A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education. From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Lindback for Libonati

The University of Pennsylvania is honoring Penn Nursing’s Joseph R. Libonati, PhD, FAHA, Associate Professor of Nursing in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (BHS), and former Director of Penn Nursing’s Laboratory of Innovative and Translational Nursing Research, with the 2020 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

April 07, 2020

Libonati teaches pulmonary and cardiovascular physiology and advanced physiology and pathophysiology. He focuses on helping students apply fundamental physiology concepts to clinical challenges. Libonati counts seeing students continue to graduate school or successful clinical careers among his proudest achievements. He believes the opportunity Penn Nursing students have to participate in laboratory science through his and other laboratories is rare in nursing. Basic biological science opens opportunities for nursing students beyond what many schools offer. 

During his eleven-year tenure at Penn Nursing, Libonati has helped thousands of nursing graduate students excel in the clinical setting. Since 2009, he has taught four courses at the graduate level to nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist students: Nurs637 Research Methods, Nurs607 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Nurs681 and 682 Applied Physiology I and II.  His course evaluations for these offerings have been stellar, an amazing accomplishment given the high enrollment in each. One group of students noted “Dr. Libonati’s teaching was challenging and pushed us to the edge of our potential, stretching and growing us as lifelong learners.” He has been able to combine his teaching methods and a collegial learning environment to inspire the best in his students.

Libonati often shares his highly innovative teaching style with his colleagues. Many have seen his approach to teaching through invited presentations at BHS department meetings. In these demonstrations, he showcased new techniques that he incorporates into his teaching, including digital imaging and clear board teaching – some of the newest teaching methodologies available.

During the School’s annual faculty award cycle, it is a rare occasion when Libonati is not nominated for a teaching award and over the years he has twice been awarded the BHS Department’s Anne Keane Teaching Award, the Dean’s Exemplary Teaching Award, and the Graduate Student Organization’s Teaching Award. Due to factors this spring, the 2020 ceremony will not be possible. A ceremony recognizing this year’s awardees is planned for the future.

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