The University of New Mexico College of Nursing has appointed Van Roper, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, as its new Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs. Roper's primary focus in this role will be on preparing nurses to serve the rural and metropolitan communities of New Mexico, according to a press release.
Roper's responsibilities will include managing the operations of the College of Nursing Simulation, including its Skills Lab. He will also work to strengthen partnerships with clinical institutions to ensure that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date training, preparing them effectively for the evolving healthcare landscape.
In a statement, Roper emphasized the importance of adjusting the curriculum and clinical environments to teach students how to nurse in a post-pandemic world. He also highlighted the goal of highlighting the fact that the University of New Mexico is not just for New Mexico, but also the University for New Mexico.
"We are here to help the entire state," Roper said.
Roper brings extensive experience in rural healthcare and diverse communities, particularly in New Mexico, to his new role. His career and expertise will be utilized in securing essential preceptors, unit-based educators, and clinical placements needed to accommodate the increasing student population at the College of Nursing.
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing aims to ensure that nurses are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to treat a wide range of patients. As stated in the press release, "A nurse in New Mexico must know how to treat a patient who has fallen off their horse and fractured their spine in Farmington, or a patient covered in burns from oil splattering their arms in their family’s food truck in Alamogordo and can also assess metropolitan car accident victims or city construction workers in Albuquerque and Las Cruces."
With the appointment of Van Roper as the Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs, the University of New Mexico College of Nursing is taking steps to further enhance its programs and prepare nurses to serve the diverse healthcare needs of New Mexico's communities.
