100% NCLEX Pass Rate for BSN Scholars 

The College of Nursing is proud to celebrate a 100% first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), pass rate among its December 2025 BSN graduates.  

All 52 students successfully completed the NCLEX, a critical milestone required to become a registered nurse and enter professional practice. Of the 52 graduates, 49 obtained licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing, while one graduate each tested through the Arizona, Illinois, and District of Columbia Boards of Nursing. All graduates were a part of the BSN Scholars program.  

“Achieving a 100% first-time pass rate is an extraordinary accomplishment for our BSN Scholars,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This is a reflection of the caliber of our students and the strength of our partnership with UT Medical.” 

The BSN Scholars program is a robust academic practice partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical (UTMC). Students who participate in the program learn and train inside UTMC. 

Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of UTMC, Sandy Leake, shared, “As the region’s academic medical center, UTMC serves as a primary clinical partner, providing students with hands-on learning experiences across a wide range of specialties.” She added that, “this collaboration allows students to train alongside experienced clinicians in a real-world environment, strengthening their clinical judgment, confidence, and readiness to transition into practice.”

These students truly embody the spirit and initiative it takes to become innovative, next level nurses.

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

From Pediatric Nurse to Founder: Alexa Anglin’s Journey to Roe Wellness 

Alexa Anglin’s career began in health care, but her impact has grown far beyond the walls of a clinic. A 2011 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Anglin built a strong foundation in patient care before advancing her education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in pediatrics from 2013 to 2015. Today, she is the founder of Roe Wellness, a clean, non-toxic skincare brand designed for babies, children, and mothers.

Anglin’s path to nursing started early. In high school, she knew she wanted a career centered on helping others. While she briefly considered becoming a physician, nursing offered a more direct path to patient connection. Her passion became personal when her younger sister was diagnosed with epilepsy at just two years old, an experience that ultimately led Anglin to pursue pediatrics.

Her time at the College of Nursing equipped her with essential knowledge, but it was hands-on clinical experience that truly shaped her confidence. Working directly with patients helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing her to step into real-world health care with both skill and compassion.

After completing her education, Anglin worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner, where she discovered a preference for smaller, private practices over large hospital systems. In those settings, she found her love of watching her young patients grow, making personal connections, and building relationships with families visiting the practice.

While hospital work offered the opportunity to treat acute conditions, Anglin valued the continuity of care that came with pediatric practice. Whether providing medical treatment or simply being a supportive presence, she found meaning in making a lasting difference in patients’ lives.

As Anglin’s career progressed, so did her priorities. After a few years of practice, she began looking for ways to create more flexibility for her growing family. In 2017, she started exploring social media as a creative outlet. What began as a simple platform for sharing everyday life quickly evolved into something more.

Within months, her online presence gained momentum. She launched a blog and website, and as her audience grew, so did the opportunity to turn her platform into a source of income. By late 2018, Anglin made the difficult decision to step away from clinical practice and focus fully on building her brand and supporting her family.

The idea for Roe Wellness came during a deeply personal moment. After the birth of her second child, Anglin struggled to find skincare products that would work for his sensitive skin. The products she had previously trusted were no longer effective, and her search for better options revealed a larger problem.

Through conversations with her online community, she discovered that many parents were facing the same challenge, finding safe, gentle, and effective skincare products for their children. With her medical background and growing platform, Anglin recognized an opportunity to create something meaningful.

In 2019, she launched Roe Wellness.

Turning an idea into a product line required a new set of skills, but Anglin approached the challenge with the same dedication she had brought to nursing. Her nursing background proved invaluable, informing her approach to ingredient selection, safety standards, and overall product development.

Anglin’s journey from nurse practitioner to entrepreneur may seem like a departure from health care, but at its core, her mission remains the same: helping others. Her clinical experience developed here at the college continues to shape her work, allowing her to create products that families can trust.

Roe Wellness has grown steadily since its launch, fueled by a combination of personal experience, professional knowledge, and a strong connection with her community. Just earlier this month, Roe Wellness products hit the shelves of Target. What began as a solution for her own family has become a brand that supports countless others.

Anglin’s story is a reminder that a nursing degree can open doors far beyond traditional clinical roles. By blending health care expertise with creativity and entrepreneurship, she has built something entirely her own without losing sight of the values that first drew her to nursing.

Her journey reflects a broader shift in how health care professionals can apply their skills, demonstrating that care, innovation, and impact can take many different forms.


Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

From Vol to Neuro ICU Nurse 

Nearly one year after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, this alumna is already thriving in one of the most fast-paced and demanding environments in health care: neurocritical care.

Her journey began with a practical decision that turned into something more meaningful. As a direct-admit program, the College of Nursing offered her a clear path forward, but it was a campus visit that sealed the deal. “It was the perfect day,” she recalled. “Warm, sunny, and I had a great tour guide. It just felt right.”

Now, she’s putting that education into practice at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she works night shifts in the neurocritical care unit. After passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) last summer, she transitioned from her role as a patient care technician to a registered nurse, an experience she describes as both seamless and transformative.

“I had already worked at the hospital, so the transition wasn’t too difficult,” she said. “It felt like one day I was in green scrubs and the next I was in blue.”

In her current role, she typically cares for two patients at a time, allowing her to build deep, detailed understandings of each case. Her shifts begin with bedside neuro assessments and continue with medication administration, charting, and close monitoring, sometimes requiring hourly interventions depending on patient needs.

Drawn to both neuroscience and critical care during her time as a student, she found her niche early. “I really enjoyed the neuro population, even as a tech,” she explained. “And I knew I wanted the autonomy that comes with critical care. I love being able to truly know my patients and their stories.”

While clinical skills are essential, she says the most rewarding part of her first year has been developing her critical thinking. “Nursing school teaches you how to think, but you don’t fully understand it until you’re in real-life situations without multiple-choice answers,” she said. “It’s been really exciting to apply what I’ve learned and realize, ‘Wow. I do know what I’m doing.’”

Like many new graduates, her first months on the job came with a steep learning curve. “I was really hard on myself at the beginning,” she admitted. “But this job truly comes with time and experience. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown in just eight months.”

She credits her nursing education with laying a strong foundation, particularly through clinical experiences and hands-on skills training. “Those fundamental skills like assessments, IVs, and patient care are things you carry with you every day,” she said.

Equally impactful were the relationships she built along the way. “The friendships you make in nursing school are like no other,” she shared. “You go through so much together. It really bonds you.”

For current students preparing to take the NCLEX or enter the workforce, her advice is simple but powerful: make a plan, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. “Be teachable and don’t be too hard on yourself,” she said. “If you show that you care and are willing to learn, you’ll grow faster than you think.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her education and possibly explore roles such as nurse practitioner or CRNA. For now, she’s focused on gaining experience and continuing to learn.

Above all, she carries the spirit of being a “Vol Nurse” into her daily work. “It means always striving to do your best and maintaining a positive attitude,” she said. “Kindness goes a long way, and I want to be a light for my patients and my team.”

From her first campus tour to her role in the intensive care unit, her journey reflects the impact of a strong foundation, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to compassionate care.


Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

College of Nursing Students Awarded FNSNA Scholarships 

FNSNA Scholarship Website

Scholarships are an amazing opportunity to relieve stress and provide opportunities for nursing students. This year, College of Nursing students Sara Gillilan and Kaia Myers were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA). This organization supports undergraduate nursing students in state-approved programs by promoting leadership, professional development, and academic success.  

Sara Gilliland

Sara Gilliland, a freshman in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, received the Shell Family Impact scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to committed and deserving nurses, supporting them in their academic journey to becoming health care professionals.

Gilliland’s passion for service is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Surrounded by civil servants, her father is a police officer, her mother a special education teacher, her grandmother a charge nurse, and a close mentor a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), helping others has always been second nature.

She chose the University of Tennessee for what she describes as “the best nursing program” paired with an unmatched campus atmosphere. From the moment she arrived, Gilliland felt embraced by the university’s Volunteer Spirit and credits orientation with preparing her for a successful first semester.

Anatomy has become her favorite course since starting the BSN program. It constantly reassures her that she is on the correct path and is meant to be a CRNA herself. Observing an 8-hour open heart surgery, Gilliland stayed for more than half of the operation. When others look away, she leans closer.

Gilliland is involved in her sorority, volunteering, working, and other college student experiences. Receiving this scholarship alleviates the financial stress of college and allows her to participate in these activities while remaining focused on her future.

Her advice for future students is to “get involved so you know people and get excited to go to class.”

Kaia Myers

Kaia Myers, a junior in the college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, received the $2,500 Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. This scholarship provides aid to nursing students so that they can better achieve their academic goals.  

Originally from Nashville, TN, Myers was attracted to Knoxville for the nursing program and its proximity to home. Influenced by her mom, a nurse, and her mom’s group of nursing friends, she found herself interested in health care and medicine.  Myers shared, “it’s just always been what I was going to do.”

As her nursing journey progresses, she hopes to study cardiovascular health specifically.

The most beneficial aspects of the program for Myers have been clinicals, simulations, and faculty. Having the opportunity to learn “in lab and simultaneously have clinicals,” ensures she solidifies her knowledge through practice.

Simulation experience in particular supports more hands-on skills such as transferring a fallen patient from the floor to the bed, wound care, and rapid patient decline response.

Equally impactful has been the kindness she receives from faculty. Aware that some nursing programs can feel intimidating, Myers was relieved to find professors who are both approachable and deeply invested in student success.

Myers is especially thankful for this scholarship as it allowed her to study abroad in Belize. Through this experience, she was able to observe outside cultures and health care practices while developing her own clinical skills.

The scholarship also provided Myers with the opportunity to study abroad in Belize, where she gained firsthand experience with global health care practices. There, she observed how providers assess patients relying on symptoms, socioeconomic context, and clinical judgment. The experience reinforced the critical importance of thorough patient assessment.

During her time at the university, she has since joined the Delta Zeta sorority and served on the Student Nurses Association (SNA) as their PR chair.

Her advice to other nursing students is to prioritize self-care, time management, and surrounding yourself with other nursing students that share similar experiences.

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

Experiencing a New Side of Healthcare 

This spring break became a life-changing experience for three juniors in our Traditional BSN (TBSN) program, Liza Grace, Anna Miller, and Hope Patterson. Instead of a typical week off, these students traveled to Belize to grow professionally, serve others, and step into a vastly different health care environment.

In Belize, access to care looks very different from what we see in the United States. The country has approximately 700 hospital beds nationwide, and many individuals delay or go without treatment due to cost, long travel distances, or the inability to miss work. Despite these challenges, community health needs remain constant, creating an environment where flexibility, initiative, and strong clinical communication are essential.

Motivated by these realities, the students fully immersed themselves in the experience. The day before the clinics were held, teams visited homes throughout the community to promote the services that would be offered. These early interactions helped build trust, ease anxiety for both patients and students, and provided valuable insight into the concerns they might encounter once the clinic began.

Patterson, who had dreamed of participating in the trip since being accepted to the university, reflected, “I really love the way it was set up. You would go to the community, then see the community members, and that’s how you kind of serve them.” She particularly enjoyed the opportunity to truly talk with people and learn not just about their symptoms but about their stories.

This level of cultural immersion allowed students to better understand patients’ daily lives. For example, Grace encountered patients who worked in the fields each day. By combining these insights with her clinical knowledge, she was able to recognize signs of arthritis based on both symptoms and occupational demands and confidently share her findings.

Students also learned how physical environment and culture impact health. Many people in Belize contract parasitic infections from unsafe drinking water in their physical environment. As a result, some may attempt to cure this infection through cultural healing practices passed down through their family.

Language also played a critical role in patient care. Beyond learning a few basic Spanish words and phrases, students also became familiar with local expressions. Essential for accurate assessment and effective communication, Miller quickly noted that patients described high blood sugar as “dirty blood” and chest pain as their “heart not pumping.”

These discoveries remained present throughout the clinics. Held in local schools and community centers with only basic supplies, students saw a different side of health care.

“It’s so limited. They don’t have as many resources as we do,” Miller shared. Students had to rely primarily on what they could fit into their bags. Grace reports using a stethoscope to listen to breathing and heartbeats, an otoscope to look inside the ear, gloves, and a thermometer.

Despite these challenges, physicians created a welcoming and educational space. Eager and willing to teach, doctors encouraged critical thinking, having students explain their assessments and diagnosis while providing knowledgeable and supportive feedback. This approach strengthened students’ clinical judgment and confidence. Through this increase in confidence, Grace learned, “You don’t need to assume it’s something more complex—you don’t need to overthink it.”

Ultimately, this invaluable experience taught students that compassionate and effective care does not depend on advanced technology. Instead, it begins with listening, understanding, and meeting patients where they are.

“It’s not all about tests and diagnostics,” Miller explained. “You can learn and grow just by listening to a patient and truly hearing what they have to say.”

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

UT Nursing Data Shows New Approach Improving Nurse Retention and Workforce Readiness in Tennessee 

As hospitals nationwide struggle with staffing shortages and nurse burnout, new data from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Nursing points to a promising solution: stronger integration between education and clinical practice. 

Through innovative partnerships with regional health care systems, the college is helping bridge the gap between graduation and real-world nursing. 

“This is often cited as one of the most challenging transitions in health care,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college.  

A recent evaluation of the college’s BSN Scholars program in partnership with UT Medical tracked new graduate nurses through their first six months in the workforce. The findings reveal a clear difference between traditional graduates and those trained through the partnership model. 

While many new nurses experienced early declines in resilience and confidence, students in the Scholars program quickly adapted by closing those gaps within three months and maintaining stronger performance across key measures like self-efficacy, role confidence, and organizational commitment.  

“These early months are where we see the greatest risk for burnout and turnover,” said Niederhauser. “What this data shows is that when education and practice are aligned, we can better prepare nurses not just to enter the workforce, but to succeed and stay.” 

The impact extends across specialty areas as well. Through programs like the pediatric PRN partnership with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, students gain early exposure to high-demand fields and complete extensive clinical hours. 

The program provides more than 300 hours of hands-on pediatric training per student and creates a direct pipeline into practice. 

The PRN Scholars program offers a enhanced clinical experience compared to traditional pathways. Students in the program complete an additional 90 hours of pediatric clinical training during the summer, followed by priority placement in pediatric specialty rotations in the fall and preceptorship placements in the spring.  

These efforts come at a critical time. Demand for nurses continues to rise, while burnout and workforce instability remain major concerns across the profession. 

By strengthening academic-practice partnerships, the college is not only addressing workforce shortages, but building a more resilient, confident, and committed generation of nurses. 

Contact:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

UT Nursing Honors Dean Victoria Niederhauser with Named Student Commons 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing announced today that Victoria Niederhauser, current dean of the college, will be honored with a named space in the UT Medical Nursing Building, recognizing her transformational leadership and lasting impact on nursing education in Tennessee and beyond. 

The announcement was made during the college’s annual Alumni & Friends Event on May 7, held in celebration of National Nurses Week, before a crowd of alumni, faculty, students, and community partners. 

The third-floor student commons and collaboration space will be named the Dean Victoria Page Niederhauser Student Commons, serving as a lasting tribute to Niederhauser’s vision for student success, innovation, and excellence in nursing education. 

Since joining the university as the college’s fourth dean, Niederhauser has led a period of unprecedented growth and national recognition. Among the many milestones achieved during her tenure: 

  • Transformational Facilities: Led the successful planning, funding, and opening of the UT Medical Center Nursing Building in August 2025, a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare the next generation of nurses. 
  • National Rankings: Advanced the college’s national standing, including top rankings for both undergraduate and doctoral nursing programs. 
  • Student Success: Maintained exceptional licensure outcomes well above state and national averages. 
  • Research Growth: Expanded the college’s research enterprise, securing more than $33 million in research funding since FY20 and advancing work in precision health, telehealth, mental health, and health policy. 
  • Workforce Impact: Strengthened partnerships with regional health systems, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, creating innovative programs that produce more than 100 BSN-prepared nurses annually for the local workforce. 
  • Philanthropic Momentum: Inspired more than $75 million in philanthropic support to advance student scholarships, faculty excellence, and facility enhancements. 

Niederhauser announced her retirement in the fall. She will conclude her time at the college this summer. 

The Dean Victoria Page Niederhauser Student Commons will provide a dedicated space for collaboration, learning, and connection while supporting generations of nursing students as they prepare to lead in a rapidly evolving health care environment. 

In addition to the naming, several generous friends of the college have come together to establish the Dr. Victoria Page Niederhauser Endowed Faculty Fund for Nursing Excellence. This endowed fund will provide lasting support for outstanding faculty in the College of Nursing by strengthening efforts to recruit, retain, and invest in exceptional educators, clinicians, and researchers. Through this commitment, the fund will help advance nursing education, research, and practice across Tennessee for generations to come.

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

College of Nursing EURēCA 2026 Winners

On Monday, April 27th, several College of Nursing students received awards for their contributions to the Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURēCA).

This annual event highlights innovative research and creative work conducted by undergraduate students in collaboration with faculty across campus. Students may submit individual or group projects, which are evaluated by a panel of faculty judges. Coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research, EURēCA is designed to encourage and reward undergraduate involvement in research while fostering meaningful faculty-student mentoring relationships.

Student posters are judged based on the timeliness of the PICOT question, if appropriate methodology was used, design of the posters, and quality of the verbal presentation of the topic. 

Jennifer Smith, associate clinical professor and College of Nursing contact for EURēCA, applauds these participants on their dedication and hard work saying, “Congratulations to all the College of Nursing’s exhibition winners! Your commitment to taking nursing to the next level is undeniable.”

To read more about each poster, visit the symposium website here.

STII EURēCA Award Winners

TitleStudentFaculty Mentor
Expanding Risk Stratification in Lung Cancer: Evaluating Comorbidities and Family History Beyond Traditional Screening CriteriaKelsey WestPatricia Roberson
A Comparison of Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Scores in Two Different Nursing Programs at a Large Southeastern State UniversityMira SchantzenJennifer Miller
Investigating the Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Engagement in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing and Treatment Among Postpartum Women with a History of Substance Use DisorderMadeline BaldwinCarrie Bailey
The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Hair Cortisol in Korean FirefightersAndrew WattanaskolpantJi Yoo
Employing Metaproteomics to Identify Alterations in Gut Microbiome Derived Proteins in Children With Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)Kai SaeedAnujit Sarkar

EURēCA Award Winners

TitleStudent(s)Faculty Mentor
Tablet and Writing Board Communication for Adult Tracheostomy PatientsHannah Massey, Olivia Falocco, Melanie Panico, Hayley Pike, Tara ZimmermanLaurie Acred-Natelson
Nurse-led, Structured, Hands-on Newborn Care Education to Improve Maternal ConfidenceLydia Perrigo, Abigail Mahoney, and Sloane MuellerLaurie Acred-Natelson
Implementation of Daily Dedicated Central-Line Rounding to Reduce CLABSI RatesMalia Grace Liehr, Anna Burton, Jasmine Scott, Molly Waheld, Audrianna WyattLaurie Acred-Natelson
Reducing Sundowning in Hospitalized Dementia Patient Through Personalized Music TherapyRebecca Baltimore, Emma WilliamsLaurie Acred-Natelson
Inhaled Peppermint for Acute Nausea in Hospitalized Adult PatientsElizabeth Massaglia, Brianna Martin, Megan McMillian, Jiro Greenberg-Oster, Kendall RadoceskySarah Neller
Empowering Pain Relief: Nurse-Led Education for Non-Pharmacologic Pain ManagementAnna Pazdzior, Isabella Beilke, Tara Driscoll, Abigail FitzgibbonsSarah Neller
Better Handoffs, Better Care: Education’s Effect on Bedside Report ComplianceMacy Campbell, Sydney Curl, Samantha Gradilla, Owen Hall, Addison WilliamsSarah Neller
Reducing Inpatient Falls Through Structured Hourly RoundingOlivia Subblebine, Taylor RudolphKimberly Brown
Hospital-Wide Noise Reduction Policy to Promote Sleep Quality in Adult Medical-Surgical PatientsDevan Christty, Alison Hoffman, Catherine SudbrackGail Griffith
Structured Family Engagement to Reduce Delirium in Medical ICU PatientsBrooke Magoulick, Madison DennisGail Griffith

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

Ashmita Thapa, Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Award Recipient  

Ashmita Thapa, post-doctoral research associate, is working to bridge persistent gaps in cardiovascular care for individuals living in rural communities, where access to resources and support can be limited. 

Her research centers on strengthening self-care, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life for people living with heart failure. Rather than focusing solely on clinical treatment, Thapa explores how factors like rurality, access to care, depression, and a patient’s sense of control influence outcomes. By integrating behavioral science, nursing interventions, and digital health strategies, she is working towards building scalable, patient-centered solutions designed for long-term disease management. 

Thapa’s current work is SELF-CARE HF, a self-guided mobile health (mHealth) intervention designed specifically for adults with heart failure in rural areas. 

The project follows a multi-phase, mixed methods design that begins with community input. Through focus groups with rural patients and health care providers, Thapa is adopting an existing evidence-based program to ensure it is both culturally relevant and easy to use. From there, she will develop the mobile app and evaluate it through a 16-week pilot randomized controlled trial involving 50 participants. 

The study will assess not only feasibility and usability, but also early impacts on key health behaviors and outcomes including symptom monitoring, physical activity, diet, medication adherence, depressive symptoms, and overall quality of life. 

For patients managing heart failure, daily decisions can significantly affect long-term health. Yet consistent support is often out of reach in rural settings. Thapa’s work addresses this challenge directly. 

The SELF-CARE HF app offers simple, on-demand guidance for symptom monitoring, medication adherence, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management—all within a single, user-friendly platform. By making these tools accessible anytime and anywhere, the intervention empowers patients to take an active role in their care. 

This approach has the potential to do more than improve routines—it can reduce symptoms, prevent hospitalizations, and help patients feel more confident and in control of their health. 

Thapa’s innovative work has earned her the Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Award from the Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing (HFCRN) at the Rockefeller University, a recognition that provides both funding and professional development opportunities to emerging nurse scientists. 

The $25,000 award will support critical components of her project, including app refinement, participant recruitment in rural communities, and data collection. Just as importantly, it connects Thapa to a national network of nurse researchers, offering mentorship, training, and collaboration that will help shape the next phase of her career. 

With this support, she aims to generate the feasibility and preliminary outcome data needed to pursue larger, externally funded clinical trials—and ultimately expand the reach of SELF-CARE HF to communities that need it most. 

For Thapa, the goal is clear: to ensure that where someone lives, no longer determines how well they can manage heart failure. Through innovation, research, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, she is helping redefine what access to quality health care can look like in rural America. 

Contacts:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)

Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)

University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital Celebrate Pediatric Nursing Scholars

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee, College of Nursing and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital recently celebrated the next generation of pediatric nurses during a Pediatric Registered Nurse program (PRN) completion ceremony, recognizing students who completed the immersive, yearlong training experience.

The ceremony honored nursing students who dedicated their senior year to gaining specialized, hands-on experience in pediatric care through one of the region’s most innovative academic-practice partnerships.

Launched to address the growing need for pediatric nurses, the PRN program provided rising senior nursing students the opportunity to work alongside pediatric nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary care teams at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital while completing their undergraduate education.

“Today, we celebrate more than program completion. We celebrate the future of pediatric health care,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “These students gained invaluable clinical experience, built confidence in complex care environments, and are prepared to make an immediate impact for children and families across our region.”

Throughout the program, students participated in clinical rotations across multiple pediatric care settings during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. The experience was complemented by pediatric-focused simulation training and targeted skill development sessions designed to support a seamless transition into professional practice.

The PRN program was made possible through the generosity of David and Deborah Stevens, whose support provided participating students with a full summer tuition scholarship and tuition stipends during the academic year.

“The opportunity to invest in both organizations and in the future pediatric workforce has been incredibly meaningful,” said David Stevens, chair of the Board of Directors at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “These students represent the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled pediatric nurses.”

Leaders at Dolly Children’s emphasized the program’s role in strengthening the regional workforce and ensuring high-quality care for East Tennessee’s youngest patients.

“Traditional nursing programs often lack adequate pediatric exposure, creating a practice readiness gap that this model helps close,” said Carrie Grant, Chief Nursing Officer at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “Children are not little adults— caring for them requires specialized skills and intentional preparation. This investment strengthens our workforce, builds a sustainable pediatric pipeline, and helps ensure we can continue to provide the best care for our children across the region and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the Stevens and University of Tennessee, College of Nursing for their partnership in bringing this program to life.”

About the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and service. Ranked #1 in Tennessee for undergraduate nursing education, the college prepares highly skilled nurses through innovative programs and strong community partnerships. Learn more at nursing.utk.edu.

About Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, formerly known as East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, is a free-standing, independent, not-for-profit pediatric health care system that serves the East Tennessee region and beyond. Dolly Children’s is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center. Our vision is to take care of our future, one child at a time. For more information, visit DollyChildrens.org.

Contact:

Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)