Patients might be confused when they call for medical help now that the University of Calgary has unveiled a doctorate program for registered nurses and other healthcare workers to make doctor nurses. .“We are so excited to be only the second post-secondary in Canada to offer such a degree,” said U of C nursing dean and professor Sandra Davidson in a press release. .“Nurses are the pillars of health care, and this program will enhance how they lead in a dynamic and ever-changing health system to create positive impact and transformation.”.The release said the doctorate in nursing (DN) was approved by the Alberta government this week. It said the DN will focus on preparing nurses for professional practices. .Its goal is to prepare registered nurses and healthcare workers by teaching them about systems innovation, program evaluation, and quality assurance. .U of C nursing associate dean, graduate studies Kathryn King-Shier said she is proud of the DN curriculum reflecting the demands of the nursing environment and the ability to produce leaders who can understand and deal with challenges. .“Since the DN is a relatively new credential in the Canadian context, there is no guiding curriculum framework,” said King-Shier..“We have created a strong program that includes the principles of healthcare innovation, understanding the context in which innovation occurs, change management and use of technology in healthcare.” .She said students will be taught about adopting an inclusive approach to healthcare systems, “reemphasizing U of C’s commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion that influence historical, contemporary and future healthcare contexts.”.The DN is thesis based and online, with applications opening in September. Students can complete the degree in as little as three years. .This advancement to U of C comes after the university received a lab space for quantum science-driven technologies in June. .READ MORE: Kenney announces quantum hub for Calgary's U of C.Indian technology company Mphasis announced its plans to work with U of C to build the Quantum City Centre for Excellence. Mphasis's choice to set up its Canadian headquarters in Calgary will bring with it 1,000 new jobs in the financial, energy, environment, life sciences and biotechnology sectors within two years. ."With this new support, the University of Calgary and its partners will play a key role in making Alberta a world-renowned technology and innovation hub, diversifying our economy today to create more jobs tomorrow,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
