students on campus

UVM Nursing students benefit from an interdisciplinary education that integrates clinical practice through simulation and real-world experience. Additional opportunities for participation in travel study, undergraduate research, honors programs, clubs and professional organizations are widely available.

Study Abroad

UVM offers study abroad opportunities that complement the nursing curriculum. Contact the Office of International Education to learn more and discuss your plans with your advisor. Programs are currently available in Belize, Mexico, the Netherlands, Iceland and Uganda.

Research

UVM Nursing faculty engage in qualitative and quantitative research, advancing the field in areas including cultural competency, successful aging, rural health, and end of life care. To get involved, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Hands-on Learning

The profession of nursing has as its foundation nursing theory and evidence based practice. In addition to classroom instruction, students are provided with clinical opportunities in a variety of health care settings. Clinical preparation begins during the second semester sophomore year. Junior year students begin applying skills in direct care settings. Each semester following builds and further develops requisite essential nursing interventions in acute care settings. Community and Public Health clinical sites are also used to expand care to communities and aggregate populations during the senior year.

Students engage in approximately 594 hours of direct supervision clinical instruction. Clinical faculty are selected based upon area of expertise, commitment to nursing education, and desire to provide clinical opportunites for our students. Many clinical faculty also hold full or part time positions within local health care agencies and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the student's clinical learning.

In addition, another 126 hours of clinical practice is required during the spring semester senior year. Students select from a wide variety of clinical agencies and specialty care units to complete the Senior Practicum, a capstone clinical experience. Seasoned registered nurses from those agencies work closely with the students to ensure a positive learning environment in a more independent manner.

Student Organizations

Students also participate in the National Student Nurses Association, the Vermont State Nurses Association, the Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Internships

Summer internships offer opportunities for undergraduate nursing students to apply skills and knowledge learned in class to real-world circumstances. Participants provide patient care and develop critical thinking skills in a nurturing environment under the mentorship of experienced registered nurses. Externships are available to students who have completed their junior year in nursing. Most externships begin in early June and run for ten weeks.

Inpatient externships are posted through the University of Vermont Medical Center Department of Nursing Education and Research annually in January. Community externships are also available with organizations such as the Visiting Nurse Association, Apple Tree Bay Primary Care, and the Community Health Improvement Office of The University of Vermont Medical Center. Students can also learn about opportunities from their advisors.

Honors Programs

University of Vermont Honors College

Academically high-achieving students are invited to become part of the UVM Honors College when they are admitted to the University. Students already attending UVM may apply for admission in the spring of their first year.

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

In 1922, six nurses founded Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, today known as Sigma, at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses, which is now the Indiana University School of Nursing, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The founders chose the name from the Greek words storgé, tharsos, and timé, meaning love, courage, and honor. Sigma became incorporated in 1985 and is a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax status in the United States.

Sigma's mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Sigma's vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing. Our UVM Chapter is Kappa Tau; please visit our website for local news and activities.