“ This program was not only built on facts and evidence, but also on the idea that nurses touch lives and can make a difference.”
THE PULSE
News
VICTORIA L. SELBY
UMSON Launches Substance Use and Addictions Nursing Certificate Substance use disorders remain a leading cause of death in the United States and in Maryland, which ranked No. 4 in the nation for drug overdose death rates in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the issue, with Maryland experiencing a 16.6% increase in unintentional intoxication deaths involving all types of drugs and alcohol from 2019 - 20, according to the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center 2020 Annual Report. To serve the community’s need for nurses who know how to address addictions, this fall UMSON introduced a specialized post-bachelor’s Substance Use and Addictions Nursing Certificate. The 12-credit
program, for registered and advanced practice registered nurses, is offered online with a 90-hour clinical practicum in the student’s location. “My vision for this program started when I worked in the emergency room, early in the opioid epidemic, and later in behavioral health, where I experienced firsthand the need for nurses to know how to address addictions,” said Victoria L. Selby, PhD ’17, MS ’09, BSN ’06, CRNPPMH, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, assistant professor and director of the certificate program. “These patients were someone’s child, parent, their best friend – people with lives, dreams, and families. This program was not only built on facts and evidence, but also on the idea that nurses touch lives and can make a difference.”
The certificate prepares nurses to care for individuals, families, and communities affected by addictions across all practice settings; to take on leadership roles in addictions nursing; and to develop professionally. It also facilitates their certification as addictions nurses and offers specialized, focused education to address the complexities related to substance use and addictions. The certificate was developed with assistance from a Nurse Support Program II grant, funded through the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission and administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Learn more at nursing.umaryland.edu/ addictionsnursing. — L.H.
Back ... And Stronger Than Ever March 5, 2020
Jan. 6, 2021
June 1
June 7
July 1
Gov. Larry Hogan declared COVID-19 State of Emergency in Maryland
Southern Management Corporation (SMC) Campus Center COVID19 vaccination clinic opened (see caption, Page 2)
Most employees returned to UMB campus at up to 50% capacity
Approximately 150 students participated in in-person learning on Baltimore campus for summer 2021 session
Hogan ended Maryland COVID-19 State of Emergency; more than 95% of UMSON employees had received their first vaccine dose
March 16 All UMB in-person learning halted, and most employees began telework
6 • NURSING FOR/UM • FALL 2021
UMB = University of Maryland, Baltimore USG = Universities at Shady Grove