Faculty Interview with Dean of Nursing at Carrington College
Here at Carrington College we recently announced a new online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for registered nurses that are interested in professional growth and development. We wanted to share some additional insight into the new online BSN program, so we decided to speak with Cynthia Clark, Dean of Nursing at Carrington College. Learn more about Cynthia and the exciting new program below!
Can you please tell us a little about your background?
I am originally from Natchez, Mississippi, and have lived in many different states as well as Canada. While working as a nurse, I further developed my passion for patient care in the acute setting including ICU, open-heart surgery, emergency trauma, and flight nursing. While raising a family, I earned a BSN and an MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership. I also earned my teaching credential in California and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Master of Arts in World Religions/Religious Studies.
After working in direct patient care and leadership for many years, I directed my career towards education and curriculum development while continuing to work in nursing leadership roles. I have taught in the college prep, college, and university settings for the past 17 years. I also served as faculty, Director, Corporate Nurse Manager, as well as the Chair of the department. I have a passion for community service and I’m currently serving as a volunteer Director on the Board of Directors for a local hospital in Arizona. Outside of work, I love to read, hike with my husband, play with my dogs, sew, and cook. Most importantly, pancakes make me happy!
Can you please tell us about your new position at Carrington College?
I oversee our new online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that launched in May of 2023. The program provides a path for our Associate Degree in Nursing students to continue their education with Carrington College in a fully online modality.
What are some of your responsibilities?
I am focused on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I help organize and supervise faculty, to ensure curricula is current and delivered in an environment conducive to learning for the BSN program. I manage the program to ensure all accreditation requirements are met and the program continues to develop within best practices. I also set programmatic meetings as well as student meetings and orientations.
What are some of your goals?
Our first goal was to welcome the new cohort and collaborate with our new faculty in further developing systems within our program. We also want to continue to bring awareness to the program and the opportunities it provides for the new associate degree nurses and our own Carrington College graduates.
Can you please tell us about the new online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program? What will it include?
The program will include 16 courses – 64 weeks full time (not including breaks) which is two courses per eight-week term. There is a total of 48 semester credit hours for this program, and course titles include:
- Introduction to Research
- Interprofessional Healthcare
- Critical Thinking for Health Professionals
- Writing for Research
- Statistics
- Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Informatics
- Health Policy and Ethics
- Nursing Management and Leadership
- Population Health
- Cultural Competency and Diversity
- Nursing Theory and Systems
- Quality and Safety
- Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
- Capstone
What do you like the most about working in higher education?
I love being part of an individual’s journey toward achieving their goals. The journey is different for every person, and I am honored to be part of that success.
What do you like the most about being a part of the Carrington College community?
I love being part of Carrington College because of the focused intention of the college toward Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism and Collaboration. I see this intention is meetings, interactions, and processes. This is very special and provides a great working environment.
Are you a member of any trade or community organizations?
I serve as a Director on the Board of Directors for the local Community Hospital in my town. Serving and giving back to the community is a privilege and speaks to the heart of nursing and my career.
Have you won any awards or special recognitions?
I have received the “Top Nurse” award in my state in 2019. I was also recognized by the International Nurses Association for Career in Nursing.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I was born with a speech impediment and learning disability. My parents were told that I would never speak clearly or read very well. I now hold two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees. I am now also a public speaker and serve as a mentor for nurses who are new to our profession. I have won awards and positions throughout my career, and while I am very proud of these accomplishments, I believe I am most proud of the quiet moments of care this career has allowed for me to interact with my clients and patients. Each human interaction is a gift wherein I have been allowed to serve and, in some way, improve another person’s life.
Anything else you would like to add?
A nursing career is not for the faint of heart. It can be difficult and sometimes heartbreaking. God has blessed me with opportunities to learn, grow and develop in my career. Carrington College is fully invested in student success with this BSN program. The program has been specifically tailored for nurses to engage in their careers while applying new analysis in healthcare provision and community care.
