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Best Nursing Schools: State-by-State Guide 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024 | Last updated: March 4, 2024

Choosing the right school is crucial if you embark on a nursing career. Our comprehensive guide spotlights the top nursing school in each U.S. state for 2024. From prestigious programs to hidden gems, discover where you can pursue excellence in nursing education and kickstart a rewarding healthcare career.

Alabama: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing

A pioneer in nursing education, research, and patient care, the UAB School of Nursing provides diverse programs from BSN to DNP and PhD. Specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Informatics, it fosters nurse leaders through cutting-edge facilities and extensive clinical collaborations in Birmingham and beyond.

Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing

University of Alaska Anchorage’s School of Nursing excels in training nurses for Alaska’s distinct healthcare demands, particularly in rural and underserved regions. ADN, BSN, and MSN programs, including remote learning, prioritizes cultural proficiency and evidence-based methods. Graduates are equipped to thrive in varied healthcare settings across the state.

Arizona: University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson

In Tucson, the University of Arizona College of Nursing has varied nursing programs, from BSN to PhD. Renowned for pioneering research in cancer prevention, health disparities, and chronic illness management, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Its cutting-edge simulation labs and extensive clinical collaborations train students to serve a heterogeneous population. 

Arkansas: Arkansas State University School of Nursing, Jonesboro

Arkansas State University’s Jonesboro School of Nursing provides multiple nursing programs, spanning BSN to DNP degrees. Emphasizing critical thinking and compassionate care prepares students for successful nursing careers. It tackles Arkansas Delta’s unique healthcare challenges with a rural health focus, fostering graduates esteemed for clinical excellence in varied healthcare settings.

California: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

UCSF School of Nursing stands out for its research, education, and clinical practice excellence. With advanced programs like Master’s, PhD, and DNP degrees, it specializes in Family Health, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric/Mental Health. Led by expert faculty, students access extensive clinical training and research opportunities within UCSF’s renowned health system.

Colorado: University of Colorado College of Nursing

Situated on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, the University of Colorado College of Nursing offers a comprehensive range of programs, from BSN to DNP and Ph.D., including innovative pathways like VBSN – the Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It has topline research initiatives and clinical practice opportunities.

Connecticut: Yale School of Nursing, Yale University

Renowned for excellence in education, research, and clinical practice, Yale School of Nursing provides MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Integrating nursing with public health and primary care equips graduates to tackle healthcare challenges holistically. Rich in social justice and health equity, its curriculum fosters nurses devoted to enhancing community well-being.

Delaware: University of Delaware School of Nursing

BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees at the School of Nursing at the University of Delaware incorporate evidence-based practice and interprofessional education into its curriculum. Located in Newark, its research initiatives address critical societal healthcare issues. The students gain clinical experiences in diverse settings, from urban hospitals to community health centers.

Florida: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables

In Coral Gables, the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies provides nursing programs spanning BSN to DNP and PhD degrees. Well-known for pioneering research in health disparities, HIV/AIDS, and family health, it guarantees its students advanced clinical simulations and global health experiences.  

Georgia: Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

In Atlanta, Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is a top-notch institution for nursing education. The school is recognized for its commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting patient-centered care. Students can engage in clinical practice and research in a city with some of the nation’s leading healthcare facilities.

Hawaii: University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

University of Hawaii’s School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at Manoa gives students a unique perspective on health care in diverse and multicultural communities. All its programs, from the undergraduate to doctoral level, thrive on the integration of traditional and holistic health practices.

Idaho: Boise State University School of Nursing

Boise State University’s School of Nursing addresses the rising need for proficient nursing practitioners. Prioritizing innovative healthcare approaches, leadership, and patient-focused services, the school blends clinical training, research, and community involvement. Students gain distinct clinical exposure through extensive collaborations with healthcare entities statewide, particularly in rural areas.

Illinois: Chicago College of Nursing, University of Illinois

The College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago excels in research and teaching. Offering various programs from essential to advanced degrees, it addresses urban health issues like unequal health and long-term sickness. Students gain valuable experience in the city environment, preparing them for various healthcare roles.

Indiana: Purdue University-Main Campus, West Lafayette

Purdue University’s School of Nursing in West Lafayette’s BSN, MSN, and DNP programs optimize science and evidence-based practice. Known for its research in rural health, chronic disease management, and health promotion, it equips students with critical thinking skills and clinical expertise. Nursing students benefit from high-tech labs and varied clinical experiences statewide.

Iowa: Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids

Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids provides CCNE-accredited nursing programs, with options for new nurses and R.N.s pursuing career advancement. Acclaimed for holistic patient care, leadership, and community health focus, small class sizes ensure individualized attention. Ethical practice and compassionate service are core, supported by robust clinical partnerships that deliver diverse healthcare experiences.

Kansas: Baker University, Baldwin City

Baker University in Baldwin City offers BSN degrees through a nursing program with traditional and accelerated options. It highlights clinical proficiency, patient advocacy, leadership, and lifelong learning and integrates liberal arts, critical thinking, and faith into nursing practice. Clinical experiences across healthcare settings prepare students thoroughly for the nursing profession.

Kentucky: Frontier Nursing University, Versailles

Versailles’ Frontier Nursing University is a trailblazer in graduate nursing education, focusing on midwifery and family nursing. Specializing in MSN and DNP programs through distance learning, it trains nurse-midwives and family nurse practitioners for rural care. Combining online classes with local clinical placements, FNU revolutionizes nursing education.

Louisiana: Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University deliver nursing education (ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP) rooted in Franciscan values – service, compassion, and respect. Its programs focus on holistic care, ethical leadership, and social justice. Students gain practical experience in the affiliated health system, readying them for varied nursing and leadership positions.

Maine: University of Maine School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at the University of Maine in Orono prepares students for the complexities of modern health care through BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. It has a supportive learning environment with access to cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical experiences in multiple settings across the state.

Maryland: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

Based in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing excels globally in nursing education, research, and practice. Its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs advocate innovation and global health improvement. Focused on evidence-based and interprofessional education, it prepares students to lead and tackle complex health issues.

Massachusetts: Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill

The educational programs at Boston College’s Connell School of Nursing in Chestnut Hill merge clinical practice with ethics and leadership in nursing. Its emphasis on holistic care in the Jesuit tradition, access to advanced simulation labs, and clinical experiences in Boston’s top health institutions prepare students for complex health challenges.

Michigan: University of Michigan School of Nursing

The University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor delivers BSN to PhD programs, focusing on health promotion, chronic condition management, and health care technology. Supported by top-notch facilities and extensive clinical partnerships throughout Michigan, it’s a game-changer for students wanting to take on industry leadership roles.

Minnesota: St. Catherine University, St. Paul

St. Catherine University in St. Paul’s BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees focus on women’s health, ethical leadership, and social justice in health care. Integrating liberal arts with professional studies, the university fosters compassionate, skilled nurses. Students gain extensive clinical experiences through partnerships with Twin Cities’ top health organizations.

Mississippi: University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson has a range of programs on primary care, health disparities, and rural health. As part of Mississippi’s only academic health science center, the school provides students with extensive clinical training opportunities in competitive settings.

Missouri: Saint Louis University, School of Nursing

Saint Louis University’s School of Nursing in St. Louis is celebrated for prioritizing educational innovation, research, and community service. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, health technology, and interprofessional education, SLU prepares leaders to enhance health care and patient outcomes, supported by a leading simulation center and clinical alliances.

Montana: Montana State University College of Nursing

Montana State University’s College of Nursing, with its main campus in Bozeman, offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. It is distinguished for addressing rural and frontier communities’ healthcare needs and stresses primary care, mental health, and community health. The college’s multiple campuses across the state facilitate access to nursing education

Nebraska: Bryan College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Lincoln

With its BSN and MSN programs, Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln is known for its hands-on learning approach, small class sizes, and individualized student support. Its nursing programs emphasize critical thinking, patient-centered care, and community health. Their high-tech simulation labs ensure the graduates are well-prepared for professional nursing practice.

Nevada: University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, stands out for its focus on community health, nursing education, and managing chronic conditions. UNLV’s nursing school is committed to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research.

New Hampshire: University of New Hampshire Department of Nursing

The University of New Hampshire in Durham boasts a CCNE-accredited BSN program, an MSN program focused on clinical nurse leaders, and a Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing for non-nurses. UNH supports students through innovative teaching and extensive clinical experiences in New England’s contrasting healthcare settings.

New Jersey: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Nursing

Rutgers School of Nursing, spanning Newark, New Brunswick, and Blackwood, presents BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. It excels in urban health and health disparities research, preparing students for nursing leadership and health policy roles. Strategic clinical partnerships in New Jersey ensure varied practice experiences.

New Mexico: University of New Mexico College of Nursing

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing in Albuquerque, spanning BSN to DNP and PhD, emphasizes rural health, health disparities, and Native American health. It melds traditional and modern educational approaches and excels in training nurses for New Mexico’s varied urban and rural communities.

New York: Columbia University School of Nursing, New York

Columbia University’s School of Nursing in New York City leads in innovative education and research, focusing on global health challenges, health equity, and enhanced healthcare access. It provides comprehensive clinical training across advanced nursing fields in New York’s top hospitals, equipping students for excellence in diverse healthcare environments.

North Carolina: Duke University School of Nursing, Durham

Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina, excels globally in nursing education, research, and practice. Its ABSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs include an innovative curriculum, advanced facilities, and robust clinical partnerships. Focusing on leadership, global health, and evidence-based practice, Duke prioritizes diversity and inclusion.

North Dakota: Mayville State University

Mayville State University, located in North Dakota, provides an online BSN completion program for R.N.s with an associate degree or nursing diploma. The program enhances clinical, management, and leadership skills through personalized education. It fosters nurses for advanced healthcare roles by presenting flexible options for working professionals.

Ohio: Ohio State University College of Nursing

Ohio State University College of Nursing in Columbus excels in nursing education, providing BSN to DNP and PhD programs. It leads to health promotion, chronic disease, and evidence-based research. Focused on wellness and prevention, OSU equips graduates for leadership in healthcare, academia, and research sectors.

Oklahoma: Northeastern State University, Tahlequah

Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, provides a BSN program focusing on science, critical thinking, and clinical skills. With an emphasis on cultural competence, community health, and patient-centered care, NSU prepares nurses for diverse populations. Its program includes extensive clinical experiences, ensuring graduates’ readiness for practice.

Oregon: Bushnell University

Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, delivers a BSN program that molds compassionate and skilled nurses, emphasizing holistic care, ethics, and leadership. Grounded in Christian values, it merges faith with healthcare, promoting spiritually and culturally sensitive care. The curriculum, rich in clinical experiences, prepares graduates to serve patients and communities empathetically.

Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, an Ivy League institution in Philadelphia, provides extensive nursing programs from BSN to PhD. Renowned for leadership in education, research, and practice, it specializes in pediatrics, women’s health, and gerontology. Penn Nursing’s focus on innovation and interprofessional education prepares students for healthcare reform leadership.

Rhode Island: University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, Kingston

Students at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing in Kingston can pursue BSN to PhD degrees, focusing on gerontology, community health, and health disparities. The program offers a rich mix of evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration, with varying clinical experiences in Rhode Island and beyond.

South Carolina: University of South Carolina College of Nursing, Columbia

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing in Columbia provides BSN to PhD programs, emphasizing research, leadership, and evidence-based practice. With advanced simulation labs and wide-ranging clinical experiences, the college aims to address South Carolina’s healthcare challenges, focusing on rural health, health disparities, and chronic illness management.

South Dakota: Mount Marty University Nursing Program, Yankton

Mount Marty University in Yankton offers a BSN program prioritizing compassionate care, ethical practice, and leadership. Integrating liberal arts with nursing ensures small class sizes for a personalized education that fosters critical thinking and clinical skills, preparing graduates to serve with faith and commitment, especially in the Midwest.

Tennessee: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville provides MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, focusing on advanced nursing practice, healthcare leadership, and research. Renowned for innovative education and research, it equips students for leadership in healthcare, academia, and policy, offering extensive clinical experience through Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Texas: University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing provides BSN, MSN, and PhD programs centered on healthcare leadership, innovation, and evidence-based practice. Noted for its psychiatric, pediatric, and chronic illness management research, UT Austin trains graduates for advanced healthcare leadership roles, ensuring improved outcomes for diverse communities.

Utah: Brigham Young University College of Nursing, Provo

This Nursing College is known in Provo for integrating spiritual care with nursing excellence. Its BSN program and graduate certificates are designed to nurture skilled and compassionate nurses. Emphasizing the Healer’s art of holistic care, the curriculum includes disparate clinical experiences in Utah and elsewhere.

Vermont: Norwich University School of Nursing, Northfield

Norwich University’s BSN program in Northfield focuses on molding leaders in nursing and healthcare by enhancing critical thinking, communication, and clinical skills for ethical practice. With a commitment to service and innovation, its rigorous curriculum with extensive clinical experiences targets rural and underserved communities in Vermont.

Virginia: University of Virginia School of Nursing

The University of Virginia School of Nursing in Charlottesville provides BSN through PhD programs, recognized for clinical excellence, leadership, and research, focusing on health equity and reducing disparities. Students experience a challenging academic setting and gain extensive clinical exposure at the UVA Medical Center, a premier academic institution.

Washington: University of Washington School of Nursing

The University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle excels in nursing education, research, and practice with BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. It stands out in public health, community health, and health informatics, fostering innovation and excellence. Graduates are equipped to enhance healthcare systems and patient outcomes worldwide.

West Virginia: West Virginia University School of Nursing

West Virginia University School of Nursing, located in Morgantown, Charleston, and Beckley, provides BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, emphasizing rural health, chronic disease, and family health. It aims to equip students with practical experience and research and enhance healthcare access to tackle health challenges in West Virginia and similar areas.

Wisconsin: Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee

Marquette University’s Nursing College in Milwaukee has BSN to PhD programs that uphold innovation, clinical excellence, and social justice. It prepares nurses for health equity advocacy, blending rigorous academics with practical experience, supported by top simulation labs and partnerships for comprehensive practicums and research in healthcare.

Wyoming: University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing

With its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, the University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney focuses on rural and frontier health care, including primary care, mental health, and community health. Its curriculum addresses Wyoming’s unique health needs, preparing graduates for impactful roles in rural communities.

The post Best Nursing Schools: State-by-State Guide 2024 appeared first on Housely .

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Kish college recognizes 23 nursing students during spring 2024 pinning ceremony.

Kishwaukee College nursing students were honored during a pinning ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at the College. Kish recognized 23 students for completing the Registered Nursing program and presented each graduate with a special pin before family and friends during the ceremony.

The registered nursing graduates of Spring 2024 are:

Marvellous Ajibare, Bettina Banda, Chloe Block, Alexis Carr, Ranzy Collins, Odalys Galarza, Perla Gonzales, Leah Harrolle, Ebuwa Igbinovia, Molly Isham, Miriam James, Britney Medina, Kayleigh Quinn, Marcella Schultz, Jessica Schumacher, Sherita Sims, Jessica Solis, Humberto Valdez, Cierra Thomas, Alaina Thompson, Karli Warner, Ella Yarman and Celia Valle.

Block, Collins, Galarza, Gonzales, Harrolle, Igbinovia, Isham, James, Medina, Schultz, Schumacher, Valdez, Thomas, Warner and Yarman were recognized as Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honors Society members. Karli Warner was named the Spring 2024 Outstanding Student. Warner provided an address reflecting on the challenges and benefits of pursuing a career in nursing.

“As a mother, embarking on the journey of nursing school has been uniquely rewarding. It has been rewarding to expand my skill set and to make an impact on the lives of others. It has been rewarding to have my daughters see and admire the hard work and dedication — to hear them tell people, ‘My mommy is going to be a nurse,’” Warner said.

The ceremony included an address from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College, and Angela Delmont, Director of Nursing. Delmont shared the history and symbolism of pinning ceremonies as the graduates take the next step in their college or career journeys.

“Today, as you receive nursing pins, you not only wear a symbol of an esteemed profession but carry with you the values that define nursing, which are compassion, empathy, integrity, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence in patient care,” Delmont said.

During the ceremony, each graduate was pinned by a friend or family member who had supported the student or acted as a mentor while completing the program.

The Registered Nursing program at Kishwaukee College prepares students to become fully licensed registered nurses in Illinois. For more information on nursing at Kishwaukee College, visit www.kish.edu/nursing .

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‘Let us in!' Howard U. nursing graduation cut off after venue reaches capacity

“i didn’t get to walk. i graduated magna cum laude and i didn’t even get to walk. i’m the class of 2020. i didn’t get to walk for my high school graduation and i didn’t get to walk for my college graduation", by walter morris, news4 reporter • published may 10, 2024 • updated on may 10, 2024 at 3:34 pm.

A graduation ceremony for nursing students at Howard University ended abruptly Thursday after the auditorium reached capacity.

Families filled Cramton Auditorium to watch students in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences walk across the stage. But as they walked, dozens of loved ones were locked out, with some trying to push their way in.

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“Let us in! Let us in!” some chanted.

“While they were doing the keynote speaker, there was, like, loud banging, even before that, for like 10 minutes straight,” graduate Bria Flowers said. “Just like boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.”

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“Because of the size of the room and because our relatives sometimes do not know how to act, the fire department is now here to shut us down,” Dr. Gina S. Brown, dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, told the crowd to a chorus of boos.

But D.C. Fire and EMS denied shutting down the ceremony.

"D.C. Fire and EMS did not shut down tonight’s event,” the department said in a statement. “At 6:42 p.m., we responded to the Cramton Auditorium for a medical local at the request of campus police. The patient was evaluated and refused transport, and D.C. Fire and EMS departed."

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“I’m confused why it got so crazy, how it got so quick, so bad so fast,” graduate Kiana Hamilton said.

A glass door broke during the commotion.

“Glass started getting broken,” graduate Halle Ragoonanan. “One of my classmate’s hands got cut.”

Howard said security removed someone from the building prior to the ceremony. That person returned and broke a window.

"This incident led to a disturbance among guests outside of the facility, resulting in a disruption of the program,” Howard’s statement said. “Guests in attendance were immediately dispersed following this incident."

One student was treated for a cut.

Ragoonanan said her heart was broken as she and her family looked to make up for moments they missed because of the pandemic.

“I didn’t even get to walk,” she lamented. “I didn’t get to walk. I graduated magna cum laude and I didn’t even get to walk. I’m the class of 2020. I didn’t get to walk for my high school graduation and I didn’t get to walk for my college graduation.”

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“All the money we spent,” another graduate said. “My father and grandmother came down from North Carolina.”

Some of those students will get to walk this weekend. The university’s main commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.

The school plans to give individual awards to students Friday.

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May 15, 2024 | Ashley O'Connell and Nicole Dobrzanski, UConn School of Nursing

UConn School of Nursing’s Dr. Tiffany Kelley awarded the 2024 Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award

Dr. Tiffany Kelley PhD was awarded the 2024 Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award by The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN).

Dr. Kelley (center) at the 2024 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Award Ceremony.

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) awarded Dr. Tiffany Kelley PhD, MBA, RN NI-BC FNAP the 2024 Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award. The AACN, considered the national voice for academic nursing, works to establish, and implement quality standards for nursing education. The AACN was established in 1969 and currently represents over 865 schools of nursing in universities nationwide.

The AACN Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award recognizes significant innovation and excellence in teaching and learning approaches in nursing education. The award is given to educators with five or more years of experience in a faculty position, holding a doctoral degree in nursing or related discipline, or a master’s degree in nursing. Award recipients have demonstrated success in acting as a role model for creating and sustaining a culture in nursing education.

Dr. Kelley was recognized for her strategic vision and achievement as a nursing leader integrating innovation theory and application content into the core curriculum of all nursing degree programs at the University of Connecticut, School of Nursing. Dr. Kelley was appointed as the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Visiting Professor for Innovations and New Knowledge in 2018 and charged with completing this strategic initiative. Since her appointment Dr. Kelley’s has led numerous innovative initiatives for both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to providing innovation lectures in all degree programs, she leads the Honors Innovation Thesis pathway that provides undergraduate students the option to pursue a nursing innovation idea for their honors thesis.

Dr. Kelley has developed, implemented, and serves as the director of the Healthcare Innovation Online Graduate Certificate Program that brings together healthcare professionals who share a common goal of developing innovative solutions to address complex patient care issues.  A seed grant opportunity created by Dr. Kelley provides support to Healthcare Innovation graduate students in their innovation development efforts. The annual Healthcare Innovation award recognizes notable students and faculty for these innovation efforts.

Most recently, Kelley was awarded a common curriculum grant to develop Introduction to Healthcare Innovation, a course for undergraduate students across the University to explore healthcare innovation early in their academic pursuits.

“The opportunities to create positive change in nursing and healthcare are quite vast and noted amongst the nursing profession and healthcare industry. Yet, nurses and healthcare professionals must be prepared on how to create impactful and sustainable change. The ability to create such change is done through formal education and experiential learning,” -Dr. Kelley.

Dr. Kelley goes on to say, “I want to create opportunities for students to be able to question the challenges they see in the day to day, and subsequently explore their ideas on what could be possible in the future. For myself, once I was able to see that I have the ability to create change for the better, I looked at the world in a different way. I want to be able to help students see this as well through these educational learning opportunities. The earlier this is learned in life; the more time is available to make a positive impact.”

In March 2024, Dr. Kelley was inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) as a Distinguished Fellow in the Nursing Academy. The NAP was established in 1981, with the mission to advance interprofessional education, scholarship, research, practice, and public policy. Distinguished NAP fellows, nominated by their peers, demonstrate enduring contributions to their profession over at least 10 years. Dr. Kelley was recognized as a visionary who has ambitiously sought to advance nursing informatics and pioneer nursing and healthcare innovation through intra- and inter-disciplinary practice, research, teaching, and scholarship. Dr. Kelley’s aim to break the status quo in nursing led to her academic and entrepreneurial career trajectory. In addition to her academic role, Dr. Kelley is the founder and CEO of two healthcare technology companies, Nightingale Apps and iCare Nursing Solutions.

Dr. Kelley also serves as the Co-Director of the Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center with Co-Director Leila Daneshmandi PhD, Assistant Professor of the College of Engineering.  Dr. Kelley’s healthcare technology background aligns well with the mission of the Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center, established in 2023. The purpose of this partnership between the School of Nursing and the College of Engineering is to foster and advance healthcare, workforce, and economic development to promote the ideation, creation, and commercialization of new evidence-based technologies that can address clinical unmet needs for the betterment of healthcare quality. The Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center is focused on four core pillars: research, education, community engagement, and technology transfer.

Making up the largest group of healthcare professionals, registered nurses use, develop, test, evaluate, and purchase healthcare technologies to support daily care delivery. Engineers have the technical knowledge, skills, and abilities to actualize new technologies. The interdisciplinary collaboration between these two disciplines, especially if begun early in the innovation and invention process will lead to lasting benefits and impact on society.  Kelley and Daneshmandi have implemented several initiatives already, including the Nursing and Engineering Innovation Fellowship Program. In this program, undergraduate nursing and engineering students apply for a competitive one-year fellowship opportunity to work in teams to identify an unmet healthcare need and develop a healthcare technology prototype solution. The Nursing and Engineering Fellowship is currently funded by a Venture Well Courses and Program Grant awarded to Kelley (Principal Investigator) and Daneshmandi (Co-Investigator).

“To innovate is to bring forward positive change for others. I am fortunate to be in an environment at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing where innovation is valued and palpable amongst the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community. Generous philanthropic gifts, grant awards, and an overall supportive culture for innovation across the School and University at large have allowed us to continue to advance the nursing profession through our strategic educational efforts in preparing the next generation of nurses,” says Kelley.

“Dr. Kelley’s commitment to integrating innovation in teaching and learning approaches in nursing education has made significant contributions to the nursing profession”, says Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson “we congratulate her on her recognition as a visionary leader by the AACN’s Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award and her induction as a Distinguished fellow in the National Academies of Practice.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center, please contact either [email protected] or [email protected].

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