School of Nursing Implements Family Nurse Practitioner Nursing Program Emphasis on Sickle Cell Disease
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
In July 2021 , the Center for Inherited Blood Disorders ( CIBD ) signed a memorandum of understanding ( MOU ) with CDU to allow Family Nurse Practitioner ( FNP ) and Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) students to complete clinical rotations in the Sickle Cell Disease ( SCD ) adult clinic .
“ This partnership and collaboration reinforces CDU ’ s commitment to have knowledgeable healthcare providers in Hematology ,” said Dr . Juana Ferrerosa , Director of the DNP program .
In fall 2021 , the School of Nursing inaugurated NUR 633 Hematology
Disorders , including Sickle Cell Disease Specialty for Nurse Practitioner students . Dr . Judith Baker , Public Health Director for the CIBD , commends CDU ’ s dedication to building the workforce of healthcare providers who are knowledgeable in Hematology , starting with the Sickle Cell Disease course for FNP and DNP students .
“ Sickle Cell Disease is tragically ignored throughout our healthcare system . Our partnership is beginning to change that ,” said Dr . Judith Baker , Public Health Director for the Center for Inherited Blood Disorders . “ Thanks to everyone at CDU involved in implementing this course . You ’ re improving health equity for Californians with SCD that have been neglected .”
CIBD is the only licensed freestanding clinic in California specializing in bleeding disorders . They were established in 2009 in response to the growing need of care for patients with rare , chronic inherited blood disorders .
Nursing Students Host Health Fair
As part of their Population Health Clinical rotation , the 21st cohort of CDU ’ s Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing Track ( ELM ) held a health fair on campus . The theme for the event was “ Stress , Cardiovascular Health , and COVID-19 .” ELM students administered a complete survey to faculty and student attendees that included blood pressure , Basal Metabolic Index ( BMI ), Perceived Stress Scale , Anxiety and Depression .
“ Considering the pressures and stressors related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , we were not surprised to find that many participants who scored high on the stress scale also had elevated blood pressures ,” shared Dr . Sharon Cobb , School of Nursing assistant professor and Director of the Pre-licensure Nursing Programs . The students also displayed posters with important health and well-being information including “ Stress Management During COVID ,” “ Preparing Children for COVID Vaccination ,” and “ Prevention and Management of COVID-19 in Adults .”
The Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing Track ( ELM ) is designed for non-nurses holding a baccalaureate or master ' s degree in another field who are interested in completing course requirements leading to a graduate degree in nursing . Students who complete the pre-licensure segment of the ELM program are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam . Students can apply for the Public Health Nurse ( PHN ) Certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing ( BRN ) upon graduation .
CHARLES R . DREW UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE 27