Since 1931, the Duke University School of Nursing, or DUSON, has had a longstanding commitment to provide an outstanding environment for education and innovation that develops and supports tomorrow’s nursing leaders. As a proud alumnus myself and as Dean, I have experienced the dedication and exceptionalism the faculty, staff and students display each and every day.
It is an exciting time for students, faculty, staff and the entire DUSON community. Recent large-scale health and social transformative events including the COVID-19 pandemic, growing economic, social and health inequality, marked differences in political ideology, and ongoing challenges regarding migration and unaccompanied minors at the US-Mexico border have elevated the profile of nurses as key health care providers in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of communities in the United States and around the world. There have never been more opportunities for meaningful and impactful nursing practice than in today’s evolving health care landscape and nursing profession.
Recent transformations represent an opportunity for renewing and reinforcing our commitment to excellence in clinical practice both within and outside of traditional health care settings. It is also an opportune time for the nursing profession to increase focus on addressing the social determinants of health and on the continued development of a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce. My commitment, as Dean, is to work with the faculty, staff and students to further strengthen DUSON’s position as a national and global leader in advancing this vision.
During my transition to becoming the Dean of this remarkable institution at such a transformative point in time, I take pride in DUSON’s excellence in advancing nursing science, promoting clinical scholarship and in the education of nurse leaders, advanced practitioners and researchers. I also reflect on what truly sets DUSON apart as a top-ranked nursing school.
In addition to educating the nursing leaders of tomorrow, DUSON represents a hub for critically important nursing research that is changing the future of health care. From population health and data science to health innovation and precision health, we continue to focus on improving the health of communities locally and globally. Our faculty “walk the talk.” They are experts in their nursing practice specialty and research fields and use innovative pedagogies to actively engage students in their own learning and professional development. This is one of the many reasons why DUSON is ranked as one of the leading nursing schools in the country. Many faculty are also active practitioners and care for those with heart disease, HIV, diabetes, at-risk neonates and many more, and 100 percent of our faculty are doctorally trained.
We focus on providing an excellent education and support our students through advisement and mentoring to realize their potential, positioning them for leadership and meaningful and impactful practice. We not only believe in the education of our students but also the continuous development of our faculty and staff. In 2019, DUSON opened a new addition of our main campus building that includes state-of-the-art simulation labs, classrooms and an interprofessional education space. DUSON also houses a nursing research facility for staff and research participants. In 2021, DUSON became the new home of the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, a nationally recognized research center with the mission of reducing health inequities for Latino adolescents, young adults and their families.
Many of our degree and certificate programs are distance-based, allowing students from across the globe to pursue a world-class degree from Duke without having to leave their jobs. This diversity of students from over 40 U.S. states and countries truly enriches our curricula by bringing diverse perspectives into the classroom. You can find more about our commitment to and initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion from our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Duke is based in the diverse community of Durham, North Carolina. There are many rich opportunities here for our students, faculty and staff to realize their contributions to improve population health, reduce health disparities and provide top-notch care to all those in the communities we serve.
Throughout our website, you will find an overview of our ABSN, MSN, DNP and PhD programs as well as information about our Centers and Institutes and other initiatives. Stay up to date with our latest news and developments by following us on social media. Whether you are interested in beginning your nursing career, wish to earn an advanced degree or contribute your talents as a member of our esteemed faculty or staff, I encourage you to consider joining the Duke University School of Nursing community.
Thank you for your interest in DUSON! Gracias!
Sincerely,
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Dean, Duke University School of Nursing
Vice Chancellor, Nursing Affairs, Duke University