College of Nursing

Christine E. Kasper, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FACSM, Dean
College of Nursing
Nursing/Pharmacy Bldg. 228
MSC09 5350
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 272-4221
https://hsc.unm.edu/nursing

Department of Biobehavioral Health and Data Science
Chair
TBD
Location: TBD
MSC: 09 5350
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Department of Rural Health and Health Equity
Chair
TBD
Location: TBD
MSC: 09 5350
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131


Professors, Tenured
Barbara Damron, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, University of Texas at Austin
Christine E. Kasper, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FACSM, University of Michigan
Patricia Watts Kelley, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, The Catholic University of America
Roberta Lavin, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Beth Baldwin Tigges, Ph.D., RN, PNP-BC, Columbia University
Xiaozhong Yu, M.D., Nanking Medical University; Ph.D., Nagoya University

Professors, Clinician Educator
Amy Levi, Ph.D., RN, CNM, WHNP, FAAN, FACNM, University of Pennsylvania
Carolyn Montoya, Ph.D., RN, CPNP, FAAN, FAANP, University of New Mexico

Associate Professors, Tenured
Mary Pat Couig, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Uniformed Services University; M.P.H., Johns Hopkins University
Stephen Hernandez, Ph.D., RN, University of New Mexico
Jongwon Lee, Ph.D., RN, State University of New York at Buffalo

Associate Professors, Clinician Educator
Christine Cogil, D.N.P., RN, FNP-BC, New Mexico State University; M.P.S., Loyola University
Angeline Christine Delucas, D.N.P., RN, University of San Francisco; M.P.H., University of Washington
Joanne Haeffele, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, University of Utah
Jan Martin, D.N.P., RN, Oregon Health Sciences University
Kristen Ostrem-Niemcewicz, D.N.P., RN, CNM, FNP-BC, FACNM, New Mexico State University
Heidi Rogers, D.N.P., RN, FNP-BC, University of Colorado
Stephen Van Roper, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, University of Arizona, Tucson
Sharon Schaaf, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, AG-ACNP-BC, University of New Mexico: D.N.P., Texas Women's University
JoEllen Schimmels, D.N.P., RN, PMHNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, Texas Christian University

Assistant Professors, Tenure Track
Elizabeth Dickson, Ph.D., RN, University of New Mexico
Katie Kivlighan, Ph.D., RN, CNM, Pennsylvania State University 
Katherine Zychowski, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Sharon Ruyak, Ph.D., RN, CNM, University of Colorado

Assistant Professors, Clinician Educator
Melody Avila, D.N.P., RN, FNP-BC, University of South Alabama
Hazel Linda Blizzard, Ph.D., RN, Texas Woman's University; M.S.N., University of Phoenix
Melissa Cole, D.N.P., RN, FACHE, University of New Mexico; M.S.W., University of Michigan
Amanda Dunn, D.N.P., RN, FNP-C, Creighton University
Laura Migliaccio, D.N.P., RN, CNM, New Mexico State University 
Rachel Marzec, D.N.P., RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Drexel University
Felina Ortiz, D.N.P., RN, CNM, FACNM, New Mexico State University
Jennifer Steward Schneider, Ph.D., RN, PMHNP-BC, University of Rochester; MA, Western New Mexico University 
Lisa Taylor, D.N.P., RN, FNP-BC, Vanderbilt University
Jacqueline Wuellner, D.N.P., RN, University of New Mexico; M.P.H., University of Illinois

Lecturers and Instructors
Nuzhat Ali, M.S.N., RN University of Texas at Austin
Jason Baron, M.S.N., RN, Thomas Jefferson University
Blake Boursaw, M.S., University of Minnesota
Melissa Cole, D.N.P., University of New Mexico; M.S.W., University of Michigan
Adreanne Cordova, M.S.N., RN, University of Oklahoma
Sara Daykin, D.N.P., RN, Grand Canyon University
Jennifer Drexler, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Kathleen Dolan-Cox, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Maggie Faber, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Marisa Francis, D.N.P., RN, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Katherine Grand, M.S.N.Ed., RN Chamberlain College of Nursing
Geraldine Guerra-Sandoval, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Michele Head, M.S.N., RN, ACNP-BC, University of New Mexico 
Sheila Hundley, D.N.P., RN, AGNP-BC, Duke University 
Clinton Mitch Irvin, M.S.N., Eastern New Mexico University
Loren Kelly, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Sarah Koch, M.S.N., RN, PCCN, ACLS, Grand Canyon University
Jennifer Lovato, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Karin Ludi, D.N.P., RN, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Amie Merhege, M.S.N., RN, CPNP, University of New Mexico
Laura Migliaccio, D.N.P., New Mexico State University
Christopher Nelson, M.S.N., RN, Regis University
Vicki Niazi, M.S.N., RN, University of Phoenix 
Allison Phillips, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Crystal Sanchez, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Whitney Schluter, M.S.N., RN, FNP-BC, University of New Mexico
Tamara Shannon, D.N.P., RN, CPNP, University of South Alabama
Debra Smith, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
April Tafoya, M.S.N., RN, Grand Canyon University
Emory Taylor, M.S.N., RN, CCRN-K, American Sentinel University
LeeAnna Vargas, M.S.N., RN, New Mexico State University
Victoria Yu, D.N.P., JD, RN, University of Nevada-Reno 

Professors Emeriti
Charlotte R. Abbink, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Leah Albers, Dr.P.H., FAAN, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
Jennifer Averill, Ph.D., University of Colorado
Phoebe Becktell, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Gloria A. Birkholz, J.D., M.S.N., University of New Mexico
Debra P. Brady, Ph.D., MNed., RN, University of New Mexico
Zella A. Bray, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Judith M. Brown Lindeman, M.S.N., RN, University of New Mexico
Karen Carlson, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Kathryn Ann Caudell, Ph.D., University of Washington
Dorothy H. Clough, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Jeannette M. Cochran, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Kim Cox, Ph.D., FACNM, University of Florida
Chiyoko Furukawa, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Catherine N. Harris, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Judith Harris, D.N.P., University of Colorado
Idolia M. Hawkins, D.N.Sc., University of California (San Francisco)
Therese Hildago, F.N.P., University of New Mexico
Patricia Higgins, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Carol Johnson, M.S.N., Catholic University
Cheryl Learn, Ph.D., University of Colorado
Sharon L. Lewis, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, University of New Mexico
Marie Lobo, Ph.D., University of Washington
Mary A. Marsh, F.N.P., MA, RN, Sonoma State University
Laura Martinez, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Rebecca L. Mayo, Ph.D., NP, RN, University of New Mexico
Katheryn McCash, M.S.N., Catholic University
Robin Meize-Grochowski, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Elsie S. Morosin, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Barbara Overman, Ph.D., University of Colorado
Mark Parshall, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Univeristy of Kentucky
Barbara L. Rees, Ph.D., University of Arizona
Barbara D. Rickert, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Estelle H. Rosenblum-Grevey (Dean), Ph.D., FAAN, University of New Mexico
Sally Ruybal, Ph.D., University of Arizona
Geoff Shuster, D.N.Sc., University of California (San Francisco)
Melina Tinkle Ph.D., FAAN, University of Texas at Austin
Joann R. Weiss, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
P.J. Woods, Ph.D., M.B.A., Duquesne University
Mary Wright, M.S.N., University of New Mexico


Introduction

Mission Statement
The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide exemplary and innovative education, research, practice, service, and leadership that improves state, national, and global health. The College’s efforts focus on the scholarship of nursing education, research, practice, and policy to inform and lead in the delivery and analysis of nursing and healthcare.

Vision Statement
The vision of the College of Nursing is to develop solutions for the most important nursing challenges pertaining to human health and health equity in the state's communities through education, scholarship, practice, and service.

Values
•  Academic Excellence
•  Diversity and Inclusion
•  Innovation
•  Integrity
•  Respect

College of Nursing's Three Major Goals:
1.  Prepare successful nursing professionals.
2.  Create a community within the University of New Mexico College of Nursing that is diverse, inclusive, and supportive.
3.  Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships.

HSC Vision
The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (HSC) will work with community partners to help New Mexico make more progress in health and health equity than any other state.

HSC Core Values
The College of Nursing supports the HSC core values:

The UNM Health Sciences Center’s most important value is a steadfast duty to improve the health of all New Mexicans. The HSC will serve patients and the public with integrity and accountability. The HSC will strive as an institution and as individuals to recognize, cultivate, and promote all forms of diversity; to fully understand the health needs of the state's communities; and to advance clinical, academic, and research excellence. The HSC is committed to performing duties with compassion and respect for patients, learners, and colleagues; and always to conduct the highest level of professionalism.

HSC Mission
The HSC mission is to provide an opportunity for all New Mexicans to obtain an excellent education in the health sciences. The HSC will advance health sciences in the most important areas of human health with a focus on the priority health needs of the state's communities. As a majority-minority state, and the HSC's mission will ensure that all populations in New Mexico have access to the highest quality healthcare.

Accreditation
The College of Nursing's undergraduate, graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Nurse-Midwifery concentrations for the Master of Science in Nursing and the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing are fully accredited through February 28, 2027 by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1550, Silver Spring, MD 20910-6374.


Degree and Certificate Programs

Undergraduate
The College of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree through four distinct completion options: Traditional Entry Pre-Licensure B.S.N. option, Freshman Direct Entry Pre-Licensure B.S.N. option, New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) ADN/B.S.N. Co-Enrolled option, and RN to B.S.N. option.

Graduate
The graduate program offers degrees leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing (NURCP), the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a major in Nursing.

Students in the nursing program are subject to the general University policies and procedures described in the appropriate sections of this Catalog and the specific regulations included in the College of Nursing section. All students are responsible for compliance with rules and regulations set forth in this Catalog.

All services concerned with student welfare and activities are under the coordinating supervision of the Vice President for Student Affairs (see the Student Services Information section of this Catalog). In the College of Nursing, Enrollment Services, the Undergraduate Program Committee, and the Graduate and Professional Program Committee provide for coordination and facilitation of student activities within the College.

Athletic, cultural, recreational, religious, and social activities of the University are available to all students. Students in the College of Nursing are eligible for membership in the National Student Nurses’ Association through the New Mexico Student Nurses’ Association or The University of New Mexico College of Nursing Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) and Graduate Student Nurses’ Association (GSNA).

Academic advisors are available to students in the nursing program. Students contemplating entry to the program should contact the College of Nursing Admissions and Recruitment staff.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical agencies and for their own living arrangements (see "Residence Life and Student Housing" in the Student Services Information section of this Catalog). Students should be aware that clinical experiences may be arranged in a variety of agencies and may include evening, night, or weekend scheduling.

High School Preparation. It is important that the high school student who wishes to enter the nursing program at The University of New Mexico chooses courses leading toward this goal at the earliest possible time. It is recommended that the student who intends to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing take the following subjects in high school: one year of chemistry, one year of biology, one year of physics, three years of mathematics (one of which should be algebra), and four years of English. These are recommended courses, not requirements for admission.

Financial Assistance. There are several financial assistance programs for qualified students, including scholarships, loans, grants, and student work. Certain scholarships from local and national organizations and from public and private sources are available specifically for nursing students (see "Student Financial Aid" in the Student Services Information section of this Catalog). Information regarding scholarships and loans may be obtained from the financial aid officer at the College of Nursing and the Student Financial Aid Office of the University. Please check the College of Nursing website for additional information.

Educational Facilities. All University libraries are available to students. The Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and other multimedia learning aids appropriate to nursing and health science. A wide variety of nursing and health sciences literature is also available through the library’s website.

Most nursing classes are held in the Nursing/Pharmacy Building and the Domenici Center. The Domenici Center also houses the Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center, which provides state-of-the-art learning space for high-fidelity simulation, nursing labs, and a simulated clinic for standardized patient experiences. In addition, students have clinical experiences in a variety of settings. 

Clinical Facilities. Clinical facilities are located in the greater Albuquerque area and include hospitals and clinics within the University Hospital system, local private hospitals, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bernalillo County Mental Health Center, Maternal-Infant Care Clinics, Public Health Agencies, Indian Health Service healthcare facilities, the Geriatric Education and Health Maintenance Clinic, and other facilities in outlying areas in New Mexico. Distance students are placed with clinical agencies in or near their home communities whenever possible.

Special learning opportunities, such as field trips to other agencies, may be arranged. Many clinical agencies make libraries and classrooms available to nursing students.

Health Requirements. Students in the College of Nursing follow the health requirements and may use the health services described in the Student Services Information section of this Catalog. Nursing students may be required to carry insurance for hospitalization and medical care. Students in clinical care courses are automatically charged for bloodborne pathogen needlestick insurance by the University.

Professional Documentation. All undergraduate and M.S.N. Nursing Education concentration students are responsible for completing professional documentation requirements and for maintaining current professional documentation throughout their time in the program. Failure to maintain these records may result in disenrollment. All documentation and immunizations must be current for the duration of the entire program; students will not be allowed to begin or continue clinical or fieldwork courses if any requirements expire during the term schedule. Please see the College of Nursing Student Handbook for a current and detailed list of documentation that must be submitted or be properly updated prior to starting each term.

Provided below is a summary list of documentation that is subject to change:

  • New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) caregiver criminal history screening letter (completed annually).
  • Signed and stamped UNM Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) immunization record form.
  • 10-panel urine drug screen results.
  • UNM HIPAA training certificate(s).
  • Bloodborne pathogens training certificate.
  • Basic life support and/or concentration-specific life support certifications.
  • Current nursing license (graduate students).
  • Influenza vaccination (seasonal).

The annual tuberculin test or T.B. screening and the required immunizations can be obtained at the Student Health Center. A copy of the result must be filed with the College of Nursing and updated annually prior to enrolling in clinical courses.

In the case of pregnancy, the student must assume complete responsibility for their own safety and welfare.

Uniforms. Undergraduate students are responsible for obtaining appropriate uniforms to be worn during clinical practice periods. Information regarding uniforms may be obtained in the College of Nursing Student Handbook or course syllabi.

Fees. Students enrolled in nursing courses are often expected to pay a fee. Laboratory and instructional material fees are subject to change. Fees may be charged for standardized nursing achievement tests and certain technological delivery. Information about other fees and expenses may be obtained from the Schedule of Classes.

Professional Conduct. The nursing profession requires high standards of legal, ethical, and moral accountability from its practitioners. Nursing students are expected to behave in compliance with the professional standards of nursing as outlined in the "Essential Qualifications" section of the College of Nursing Student Handbook. Conduct not in keeping with professional standards may lead to enrollment cancellation and/or course failure following appropriate due process.


Licensure of Graduates

Graduates of the Pre-Licensure B.S.N. and the NMNEC ADN/B.S.N. Co-Enrolled Program completion options are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed to practice as registered nurses. Graduates of the advanced practice concentrations of the graduate program are eligible for their respective certification exams.


Dean’s List

At the end of each term, undergraduate students who have outstanding academic records are put on the College of Nursing Dean’s List, which is made available to University and outside news media. To qualify for the Dean’s List in the College of Nursing, a student must have a grade point average of 3.50 or better in at least 12 graded credit hours for that semester. See the Student Services Information section of this Catalog for more information.


Associated Departments

Undergraduate Program


Graduate Program


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Office of the Registrar

MSC11 6325
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-8900
Fax: (505) 277-6809