- Barry University
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Nursing Programs
As the nation’s premier organization dedicated to excellence in nursing education, the National League for Nursing annually recognizes outstanding nursing programs with the Center of Excellence distinction. Since 2004, the League has welcomed applications from nursing programs throughout the country, selecting Centers of Excellence based on strict criteria measured by sustained outstanding performance in three categories: faculty development, nursing education research, and student learning and professional development.
With these honors, the NLN aims to elevate nursing education nationwide. Barry University is proud to be part of that mission as a 2020 Center of Excellence in Student Learning and Professional Development. Associate Professor Carolyn Hart, PhD, RN, CNE, and Chair of Entry to Nursing Practice, says: “The evaluation team at the National League for Nursing assessed the evidence across all nursing programs — BSN, NP/DNP, ANE, and PhD — and determined that Barry does indeed excel in providing students with an education that is immersive not just in the care of our diverse communities but also in responding as a leader in meeting healthcare needs to improve outcomes.”
Category: Enhance student learning and professional development
“Having this honor means students can enter our program knowing that an unbiased, external group of experts has affirmed the quality of our graduates and the efforts of our nursing alumni to meet the diverse needs of our different communities with compassion in an evidence-based practice,” says Dr. Hart.
While maintaining the highest academic standards, Barry University nursing programs offer a variety of pathways for nontraditional learners and actively promote the enrollment and matriculation of students from both diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Barry’s emphasis on mentorship, diversity of talent, community engagement, professional networking, and innovation have helped to secure this incredible distinction.
Among the myriad Barry programs that helped earn the 2020 designation is the Joan K. Stout, RN, FAAN Project for the ADVancement of Interprofessional Collaboration and Education, known as Project ADVICE. These educational exercises mirror the real-life experience of working with other allied health care teams in hospital and medical settings. This initiative brings together students and faculty from across Barry’s academic programs in simulated patient-care events. With the goal of encouraging a practice of professional collaboration, this unique program helps students prepare to advocate for their patients by working across every level and discipline of the health care industry.