GRADUATE NURSING ASSISTANTSHIPS & TUITION SCHOLAR OPPORTUNITIES

The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing currently supports several Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholars.  All positions are filled as vacancies occur and are on a competitive basis.  The positions available change each semester.

If interested, please contact the Graduate Programs Office for more information on availability and the application process.

GENERAL CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT

An active student in the MSN program with completion of at least 6 graduate credits and an earned GPA of 3.0 or better

-- OR --

  • Clear admission to the MSN Graduate Nursing Program (no contingency)
  • Preference given to candidates who can accept a Graduate Assistantship or Tuition Scholarship for an entire academic year and not just one semester.

 

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Benefits

  • Full tuition waiver benefit for 6 -12 graduate credits per semester; students are responsible for any fees
  • Stipend in Fall and Spring semesters
  • Leadership role in the Graduate Nurse Network
  • Attendance at faculty-sponsored programs, research forums, etc.

Responsibilities

  • 20 hours/week of work in assigned area of appointment
  • Maintain a 3.0 or better GPA throughout the Graduate Assistantship
  • Enroll as a full-time* student throughout the Graduate Assistantship

TUITION SCHOLARS

Benefits

  • Full tuition waiver benefit for 6 -12 graduate credits per semester; students are responsible for any fees
  • Leadership role in the Graduate Nurse Network
  • Attendance at faculty-sponsored programs, research forums, etc.

Responsibilities

  • 8 hours/week of work in assigned area of appointment
  • Maintain a 3.0 or better GPA throughout the Tuition Scholarship
  • Enroll as a full-time* student throughout the Tuition Scholarship

 

OPPORTUNITIES & DESCRIPTIONS

The student assists the Dean in administrative activities and research, preparing reports and papers, and related written material and may be a representative of the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at selected events. In addition to meeting the general criteria for appointment, this Graduate Assistant should have an interest in gathering and organizing data, conducting various administrative projects, and should have excellent writing and communication skills.



The student assists with projects (e.g., admissions, data base surveys, marketing) specific to the Program; assists the Associate Dean with research projects (e.g., literature searches, data collection, data analysis); and functions as Graduate Program representative at selected meetings.  In addition to meeting the general criteria for appointment, this Graduate Assistant should have good communication skills, library search skills and an interest in research.  Computer literacy is essential.

The Graduate Assistant will provide undergraduate students with nursing content review and test taking strategies both on a one-to-one basis and in group sessions and assist with projects (e.g., data base surveys) specific to the Program. This individual also functions as Undergraduate Program representative at selected meetings.  In addition to meeting the general criteria for appointment, this Graduate Assistant should have recent clinical nursing practice experience, competence in basic nursing and assessment skills, good library search skills, and basic knowledge of teaching/learning principles. Previous experience in helping nursing staff or students update or learn practice skills, and computer literacy are desirable.

The Graduate Assistant will assist in a wide range of activities, including

  • teaching lab courses as appropriate
  • evaluating journal articles for contact hour credit
  • completing literature searches as needed
  • assisting in the preparation of course materials
  • editing abstracts in association with poster submissions
  • functioning as the CE representative at various Continuing Education courses and events
  • serving as a member of the Continuing Education Advisory Committee and the Health And Human Values Committee
  • Serves as the continuing education program’s representative at selected offerings.

Additionally, this Graduate Assistant should have a general and current background in nursing practice, good writing and computer skills and an interest in adult education as well as the scheduling flexibility to work occasional Saturdays and evenings.

The student in the Second Degree track will assist the Enrollment Specialist with transcript reviews (assessment of an applicant’s transcripts in meeting program prerequisite requirements), management of a database for incoming student biographies, filing, and other projects as needed. You will also assist the Second Degree Operations Specialist with projects related to student compliance and scholarships. The Director may have special requests for varied projects from time to time. In addition to meeting the general criteria for appointment, the Tuition Scholar should have excellent communication and computer literacy skills.

The student will assist the Executive Director, staff and faculty with learning activities in the Simulation and Learning Resource Center (SLRC). Activities include setting up equipment and environment for simulation experiences, assisting students and faculty during simulation and participating in debriefing. Activities also include helping students develop and refine their clinical skills by providing tutoring and mentoring. Previous experience in assisting nursing staff or students learn clinical skills is desirable.

The student will assist in research-related activities. The position requires a general and current background in nursing practice, good writing skills, an interest in research and data management, computer skills, and excellent literature search skills. The Graduate Assistant will assist the Chairperson of the Assessment and Outcomes Committee in organization and presentation of data from various sources. Identification of assessment and research opportunities, planning and scheduling surveys for the College, literature searches, and preparation of reports and grant proposals.  The Graduate Assistant will also participate in and assist with activities associated with the Annual Nursing Research Symposium.

 

This student will assist the Assistant Dean of College and Student Services with administrative activities, research, and special projects.  For example, this role assists with the LEAD Professional Development Program event evaluation data compilation, creation of charts, student assignment tracking, survey creation, event staffing, and industry research and literature review.  In the spring, this role assists with college convocation preparation and Dean’s list.  The role will also assist with state board of nursing regulation research and other regulatory data gathering and reporting.  Other examples of the variety of tasks include admissions support (transcript management, lab tours, event staffing), inventory management for the FCN Community Closet, and more.  In addition to meeting the general criteria for appointment, this student should have good library search skills, familiarity with state board of nursing regulations, and computer literacy.  Due to the varied nature of the projects, flexibility is key in this role.

The student assists designated tenure-track faculty in activities related to their research. This would include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Support faculty in preparatory work to generate grant proposals for external funding
  • Assist faculty in preparation of written grant proposals and reports
  • Assist faculty in conducting literature searches and literature retrieval
  • Provide support and assistance to faculty in data entry, management and analysis
  • Provide support and assistance to faculty in management of research-related files and documents
  • Assist faculty in data collection in selected circumstances
  • Assist faculty with initial IRB applications, revisions and submission

 

*Full-time is considered 6 credits in the fall and spring semesters, and 3 credits in the summer semester.

Mary Terhaar, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Professor & Associate Dean for the Graduate Nursing Programs
mary.terhaar@villanova.edu

Jan Campbell, BA, MS
Assistant Director, Graduate Nursing Programs
jan.campbell@villanova.edu

Linda Copel  PhD, RN, PMHCNS, BC, CNE, ANEF, NCC, CGP, FAPA
Professor, Interim Director PhD Program
linda.copel@villanova.edu

Debra Shearer, EdD, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Director, Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Track
debra.shearer@villanova.edu

Patti Kostelnak, DNAP, CRNA, APRN
Nurse Anesthesia Program Director, Associate Clinical Professor
patricia.kostelnak@villanova.edu

Inquiries:

PhD Program Inquires & Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice Inquires:
Sandi Schultz

Assistant Director, Doctoral Programs
sandra.schultz@villanova.edu

DNP Nurse Anesthesia Inquires:
Recruitment and Enrollment Department
nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu

MSN Inquires (Nurse Practitioner Tracks & Nurse Education Tracks):
Recruitment and Enrollment Department
nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu

Transcripts:

PhD and Post-Master’s DNP Transcripts:
phddnptranscripts@villanova.edu

DNP Nurse Anesthesia Transcripts
dnpnatranscripts@villanova.edu

MSN Transcripts:
msntranscripts@villanova.edu
 

 

Villanova Graduate Nursing Program