Department of Nursing
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Department of Nursing

What We Do:

Our mission is to prepare nurses at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels, who are grounded in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition, and committed to excellence in practice for the 21st century. Our graduates have the knowledge and competencies to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, holistic person-centered care. 

The University of Scranton Department of Nursing will host its 1O-year Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) site visit from March 28-30, 2022. The 2022 visit will be a virtual site visit. ln accordance with CCNE's Procedures for Accreditation, the Department of Nursing invites all members of the Scranton community and our educational partners to submit, in writing, third party comments concerning the Department of Nursing’s qualifications for accreditation of its baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Should you wish, you can refer to the CCNE Standards for Accreditation located on the CCNE website. Please note that any third-party comments are only shared with members of the CCNE evaluation team. These comments are not shared with the Department of Nursing, the Accreditation Review Committee, or the CCNE Board.  lf you would like to submit a third-party comment for a program currently under review, please submit to  thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org. Comments will be accepted by CCNE through March 1, 2022.  lf you prefer to mail comments, please use the following address: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Attn: Third-Party Comments 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001 lf you have any questions about this process, please contact CCNE staff at 202.887.6791 x268.

How We Stand Out:

  • Jesuit ideals: We have a deep concern for students as individuals.  Service and compassion are emphasized in all programs.
  • Personal attention:  In their first year, undergraduate nursing majors take introductory classes with our full-time faculty and meet their peers. Graduate and DNP students are all assigned a faculty mentor to guide and support their educational experience.  
  • Strong clinical focus: Clinical experiences beginning in sophomore year for undergraduate students.  All clinical sites are arranged by faculty for baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral students.
  • Dedicated faculty: Classes taught by full-time faculty who are actively engaged in clinical practice and research. 

Programs:

Undergraduate Degree Program:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The baccalaureate degree program consists of 127.5 credits in nursing and liberal arts courses. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The curriculum prepares graduates who possess clinical judgment and competencies to function in a variety of settings. 

Master's Degree Programs:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN): A 36-credit master’s degree program for baccalaureate-prepared-nurses, and a 27-credit post-master’s certificate for nurses already holding a master’s degree in nursing.  The curriculum prepares registered nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat common episodic and chronic disorders, and to provide health-promotion and disease-prevention interventions and counseling across the lifespan. 
  • Executive Nurse Leadership (MSN): A 30-credit master’s degree program that prepares nurse executives to be leaders in the increasingly complex and rapidly changing healthcare climate.  The curriculum emphasizes content in organizational and financial management perspectives, as well as the knowledge and skills to exert a leadership role in health care and contribute to the art and science of nursing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Programs:

  • Post-Master's -- Leadership (DNP): A 30-credit doctoral degree program for master’s prepared nurses uniquely offered in an executive leadership format, specifically designed to accommodate full-time practice and full-time academic commitment.  This hybrid model allows for a combination of on-campus and on-line course work, incorporating the benefits of face-to-face on campus learning with the flexibility of online learning. 
  • Nurse Anesthesia (DNP): An 83-credit doctoral degree program for baccalaureate prepared nurses who are seeking the opportunity to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The 36-month full-time program prepares graduates to administer all types of anesthesia to diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings.

Meet Our Faculty:

We have all been bedside practitioners and have advanced degrees in a broad range of backgrounds and specialties. In addition to teaching, many of us remain engaged in clinical practice, research, and hold leadership roles on local and national boards of professional organizations.

Additionally, we are active in the University community through committee service and leading national and international service trips for the marginalized and underserved. Above all, we pride ourselves on being accessible to our students and committed to their success.

View faculty profiles and contact information.

Teresa Conte, PhD, CPNP

Teresa Conte, PhD, CPNP

Chair

Department Chair

B.S.N., University of Scranton
M.S.N., Villanova University
Ph.D., Villanova University

Phone: 570-941-7647
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Internal Website

Barbara K. Buxton, PhD, RN, PMH-CNS, BC

Barbara K. Buxton, PhD, RN, PMH-CNS, BC
B.S.N., Albright College
M.S.N., Wilkes University
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Phone: 570-941-7706
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Internal Website

Dona Rinaldi Carpenter, EdD, RN

Dona Rinaldi Carpenter, EdD, RN
B.S.N., Misericordia
M.S.N., Villanova University
M.S.N., Teacher’s College Columbia University
Ed.D., Columbia University

Phone: 570-941-4195
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Internal Website

Ann Culp, CRNA, DNP

Ann Culp, CRNA, DNP

Program Administrator, Nurse Anesthesia Program

R.N., Pittston Hospital School of Nursing
B.S.N., Ottawa University
M.S.N., Case Western Reserve University
DNP, Case Western Reserve University

Phone: 570-941-5588
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Internal Website

Mary Jane K. DiMattio, PhD, RN

Mary Jane K. DiMattio, PhD, RN
B.S.N., University of Scranton
M.S.N., Villanova University
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Phone: 570-941-7628
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Internal Website

Susan Elczyna, PhD, CRNA

Susan Elczyna, PhD, CRNA

Assistant Program Administrator, Nurse Anesthesia Program

R.N., Geisinger School of Nursing
B.S.N., Wilkes University
M.S.N., Wilkes University
Ph.D., Marywood University

Phone: 570-941-5583
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Marian Farrell, PhD, PMH-NP, BC, PMH-CNS, BC, CRNP, CS

Marian Farrell, PhD, PMH-NP, BC, PMH-CNS, BC, CRNP, CS
B.S.N., Misericordia University
M.S.N., Misericordia University
Ph.D., Adelphi University

Phone: 570-941-4117
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Ann Feeney, PhD, CRNP, CNM

Ann Feeney, PhD, CRNP, CNM
R.N., Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing
B.S.N., Marywood University
M.S.N., University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D., Binghamton University

Phone: 570-941-4118
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Autumn Forgione, RN, MSN, AGNP

Autumn Forgione, RN, MSN, AGNP
B.S.N., Villanova University
M.S.N., University of Pennsylvania

Phone: 570-941-4788
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Colleen McGoff, RN, MSN, NP-C

Colleen McGoff, RN, MSN, NP-C
B.S.N., Bloomsburg University
M.S.N., Syracuse University

Phone: 570-941-4196
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Sharon Hudacek, EdD, RN, ACNS-BC

Sharon Hudacek, EdD, RN, ACNS-BC
B.S.N., Misericordia University
M.S.N., Columbia University
Ph.D., Columbia University

Phone: 570-941-4197
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Internal Website

Mimi Kovaleski, PhD, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN

Mimi Kovaleski, PhD, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
B.S.N., Wilkes University
M.S.N., University of Scranton
Ph.D., Duquesne University

Phone: 570-941-5832
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Internal Website

Lisa Lesneski, PhD, RN

Lisa Lesneski, PhD, RN
B.S.N., Marywood University
M.S.N., Binghamton University
Ph.D., University of Maryland at Baltimore

Phone: 570-941-4346
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Internal Website

Linda Lewis, MSN, RN, CCNS, RN-BC

Linda Lewis, MSN, RN, CCNS, RN-BC
Mercy School of Nursing
B.S.N., Pennsylvania State University
M.S.N., University of Pennsylvania

Phone: 570-941-7755
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Internal Website

Wendy Grochowski Manetti, PhD, CRNP, NP-C

Wendy Grochowski Manetti, PhD, CRNP, NP-C
B.S.N., University of Scranton
M.S.N., University of Scranton
Ph.D., Widener University

Phone: 570-941-6221
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Internal Website

Tracy L. Murray, Esq., JD, CRNP, CRNA

Tracy L. Murray, Esq., JD, CRNP, CRNA

Clinical Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program

BSN, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
CRNA, University Health Center of Pittsburgh School of Anesthesia for Nurses
MSN, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
JD, Widener University Commonwealth Law School

Phone: 570-941-5551
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Jo Ann L. Nicoteri, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC

Jo Ann L. Nicoteri, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC
Diploma, Community Medical Center School of Nursing, Scranton, PA
B.S.N., University of Pennsylvania
M.S.N., State University of New York at Binghamton
Ph.D., University of Maryland at Baltimore

Phone: 570-941-4345
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Internal Website

Annette T. Tross, RN, MSN, CRNP, NP-C

Annette T. Tross, RN, MSN, CRNP, NP-C
R.N., Mercy Hospital School of Nursing
B.S.N., University of the State of New York, Regents College
M.S.N., Misericordia University

Phone: 570-941-4508
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Internal Website

Laurie Valunas, RN, MSN, CPNP

Laurie Valunas, RN, MSN, CPNP
B.S.N., University of Scranton
M.S.N., Duke University

Phone: 570-941-5833
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Internal Website

Cristen Walker, PhD, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE

Cristen Walker, PhD, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE
B.S.N., University of Pittsburgh
M.S.N., State University of New York
Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Phone: 570-941-7928
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Internal Website

Patricia M. Wright, PhD, CRNP, CNS, CHPN, CNE

Patricia M. Wright, PhD, CRNP, CNS, CHPN, CNE
B.S.N., Misericordia University
M.S.N., Misericordia University
Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago
Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner, Misericordia University

Phone: 570-941-6484
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Margarete L. Zalon, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAAN

Margarete L. Zalon, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAAN
B.S.N., Duke University
M.A. in Nursing, New York University
Ph.D., New York University

Phone: 570-941-7655
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Internal Website

Inside the Classroom:

We work closely with our students in small classes, seminars, and clinical settings to prepare them for entering the work force after graduation.  Our state-of-the art learning labs have realistic high fidelity simulation models, exposing students to challenging scenarios and allowing faculty to teach and evaluate clinical judgement.

Student Research:

Scholarship is an important focus of our nursing faculty, and we have had our research projects funded by national organizations. Faculty have been published in nursing and interdisciplinary health care journals and have presented at national and international conferences.

Our students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects. Some undergraduate students choose an Honors Program option, where they are mentored by faculty as they produce their own research. Students have presented research at national conferences, and spent post-graduate years in service to others on national and international levels.

For more information on individual faculty members areas of research, visit our faculty page.

Career Outcomes:

Our graduates enter the profession with a solid theoretical and clinical base that guides their practice and decision-making. We have greater than a 95% annual employment rate post-graduation.

You will find our baccalaureate prepared Royal RNs working in hospitals, community clinics, government agencies, and offices. Our master’s and DNP graduates’ function in various roles including clinician, educator, and administrator. 

Employers of our graduates include hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, military bases, private practice, public health settings, and educational institutions.

Employers of our graduates include:

  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
  • Hackensack Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ
  • New York Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY
  • Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital and Physicians Group, Allentown, PA
  • New York University Medical Center, New York City, NY
  • University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • Yale New Haven Medical Center, Yale, CT
  • Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC
  • U.S. Military Hospitals in Hawaii, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Germany
  • Wright Center, Scranton, PA
  • Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA

Accreditation:

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of Scranton are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE) CCNE seal

 
The Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Scranton is accredited by The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

The University of Scranton