Resolution
WHEREAS, nurse
scientists are essential members of interdisciplinary health science research
teams that are developing new knowledge to address complex health care needs of
society;
WHEREAS, there is a
current shortage of PhD-prepared nursing faculty and a predicted large number
of faculty retirements by 2015 necessitating programs that prepare faculty for
academic positions within schools of nursing.
THEREFORE, this
program will meet the urgent need for nursing scholars within the state of
WHEREAS, the
proposed Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science is in keeping with the
University of Delaware’s Path to Prominence TM milestones of
becoming a Premier Research and Graduate University with robust programs of
graduate research and education. Development of nursing scientists is also in
concert with the Delaware Health Science Alliance which combines the priorities and assets of
Christiana Care Health System, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children,
and
WHEREAS, the proposed
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science has been based on a critical
review of prominent PhD in Nursing programs nationally and there is no similar
program within the state offering a program of this type;
WHEREAS, increasing
numbers of master’s nursing students and practicing nurses desire to further
their formal education and advance the science of nursing through research,
scholarship and education of new nurses;
WHEREAS, the faculty
of School of Nursing Science have a 30-year history of teaching nursing courses
at the graduate level in the areas of advanced nursing practice and healthcare
administration;
RESOLVED, that the