The University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing named Albany County Public Health the Community Partner of the Year 2016 for their work with the "Basic BSN" program. The award was presented at the school's fall "Nightingale Ceremony" on August 31, 2016 in the Arts & Sciences Auditorium on the UW campus by Basic BSN Program Director Holly Miller and school Dean Mary Burman. Representing Albany County Public Health: Albany County Nurse Manager, Melissa Zaferos, and Albany County Public Health Nurse Maryalice Gulino.
The Nightingale Ceremony welcomes Basic BSN Program junior students and accelerated BRAND Program students into the profession of nursing. By presenting the Community Partner awards at the ceremony, new students get a glimpse of the significant role community agencies play in their upcoming clinical education.
About Albany County Public Health
"Albany County Public Health (ACPH) has been involved with University of Wyoming nursing students for as long as we can remember!" exclaims Holly Miller, director of the School of Nursing's Basic BSN Program. "We treasure the ACPH nurses who teach breastfeeding classes in our maternal-child courses. We are grateful for all of the staff at ACPH, who consistently support our students in their public health clinical rotations and in the capstone practicum. These wonderful nurses work closely with us to tailor experiences to the interests of the students while still addressing the global aspects of public health."
Miller says that ACPH nurses work on building strengths and interests of the UW nursing students while always keeping a focus on providing the best possible learning experiences. "Because public health is such a broad discipline," continues Miller, "ACPH nurses typically expose our students to all aspects of public health nursing and the various roles of public health nurses."
Miller is impressed that the ACPH nurses are not only excellent role models, but that they "expect, allow, and equip students to carry out the various roles of the public health nurse while under their supervision." She adds, "We greatly appreciate all of their efforts in the education of our students."
About the Basic BSN Program
The Basic BSN program is a bit of a misnomer. One of the faculty who teaches in the program tells students, "There's nothing 'basic' about the Basic BSN Program!" The program is a four-year on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program option for students who desire to become a registered nurse. The rigorous coursework and thorough clinicals constitute a strong program "to rival any," states program alumna Emily Hill, RN, BSN, a nurse currently working at the renowned Mayo Clinic. "UW grads are absolutely qualified and capable to work anywhere!" Community agencies such as Albany County Public Health contribute to the nursing school's great reputation, providing excellent learning opportunities for students.
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Posted 9/7/2016
