UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 32, Page 1
May 20, 1993
Nurse Practitioner Program is first of its kind in Delaware

     The University of Delaware College of Nursing has established a new
Family Nurse Practitioner Program, the first of its kind to be offered in
Delaware, and the first class for 1993-94 is already filled.
     The graduate-level program, which leads to a master of science in
nursing degree, is concentrated on primary care for individuals of all
ages.
     Nurse practitioners focus on health promotion, disease prevention and
management of acute and chronic health care needs.
     "Graduates of this new program will be able to work in health centers,
health maintenance organizations and outpatient clinics, which will help
increase access to care for all individuals, including those who are
uninsured and underinsured," Betty Paulanka, dean of the College of
Nursing, said.
     "It has been repeatedly demonstrated that nurse practitioners can meet
60 to 90 percent of the primary health care needs of the general
population," she said. "Their cost effectiveness and their high quality of
care have been well-documented."
     Nurse practitioners, recognized in the United States for 28 years, are
receiving increasing attention and responsibilities within the new Clinton
health care reform proposal, Paulanka said.
     The new Delaware program takes four semesters to complete, and
part-time study is available.
     The University also has a certificate program for individuals who have
already completed a master's degree in nursing.
     Students are now being accepted for the 1994-95 academic year. For
information, call 831-1255.