Congratulations to Dean Wendy Likes for being selected a Health Care Hero for 2021 by the Memphis Business Journal! In this episode, we will hear from the leader of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing.

Dean likes and I discuss the various programs offered at the UTHSC CON. Programs include an Accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), a traditional Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (starting fall of 2022), a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) with a variety of concentrations, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.), and certificate programs including Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA), Advanced Practice Forensic Nurse Certificate (APFN), and post MSN and DNP certificates.

Dean Likes discusses rich history at the UTHSC CON including being the first College of Nursing in the State of Tennessee, the first Ph.D. program in the State of Tennessee, and the first DNP program in the State of Tennessee (2nd in the Nation). The UTHSC CON is the number one National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded college of nursing in the State of Tennessee.

The CON has secured two sizeable Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants including the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce grant for $2.7M over 4 years and an Advanced Nursing Education Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (ANE-SANE) grant for $1.5M over three years.

Dean Likes discusses how the Center for Community and Global Partnerships advances the profession of nursing, improves patient outcomes, and provides community support for some of the most vulnerable populations. The Center, led by Dr. Sara Day, focuses on initiatives such as professional development of nurses, the Management of Aggressive Patient Situations program (MAPS), the Sickle Cell Bootcamp, and more. The Center supports nurses through the proceeds from the annual NightinGala to engage nurses in research and evidence-based practice.

Dean Likes also talks about her love for the CON and how we exist through the innovative ideas of faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

If you would like more information on the UTHSC CON please visit the website at https://uthsc.edu/nursing/

Music for this episode is provided by Memphis singer, songwriter, and musician, Devan Yanik. For more of Devan’s music visit devanmusic.weebly.com.