November 15, 2012

Nursing School keeps military ties strong

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing honored students, faculty and staff during a special Veterans Day celebration this week.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing honored students, faculty and staff during a special Veterans Day celebration this week.

The school has a long history of educating veterans and active duty military, including some distance learning students who have pursued their education while serving in areas such as Afghanistan and Africa.

“It’s a day for us to honor those who serve or have served, as well as military family members,” said Kelly Wolgast, Col. (Ret., U.S. Army), professor in the VUSN Health Systems Management specialty.

“We currently have several active duty military members in our student body pursuing master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.”

VUSN has an ongoing relationship with the U.S. Air Force Academy and is reaching out to develop similar academic partnerships with the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

School leaders are also looking for ways to provide more student support, such as a mentorship program, for those currently serving in the armed forces. Veteran care is also an important learning opportunity for VUSN master’s students who have clinical rotations at the VA Hospital.