UW-Eau Claire Nursing School Opens in 1965

The first baccalaureate degree nursing program in West Central Wisconsin was established in September 1965 when 23 students of spohomore standing were accepted as majors in the new School of Nursing at what was then known as Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire.

The possibility of such a program had been seriously discussed by University and community leaders for a number of years. A 1964 study determined that there was both sufficient community and University support and adequate clinical resources for the proposed program. The Board of Regents approved the establishment of the School of Nursing in November 1964 and in July 1965 the State Legislature appropriated funds for its operation.

Luther Hospital Closes its Nursing School

Classes in the newly established School of Nursing had not yet begun when Luther Hospital announced its decision to close its diploma nursing program and make its clinical facilities available to the University. Luther Hospital's decision stemmed from the fact that National League of Nursing accreditation standards were rising and it seemed prudent to merge with the University rather than attempt to meet the requirements for maintaining accreditation of its diploma program. This decision came sooner than had been anticipated and necessitated quick replanning as the University immediately admitted a sizable number of nursing students who were originally destined for the Luther program.

First Classes in Schofield Hall, Crest Commons

During 1965-66, the School operated out of offices and classrooms in Schofield Hall while the first floor of the new Crest Commons on the upper campus was completed for use by the School of Nursing. When Crest Commons could no longer accommodate the growing faculty, mobile office facilities were placed next to the building for the overflow, and planning began for a separate building to house the nursing programs.

School of Nursing Gets Its Own Building

Ground breaking for a new building to house the School took place in July 1968 and the building was completed and occupied in fall 1969. Construction of an addition to the building was completed in 1985. Following completion of the new addition, due to changes in health care and technology, plans were made to remodel the laboratory facilities in the original part of the building.

Nursing Education Goes International

Nursing education took on an international flavor with the design of a course entitled "Comparative Study of Nursing and Health Care." which was taught the summer of 1972 and 1973 at the Instituto Technologica de Monterey, Mexico. In the summer of 1981 the course was taught at Harlaxton, England. It continued to be taught in England when staffing arrangements and student interest resulted in its feasibility.

Programs Developed for Registered Nurses

Registered nurses were admitted to the nursing program beginning in 1974. To accommodate registered nurses in the central part of the state, beginning in 1980, nursing courses for RNs were taught on the campus of theUW-Center in Marshfield. In 1985, a separate educational track for registered nurse students was initiated. It was designed to build on the RN's prior learning, recognize the uniqueness of the more experiences learner, and provide greater flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the needs of this group of students.

Master's Degree Offered

The Master's of Science in Nursing degree was first offered in 1981 and the first degree awarded in May 1983. This program prepares specialists as educators, nurses in advanced clinical practice, and nursing service administrators in adult health nursing and family health nursing. The curriculum was significantly revised in 1993-94.

Marshfield Campus at Saint Joseph's Hospital

The UW-Eau Claire Satellite Baccalaureate Program in Marshfield was established in cooperation with Saint Joseph's Hospital in the fall of 1986. This cooperative arrangement has its origins in the desire of St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield to continue to actively support quality nursing education following its decision in 1986 to phase out its three-year diploma School of Nursing. This school had a long and honorable history of educating registered nurses, but chose to discontinue its program in response to the increasing social and technological complexities of health care that made the baccalaureate degree for professional nursing essential.

Nursing Center for Health

As the School and the nursing profession matured and the graduate program began to evolve, research and scholarly activity received greater emphasis.

The School of Nursing established a Nursing Center for Health in 1987 to provide an environment for learning and the opportunity for scholarly activity and service to the community. The Center provides access to the expertise of the nursing faculty for people in the Eau Claire area. At the same time it serves as a learning setting for undergraduate and graduate students and as a practice and research setting for faculty.

Collaborative Nursing Program

In 1996, UW-Eau Claire and four other universities entered into a Collaborative Nursing Program for registered nurses to pursue baccalaureate degrees in nursing via distance learning. Facilitated by UW-Extension, this program was a collaborative distance learning effort by UW-Eau Claire, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, and UW-Milwaukee.Students could take courses from any of the five universities but retained a "home school" status. The first courses in the program were piloted in Spring 1996, with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison offering the first two courses. Some of these courses are now offered over the internet, making it possible for students to take the classes via their home computers.

The School of Nursing Today

At the present time, the School of Nursing has 35.6 faculty and teaching academic staff positions. As of September 1996, 2,410 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees have been awarded and 142 people have received Master of Science in Nursing degrees.

The quality of the faculty, as well as the reputation for outstanding performance of the School's graduates, have been a source of pride in both the School and the University. The school has been recognized with accreditation by the National League for Nursing since it first became eligible for such status in 1969.