Dr. Jane M. Kurz
Professor
"Completing the BSN program opens work and professional opportunities that would have been unavailable to the non-BSN nurse. The course assignments are created to stimulate critical thinking and provide different views of current conditions in a safe environment."
Degrees Held:
- PhD in Family Studies – University of Delaware, 1998
- MSN in Burns, Emergency, and Trauma Nursing – Widener University, 1982
- BSN – Holy Family University, 1974
Career Highlights:
I have taught medical-surgical nursing, theory, research and leadership courses for undergraduate and graduate students in nursing and interdisciplinary programs.
I have a strong commitment to improving the human condition and nursing via education and research. Funders for my research include: the Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools Association, HRSA, and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. My publications and presentations have addressed many topics, such as end-of-life education programs, student learning, medical-surgical nursing, international nursing, organ donation and families’ involvement with heart-lung transplantation. In my latest published study, I used grounded theory to explore the decision-making process for pregnant women with a heart, lung or renal transplant.
I am a regular reviewer for several journals. I have been a member of the Second Wind National Lung Transplant Association since 1997 and have served on the Board of Directors since 2007. I am also an active member of American Nurses Association (ANA), Delaware Nurses Association (DNA), Sigma Theta Tau, and the National Council of Family Relations.
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach in the online RN to BSN program?
NUR 301: Professional Nursing Practice and Health Information Systems
What do you want students to take away from your classes?
I assist as you learn new skills and introduce you to a new way of viewing the nursing world and the health care community. I will help you balance your family, work and academic responsibilities. You will expand your professional network as you confidentially share your thoughts and experiences in the discussion boards.
What is the value of a BSN?
Completing the BSN program opens work and professional opportunities that would have been unavailable to the non-BSN nurse. The course assignments are created to stimulate critical thinking and provide different views of current conditions in a safe environment. The degree fosters the ability to do more than just dream of a world that could be.
Why did you start teaching?
Although I loved caring for individuals in the critical care units, I found I had more satisfaction guiding the next wave of nurses on the best way to address client problems on a grand scale.
What advice would you give to those considering the online RN to BSN program?
Do not delay starting the program. The health care world will continue to become more complicated and demanding! Establish a strong support system at home and work. Keep a calendar with tasks, schedules and plans to remain organized.
Why are you interested in nursing? What drew you to this field?
This is a wonderful profession that allows you to change your focus as you change. You can work full-time or part-time with a very flexible schedule. You can find a nursing area that matches your values, interests and skills. Every day is different. A nurse has access to a variety of people across the life course who trust you immediately. You can go anywhere you wish, and that includes acute care settings, teaching, government, administration, world organizations (e.g., USAID, WHO) and so many more!
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
- Compassionate
- Hard-working
- Critical thinker
- Willingness to learn
- Risk-taker
- Ethical
- Non-judgmental
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
Today's nurse must incorporate technology and care in an environment that does not always value health. The image of nursing is a problem, but many are working on helping the public understand exactly what it means to receive care from a professional nurse.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I read daily for fun and especially enjoy crime novels and historical fiction.