Bronson School of Nursing (BSON)
Western Michigan University
Boilerplate Language for Use in Proposal Development Instructions for Users
This document is a compilation of information for use in completing the institutional
capabilities section of funding proposals. PIs may select the information that best fits the
requirements of the sponsor. Edit as needed.
Department Overview
The BSON was established in 1994 as a unit of the College of Health & Human
Services. The impetus for establishing the school began in 1976 when community
nursing organizations lobbied for the implementation of a master’s degree program as
the first state-supported program located in southwest Michigan. While that effort did not
succeed, a drive for a state-supported baccalaureate program emerged instead. When
Nazareth College closed in 1992, the WMU initiative gained momentum with the support
of local philanthropic and health care organizations that provided start-up financing
totaling over $5 million. The WMU administration pledged to provide base funding at the
end of the start-up cycle. The base funding included plans to initiate a master’s program
when the school was ready to do so, protected as Presidential Funds to the present
time.
The development of the undergraduate nursing program began in 1994 with State
Board approval in its initial licensing review and initial National League for Nursing
(NLN) accreditation for a five-year period beginning in 1997. The BSN program received
initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 2002
for a five- year period. The undergraduate program hosted its reaccreditation visit in
March 2007 and was reaccredited for ten years with no concerns. In 2001, the BSON
received endorsement from the American Holistic Nursing Certification Corporation
(AHNCC) and re-endorsement in 2006. BSON sought this endorsement due to its
foundation in holistic-centered care, the presence of the graduate certificate program in
holistic health within the college, and the interest of the community in this aspect of
care.
The MSN program was envisioned as a vital part of the BSON since its founding in
1994. The original plan for the BSON allowed for 23 total faculty members. At present
there are 21 full- time faculty members of which seven (7) teach courses in the MSN
program, including the director. An independent needs assessment was conducted in
2001 that resulted in the decision to offer two areas of study focusing on preparation of
nurse educators and nurse managers/administrators. Thus the MSN program educates
nurses as educators and nurse managers/administrators within a uniquely designed
curriculum that met perceived needs at that time. Given that there have been multiple
1 | P a g e Office of the Vice President for Research Drafted 05/2011 Bronson School of Nursing (BSON)
Western Michigan University
Boilerplate Language for Use in Proposal Development changes in past 10 years, we are collaborating with the university and marketing
department in the College of Business to conduct another needs assessment so as to
create the best fit between the demands for graduate nursing and our curricula.
The curriculum is built on the national standards of the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing (advanced professional nursing); the Institute of Medicine
(interdisciplinary education); the American Nurses Association (nurse managers); and
the National League for Nursing (nurse educators). Graduates are eligible to apply for
national certification examinations as nurse educators or nurse
managers/administrators, depending on the area of study completed by the individual.
As noted earlier, the MSN program received initial accreditation for the full five years
(2008 – 2013) from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education [CCNE] on
September 27, 2008.
As stated in its mission, “the Bronson School of Nursing is dedicated to meeting the
holistic care needs of diverse individuals, groups, and communities at local, state,
national, and global levels through teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly
inquiry, and service to the community. The WMU Bronson School of Nursing is
committed to educating professional nurses who provide competent, relationship-based
care, actively participate in the development and application or research, and assume
leadership roles in evolving health care contexts” (October 4, 2006).
The ability of the BSON to meet the sponsor’s program requirements and expectations
is based on three factors. Firstly, BSON has university resources available to monitor
federal grant requirements with a strong track record of administering grants and
contracts. Secondly, the BSON director and staff have experience in grants
management and a commitment to administer the AENT monies according to federal
guidelines and in keeping with both the statutory funding preference and special
consideration. Enrolled students and graduates will be monitored for both educational
success and employment commitment after graduation. The third factor is related to the
success in implementing a master’s degree program in nursing as evidenced by full
CCNE accreditation program and the 100% employment (some part-time) in positions
as nurse educators or nurse administrators in a full array of health care and educational
settings.
2 | P a g e Office of the Vice President for Research Drafted 05/2011