US Nursing Specialty Rankings

In the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings, three institutions were particularly distinguished for their expertise in family nursing: the University of Washington, the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Pennsylvania. These schools stand at the forefront of training family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and advancing the practice of family nursing through research, education, and clinical care.

The Significance of Family Nursing

Family nursing as a specialty has become increasingly important in response to the growing recognition of the family’s role in the health outcomes of individuals. Nurses trained in family nursing are equipped with the skills necessary to address not only the physical health of patients but also the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of their families. These nurses work closely with families to develop care plans that reflect the complexities of familial relationships and dynamics. The field’s interdisciplinary nature means that family nurses collaborate with physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

In the context of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, family nursing is critical for addressing the holistic needs of patients and ensuring that care is delivered in ways that respect family values, culture, and preferences. It is also crucial in managing chronic conditions, improving mental health outcomes, and facilitating recovery during illness or injury. This approach emphasizes continuity of care, prevention, and the promotion of health in the family unit, and it highlights the importance of nurses as advocates for family-centered practices.

University of Washington

The University of Washington’s School of Nursing, ranked first for family nursing in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings, stands as a leading institution for advanced nursing education and research. The school’s reputation is rooted in its innovative approach to family nursing, its commitment to addressing health disparities, and its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The University of Washington’s programs focus on preparing family nurse practitioners (FNPs) who are capable of working in a range of settings, from primary care clinics to community health centers, and its approach is patient- and family-centered.

One of the strengths of the University of Washington’s family nursing program is its emphasis on integrating theory and practice. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track are given the opportunity to engage in clinical rotations that allow them to work directly with families in diverse settings, including underserved communities. This exposure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the unique needs of families, particularly those facing health disparities. The program also integrates cutting-edge research in family nursing, with faculty members conducting studies on topics such as maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and family caregiving. The research not only informs practice but also contributes to the development of evidence-based guidelines that improve outcomes for families.

Furthermore, the University of Washington’s collaborative environment fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students work closely with faculty and peers across disciplines, including public health, social work, and medicine, to address complex family health issues. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that nursing students are well-equipped to engage with families from diverse cultural backgrounds and varying socioeconomic statuses, and to deliver culturally sensitive care that promotes health equity.

University of California-San Francisco

The University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing, ranked second for family nursing in 2009, has long been recognized for its commitment to advancing nursing practice through education, research, and clinical care. UCSF is particularly well-regarded for its robust family nursing program, which prepares nurse practitioners to address the health needs of individuals within the context of the family. UCSF’s program places a strong emphasis on the health promotion and disease prevention aspects of family nursing, equipping nurses with the tools needed to work in diverse settings, ranging from primary care clinics to schools, hospitals, and community health organizations.

UCSF’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, which combines foundational nursing theory with advanced clinical training. Students have the opportunity to work with families across a wide spectrum of health conditions, from acute illnesses to chronic disease management, and they gain expertise in offering preventive care, counseling, and health education. This focus on prevention is essential in family nursing, as it allows nurses to intervene early, educate families about health risks, and promote healthier lifestyles that can improve long-term outcomes for all family members.

Research at UCSF also plays a crucial role in shaping the family nursing specialty. The school’s faculty are leaders in areas such as maternal and child health, family dynamics, and health disparities. Their research informs the practice of family nursing, contributing to a deeper understanding of how family structures impact individual health and well-being. UCSF’s research is not only applied in clinical settings but also influences healthcare policy and the development of programs that support family caregivers and promote family-centered care. The institution’s commitment to addressing health inequities means that its graduates are particularly prepared to serve families from marginalized and underserved communities, where health disparities are most pronounced.

Another hallmark of UCSF’s program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Nursing students work alongside students from other health disciplines, such as medicine, public health, and social work, to gain a holistic understanding of family health. This collaborative approach equips family nurse practitioners with the skills they need to work effectively within healthcare teams and to advocate for families in the complex healthcare system.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, ranked third for family nursing in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings, is renowned for its comprehensive and rigorous family nursing program. As one of the oldest and most prestigious nursing schools in the United States, Penn’s School of Nursing has long been at the forefront of nursing education, research, and practice. The school’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and advanced clinical expertise, ensuring that graduates are equipped to serve as primary care providers for families across the lifespan.

The University of Pennsylvania stands out for its emphasis on evidence-based practice and its integration of cutting-edge research into the family nursing curriculum. Students are trained to critically evaluate the latest research findings, apply them in clinical practice, and contribute to the development of new knowledge through their own research projects. The school’s faculty are experts in areas such as chronic disease management, women’s health, pediatrics, and family-centered care, and they play an instrumental role in shaping the future of family nursing through their research and leadership.

One of the unique aspects of the University of Pennsylvania’s Family Nurse Practitioner program is its focus on the broader social and environmental factors that influence family health. The program emphasizes the need for nurses to consider factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, and access to healthcare when working with families. This approach helps students develop the cultural competence and empathy needed to provide effective care in diverse settings, particularly in communities with limited healthcare resources. Furthermore, Penn’s strong ties to the city’s healthcare institutions provide students with ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality care to families in a variety of contexts.

Nursing Specialty - Adult Nursing:

1. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia.
   
2. University of California--San Francisco
   
3. Columbia University - New York, NY
   
4. University of Washington - Seattle
   
5. Yale University - New Haven, CT
   
6. University of Maryland - Baltimore
   
7. University of Michigan -Ann Arbor
   
8. University of Colorado - Denver
   
9. TIE: Rush University - Chicago, IL; University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA
   

Nursing Specialty - Pediatric Nursing:
1 University of Pennsylvania
2 Yale University
3 University of Colorado
4 University of Washington
5 University of California -San Francisco
6 University of Pittsburgh -Main Campus Pittsburgh
7 Rush University
8 Columbia University - New York
8 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill (School of Nursing)
10. Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
10. Catholic University of America Washington, DC
10. University of Rochester - Rochester, NY

Nursing Specialty -Family Nursing:

1. University of Washington
   
2. University of California--San Francisco
   
3. University of Pennsylvania
   
4. Yale Univ
   
5. Univ of Colorado
   
6. Univ of Maryland--Baltimore
   
7. Columbia Univ - NYC
   
8. Univ of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
   
9. Pace Univ - NYC
   
10. Rush Univ
    

Nursing Specialty - Geriactric Nursing (Gerontology):

1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of Iowa - Iowa City
3. New York University - NYC
4. Case Western Reserve Univ - Cleveland, OH
5. Oregon Health and Science Univ – Portland
6. U of Michigan
7. U of California -San Francisco
8. U of Texas Health Science Center--Houston
9. Rush University
10. Duke Uni - Durham, NC
10. Univ of Washington

Nursing Specialty - Pychiatric Nursing:

1. University of Washington
   
2. University of California--San Francisco
   
3. University of Pennsylvania
   
4. Yale Uni
   
5. U of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA
   
6. Indiana Uni
   
7. Purdue Uni -Indianapolis
   
8. Rush Uni
   
9. U of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, School of Nursing
   
10. U of Pittsburgh, Main Campus
    

Source: US News & World Report 2009