Barry University Enhancing Health Care Programs

 

This fall the Division of Nursing at Barry University’s College of Health Sciences begins its Doctor of Nursing Practice specialization in anesthesiology. Last spring it introduced an enhanced post-master’s DNP curriculum with specializations in nurse administration and nurse practitioner. The College of Health Sciences faculty is also working to enhance other programs, including those in cardiovascular perfusion and occupational therapy. With the ever changing health care industry, universities have an obligation to graduate skilled professionals who can meet new challenges.

 

“Our goal is to prepare the next generation of health care leaders who are able to confidently address the challenges of our system and the unique needs of our patients,” said John McFadden, Ph.D., the interim dean at Barry’s College of Health Sciences.

 

In order to do this, the Barry health care faculty continually works to improve curricula to prepare future practitioners. Improvements are based on several factors, Dr. McFadden explained, including feedback from students, clinical affiliates, alumni and their employers; scholarly reports, white papers, and publications about industry trends and issues; and recommendations and requirements issued by the degree programs’ accrediting bodies. These evaluations may result in a faculty member incorporating a new assignment, students engaging in a new experiential learning component, or the department creating a new course.

 

For example, Dr. McFadden said, the movement toward an evidence-based approach to clinical decision making has had a direct impact. “Traditionally, we taught research methodology. In the past decade, we have enhanced our teaching of research to emphasize the application or translation of research to practice,” Dr. McFadden said. The increased use of computers, software, and databases has also led to an increased number of assignments, readings, and courses that focus on informatics.

 

These proposals undergo a thorough vetting process at the program, college, and university level, and may include professional and regional accrediting bodies.

 

“In this way, all curricular enhancements are thought through carefully and are well planned,” Dr. McFadden said.

 

“We are not only educating safe, competent practitioners, but also teaching the skills necessary to possess a broader perspective on our industry and engage in lifelong learning.”

 

In June, Barry University’s Division of Nursing held its first summer camp for high school students interested in a nursing career. Twelve Miami-Dade students participated in the three-day program at Barry’s main campus in Miami Shores.

 

“We wanted to develop an early interest in nursing and give them an early university experience,” said Barry nursing instructor Sharon Rafalko, who led the camp. Students researched various nursing roles, participated in a chemistry experiment, checked heart and respiratory rates using mannequins, and completed the American Heart Association’s Friend & Family CPR course. Barry nursing faculty and students were there to help every step of the way.

 

The program was geared toward students in Miami-Dade health sciences magnet schools. To apply, they had to submit a one-page essay describing their interest in the health care field. The response was positive, Rafalko said, and she hopes to continue the nursing camp next year.