Nursing

Tom Loveless, BSN/MSN '02
Jefferson School of Nursing | Full-time Professor
Philadelphia, PA

I earned my Master’s in nursing in 2002, through Jefferson’s dual track BSN/MSN program, and also completed my post-master’s in nursing education at Jefferson. I’ve just begun a doctoral program in nursing at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

I’m currently a full time faculty member and coordinator of the clinical learning lab at Jefferson’s School of Nursing. As an adult nurse practitioner, I also maintain clinical practice specializing in infectious diseases and HIV. I anticipate staying at Jefferson and working to obtain tenure. I plan on continuing my research in HIV, particularly the phobia and bias against HIV.

It was my goal to go to a school like Jeff – highly recognized for its high level nursing education. During my 10 years of experience as an ER trauma nurse, my colleagues told me great things about Jefferson. We have a highly respected School of Nursing.

Jefferson is different from other healthcare education institutions because of the enthusiasm and passion of its faculty. We are driven to educate. I’m fortunate to work with a group of people who are passionate about teaching.

The most valuable aspect of my Jefferson education is my relationship with my professors. They made a commitment to my education and they continue to direct and guide and make themselves available to mentor. The mentorship is life-long. You always maintain that relationship.

I had valuable clinical experience as a student. My rotation sites respected the fact that I was a Jefferson student, someone who was independent and could easily learn. The clinical sites supported the Jefferson student. They saw my contribution to be equivalent to that of a physician. Jefferson spoke for itself. During my rotations, I had the opportunity to spend time with HIV specialists and that allowed me to ground my adult practice with HIV.

Jefferson faculty are stellar — committed to life-long learning, very unique in their own styles, and sharing the same goals. Many have attained doctoral degrees and hold the higher level degrees in high esteem.

Jefferson is built on collaboration — various schools working toward the same goal. The ability to work together with student nurses and physicians is very unique to Jefferson. The clinical skills lab in the new Dorrance Hamilton building will allow us to continue to build upon that collaboration.

When you think Jefferson, our focus has always been allied health. When you have ONE focus, you clearly become the expert. Patients are comfortable that the education at Jefferson is of the best quality.

I secured employment immediately following graduation. I spent 2 years as a clinical adjunct and subsequently was offered a full time faculty position with Jefferson.