Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) joins the nation as we celebrate the exceptional work of nurse practitioners (NPs). The School is extremely proud of its involvement and commitment in educating these nursing leaders who provide exceptional care from birth to end of life.

“Over the past 50 years, the nurse practitioner profession has grown to become a significant contributor in advancing health care and partner to improve the health and wellness of our nation,” said Michael Zychowicz, DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP. “Nurse practitioner week is a time to celebrate the advancements we have had as a profession and to reflect upon challenges that remain ahead.”

The School’s master of science in nursing (MSN) program, one of the first in the nation to prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice, opened in 1957 with six students. Over the years, the MSN program grew and was expanded to meet the country’s increasingly urgent need for highly skilled, specialized nurses. One of these needs was focusing on the unique health care needs of veterans and their families. As a result, the MSN program developed the veterans health care concentration for students enrolled in the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner primary care major.

 “Students within this concentration spend at least 50 percent of their clinical hours at dedicated primary care practice sites within the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center,” Zychowicz said. “This prepares them to become nurse practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver nursing care to the veteran population in either private practice or within the VA health care system.”

DUSON is one of six nursing schools nationwide to receive a Veterans Affairs Nursing Partnership Graduate Education grant that provides this type of specialized education for advanced practitioners.

Recently, the School held its first nurse practitioner education symposium in partnership with the Durham VA. More than 140 clinicians and students attended the event that provided veteran-centric continuing education.

“Events like this allow us to continue advancing our academic practice partnership with the Durham VA as well as build upon several successful activities such as our veterans concentration and our two VA-Duke post graduate nurse practitioner residency training programs. In addition, we are increasing the knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners who are increasing access to health care for veterans,” said Zychowicz.

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