HU nursing professor selected to write for natio

(11/21/06)
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CONTACT: Erica Taylor Harrod
(757) 727 - 5255
erica.harrod@hamptonu.edu


HU nursing professor selected to write for national board exam



Hampton, Va. - Mary Blessing Gilkey, APRN, B.C., MS, assistant professor of nursing at Hampton University was selected by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to participate on the National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEXR) item development panel session held in Chicago on Oct. 18 - 21.

Gilkey was one of only 12 nurses from across the nation to be selected for this prestigious assignment. She was nominated by the Virginia Board of Nursing on the basis of her academic and clinical experience and success.

"It's a high honor when your own profession selects you to write for their national exam," said Gilkey. The NCSBN provides participants with airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals, but there is no monetary compensation
awarded to participants. Gilkey and other writers participated on a volunteer basis. "It's really important that you give back to your profession," said Gilkey.

All nurses in the United States and its five U.S. territories must take the NCLEXR. The licensing exam identifies those candidates who demonstrate
minimal competence to practice nursing at the entry level as registered nurses.

Gilkey earned a bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University and a master's in 1989 from HU. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at HU.


Erica Taylor Harrod
Public Relations Specialist
Hampton University
Office of University Relations
757.727.5255 - office
757.728.6941 - fax
erica.harrod@hamptonu.edu