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Medical marijuana is a trending term in 2017 with many states legalizing the plant for recreational and medical purposes, it wasn’t long ago that even the thought of a marijuana user carried connotations of drug abuse and addiction. Now we’re starting to understand the many benefits of this wonderful plant and integrate it into our established medical fields. Marijuana has proven benefits such as pain relief, decreased anxiety, and the ability to stop epileptic seizures and enhance appetite. It’s even been proven to stop the spread of cancers! This is just a short list on the many uses of marijuana. Let’s take a look at some of the studies that have been going on in 2017.

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Reduced Opioid Related Hospitalizations

In a study done at the University of California, researchers concluded that the introduction of medical marijuana related policies had a direct impact on the number of opioid related hospitalizations seen. The reason for this correlation wasn’t expressed specifically, but could be due to giving the patients an alternative to their opioid based medication. [Read more…]

By Mary A. O’Connor, Ph.D., MSN
Global Online Coordinator, MSN and MSN-MBA Programs

California University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce a new Master of Science in Nursing program in Nursing Education and is accepting candidates for a first cohort beginning in August. In addition, a new Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education will be offered beginning January 2018. 

The new programs will be offered 100% online as part of the University’s Global Online programs. The Global Online programs allow students to live and work anywhere while attending online classes and earning a degree.  Students progress through the program in a cohort model which allows them to build relationships with other students and share academic experiences all online. Nurses can continue to work full time as they take one course at a time and can therefore balance professional, personal and family commitments.  [Read more…]

In response to the growing opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and in the nation, Clarion University College of Health and Human Services announced today that it has developed an opioid treatment specialist certificate, which will be offered online, beginning this fall.

“The certificate was developed to educate treatment professionals in prevention and treatment of opioid abuse and addiction,” said Dr. Ray Feroz, professor and chair of the department of human services, rehabilitation, health and sport sciences. “It is one way Clarion can aid in combating the statewide and nationwide opioid crisis.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania was fourth in the nation in drug overdose deaths in 2015 – an increase of 28 percent over 2014 statistics – and the epidemic continues to grow. Drug overdose has surpassed traffic accidents and gun deaths as the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 33,000 people in the United States died of opioid overdoses in 2015.

“Fighting the ongoing battle against heroin and opioid abuse in the state is a top priority of my administration,” Governor Wolf said. “I’m proud to announce this new curriculum with Clarion University because education is a powerful force in this fight and it is my sincere hope that people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about opioid addiction and what part we can each play in this effort.” [Read more…]

Applications being accepted for Fall 2017 enrollment

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg received approval to add a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing to the 28 majors that it offers undergraduate students. The new four-year degree program is affiliated with the nationally and internationally recognized University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing and is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Pitt’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. This past year, the program received more than 1,800 applications for approximately 145 places. Pitt-Greensburg’s BSN will follow the same curriculum as the program in Oakland.

“Prospective students can apply now for admission to Pitt-Greensburg for fall 2017,” said J. Wesley Jamison, PhD, past vice president of Academic Affairs, who has worked with the Pitt School of Nursing to bring the program to fruition. “Twenty-five students will be selected for the first cohort, with the goal of 40 students per year in later cohorts.”

Pitt-Greensburg’s nursing program is designed to provide a strong foundation for professional practice in today’s health care environment. The BSN program will prepare students as generalists in nursing who are ready for clinical practice, as well as for continued professional development and graduate education. Graduates will qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. [Read more…]

 

La Roche College announced that the 2015-2016 pass rate for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is 92.31 percent on the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam).

Department Chair of Nursing Terri Liberto, Ph.D., RN, said, “The nursing department at La Roche is thrilled with this report and so proud of our ASN graduates. Dedicated faculty, small classes, determined students and excellent clinical settings are responsible for this outstanding pass rate.” 

The NCLEX is a nationwide examination for registered nurses. After graduating from nursing school, potential registered nurses take the NCLEX to receive their nursing license from the state in which they plan to practice nursing.

In addition to the ASN program, La Roche offers an online RN to BSN with an RN to MSN option, an online MSN program with specializations in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education, and a School Nurse certification program. La Roche has articulation agreements with several area community colleges and diploma programs for the RN to BSN degree completion program. 

For admission requirements or to apply, visit laroche.edu or call the Graduate Studies and Adult Education office at 412-536-1260.

About La Roche College: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche College embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche College educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

 

Funded by a $10,000 grant from The Passavant Hospital Foundation, La Roche College will initiate a free program called Get Healthy at La Roche this January.

“The goal of Get Healthy at La Roche is to assist participants in losing weight, educate them about the necessary measures to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and provide a comfortable and supportive environment,” Lauren Ameris, DC, chair of the Health Science Department at La Roche, said. “La Roche students who are enrolled in a health assessment course this spring will be involved in this program by evaluating the participants’ progress journals.”   

Participants will be evaluated by measuring monthly vital signs, weekly weigh-ins, progress journals and exercise logs. These individuals will have access to a website with scheduled events, including: group walks, yoga classes, Pilates classes, nutrition workshops and fitness app workshops. The Kerr Fitness & Sports Center also will have set times for program participants to use the facility. [Read more…]

La Roche College is one nine national grantees of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (OWH). 

The grant will allow La Roche to join an initiative to increase awareness of sexual assault on college campuses and implement successful prevention policies. The College Sexual Assault Policy and Prevention Initiative provides three years of funding and supports the recommendations of the White House Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault campaigns, Not Alone and It’s On Us. 

Title IX Coordinator and Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Colleen Ruefle said, “La Roche College is honored to join with partner organizations to increase awareness of sexual assault on college campuses. This program will help us in our efforts to prevent violence against women, and it will provide the resources for us to implement successful prevention strategies.”  [Read more…]