Uzoaru (Bloomington, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Brenda Weaver (South Jacksonville, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Bachelor’s Degrees Kristin Aagaard (Algonquin, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Sarah Abulaila (Palos Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Islam Ali (Oak Lawn, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Adriana Aparicio Montalvo (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Stephanie Arellano (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jehan Atieh (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Janine Bahhur (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ahlam Bakerkhatib -Taha (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Riley Brandt (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Erin Bulow (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniel Capobianco (Geneva, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nathalia Chavez (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Amy Chlebanowski (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Megan Clendening (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jaycie Cummins (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Olivia De La Rosa (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Farah Douleh (Oak Lawn, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Annahi Fierro (Braidwood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Danielle Flowers (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tatiana Foster (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Kelly Galiniak (Willowbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Paige Gieseke (Algonquin, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniela Gonzalez (St Charles, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Bryanna Gueness (Mokena, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Madisyn Hannion (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Gabryella Herrera (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jalyn Hobbs (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Hailey Huml (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniella Hunt (Downers Grove, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ayh Ismail (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tanell Jennings (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Stephanie Kincaid (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lillian Knapp (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Maria Lawson (Manhattan, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Samantha Lazzara (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Susan Lecuyer (Bourbonnais, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Karina Madanowski (Homer Glen, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Rebecca Marinellie (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Lana Mazoni (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Amanda Meyers (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Joanna Nowicki (Morris, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Shannon O’Brien (Frankfort, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jessica Ochenkowski (Hickory Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Juliet Ogbeni Destiny (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Alejandra Osorio-Mendez (Mt Prospect, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Esmeralda Perez (Aurora, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nicole Quinones (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Cullen Rompa (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tichina Tam (Oak Forest, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jennifer Tedeschi (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lauren Todd (Minooka, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Breanna Vaira (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Marissa Valencia (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Colleen Waddell (Linden, PA) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Tiana Weddington (Montgomery, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Maria Weiland (Downers Grove, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ashley Witkowski (Homer Glen, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lauren Wojcik (Oak Forest, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Cynthia Wood (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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Wills-Savoia Named IBHE Nurse Educator Fellow

Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) Leach College of Nursing assistant professor and clinical simulation and learning director Jennifer Wills-Savoia DNP, MSN, R.N., has always answered a call to serve others. This has held true from her undergraduate studies in psychology, to her transition to nursing, and to her current role at USF. Now, Wills-Savoia’s service-based focus has been formally recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, who recently named her a 2022 Nurse Educator Fellow. The honor carries with it a $10,000 fellowship award and an opportunity to share fellowship plans and activities with other Fellows and members of the Advisory Board for the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center.

Wills-Savoia plans to focus her fellowship award on two areas. The first area is to address perceived barriers on the national NCLEX nursing exam. One of these barriers – timed exam questions – affects many testers, especially those who do not fluently speak English. The second area is to further enhance USF’s simulation program.

“As an example, I met with three of my advisees fairly consistently throughout the duration of their educational program at USF, and was told that the NCLEX exam was their biggest struggle. Namely, the timed nature questions on the exam made it difficult. It’s complicated because they felt challenged to convert questions into their native language, arrive at a response, and then convert that response back to English in order to answer appropriately. Within that content, a time limit of one minute per question isn’t feasible,” she said.

“I just feel compelled to figure out a system, something that we can do to make this an easier process for them. These were three brilliant students and their testing results were compromised due to a barrier they couldn’t seem to break. There’s nothing that we can do differently right now as far as testing because the NCLEX does not make any accommodation for that, and that’s really what I’d like to push. I’d like to arrive at some sort of accommodation or solution for that. There has got to be something that we can do differently. I’d like to figure out a way to approach this,” Wills-Savoia added.

Wills-Savoia also feels that an enhanced simulation program at USF can offer students an even more comprehensive path to their degree, and a more thorough foundation upon which they can begin a career.

“What I love about simulation is that we can create situations that students might not see in a clinical setting but that they need to know about. We can challenge and push them beyond their comfort zone in a relatively safe space,” she said.

“I have been able to create some really interesting mental health simulations for small groups of students in the simulated setting, and as a result have seen their critical thinking skills just soar,” Wills-Savoia added.

The ability to offer these individualized approaches to challenges students face is something, according to Wills-Savoia, that sets USF apart from its peers.

“At USF, we try to maintain smaller class sizes. This approach allows each instructor to provide a personalized focus on each student. We utilize so many resources to support our students – resources that a lot of other colleges don’t have – and I think it’s that support that that has developed what we offer into a very long-standing, great program,” she said.

“We also offer students one-to-one mentoring, supplemental instruction and tutoring, along with many other resources. Additionally, we offer a coaching class here that is similar to tutoring, but that focuses more on helping students learn how to be successful on the NCLEX,” she added.

Aside from being in her role at USF since 2015, Wills-Savoia is very familiar with the university. She earned both her B.A. and BSN at USF.

“I love USF’s faith-based college setting and wanted to return to the place that helped me to develop into the educator and professional I am today. Our graduates seem to have the same calling. We regularly have a large number of students that come back and say that they want to return to USF to earn their master’s degree in nursing education. They want to return to USF with an end goal of serving others the way that USF instructors served them. That is a wonderful testament to what we do,” she said.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF Receives HRSA Grant to Prepare Nursing Educators

Joliet, Ill. – The Leach College of Nursing at the University of St. Francis (USF) was recently awarded the prestigious Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) Grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The grant, worth close to $250,000 annually, seeks to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide, and through loan cancellation, decrease the financial barrier that nursing instructors often experience. “The purpose of this program is to prepare highly qualified, diverse nursing educators, thereby reducing the nursing faculty shortage and addressing health disparities. The NFLP funds will provide tuition assistance to 20 future nurse educators in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and post-master’s certificate programs,” said Christina Nordick, APRN, CNP, grant project director and Associate Professor of nursing at USF. The grant will help USF to address three primary goals. The first is to increase the quantity and diversity of nurse educators in the greater Chicagoland area. The grant will also help USF NFLP loan recipients receive high-quality preparation for their nurse-educator roles, which will in turn help to decrease the shortage of nurse educators in the Chicagoland area. As outlined in the terms of the grant, students may receive up to $12,490 annually to pay for tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses. After graduation, if recipients are employed fulltime as nurse faculty at an accredited institution, if they are employed part time in an accredited nursing institution and are precept advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students part time, of if they are precept APRN students full time for four years, 85% of the grant is “forgiven”. “NFLP funding will relieve students’ financial burden and provide incentives for students to enter careers in nurse education in academic and clinical settings, thereby expanding the nurse faculty workforce. Students will benefit from the various in-kind supportive structures provided at USF, such as mentorship, advising, and career-development activities, which will help students overcome barriers that prevent them from persisting through graduation,” Nordick added. Visit stfrancis.edu/leach-college-of-nursing for more information on nursing programs at USF. About the Health Resources and Services Administration According to its web site, hrsa.gov, the mission of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is to improve health outcomes and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative, high-value programs. HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable. HRSA programs help those in need of high quality primary health care, people with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, and mothers. HRSA also supports the training of health professionals, the distribution of providers to areas where they are needed most and improvements in health care delivery. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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