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Leader in Field of International Emergency Nursing Dies
Frank L. Cole, Ph.D., 50, died June 1 at the Texas Medical Center Hospice after a long battle with cancer of the esophagus. Cole was assistant dean and chair of the Department of Acute and Continuing Care at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston.
Frank L. Cole, Ph.D.
A certified family nurse practitioner, Cole and colleague Elda Ramirez conceptualized, developed and implemented the Emergency Care Graduate Nursing Program at the UT School of Nursing in 1994.
Cole undertook the task of obtaining recognition for graduates from two national certifying agencies and acceptance of the emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) role from the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. He ultimately saw the material he developed become the national standard and contributed to a redefinition of the practice of emergency nursing in the United States and abroad.
“Frank was beloved by the faculty, the students and the many graduates of the ENP program,” said Patricia L. Starck, D.S.N., dean of the School of Nursing.
He received numerous national awards and recognitions, including induction as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing, the Academy of Emergency Nursing as a member of the inaugural group, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
In September 2005, Cole received an award of honor from the Texas Nurse Practitioners in recognition of his “outstanding contribution and commitment to the education of advanced practice nurses.” He also was selected to receive the UT Austin Graduate School Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2005-06 at the doctoral degree level.
Cole authored and co-authored dozens of articles, gave presentations and consulted with other universities on emergency nursing and the practice of nursing.
Born in Brockton, Mass., he received his bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He obtained his master’s degree in nursing from the University of Virginia and in 1988 a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.
Cole is survived by his parents, George and Hedy Cole; sister, Kelly Torres, her husband Tom and their son Kyle; and his life partner John Hillin and Hillin’s sons Jason, Jeff and Joel.
Memorial donations to the UT School of Nursing at Houston are being accepted for a scholarship fund. For information on making a gift, please contact Christina Cimrhanzel, 713-500-3206, or Victor Cuffee, 713-500-3224.