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Primary Care Community Health Nursing Scholars

Learn to provide and coordinate care for underserved populations

Considering a nursing career in primary care? Or looking for an opportunity to work in underserved communities? The Primary Care Community Health Nursing Scholar (PCCHNS) program offers the unique opportunity for undergraduate nursing students to learn and work in the primary care setting while earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Throughout the four-year program, students focus on the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide care coordination and primary care services in hospital, clinic, and community health settings. The program aims to promote wellness in a variety of settings that care for the underserved. As part of the PCCHNS program, students can apply for the Primary Care Summer Fellowship, which includes the opportunity to work with veterans in the VA health system. They are also eligible for special field trips and primary care educational experiences. Listen to Ann Solari-Twadell talk about the PCCHNS program at Loyola.

*The program charges no additional tuition fees or expenses, unless students participate in the optional Alternative Spring Break Immersion program at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Application

Download and complete PCCHNS BSN Application or the PCCHNS ABSN Application and send to PCCHNS Program Director Ann Solari-Twadell

Faculty and Team

P. Ann Solari-Twadell, PhD, RN, MPA, FAAN
Associate Professor, Program Director of the Primary Care Community Health Nursing Scholar (PCCHNS) program
psolari@luc.edu

Lisa Burkhart, PhD, RN, MPH
Associate Professor
eburkha@luc.edu

Jorgia B. Connor, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean for BSN Program
Jconnor3@luc.edu

Regina Conway-Phillips, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
rconway1@luc.edu

Margaret Delaney, EdD, APRN, PNP-BC
Assistant Professor 
medlan2@luc.edu

Carol Kostovich, PhD, RN, CHSE
Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Simulation-Based Teaching and Learning
ckostovich1@luc.edu

Janet McCarthy, MSA, MBA, RN
Instructor, ABSN Program Director
jmccarthy@luc.edu

Amanda Peacock, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-C
Assistant Professor, Director of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
apeacock3@luc.edu

Lisa Skemp, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN
Professor. Chair, Department of Health Systems, Leadership and Policy
lskemp@luc.edu

Patricia Stapleton, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC
Assistant Professor
pstapleton@luc.edu

Dr. Annie Thomas, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
athomas4@luc.edu

Project Consultants:

  • Ida Androwich - Expert in Care of the Underserved
  • Sheila Haas - Expert in Care Coordination
  • Robert Pawloski - Evaluator
  • Gayle Roux - Evaluator

NPATH Organization Chart

PCCHNS Team Venn Diagram

Primary Care Summer Fellowship

This Summer Fellowship in Primary Care Nursing offers the opportunity for rising seniors to participate in an eight-week fellowship working in primary care with underserved populations. The fellowship is offered through ACCESS Community Health Network. Listen to Dr. Ann Solari-Twadell describe the fellowship opportunity and listen to two of our Summer Fellowship students discuss their Summer Fellowship experiences.

To apply: 

Requirements and responsibilities: 

  • Maintain good academic standing in the School of Nursing (GPA 2.8 or above).
  • Complete required assignments and badges each semester in your designated educational track
  • Participate in designated experiential educational activity and small group discussions
  • Communicate with fellow students and designated program leaders. 

If you have any questions you should contact Ann Solari-Twadell.

Pine Ridge Nursing Immersion Trip

Travel to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and immerse yourself in the community's Native American while learning about primary care services. The trip is part of Loyola's Alternative Spring Break program. Learn more..

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Loyola Nursing's Primary Care Community Health Nurse Scholar program.

WILL I BE CHARGED EXTRA TUITION FOR THE PCCHNS PROGRAM?

No! There are no extra tuition or program fees for this program. There are costs associated with the optional service learning "Alternative Spring Break Immersion Program" at the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. Loyola has had a long relationship with the Pine Ridge reservation and their school of nursing.

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE IN THIS PROGRAM?

It depends on what semester you are enrolled.

NURSING COURSEWORK CAN BE DIFFICULT. HOW MUCH EXTRA EFFORT WILL THE PROGRAM TAKE?

Each semester program will require the completion of assignments and badges. In addition, there will be experiential learning opportunities and monthly small group sessions.

WILL THIS PROGRAM AFFECT MY GPA?

The program is not intended to affect GPA.

WHY SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR THIS PROGRAM? HOW WILL IT HELP ME AS A FUTURE NURSE?

  • To be the best nurse you can be! Networking, camaraderie, skills, and internships will be available.
  • Participation in this program will provide you with an additional skillset of caring for the underserved and providing care in primary care settings.

HOW DO I ADD THIS EXPERIENCE TO MY RESUME?

Since you had to apply and be accepted into the program, list under Honors and Recognition. 

Program Funding

The PCCHNS program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Workforce, Division of Nursing and Public Health (Nurse Education, Practice Quality and Retention NEPQR – Registered Nurses in Primary Care (RNPC) Training Program HRSA-18-012). 

Learn to provide and coordinate care for underserved populations

Considering a nursing career in primary care? Or looking for an opportunity to work in underserved communities? The Primary Care Community Health Nursing Scholar (PCCHNS) program offers the unique opportunity for undergraduate nursing students to learn and work in the primary care setting while earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Throughout the four-year program, students focus on the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide care coordination and primary care services in hospital, clinic, and community health settings. The program aims to promote wellness in a variety of settings that care for the underserved. As part of the PCCHNS program, students can apply for the Primary Care Summer Fellowship, which includes the opportunity to work with veterans in the VA health system. They are also eligible for special field trips and primary care educational experiences. Listen to Ann Solari-Twadell talk about the PCCHNS program at Loyola.

*The program charges no additional tuition fees or expenses, unless students participate in the optional Alternative Spring Break Immersion program at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Loyola Nursing's Primary Care Community Health Nurse Scholar program.

Program Funding

The PCCHNS program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Workforce, Division of Nursing and Public Health (Nurse Education, Practice Quality and Retention NEPQR – Registered Nurses in Primary Care (RNPC) Training Program HRSA-18-012).