Dr. Tracy A. Ortelli Inducted Into 2021 Class of American Academy of Nursing Fellows

Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce Tracy A. Ortelli, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF, has been selected to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession. Fellows are selected based on their contributions and impact to advance the public’s health and will contribute their collective expertise to the Academy by engaging with health leaders, nationally and globally, to improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. The inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference on October 7-9, 2021.

“This is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a nurse, and it’s no surprise to me or any one of our colleagues that Dr. Ortelli was selected by the American Academy of Nursing. Throughout her tenure at the College, Tracy has continued to raise our standard of academic excellence,” exclaimed Mark Vogt, Galen College of Nursing CEO. “This honor is a first for a Galen College of Nursing, and I’m thrilled to congratulate Tracy for this incredible milestone in an already distinguished career.”

Dr. Ortelli’s leadership in assessment and evaluation has been the focus of her work, research, and publications. She led the development of the NLNs Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) program and published seminal research on the performance of candidates who took the CNE examination. Her research has catalyzed other scholars. She was also a co-author of the seminal work, The Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators (National League for Nursing, 2005), which was the first monograph to define the history, values and beliefs, theoretical framework, scope, competencies, and standards of academic nursing education practice. Application of her expertise in assessment and evaluation was incorporated in her current role at Galen, where she established a college-wide, scalable assessment process that informed curriculum and faculty development, led to significant, sustained improvement in first-time NCLEX® pass rates, and facilitated program expansion.

Dr. Ortelli is the current president of the New Jersey League for Nursing, which received the National League for Nursing (NLN) Constituent League Excellence in Innovation Award in 2020. She is also the coordinator for the AJNs Nursing Resources column and is an inducted member of Sigma Theta Tau and the Academy of Nursing Education. She received her BSN from The Ohio State University, her MS from Columbia University, and her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

This year’s conference and induction ceremony will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate either in-person (at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC) or virtually. Learn more about the Academy and visit the hybrid policy conference website for more details.

Galen College Of Nursing Opens New Campus In Nashville, TN

Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States, continues its mission to expand access to quality nursing education with the announcement of a new campus in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to Miami, FL and Austin, TX, this is the third new campus opening since Galen joined HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) in 2020 to become a premier career destination for nurses while helping the nation’s increasing nursing workforce needs.

The 47,700-square-foot campus features resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. Galen will bring one of the highest levels of nursing education to the greater Nashville community with a state-of-the-art facility featuring patient simulation labs and classroom learning environments designed to encourage hands-on learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of students enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

“We are thrilled to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in the Nashville area,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued Vogt, “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified nurses in Nashville and committed to supporting quality healthcare delivery across the country.”

Bryan Sisk, Chief Nursing Executive, TriStar Health, added, “We are excited to work with Galen to help recruit more prospective nursing students who will go on to expand and enhance our community workforce. With this Academic Practice Partnership, we can also work together to bridge the education to practice gap, all designed to provide the best patient care possible.”

Located at 1100 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fourth Floor, the Nashville campus is designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environment reflects a high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The Nashville campus will offer three programs, including:

• 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Licensed Practical Nursing to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge (LPN to ADN Bridge)

The first term for all three programs is scheduled to start January 3^rd. Enrollment is now open. In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development.

Virtual and in-person admissions appointments can be scheduled by calling (877) 223-7040 or go online to galencollege.edu.

Pearl Clinic Now Open At Louisville Campus

We are pleased to announce the Pearl Clinic is now located at our Louisville campus!

Available to all Galen faculty, staff, and students, this permanent on-campus feature is designed to be a convenient and valuable resource to help everyone in the Galen family stay healthy and safe. Located in room 336, the Pearl Clinic is equipped to provide vaccinations and titers. Out-of-pocket expenses may vary.

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
By appointment only
Call 502-410-6506 to schedule

DAILY COVID PCR TESTS ARE ALSO NOW AVAILABLE

The Pearl Clinic will also provide access to daily COVID-19 PCR tests to all Galen faculty, staff, and students. This test detects the virus’s genetic material using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results are available in 48-72 hours. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins welcome!

For questions, please contact the Pearl Clinic at 502-410-6506

Executive VP Audria Denker Appointed Kentucky Board Of Nursing Vice President

Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce that Dr. Audria Denker has been appointed Vice President of the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN).  Denker currently serves as Executive Vice President of Prelicensure Nursing for the college where she leads day-to-day prelicensure program operations and student support across all campuses.

A member of the KBN since July 1, 2018, Dr. Denker will continue to apply her extensive leadership experience in clinical practice, healthcare management, and nursing education to the appointment as Vice President. Her appointment as Vice President begins July 1, 2021, and runs through June 30, 2022.

Mark Vogt, Chief Executive Officer for Galen College of Nursing noted, “Dr. Denker exemplifies the leadership quality and talent found at Galen, and it is a thrill to see her advance at the KBN. This adds another notch to her already impressive and notable career. We couldn’t be more blessed to have her represent the Galen family and our dedication to excellence.”

The Board of Nursing is composed of 16 gubernatorial appointees representing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, nursing education, long-term care, and the public at large.  The Board approves programs of nursing and regulates and controls the licensing and conduct of nurses within the Commonwealth.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on behalf of all nurse professionals in Kentucky. The growth of our industry – especially in the state – and innovation in nursing care has never been more important,” Denker said.  “I am looking forward to working with our incredible team of experts on the Board to help stimulate Kentucky’s quality nursing workforce, improve care, and protect the well-being of the public.”

Galen College Of Nursing Baccalaureate Degree Program Receives CCNE Accreditation For 10 More Years

Galen College of Nursing is proud to announce that its baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN program) has been awarded an extension of its programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through June 2031. Accreditation from the CCNE confirms Galen’s BSN program, including the Prelicensure Option and online RN to BSN Option, meets the highest nursing education standards.

Dr. Kathy Burlingame, Dean of the online RN to BSN Option, remarked, “The reaffirmation of Galen’s BSN program accreditation by the CCNE is a testament to the faculty and staff’s ongoing, explementary work. Now, more than ever, there is a significant need for nurses equipped with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. I am very proud of the team’s work and external validation of the program’s quality, as the faculty educate and empower nurses to lead and provide exceptional patient care.”

As part of the review process, Galen’s BSN program was evaluated using the rigorous and comprehensive CCNE Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs (2018). At its May 2021 meeting, the CCNE Board of Commissioners determined that Galen’s program met all accreditation standards. This recognition speaks to the quality and integrity of Galen’s BSN program and helps support the College’s position as a leading educator of compassionate, well-prepared, and successful professional nurses.

Galen’s BSN program includes a Prelicensure Option designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing in three years or less. This program option features engaging coursework with an emphasis on hands-on learning that prepares new nurses for the NCLEX-RN^®. Galen also offers an online RN to BSN Option, designed to meet the needs of practicing nurses. Registered Nurses (RN) who pursue this option can earn their BSN in as little as 16 months. With 8-week courses, the opportunity to begin the program six times each year, and mobile-friendly coursework, RN to BSN students have the flexibility to grow professionally and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system – all while maintaining their current job.

Dr. Audria Denker, Executive VP of Nursing at Galen, added, “We are so very proud of the work we do at Galen. The reaffirmation from CCNE further demonstrates our commitment to our students and to provide a quality educational experience.”

For more details on the accreditation of Galen’s programs, please visit https://galencollege.edu/about-galen/accreditation.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Galen College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Galen Named One Of The Best Employers In KY For The Fourth Year In A Row

For the fourth year in a row, Galen College of Nursing has been named one of the 2021 Best Places to Work in Kentucky, in the large employer category. This is the 17^th annual award given by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM), and ClearPath Mutual Insurance Company.

“This honor could not have been achieved without our incredible group of Galen employees who, day in and day out, help create a work environment that lives up to our mission of excellence. We are honored for this recognition in our home state and are proud to make the list for the third year in a row,” said Galen’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Vogt. “Galen has now been recognized in every state we have a campus, including Florida, Ohio, and Texas. We couldn’t be prouder for this achievement as we continue to expand and grow.”

The selection process, managed by Best Companies Group, is based on an assessment of employee policies and procedures, and the results of an internal employee survey. The competition is a multi-year initiative designed to motivate companies in the Commonwealth to focus, measure and move their workplace environments toward excellence. Mark Vogt added. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Kentucky-based employees who participated in the survey process. With your feedback, we will continue to focus our culture on creating a great place to work and to learn.”

For more details about Best Places to Work in Kentucky, visit www.bestplacestoworkky.com

Galen College Of Nursing Opens New Campus In Austin, Texas

Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States, continues its mission to expand access to quality nursing education with the announcement of a new campus in Austin, Texas. In addition to Miami, Florida, this is the second new campus opening since Galen became part of HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) in 2020 to become a premier career destination for nurses while helping the nation’s increasing nursing workforce needs. HCA Healthcare is Austin-based St. David’s HealthCare’s national partner.

The 26,000-square-foot campus features resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. In partnership with HCA Healthcare—the national partner of St. David’s HealthCare, Galen will bring one of the highest levels of nursing education to the Austin region with a state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced patient simulation labs and classroom learning environments designed to encourage hands-on learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of students enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

“We are thrilled to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in the Austin area,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued Vogt, “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified nurses in Austin and are committed to helping stem the nursing shortage threatening the delivery of quality care across the country.”

“Through our national partner, HCA Healthcare, we are excited to work with Galen to help recruit more prospective nursing students who will go on to expand and enhance our community workforce,” David Huffstutler, president, and chief executive officer of St. David’s HealthCare, said. “With this Academic Practice Partnership, we can also work together to bridge the education-to-practice gap, providing the best patient care possible.”

Located at 1201 W. Louis Henna Blvd., the Austin campus is designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environment reflects a high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The Austin campus will offer three programs, including:

• 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Vocational Nursing (VN) Program
• Licensed Vocational Nursing to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge (LVN to ADN Bridge)

The first term for the 3-year BSN and LVN to ADN Bridge programs will begin September 30 and the first term for the VN programs is scheduled to start January 3. Enrollment is currently in progress. In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development.

Cincinnati Campus Honors 2021 Clinical Nurse Education Award Winner

Tampa Bay Campus Honors 2021 Clinical Nurse Education Award Winner

The announcement of Galen’s Clinical Nurse Education Award (CNEA) winner at our Tampa Bay and Cincinnati campuses is one of the many reasons why Nurses Week (May 6th – May 12th) is one of the best times of the year. Galen recently launched this special award to recognize nurses who demonstrate excellence, compassion, and professionalism during the education of Galen students and future nurses. A high honor, indeed!

We are extremely excited to announce Kathleen Bailey, RN has been awarded this year’s CNEA winner at our Tampa Bay campus! Kathleen began her nursing career at the Medical Center of Trinity in January 2020, immediately after graduating from nursing school. She works in Unit 4 West and is described by many Galen students as “amazing, compassionate, professional, and patient”. She was nominated by Galen student, Zach Newkirk, who is currently in NUR 230.

With nominees from 15 hospitals throughout the Tampa Bay region, Kathleen stood out as an exceptional nurse who consistently went above and beyond to help Galen clinical students learn and grow on their nursing journey. She is well known for her love of nursing and love for Galen students.

 

 “Kathleen is a wonderful asset and resource for our Galen students. Her passion and love for working with students are unmatched.”

 

– Christina Hall, Tampa ADN Faculty 

All CNEA nominations are submitted by Galen students in any nursing program, and at any level. Nominees are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate excellence in compassionate care and professional mentoring. To learn more about our annual award and the criteria for consideration, visit https://galencollege.edu/cnea

 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Receives Initial ACEN Accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Galen College of Nursing has recently received initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The ACEN has been acknowledged as the leading authority for nursing education accreditation and has held U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognition for decades.

“Receiving initial accreditation by ACEN is a monumental step in our commitment to providing quality, innovative graduate nursing education.  Recognition by an external accrediting body is a testament to our team’s expertise, hard work, and dedication to our students, stakeholders, and the communities we serve,” said Executive Vice President for Teaching and Learning Innovation, Tracy A. Ortelli, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF.

The MSN program at Galen provides two options for students seeking advanced preparation in nursing.  The Nurse Educator option prepares graduates to educate the next generation of nurses and those who currently work in healthcare.  Graduates will help transform nursing education in both academic and clinical staff development environments and will also meet the eligibility requirements for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator examination.  The Nursing and Healthcare Leadership option prepares graduates for leadership roles, focusing on quality and safety to improve the patient care experience and health outcomes and implement strategies to reduce healthcare costs.  In addition, they will advocate for nursing practice, work in the co-creation of innovative and collaborative healthcare models, and help improve the work-life of healthcare providers and environments.

“I am inspired by the work of our faculty and support staff and am very fortunate to work with such talented and committed colleagues who are all focused on our shared vision of changing the life of one to care for the lives of many.  I am most proud that the accreditation peer evaluators identified our curriculum development, faculty development resources, and student support as areas of strength for our MSN program”, said Professor and MSN Program Director, John D. Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm or contact ACEN at
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326; (404) 975-5000