Graduate Earns Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification

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Taylor Marshall, left, and her husband, Scott

Taylor Marshall, a registered nurse at Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists in Fayetteville, was recently certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health.

Marshall earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas last May and graduated from the school's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in December 2008.

The new certification allows Marshall to work as an Advanced Practice Nurse, seeing patients and prescribing medication. She wanted to pursue the graduate degree and certification to advance her career and the practice of nursing in general, Marshall said.

"My job includes coaching patients using a holistic approach to help them reach their highest level of wellness possible in the area of orthopaedics, incorporating the best scientific evidence available into nursing practice so that patients get the best possible care, and mentoring my fellow nurses to help them reach their full potential," Marshall said. "Completing my Master of Science program at the U of A was a wonderful experience and really allowed me to achieve my goals."

The nursing school, which is based in the College of Education and Health Professions, offers two tracks in the master's program: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health and Nurse Educator. The program is offered online through the Global Campus, and coursework includes 500 clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a preceptor. For more information, visit the Master of Science in Nursing website.