School of Nursing & Health Innovations Committees

The governance model for the School of Nursing & Health Innovations (SONHI) community is one of shared decision-making by consensus. We consider consensus to be when all members can participate in the decision-making process and agree to support the decision of the whole. Using consensus, faculty, staff, and students participate in the discussion of issues and agree to act. Committees are used to facilitate the work of the SONHI community.

The standing SONHI committees for 2022-23 are: (1) Community, (2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, (3) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Curriculum, (4) Integrative Health & Wellness (IHW) Curriculum, (5) Graduate Curriculum, and (6) Community Professional Development. Each Curriculum Committee (BSN, IHW, and Graduate) has two standing task forces: (1) Academic Progression and Success and (2) Assessment and Evaluation. The Community Professional Development Committee has three standing task forces: (1) Teaching and Learning, (2) Initiative for Vital Practice, and (3) Leadership Development. Throughout the year, ad-hoc task forces may be created in a committee to complete work towards the committee goals.

Each SONHI committee meets a minimum of twice a semester and more frequently, as needed. Continuous quality improvement proposals that are approved by a committee are sent directly to Community for review, discussion, and voting.

SONHI students are invited and encouraged to join SONHI committees as student representatives at the beginning of each new academic year.

See below for details about each committee and their 2022-23 goals and action steps. Note that purpose statements, goals, and action steps may be adjusted throughout the year.

Click here for a summary of the 2021-22 committee goals, functions, and activities.

Please contact Stacey Boatright at boatrigh@up.edu with questions.

Community

Committee Purpose: Serves as the decision-making body of the SONHI. Provides a mechanism by which issues pertaining to the SONHI may be managed in an efficient, creative, and effective manner. Provides a brave and safe forum that promotes radical listening, open communication, free expression, and the exchange of ideas among faculty, staff, and students, as well as enhances the SONHI’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals with shared accountability. Provides an organizational process to support the professional growth and development of faculty, staff, and students.

2022-23 Chair: Tim Winslea

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Support the implementation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change.

Action Step:

1. Provide forums to enhance and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Goal #2: Provide the Community with timely information about initiatives, issues, development activities, and proposals.

Action Steps:

1. Manage the SONHI Community Moodle Page.
2. Facilitate SONHI Community meetings.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Committee Purpose: Responsible for the implementation and evaluation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change (DEIAPC).

2022-23 Chair: Dr. Chloe Littzen

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Enhance commitment to meeting our school’s DEI goals for students, faculty, and staff with shared accountability with the university. (DEIAPC Goal 1)

Action Steps:

1. Create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound (SMART) outcomes based on the SONHI DEIAPC.
2. Host ongoing student focus groups to have them envision and provide input to the DEI goals for the SONHI.

Goal #2: Engage in radical listening to raise the voices of those who are often silenced and unheard. (DEIAPC Goal 2)

Action Steps:

1. Manage the anonymous bias reporting system for students that was implemented in Spring 2021.
2. Create Intentional Listening Groups to use radical listening and commit to amplifying BIPOC and LGBTIA+ voices.
3. Strengthen academic advising and encourage faculty to create brave spaces for their advisees through the use of holistic advising.
4. Create space with ongoing BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Town Halls. Offer Town Halls led by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff, as well as Town Halls led by the DEI Student Subcommittee.

Goal #3: Broadly share the work of the UPSONHI Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. (DEIAPC Goal 10)

Action Steps:

1. Include DEI representation in the SONHI student newsletter.
2. Collaborate with the OIEDI to highlight the DEI Committee and DEI Student Subcommittee.

Note: More information about the DEI Committee is available here.

BSN Curriculum Committee

Committee Purpose: Responsible for leading the monitoring, structuring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement of the BSN program of study. The committee monitors content and structure of curriculum, the sequence of the program of study, and the courses taught. The committee oversees curricular fidelity and integrity, and ensures professional standards are integrated in the curriculum. 

2022-23 Chair:  Dr. Nicole Auxier

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Support the implementation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change.

Action Step:

1. Ensure all BSN curricular decisions are made through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Goal #2: Lead the monitoring and continuous quality improvement of the BSN program of study.

Action Steps:

1. Monitor the content, structure, and sequence of the BSN program of study and propose improvements:
   • Conduct course summary assessments for Spring 2022-Fall 2022
   • Conduct annual curriculum content audit/tracking (e.g. HIV/AIDS, Pain, Communication)
   • Conduct syllabi reviews
   • Audit BSN concept packages using the Concept Package Template
   • Process BSN program CQI proposals
2. Ensure the BSN program of study reflects current, relevant professional nursing standards and guidelines:
   • Crosswalk the new AACN Essentials
   • Update the OSBN Standards Crosswalk
   • Update the NCLEX Test Plan Crosswalk
   • Update the QSEN Crosswalk
   • Update the CARES Crosswalk
   • NextGen NCLEX preparation
3. Evaluate BSN program assessment practices and policies:
   • Create a Trauma Informed Care Crosswalk

Task Forces:

Assessment and Evaluation: Ensure that BSN assessment and evaluation practices align with and reflect best education and meet our diverse needs. Assess BSN student readiness for RN licensure and practice, as well as performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Provide accreditors with evidence of a rigorous, effective BSN program.  

Action Steps: Monitor the achievement of the following BSN program effectiveness outcomes/ benchmarks:

1. 70% program completion rate
2. 100% of students passing their final practicum course
3. 100% of graduating students meeting all degree requirements
4. 4.30 teaching effectiveness average
5. 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate for CCNE
6. 75% first-time -or- 90% total NCLEX pass rate for OSBN
7. 70% employment rate within 1 year of graduation
8. 90% of graduating students satisfied with preparation
9. 90% of graduating students would recommend the BSN program to others
10. 5% of graduating students gave a presented/published during their program
11. Create a BSN alumni survey

Academic Progression and Success: Review and propose BSN program policies, procedures, and student support services to allow for maximum retention and/or student transition success.

Action Steps:

1. Examine BSN exam practices.
2. Re-examine and improve BSN exams and courses. (DEIAPC Goal 6)
3. Review the BSN grading scale since final grades are made up of the students’ exams. (DEIAPC Goal 6)
4. Offer classes each semester to support students’ progression through the program. For example, offer 1 Section of NRS 325 in the Spring Semester. (DEIAPC Goal 6)
5. Develop ongoing seminar/course/modules for students that are out of progression. For example, develop modules for NRS 325 and NRS 325 if a student’s progression within the program is interrupted. (DEIAPC Goal 6)
6. Conduct BSN student focus groups regarding program experience.
7. Examine other BSN policies, procedures, and student support needs as identified by the Committee. (DEIAPC Goal 6)

IHW Curriculum Committee

Committee Purpose: Responsible for leading the monitoring, structuring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement of the IHW program of study. The committee monitors content and structure of curriculum, the sequence of the program of study, and the courses taught. The committee oversees curricular fidelity and integrity, and ensures professional standards are integrated in the curriculum. 

2022-23 Chair:  Tanya Bachman

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Support the implementation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change.

Action Step:

1. Ensure that all IHW curricular decisions are made through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Goal #2: Lead the monitoring and continuous quality improvement of the BSN program of study.

Action Steps:

1. Monitor the content, structure, and sequence of the BSN program of study and propose improvements:
   • Conduct course summary assessments for Spring 2022-Fall 2022
   • Conduct syllabi reviews
   • Conduct a review of the IHW Minor
   • Monitor the launch of the Integrative Health Coaching program for post-baccalaureate students (continuing education)
   • Process IHW program CQI proposals
2. Ensure the BSN program of study reflects current, relevant professional nursing standards and guidelines.
   • Propose curricular changes to qualify BS-IHW students for the Certified Health Educator Specialist (CHES) exam
3. Evaluate BSN program assessment practices and policies.

Goal #3: Lead the monitoring and continuous quality improvement of the IHW program of study. 

• Evaluate the grade of “D” as the standard for passing IHW courses

Task Forces:

Assessment and Evaluation: Ensure that BS-IHW assessment and evaluation practices align with and reflect best education and meet our diverse needs. Assess Health Coaching student readiness for national Health Coaching certification and practice, as well as performance on the NBHWC certifying exam. Provide accreditors with evidence of a rigorous, effective BS-IHW program.  

Action Steps: Monitor the achievement of the following IHW program effectiveness outcomes/ benchmarks:

1. 70% program completion rate
2. 100% of students passing their final practicum course
3. 100% of graduating students meeting all degree requirements
4. 4.30 teaching effectiveness average
5. 70% employed in the field of health and wellness or accepted to/enrolled in further education (ay level) within 1 year of graduation
6. 90% of graduating students satisfied with preparation
7. 90% of graduating students would recommend the IHW program to others
8. Create an IHW alumni survey

Academic Progression and Success: Review and propose IHW program policies, procedures, and student support services to allow for maximum retention and/or student transition success.

Action Steps:

1. Examine IHW exam practices.
2. Review the IHW grading scale.
3. Conduct IHW student focus groups regarding program experience.
4. Examine other IHW program policies, procedures, and student support needs as identified by the Committee.

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Committee Purpose: Responsible for leading the monitoring, structuring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement of the graduate-level programs of study. The Committee monitors content and structure of curriculum, the sequence of the program of study, and the courses taught. The Committee oversees curricular fidelity and integrity, and ensures professional standards are integrated in the curriculum. 

2022-23 Co-Chairs: Dr. Kristine Dukart-Harrington

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Support the implementation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change.

Action Step:

1. Ensure that all graduate curricular decisions are made through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Goal #2: Lead the monitoring and continuous quality improvement of the DNP program of study.

Action Steps:

1. Monitor the content, structure, and sequence of the DNP program of study and propose improvements:
   • Conduct Year 1 course reviews
   • Conduct cultural competency content audit/tracking
   • Conduct syllabi reviews
   • Revise the FNP and AGPCNP programs of study
   • Write NRS 683
   • Write NRS 654
   • Review and propose a revised Post Master’s program of study
   • Review and update crosswalk of curricular threads
   • Process DNP program CQI proposals
2. Ensure the DNP program of study reflects current, relevant professional nursing standards and guidelines:
   • Crosswalk the new AACN Essentials
   • Ensure compliance with the revised NTF Criteria
   • Crosswalk the revised NONPF NP Core Competencies
   • Update the Graduate CARES Crosswalk
3. Evaluate DNP program assessment practices and policies:
   • Finalize and implement NP procedure map
   • Convert topical outlines to clinical exemplars
   • Map simulations, OSCEs, and “progress indicator checks”

Task Forces:

Assessment and Evaluation: Ensure that DNP program assessment and evaluation practices align with and reflect best education and meet our diverse needs. Assess student readiness for NP certification and practice, as well as performance on the national NP certifying exams. Provide accreditors with evidence of a rigorous, effective DNP program.

Action Steps: Monitor the achievement of the following DNP program effectiveness outcomes/ benchmarks:

1. 70% program completion rate
2. 100% of students passing their final practicum course
3. 100% of graduating students meeting all degree requirements
4. 4.30 teaching effectiveness average
5. 80% first-time national NP certification exam pass
6. 70% employed within 1 year of graduation
7. 90% of graduating students satisfied with preparation
8. 90% of graduating students would recommend the DNP program to others
9. 5% of graduating students gave a presented/published during their program
10. Revise the graduate program alumni survey

Academic Progression and Success: Review and propose graduate program policies, procedures, and student support services to allow for maximum retention and/or student transition success.

Action Steps:

1. Examine DNP exam practices.
2. Review/revise graduate writing and other student evaluation rubrics.
3. Monitor the implementation of Amplify.
4. Conduct DNP student focus groups regarding program experience.
5. Examine other DNP program policies, procedures, and student support needs as identified by the Committee.

Community Professional Development Committee

Committee Purpose: Support the professional development of SONHI Community members through education and training for: Teaching and Learning, Vital Practice, and Leadership.

2022-23 Co-Chairs: Dr. Janet Banks & Dr. Kala Mayer

2022-23 Committee Goals & Key Action Steps:

Goal #1: Support the implementation of the SONHI DEI Action Plan for Change (DEIAPC).

Action Steps:

1. Collaborate with the DEI Committee to determine continuing education needs of faculty and staff.
2. Provide mandatory foundational learning opportunities for faculty and staff of the School of Nursing & Health Innovations grounded in racial and social justice to contribute to an anti-racist culture of equity and (DEIAPC Goal 3)

Goal #2: Support teaching and learning needs of the faculty.

Action Steps:

1. Survey faculty regarding development needs
2. Oversee the Faculty Forums for professional teaching development

Note: Goal #2 and its action steps are assigned to the Teaching & Learning Task Force.

Goal #3: Support Vital Practice needs of the faculty, staff and students

Action Steps:

1. Survey faculty, staff and students regarding vital practice needs
2. Collaborate with Community Chair for offering vital practice development

Note: Goal #3 and its action steps are assigned to the Initiative for Vital Practice Task Force.

Goal #4: Support leadership development needs of the faculty and staff

Action Steps:

1. Survey faculty and staff regarding leadership development needs
2. Oversee the faculty and staff forums for leadership development
3. Collaborate with Community Chair for offering leadership development

Note: Goal #4 and its action steps are assigned to the Leadership Task Force.

Task Forces:

Teaching & Learning: Responsible for leadership in the discussion, development, and implementation of tools, projects, programs, and protocols that enhance faculty’s ability to teach in ways that foster optimal student learning. This committee is also responsible for issues of faculty welfare.

Initiative for Vital Practice: Aims to reduce the incidence and effects of perceived stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout among the SONHI Community, thereby improving professional quality of life and workplace motivation. Research and propagate evidence-based best practices for both individuals and organizations.

Leadership: Identify leadership development opportunities for faculty and staff and cultivate leadership growth for individuals and the Community.