Nursing Track Added to ProjectGRAD Summer Institute

The University of Tennessee, College of Nursing has introduced a nursing track for the ProjectGRAD Summer Institute.

ProjectGRAD works to increase the high school graduation rate and increase the rate of postsecondary enrollment and graduation. ProjectGRAD works with Austin-East Magnet High School and Fulton High School to provide resources and support for students to secure a brighter future.

The ProjectGRAD Summer Institute began in 2001 as a collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and ProjectGRAD. The institute, a week-long residential program, exposes students to academic expectations of college, and the personal dimensions needed to succeed in higher education settings.

There are eight academic tracks within the Summer Institute. A track is an introduction to a particular discipline, major, or career path, and students select their track based on their current career aspirations.

Kimberly Brown, clinical assistant professor and director of access, engagement and belonging and Marcia McAllister-Spurgeon, clinical nursing faculty, developed the curriculum for the nursing track and will serve as the instructors for the nursing track.

“For me, ProjectGRAD nursing track is an opportunity for us at the College of Nursing to inform students of the options and opportunities available in the nursing profession, and also provide them with a taste of nursing,” said McAllister- Spurgeon.

Students will begin the ProjectGRAD Summer Institute in June. The classes will help to introduce students to the basics of their chosen track.

“The first exposure to nursing is an important step in career development. Our goal is to accurately portray nursing so that students have the correct information when choosing nursing as a career,” said Brown.

Out of 115 scholars that will be participating in the Summer Institute 25 percent of them have requested nursing as their first choice of academic tracks.

“The immersive environment we are creating will help the scholars to see themselves in the role of a nurse. We want them to imagine themselves in the space, and work towards it,” said McAllister-Spurgeon. “The hands-on experiences will also provide them with life skills they will use even if they decided nursing is not for them. We are excited to be a part of this program and look forward to ongoing collaboration between the College of Nursing and the ProjectGRAD initiative.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-9749498, [email protected])

Brown Selected as Inaugural Director of Access, Engagement and Belonging

Kim Brown, clinical assistant professor, at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing has been named the inaugural director of access, engagement and belonging. This became effective on May 15.

Brown is a first-generation African American college graduate from a rural community in East Tennessee. Brown is a leader in the College of Nursing and demonstrates success in implementing access focused initiatives in numerous courses in the undergraduate nursing program.

“I am excited to work with our faculty, students, and staff to provide support, direction, and guidance to achieve the access and engagement goals of the college,” said Brown.

Brown views the opportunity of the director role as focused, intentional work aimed at increasing access and flexibility related to opportunities to participate in the College of Nursing’s vision and mission of leading care, creating partnerships, and improving health.

“Working towards improved access and engagement are critical areas for the College of Nursing,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “Brown’s experience as a nurse leader, an excellent educator, and her most recent work provides her with key attributes to be successful in leading our efforts in this important area.”

Brown previously served as the chair of the undergraduate student affairs committee, and chair-elect for the diversity advisory council at the college. Brown was recently chosen by the National League for Nursing for the LEAD program. LEAD is designed for nurses in education and practice who have recently been challenged with the rapid transition into leadership positions, those in leadership positions who desire a formal leadership program, and those emerging and aspiring to lead.

Brown received her BSN from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, her MSN from King University, and her DNP with a specialization in Administration from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-9749498, [email protected])

Durbin Named Fellow of American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Terrica Durbin, interim assistant dean of graduate programs, and DNP program chair at the University of Tennessee, College of Nursing was recently selected as a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

The Fellows of the AANA (FAANA) designation distinguishes certified registered nurse anesthetists as being the premier anesthesia provider with a high level of skills, training, experience, achievement, and professional standards. The FAANA designation represents a commitment to quality, professional development, and continued education ensuring that FAANA designees stand apart from other providers.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected for the inaugural class of Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists,” said Durbin. “The Fellows program will serve to highlight and elevate the scholarly and creative work of nurse anesthetists across the country.”

Durbin earned an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a DNP in Acute Care Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and a Ph.D. in Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Durbin teaches in the DNP Program and the Nurse Anesthesia concentration at the University of Tennessee. Her research interests are diversity in nursing and nurse anesthesia, design thinking and nursing, and cultural competence in nurse anesthesia.

The 2021 Fellows Induction Ceremony Luncheon will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2021, during the AANA Annual Congress in Austin, TX.

CONTACT:

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