Janalou Blecke
Dean, Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University

"The desire to make a difference, whether in health care, the nursing profession, or the lives of the people served, is often the goal expressed by nurses who wish to advance their education. The faculty share and support that goal and have designed the MSN program to facilitate doing just that. The faculty are vigilant in observing and interpreting the changes occurring in nursing and health care, as well as listening to the needs and wishes of MSN students. As a result, the curriculum reflects the most current and relevant knowledge available in the discipline and provides a variety of opportunities for the knowledge of practice to emerge and be discussed."

"All of this is possible because the curriculum has been constructed within a unique framework that allows for change. Consequently, learning and practice opportunities continuously evolve for graduates of the program as definitions for roles in advanced nursing practice constantly shift. Many nurses in the program experience some of the evolution even as they complete the program since most attend classes part-time while they continue to work part or full-time. The advantages to this include the gradually increasing richness of their practice, as well as the opportunity to see new knowledge utilized in the process."

"Students frequently comment about the changes they see in themselves as they complete the program and what a difference the experience has made in their practice. The energy evident in that feedback assures both them and us that the goal of making a difference is possible to achieve."

Margaret M. Flatt, Ph.D., R.N.
MSN Program Coordinator & Assistant Dean
Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Florence Nightingale taught her students to consider how one's surroundings affect health, indicating nurses were responsible for improving the environment in which care is provided. That mandate is as critical today as it was in her time, and is supported by nursing science. What has changed over time is the knowledge and skill needed to effectively manage the health care environment.

Today we are living in an information age, facilitated and complicated by technology. Nurses must be able to acquire, analyze, and utilize information to improve nursing and health care. Care decisions are based on critical analysis of evidence, and are measured by outcomes.

The MSN program at Saginaw Valley State University provides students with a sound foundation in critical thinking and use of research to inform decision making. It helps students develop the knowledge and skill needed to be effective communicators, leaders and clinicians in the 21st century health care system.

On behalf of the MSN program faculty, I invite you to join us as we explore nursing and health care. Lessons from the past, knowledge that is current, and projections about the future will guide us as we follow the mandate of Florence to improve the health care environment.

Averetta E. Lewis
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University 

"Our classes and groups are small, a fact which allows the student greater access to graduate faculty. Teaching strategies include the integration of theory and practice in advanced nursing roles. Groupthink, class discussions, nursing research papers and journaling enhance the student learning environment. Students often network and collaborate with nursing faculty and other students/colleagues in field study and research projects."

Judith L. Apgar
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University

"We are a flexible faculty group, committed to providing an educational experience tailored to the individual student's unique needs. Knowing that students have very real time constraints, we encourage the development of projects which not only meet the student's educational goals, but also can be utilized in the student's particular practice.

Sally A. Decker
Professor
Ph.D., University of Michigan

"We admit motivated, caring, professionals who wish to expand their expertise in a selected nursing practice arena. Through a series of courses, you will explore nursing phenomena, looking at the biases inherent in the current knowledge base. You must be willing to 'see' your practice in new ways."

Sachiko K. Claus
Professor & Clinical Faculty
Ph.D., C.S.-F.N.P., Michigan State University

"Today, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists are making unique contributions by meeting increasing consumer demands for effective health care. The family nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist option prepares graduates for national certifications that open doors to a variety of roles in advanced nursing practice. The family and community orientations provide the students with a broader practice framework that increases their effectiveness as health care providers."