School of Nursing

The School of Nursing prepares graduates to lead at every stage of their careers and to drive meaningful improvements in health care, public policy, and patient advocacy. Your support of the School of Nursing Academic Excellence Fund directly fuels these opportunities and helps develop the next generation of compassionate, skilled nursing professionals in a time where highly skilled nurses are needed the most.

Two of the many critical initiatives supported by the Academic Excellence Fund are described below.

Students as Leaders – Forming a Professional Identity

Each year, the School of Nursing assists students in attending national professional conferences, where they can network and learn alongside students and professionals from across the country. Your gift today helps cover the costs of sending Quinnipiac nursing students to these experiential programs that help foster their professional identities as nurses or advanced practice nurses and leaders.

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). The School of Nursing affords 8-10 pre-licensure nursing students the opportunity to attend NSNA’s annual convention, which typically hosts over 3,000 student nurses. This year, students will be attending the 74^th Annual Convention in Houston, Texas. At convention, students attend sessions on leadership, licensure preparation, and emerging issues in nursing. Several students also serve as delegates, representing Quinnipiac on critical NSNA issues that impact nursing education and practice.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Each year, one undergraduate and one graduate nursing student are supported to attend AACN’s annual policy summit. Here, students learn the critical role nurses play in advocating for healthcare legislation and policy that impacts patients, families, and communities. Students also visit Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators and advocating for key nursing education policy.

Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS). Faculty at the School of Nursing work with students seeking to achieve an Undergraduate Research Distinction. These students work closely with faculty on research and projects, building the skillset to become future leaders in nursing research and evidence-based practice. Faculty/student dyads are provided with the opportunity to attend the annual ENRS convention, often presenting collaboratively presenting work while attending other research-focused presentations and activities.

Faculty as Leaders – Expanding Influence and Reputation

The School of Nursing is committed to cultivating faculty who shape the future of nursing education, practice, and policy. The Academic Excellence Fund strengthens this commitment by expanding access to comprehensive, nationally recognized leadership development programs. In the last few years, the School of Nursing has invested in faculty participation in the NCFDD Faculty Success Program, NLN’s LEAD Program, AACN’s Access, Connection, and Engagement (ACE) Leadership Institute, and the Harvard Macy Program for Leading Innovation in Health Care and Education. These transformative experiences equip faculty with advanced skills in mentoring, innovation, and strategic leadership. Continued donor support will empower more faculty to engage in these high-impact programs, amplifying the school’s reputation and extending its influence across the profession.