The UA Little Rock School of Nursing is a vital member of the Little Rock community. For nearly 50 years, the school has educated nurses and is responsible for placing them across the state, region, and country.
UA Little Rock-educated nurses are highly regarded by employers as well-prepared outstanding critical thinkers and communicators. The school is the largest department on campus with more than 600 current students, 20-plus full-time faculty, and six dedicated staff members. In 2023, we had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89.27%.
The School of Nursing at UA Little Rock located in Little Rock, AR is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Applied Science Program is Continuing Accreditation.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN-to-BSN Program is Continuing Accreditation.
I. Mission
To utilize teaching, scholarship, and service to empower graduates to be change agents while promoting health and wellness in diverse populations across the state of Arkansas and beyond.
II. Values
- Caring, the heart of nursing embodies compassion, mentoring, comfort, and advocacy.
- Professionalism is the consistent demonstration of accountability, reliability, and stewardship.
- Integrity is choosing to exhibit behaviors of honesty and trustworthiness while adhering to moral and ethical principles regardless of the situation.
- Respect is displayed by treating oneself and others with dignity, kindness, and consideration.
- Diversity fosters success through recognition of and attention to social and cultural variations.
- Excellence is the implementation of high-quality, evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and competent care. It is centered on an unwavering commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service.
III. Vision
Inspiring excellence. Transforming care. Creating leaders.
IV. Highlights
Announcements
- Dr. Elizabeth Lee retired in December 2021 after 9 years of service to the School of Nursing.
- Four new faculty members have joined our team:
- Stephanie Bartlett, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC
- Lindsey Leslie, BSN, RN
- Preston Molsbee, EdD, RN, FAADN
- Kyrsten Smith, BSN, RN
- The Center for Simulation Innovation secured nearly $400,000 in funding in 2020-21:
- The Walker Foundation – $165,000
- CARES Act – $70,000
- UA Little Rock and School of Nursing – $140,000
Teaching
- Six UA Little Rock faculty members were named to the 2021 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 list:
- Lakeisha Falls, DNP, RN
- Joanna Hall, MNSc, RN
- Farren Moore, MSN, RN
- Crystal Rose, PhD, RN, CNE
- Fairah Solomon, MSN, RN, CNE
- Anna Williams, MSN, RN, CNE
- Four UA Little Rock faculty successfully passed the Certified Nurse Educator exam:
- Lindsey Baertlein, MSN, RNC-MNN, CNE
- Josy Nduku, DNP, RN, CNE
- Crystal Rose, PhD, RN, CNE
- Anna Williams, MSN, RN, CNE
- Two UA Little Rock faculty members were named to the Great 100 Nurses of Arkansas in 2022:
- Elizabeth Ann Lee, PhD, RN, CNE
- Heba Sadaka, PhDc, MSN, RN, CNE
Congrats to the following nursing faculty for completing graduate degrees as noted by their credentials in 2019-20:
- Jennifer Dostert, MSN, RN (UA Little Rock Nursing Alum: AAS and BSN)
- Joanna Hall, MNSc, RN (UA Little Rock Nursing Alum: AAS and BSN)
- SarahBeth Philips, MSN, RN (UA Little Rock Nursing Alum: AAS and BSN)
Faculty currently enrolled in a MSN/DNP/PhD programs:
- Lindsey Baertlein, MSN, RNC-MNN, CNE – pursuing PhD (UA Little Rock Nursing Alum: AAS and BSN)
- Shelia Brooks, MSN, RN – pursing DNP (UA Little Rock Nursing Alum: AAS and BSN)
- Lindsey Leslie, BSN, RN – pursing MSN
- Heba Sadaka, PhDc, MSN, RN, CNE – pursuing PhD
- Kyrsten Smith, BSN, RN – pursing MSN
Research
- Eric Nix, BSN student received a $1000 Signature Experience award from the College of Education and Health Professions. Eric’s mentor is Jenny Bridges.
- Many faculty members presented posters or podium presentations at local, state, and national conferences during 2019. Examples of sites include Alberta, Canada; Louisville, Kentucky; Atlanta, Georgia; Little Rock, Arkansas; Branson, Missouri; Phoenix, Arizona; Conway, Arkansas
Service
- The School of Nursing provides CPR credentialing to students, faculty, and staff, as well as to the community, as needed.
- Faculty continue to represent the School of Nursing in different national and state nursing organizations, including:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) as peer evaluators (Davidson, Solomon, Teague, and Sadaka)
- The nursing school is represented by faculty members on 13 different university and college level committees, which included several leadership positions
- Our faculty members participated in flu shot clinics and other community service projects.
- The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas presented the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a $68,357 grant to support continuing education for healthcare professionals.
Student Success
- All courses have a faculty/student mentor program. Students are required to meet with the faculty member following the failure of an examination; if the student is struggling with content; or if life issues are getting in the way of the student being successful. Based on retention numbers, this appears to be effective.
- The nursing school has various study tools that students can check out through our lending library. These resources assist with study and test-taking skills.
- Additional study sessions and workshops are offered outside of scheduled class times based on student needs. Examples include documentation, pharmacology, and math calculations.
- The College of Business, Health, and Human Services offers student success opportunities in many ways, including a licensed social worker, Mia Polk-Hampton, who is available for nursing students for a variety of personal and educational needs.
- BSN faculty have been hard at work to certify all core BSN courses as Quality Matters (QM). All courses with the exception of two are now certified with several up for renewal. This helps assure students that they are receiving the best of the best in online education.
V. Assessment
STANDARD 6 (2017 Standards & Criteria, Baccalaureate) Outcomes Program evaluation demonstrates that students have achieved each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome. The nursing program has a current systematic plan of evaluation. The systematic plan of evaluation contains:
- Specific, measurable expected levels of achievement for each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.
- Appropriate assessment method(s) for each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.
- Regular intervals for the assessment of each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.
- Sufficient data to inform program decision-making for maintenance and improvement of each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.*
- Analysis of assessment data to inform program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.
- Documentation demonstrating the use of assessment data in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of each end-of-program student learning outcome and each program outcome.
Report May 2017: Notes: We will develop LOAs related to course testing Exam Soft and PassPoint data as we use these new programs. The report of data for the current cohort will be done in December 2017. BSN outcomes will be measured for all N4430 course sections annually (fall, spring, summer semesters).
VI. End-of-Program Learning Outcomes
| Data Location | Responsibility and Frequency | Method | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | Biannually Assessment Committee | Assessment Meetings held in May and December with a full report on Standard 6 in the December meeting. (Full report and analysis on Standard 6 can take place as needed in the May meeting). | |
| AAS End of Program SLO | Assessment Method | Expected Level of Achievement | Frequency Data Collection and Analysis |
| EPSLO #1:
Incorporate current evidenced-based best practices for delivery of optimal care. (EBP) |
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) |
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Evidence-Based Practice will be at or above 60%
Aggregated scores for Students enrolled in NURS 2550 will demonstrate competency on average of 85% or higher for Evidenced Based Practice on the Clinical Evaluation Tool by the completion of the course. |
All of EPSLO #1:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #2:
Collaborate effectively within nursing and interdisciplinary teams using open communication, mutual respect, professional identity, and shared decision-making (TC) |
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) |
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Teamwork & Collaboration will be at or above 60%.
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Professional Identity will be at or above 60%. Aggregated scores for Students enrolled in NURS 2550 will demonstrate competency on average of 85% or higher for Teamwork and Collaboration on the Clinical Evaluation Tool by the completion of the course. |
All of EPSLO #2:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #3
Use appropriate clinical judgment in the provision of compassionate and culturally sensitive care based on respect, integrity, and advocacy for the diverse needs of the client and family. (PCC) |
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam |
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in RN Implementation/ Therapeutic Nursing Intervention, measuring Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking will be at or above 60%.
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Patient Centered Care will be at or above 60% probability of passing. |
All of EPSLO #3:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #4
Analyze data to monitor and improve care delivery and optimize client and system outcomes. (QI) |
ATI RN Leadership Proctored Exam
Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) |
ATI RN Leadership Proctored Exam individual program mean will be at or above the national mean.
Aggregated scores for Students enrolled in NURS 2550 will demonstrate competency on average of 85% or higher for Quality Improvement on the Clinical Evaluation Tool by the completion of the course. |
All of EPSLO #4:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #5
Utilize best practice safety standards to minimize risk of harm to clients, self, and others that also includes the administration of Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (S). |
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) |
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Safety will be at or above 60%.
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Safety & Infection Control will be at or above 60%. ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored exam individual program mean is at or above the national mean. Aggregated scores for Students enrolled in NURS 2550 will demonstrate competency on average of 85% or higher for Safety on the Clinical Evaluation Tool by the completion of the course. |
All of EPSLO #5:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #6
Synthesize the understanding of informatics to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate errors, and facilitate decision making for optimal healthcare environments. (I) |
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) |
ATI RN Predictor Exam Group subscore mean in Informatics will be at or above 60%.
Aggregated scores for Students enrolled in NURS 2550 will demonstrate competency on average of 85% or higher for Informatics on the Clinical Evaluation Tool by the completion of the course. |
All of EPSLO #6:
Collection: Spring and Fall Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| RN-to-BSN End of Program SLO | Assessment Method | Expected Level of Achievement | Frequency Data Collection and Analysis |
| EPSLO #1:
Integrate best evidence-based practices and professional experience with patient preferences and values in the design, coordination, and provision of optimal interdisciplinary care to individuals and groups (EBP). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Evidence Based Practice | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #2:
Communicate, collaborate, and lead within interdisciplinary teams to ensure the delivery of optimal care to individuals and groups based on an understanding of organizational structure (T/C). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Teamwork & Collaboration | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #3:
Coordinate, implement and evaluate compassionate and ethical care while recognizing and empowering the patient or designee as an active collaborator and shared decision maker in the design of individualized comprehensive care (PCC). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Patient Centered Care. | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #4:
Apply and analyze quality measures in the development of plans, tools, and projects to continuously improve patient, group, and system outcomes (QI). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Quality Improvement. | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #5:
Promote and cultivate a culture of safety to minimize the risk of harm to patients, providers, and community through system effectiveness and individual performance (S). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Safety. | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| EPSLO #6:
Evaluate the use of information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and foster lifelong learning in a variety of health care delivery systems to support decision making and mitigate error (I). |
NURS 4430 Program Portfolio | NURS 4430 Program portfolio mean score will be 95% or higher in QSEN category Informatics. | Collection: fall, spring, and summer
Analysis and Program Decision Making: Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting |
| NCLEX-RN Licensure Pass Rate Expected Level of Achievement |
Fiscal Year 2021 | Data Source | |
| The annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers. | 82.91% for all first-time test-takers | Arkansas State Board of Nursing | |
| AAS Program Completion Rate Expected Level of Achievement | Method | Frequency of Data Collection | Data |
| 40% of the students admitted to the program will graduate within five semesters.
40% of the students admitted to the transition program will graduate within three semesters. |
Course Progression Reports by semester Reentry ReportsCompletion Data report in Team DriveOIRA reports |
Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting | Overall: 42.7%
2019 Entering Traditional Cohort: 43.38% (131/302) 2020 Entering Transition Cohort: 42.11% (16/38) |
| RN-to-BSN Program Completion Rate Expected Level of Achievement | Method | Frequency of Data Collection | Data |
| 80% of students enrolled in the BSN program will graduate within five semesters. | Course Progression Reports by semester Reentry ReportsCompletion Data report in Team DriveOIRA reports |
Annually at the December Program Evaluation Meeting | 2021: 62.77% (145/231)
Annually at the December Program Evaluation meeting |
