A former TCU professor of nursing proposed the institution of a new graduate studies program in her lecture Monday, a program the assistant dean of the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences said is now being considered.Former TCU professor Jeanette Lancaster spoke about the trends in nursing graduate education and explained why she feels a new program called the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program should be implemented on college campuses nationwide in her lecture at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

Lancaster said the University of Virginia, where she currently serves as dean of the School of Nursing, has already implemented the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She said she recommends other campuses do the same. Marinda Allender, the assistant dean of the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said the college of nursing is considering the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and may implement the new program soon.

Lancaster was invited to speak by the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said Paulette Burns, dean of the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Lancaster, who taught at TCU in the late 1970s, is currently president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, a culmination of college deans nationwide, Burns said.

Lancaster said the Doctor of Nursing Program will better prepare and qualify nursing students upon entering the nursing profession. Lancaster spoke on the importance of students looking toward the future and being better prepared as they pursue graduate degrees.

“I truly believe that these programs will change the face of our discipline,” Lancaster said.

Lancaster said although the recommendation has not been met without opposition, she feels it is necessary to ensure that nursing students are being trained sufficiently.

“There is absolutely no correlation between the nursing shortage and the number of people who want to study to become nurses,” Lancaster said.

Students in attendance said that they found the lecture very informative.

“I was shocked by the changing education in the scope of nursing,” said Deval Patel, a senior nursing major.