University of Virginia Health System

U.VA. SCHOOL OF NURSING'S DISTANCE LEARNING INITIATIVE IS INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN RURAL VIRGINIA

The Distance Learning Initiative is raising the number of nurse practitioners in parts of the state that are most underserved. So far, the ten graduates have returned to their rural communities to practice. Because graduates of this program can serve as a primary care provider, they can effect the quality of health care provided in the region, said Julie Novak, director of the program and the Theresa A. Thomas professor of primary care.

Dayle Zanzinger of Meadowview in Southwest Virginia was among the first group of students to complete the Distance Learning Program and is now working as a family nurse practitioner in the area. She believes the program provided her contacts and opportunities she would not have had otherwise.

Not only do I have a very rewarding job, but I also have the chance to give back to the community in other ways. I am working with another graduate from the U.Va. program to start a free clinic for people who are working but uninsured, and in the spring, I'll be teaching a class about common illnesses at Emory & Henry College, said Zanzinger.

The ten original participants graduated in May, and seven new students began the distance learning program this fall. Charlottesville-based students have also been able to take advantage of interactive distance learning by continuing to attend class by videoconference while completing preceptorship rotations in Southwest Virginia. Over 100 students have used the videoconferencing since the program began.

Novak indicated that the NIH intends to use U.Va.'s program as a model when lobbying Congress for additional funds for nursing education. This program is viewed by the NIH Division of Nursing as a real success story. We theorized that students from rural areas who are able to study in or near their communities are more likely to practice there, and this program is proving that to be true. We plan to add an additional site in Southside Virginia if our grant resubmission is funded, she said.

The Distance Learning Initiative curriculum is identical to that of the traditional U.Va. Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) Program. Both consist of five consecutive semesters beginning in the fall for a total of 56 credit hours. Participants obtain a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).

For more information on University of Virginia School of Nursing's Distance Learning Initiative, contact Julie Novak at (804) 924-0130.

January 5, 2000