School Notes: School of Nursing
May/June 2016

YSN among top 20 graduate schools

YSN is among the top 20 best graduate schools of nursing in the country, according to the latest rankings by US News & World Report. Yale Nursing rose three positions from its ranking last year, reflecting its comprehensive work to expand research opportunities and continued growth in the strong academic profile of its entering students.

In addition to the top-20-tier overall ranking, the school’s midwifery specialty had the second-highest score nationally as ranked by peer institutions. Yale School of Nursing’s psychiatric–mental health specialty ranked sixth, and its pediatric nurse practitioner specialty came in at fifth in a three-way tie. The school’s new doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program ranked 18th in the first-ever US News ranking of DNP programs.

“Yale School of Nursing has always contributed mightily both to the national health workforce and to conversations about healthcare access,” said YSN dean Ann Kurth. “Especially at this time of health reform, YSN’s education of outstanding advanced practice nurses is critical and it is gratifying that that excellence is acknowledged.” YSN remains among the most selective in the nation, with only 29 percent of applicants accepted.

Grant will help nurses earn PhDs

Yale School of Nursing is one of only 32 schools of nursing nationwide to receive a grant to increase the number of nurses holding PhDs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Future of Nursing Scholars program will provide financial support, mentoring, and leadership development to nurses who commit to earn their PhDs in three years. YSN will select two nursing students to receive this prestigious scholarship. “Our PhD graduates contribute greatly to the advancement of nursing science, education, and care around the globe,” said Robin Whittemore, YSN PhD program director and professor of nursing.