North Shore Resident Catherine Franklin New Assistant Dean in School of Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston

Catherine Franklin, MS, RN, FNP-BC, of Danvers wants to help make the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston even better.

“This is a very well-developed curriculum,” said Franklin, the graduate school’s newest assistant dean in its School of Nursing. “I am thrilled to be able to continue the tradition and work with leadership, faculty, and our students to improve on this already well-established program.”

One of Franklin’s initial efforts will be to work with faculty to make the curriculum more interactive to meet the evolving needs of today’s adult learners.

“Engaging students more is a priority, and one that can help the School of Nursing continue to entice the best and brightest to choose our program,” she said.

Her responsibilities include oversight of program operations and leadership for the ABSN program’s growth and improvements.

“I am thrilled to have Cathy, a well- respected faculty member, join the leadership team,” said Laurie Lauzon Clabo, PhD, RN, Dean of the MGH Institute School of Nursing. “She brings to this position her commitment to both contemporary nursing education and student success.”

Franklin will continue her clinical practice one day per week as a family nurse practitioner primary care provider at the Lynn Community Health Center, caring for a predominantly immigrant patient population. This allows her to stay connected to patients and issues in the clinical practice arena, enhancing her perspective and ability to lead the school’s more than 200 BSN students.

Franklin joined the MGH Institute in 2007, teaching students in the primary care specialty track of the direct-entry Master of Science program. 

She has previous experience as a staff nurse on in-patient acute care and emergency units in Boston and North Shore teaching hospitals, a nurse manager for 10 years at Massachusetts General Hospital, and as a nurse practitioner for 10 years in primary care practice, specialty practice, and urgent care settings.

She has volunteered her time and skills on international medical missions over the last few years, including trips to Guatemala and the Mexican border.

Franklin, who is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the MGH Institute, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State College and her Master of Science in Nursing from Salem State College.

The MGH Institute, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, has more than 1,400 full- and part-time students in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy, Health Professions Education, and Rehabilitation Sciences. It is the only degree-granting affiliate of Partners HealthCare.