Sandra (Faculty Matters) (Sandra Baker‪)‬

SANDRA BAKER, DNP, RN, the new book review editor for Nursing Education Perspectives, is district dean for the Riverside Community College School of Nursing, an urban, ethnically diverse area near Los Angeles. In this role, she provides leadership to all RCC nursing education programs, which includes a vocational nursing program, a traditional associate degree program, an extension ADN program 11 miles from the main campus, and an LVN to RN program. The nursing program at RCC has grown significantly in the past five years. From a population of 260 students, there are now 500 students in the combined nursing programs. And, from 15 long-term, experienced nurse educators, there is now a faculty of 25, with varied levels of experience. California is ranked 50th out of 50 states for the lowest average number of RNs per capita. Therefore, Sandy explains, recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of increasing numbers of nursing students is greatly encouraged throughout the state. The community college system graduates approximately 70 percent of California's RNs, and significant funds have been made available to programs that accommodate additional enrollment. This means that for deans at most community colleges, grant acquisition and management are a large part of their job.