WINDSOR, ON, March 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The University of Windsor announced today that it will be offering a graduate diploma in Advanced Practice Oncology/Palliative Nursing for students in September 2012. Contributing to course development and student support for the graduate level diploma is the renowned de Souza Institute, an innovative centre of learning dedicated to improving cancer care by supporting excellence in oncology nursing.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with de Souza Institute to offer nurses seeking advanced preparation in oncology and palliative care a unique opportunity for professional development at the graduate level," said Dr. Linda Patrick, Dean of the University of Windsor's Faculty of Nursing. "This program will be one-of-a-kind, utilizing a flexible delivery approach and the most up-to -date technology.  The Windsor community provides a supportive setting for this initiative, and we will be working closely with other local experts, including Cancer Care Ontario, Windsor Regional Hospital and The Hospice of Windsor."

The post-graduate diploma will be offered using a combination of the University of Windsor's online collaborative educational environment and state-of-the-art on-site simulation facility. This innovative graduate diploma will be accessible to nurses across Canada.

"We are paving the way in oncology and palliative care nursing in Canada," said Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, Director of de Souza Institute. "The collaboration is an opportunity for graduate level nurses across the country to develop specialization to better address complexities of cancer care."

The de Souza Institute's role in this partnership will be to support research training in oncology, to co-host some of the course offerings, and to facilitate clinical placements in 14 Ontario regional cancer centres. This unique model of learning between the University of Windsor and de Souza Institute will ensure that students pursuing advanced practice education have access to the latest standards in nursing cancer/palliative care.

To learn more about the University of Windsor nursing programs, visit www.uwindsor.ca/nursing. To learn more about de Souza Institute, visit www.desouzanurse.ca.

About UWindsor and de Souza Institute

Founded in 1963, the University of Windsor has close to 16,000 full-time and part-time students. The University of Windsor's mission is to enable people to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement.

Established in 2008, de Souza Institute in partnership with the Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Cancer Care Ontario and funded by Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, provides ongoing educational support, professional development and career counseling to Ontario nurses caring for cancer patients and families.

deSouza Institute is providing nursing excellence by: delivering innovative continuing education and mentorship programs; helping nurses to achieve national certification; funding graduate scholarships to develop tomorrow's leaders, and supporting nurses in self-care and career development.

Contact Information:
Shanna Brisebois
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
de Souza Institute
(647) 534-6714

Lori Lewis
Manager, News Services
Office of Public Affairs & Communications
University of Windsor
(519) 253-3000 ext. 3241
Cell: (519) 564-9908