[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E515-E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY OF NEW 
            JERSEY SCHOOL OF NURSING ON 10 YEARS OF SUCCESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th 
anniversary of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--
School of Nursing. This anniversary will be celebrated with a gala to 
be held this Friday, April 12 at The Newark Club in Newark, New Jersey.
  The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is a 
national leader in health professions education, research, clinical 
practice, and community service. One of eight schools within the 
University, the School of Nursing (SN) has become recognized as a 
driving force in implementing premier academic programs, advancing 
clinical practice, conducting urban health research, and offering 
needed community health services in inner cities. A dynamic 
institution, the School champions continuous program review and 
refinement as it prepares students to meet the healthcare delivery 
challenges of this century.
  Established as an academic program in 1990, the School of Nursing was 
reorganized as UMDNJ's seventh school in 1992. The School offers a 
comprehensive program of research, education and educational mobility. 
Nursing degree programs at the Associate's (A.S.), Baccalaureate 
(B.S.N.), Master's (M.S.N.) and Post-Master's Certificate (P.M.C.) 
levels as well as Ph.D. program in Urban Systems provide an articulated 
educational ladder for advanced education.
  Student enrollment has risen dramatically since the establishment of 
nursing programs at UMDNJ, increasing from 55 students in 1990 to 600 
currently. The School's success in offering a statewide system of fully 
articulated undergraduate and graduate education programs has been made 
possible through the establishment of strong partnerships with both 
institutions of higher education and leading healthcare institutions. 
In addition to the nursing education programs offered on the 
University's Newark and Stratford campuses, UMDNJ-SN has established 
joint educational programs with its partner institutions (Middlesex 
County College, Ramapo College of New Jersey, New Jersey Institute of 
Technology, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes 
Medical Center, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America). These 
partnerships have increased statewide access to nursing education 
programs and have enabled SN students to enjoy a rich exposure to a 
diverse, interdisciplinary faculty and a wealth of clinical 
experiences. Educational excellence at the School of Nursing is evident 
by the high distinction received by the Middlesex County College/UMDNJ 
Joint Nursing Program for receiving the highest ranking in the United 
States for its 100 percent pass rate on the national board examination 
in 2001.
  Leading the School's development has been its founding Dean, Dr. 
Frances Ward (formerly known as Frances W. Quinless). Dr. Ward's 
leadership has inspired the School's faculty

[[Page E516]]

and students through a decade of growth. In June, Dr. Ward will be 
returning to teaching and research as a faculty member of the School of 
Nursing's M.S.N. Program and its Joint Ph.D. Program in Urban Systems. 
This program is focused on preparing graduates to address critically 
important issues involving urban health, health delivery, policy and 
planning.
  Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by congratulating Dean Ward on her 
successful stewardship of the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and for her 
achievements in advancing nursing education in the State of New Jersey. 
I salute the School of Nursing for its decade of growth and excellence 
and look forward to its continuing good works in preparing the state's 
nursing profession to meet the demands of this new century.

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