University of Maryland's new nursing dean outlines agenda

Lee P. Thomas Photography Inc.

Jane Kirschling officially starts as dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing on Jan. 14.?

Jane Kirschling had trapped a bug on top of her shoe and was trying to get consensus from her office staff of what exactly it was before flushing it down the toilet.

Whatever that is, we don?t save it, one woman informed the University of Maryland, Baltimore?s newest dean. Unfazed, Kirschling, who officially starts as dean of the School of Nursing Jan. 14, walked down the hall in one stocking foot to dispose of the pest.

The mark of a seasoned nurse, Kirschling isn?t afraid to get her hands (or shoes) dirty.

In her first days at the university Kirschling has been going through what she calls ?dean?s bootcamp.? She has met with incoming students, checked in with the University of Maryland Medical Center?s nursing staff and has two tall stacks of papers on her desk from the nursing school?s different programs. She sent a memo to the department heads that she wanted each to compile a presentation or report about their program and what changes they would like to see addressed in the next three to six months.

?I asked them to prepare an agenda to orient me about what?s going well, what are the opportunities for improvement,? she said.

Kirschling comes to Maryland from the University of Kentucky, where she served as dean of the school?s College of Nursing. She is also president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Kirschling is beginning her tenure with the university as the nursing profession changes. As demand for primary care services grows, nurses are playing a larger role and seeking to expand their authority for practicing medicine. The industry is also grappling with an aging nurse workforce and changes to the profession?s educational requirements.

Sarah covers health care, higher education, biotech and technology.

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