RN to BSN Program Co-Director, Kate Tredway, brings a wealth of knowledge to the online nursing program

Kate Tredway, MBA, MSN, RN, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Co-Director of the University of Illinois Chicago’s online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her diverse clinical, educational, and business background positions her to lead the program effectively.

With a 25-year career at the UIC College of Nursing, Kate’s journey from an associate’s degree in nursing to a significant academic role highlights her steadfast commitment to nursing education. Her initial nursing education at Blackhawk Community College in Moline, IL, provided her with invaluable insight into the challenges faced by nurses with associate degrees which helped shape her approach to education. She then went on to earn her master’s degree from the UIC College of Nursing at the Quad Cities Regional Campus.

Teaming up with Co-Director Gloria E. Barrera, Kate ensures that the program surpasses modern nursing education standards. Under her leadership, the program fosters a transformative learning environment that empowers nurses to excel in their careers. Kate has received the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence 11 times and the UIC Silver Circle Award three times.

Explore Kate’s background and her ongoing goals as Co-Director of the online RN to BSN program.

Can you give an overview of your background and experience in nursing and/or academia?

I’ve been with UIC for 25 years in the College of Nursing, always in the RN to BSN program. I live in the Quad Cities, and I have an associate’s degree in nursing from Blackhawk Community College in Moline, Illinois. All our students are associate degree or diploma nurses. So, I know their experience, and I think I connect with them well because of that.

Nursing is my second career. I have a bachelor’s in political science and communication and a master’s in business administration. I initially worked in human relations, supervising people, and later went into nursing in part to adapt my schedule to support my husband’s role as a college president.  I enrolled directly in UIC’s graduate program. I earned a master’s in nursing, graduating as a Community Nurse Specialist.

Shortly after completing my masters,  the Quad City campus faculty invited me to teach, which ultimately led to a full-time academic career. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from community health project design to primarily teaching. The online RN-BSN program is unique because it was UIC’s first fully online degree in the College of Nursing. Over the past 15 years, my role has evolved to focus more on administration than teaching.

What sets UIC’s online RN-BSN program apart from others in terms of curriculum, faculty expertise, or opportunities for students?

Our online courses are well-designed by content experts and instructional designers. This helps us ensure authenticity especially for working adult professionals. We prioritize practical application in every assignment by challenging students to apply content to practice. Experienced nurses often discover gaps in their knowledge, and our high-quality curriculum leads them to a deeper understanding of their profession. Our graduates often take on leadership roles or end up furthering their education, which highlights the program’s impact. Ultimately, our goal is to transform nurses and, in turn, improve the health of communities.

As the Co-Director of the online RN to BSN program, what recent achievements or future goals do you have for the program?

Gloria and I have been working with faculty members to revise the RN BSN curriculum to align with the latest baccalaureate education parameters set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This revised curriculum will be implemented in Fall of 2024. Because we were already assigning integrative practice experiences and utilizing competency-based education, the curriculum revision has been an efficient and high quality undertaking. This proactive approach positions us as leaders and enables us to easily adapt to evolving educational requirements while maintaining our commitment to excellence.

Another goal that we always prioritize is supporting our faculty. We recognize their pivotal role as experts and supporters of our program. We believe that by fostering an environment for our faculty to thrive, we ultimately ensure the continued success of our students and the program.

What advice would you offer to prospective students who are considering enrolling in the online RN to BSN program at UIC?

‘You don’t know how much you don’t know.’ Working in nursing, whether in a hospital, community setting, school, or elsewhere, provides valuable experience and knowledge. However, there’s always more to learn, and furthering your education can elevate you from being a competent nurse to an extraordinary one. It opens your mind to new perspectives and introduces you to unfamiliar specialties. Many nurses are surprised to discover the breadth of opportunities available, such as in public health, community nursing, informatics, management, and more. Understanding these roles not only expands your career options but also enhances your effectiveness as a nurse.

What is the most important thing you have learned about having a successful career that you would like to pass on to people considering this field?

Probably the most important thing I’ve experienced is fulfillment. My role hasn’t been the typical nursing role, but nursing education is certainly a setting for nursing practice. My approach is that the faculty and students are my patients.

As Co-Directors of the program, Gloria and I are often faced with challenges. We automatically apply the nursing process: assess the issue, define the problem, make a plan, implement it, and evaluate. My message to the next generation of educators and practicing nurses is that even if you’re not working in a hospital, you’re still a nurse. You apply the nursing process, remain patient-centered, follow our ethical code, and stay current with evidence-based practices. I became a nurse because I thought I would be good at it, and I was right. The qualities that make me a good nurse also make me a good educator. So, my greatest lesson learned is to: Approach everything the way a nurse would.