News

New associate dean for graduate studies works to change nursing’s climate and reputation

Safiya Daley prepares to research the impact of proper hair care products on patient self-care in the psychiatric clinical setting.

Loma Linda University's School of Nursing has reopened applications for its PhD program following a two-year retooling effort to offer more flexible classes and attract more nurses early in their career.

Loma Linda University School of Nursing re-established the Nurse Anesthesia program at LLU 6 years ago with the specific goal of providing advanced practice nursing graduate students with a highly competitive program that combines advanced clinical experience with a spiritual foundation, carrying the LLUSN tradition into a new graduate discipline. With four cohorts of CRNA graduates officially completed and working in the clinical setting so far, the initial objective of the program has clearly come to fruition.

The final two commencement ceremonies of 2017 conferred degrees upon 17 graduates from Loma Linda University School of Religion, 280 from the School of Nursing and 107 from the School of Behavioral Health on June 11. Diverse fields, but a common theme emerged at the baccalaureate service the day prior as one graduate from each school shared his or her insights learned while studying at Loma Linda University: readiness for careers of service, enabled by Heaven. “We are good enough to do the job that God has called us to do,” said Alix Chen, who earned a master of arts degree in bioethics

Problem-solving skills are intrinsic in the professional nursing landscape and require forward thinking, collaborative effort and, most of all, a creative approach to leadership and care. While not everyone’s natural strengths are rooted in a creative process, we may seek to develop the dimensions and capacity of our problem-solving skillset through innovative reflection and application.