From Training to Education: Establishing a Dual Diploma/BS Degree Professional Nursing Program of Study at the University of Cincinnati, 1914-1916
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Purpose: This paper examines the integration of the School of Nursing and Health of the Cincinnati General Hospital (CGH) with the University of Cincinnati (UC) through a cooperative agreement, and the creation of a professional nursing program of study including liberal studies and leading to a dual diploma of nursing and BS degree for the entry-level graduate nurse. Rationale for and challenges against the integration, and strategic planning and successes to create the dual diploma/BS degree program will be identified and discussed.
Rationale and Significance: The cooperative agreement resulting in a dual diploma/BS degree for the graduate advanced the preparation of the graduate nurse from that of training to education. Examination of the challenges and successes of this program within the context of the early-1900s when the profession of nursing initiated the push to advance the educational preparation of the nurse illuminates the struggles American nursing has faced with achieving universal baccalaureate education for entry-level nursing. This program serves as an early exemplar of how a community partnership facilitated advancement of entry-level nurses’ education to the baccalaureate level.
Methodology, Primary and Secondary Sources: This study was carried out using the methods of social history research. It is a case study of the development of the University of Cincinnati School for Nursing and Health dual diploma/BS degree nursing program, 1914-1916. Primary sources used from the following archives, the Carl Blegen Library, Henry Winkler Center, and Wedbush Centre of the University of Cincinnati, and the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, include board of trustees’ minutes and supporting documents, speeches, annual reports, school announcements, and city charters. Secondary sources, including historical and contemporary professional journal and newspaper articles, and analytical books on the subject, validated, enhanced, and confirmed findings.
Findings and conclusions: Cincinnati city officials’ focus on the health of their community and interests of efficiency and economy were the main drivers to secure the cooperation between the CGH school of nursing and the UC. They created an environment promoting change. In addition, the appointment of Laura Logan, a prominent nurse education leader, as Director was an intentional move which enabled an environment conducive to strategically create curriculum changes and relationships to easily integrate the hospital’s school of nursing into the university culture. Logan’s vision of the nurse’s practice role beyond the walls of the hospital and out in the community guided many of her curricular decisions. Through partnerships and strategic planning, a solid nursing curriculum to include liberal studies was developed to advance the education of the graduate nurse and improve the health of Cincinnati’s community. The cooperative agreement between community partners served to advance the education of nurses and provides an example of addressing diverse needs with one action plan.
