School of Nursing Scrapbook 1979

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stands in front of new building to be dedicated tomorrow and Friday. - Photo by Cindy Lubke

LOOKING AHEAD - Dr. Irene Palmer, dean of the University of San Diego's School of Nursing,

Space-age nursing demands new role for professionals By ALISON DAROSA Nurses across the country are .demanding an examination - of their own profession, says Dr. Irene Palmer, dean of the Philip Y. Hahn School of Nursing at the University of San Diego. Palmer, 55, who is herself a registered nurse, was appointed five years ago to head the nursing school. Her first classes - designed for registered nurses who want to earn advanced degrees - were in session one year later. Palmer graduated her first class earning bachelor's degrees in May, 1976. The master's program turned out it's first w.., j two years ago. And tomorrow the school officially has a house - a dream come! true for Palmer. That's when dedication ceremonies for the university's new: nursing school building will be held. The program begins at 1:30 p.m., Among those speaking will be Congressman Bob Wilson. Dedication 1 ceremonies will also be held Friday at the university. Today, what's most important to Palmer, a feisty veteran of the health care field, is the new breed of educated nurses who are leaving her school. They will serve as "change agents" she maintains, affecting the nursing profession throughout the country. "Giving pills is not the primary function of a nurse," she said in an interview. "Neither is hospital housekeeping. Today nursing means the administration of trE:atment, rehabilitation and counseling." At least that's v:l-Jat nursing is supposed to mean, Palmer said. But oftentimes the facts ten l different story, she continued, explaining that many hospitals still vi<>w nurses as housekeepers, pill peddlers or clerks whose main function is handling paper work. See NURSES, A-24