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MISSION

The mission of the School of Nursing and Population Health is to facilitate the education of students as safe clinicians and leaders. As professional nurses, students are prepared to promote the ability of individuals, families, and communities in attaining their highest level of wellness. As leaders, students are consumers of evidence-based practice and advocates for individuals, families, and communities.

Philosophy

Nursing, a caring art and science, encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to health and illness. A contemporary definition of health “recognizes that disease and disability can and often do co-exist with health. In this new conception, health is transformed from a state that requires the absence of disease to a state where the central theme is the fullness of life. Health involves the integration of body, mind, and spirit and recognizes the significant influence of sociologic, environmental and behavioral factors” (Bradley, Goetz, & Viswanathan, 2018). The nurse serves in multiple capacities, using a variety of theoretical frameworks to guide individuals, families, and communities* of diverse cultures and backgrounds toward identifying their own needs for health care, healing, and health promotion, moving toward and maintaining health in their human experiences.

The environment in which the nurse functions is globally diverse, technologically oriented, and rapidly changing. Nursing care is informed by evidence-based practice that includes individual, family, and community preferences and values, clinical expertise, and best research evidence, as well as socio-political influences and issues of justice and equality. Professional nursing practice must be in accordance with established standards as outlined by the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (ANA, 2015) and the Maine Nurse Core Competencies (MPNEP, 2012).

Professional nursing education is grounded in the integration of academic and experiential learning. A strong educational foundation rooted in the arts, sciences, and humanities enables nurses to improve health care delivery to individuals, families, and communities. The faculty is committed to a curriculum that encourages a diverse, global perspective, expanding each student’s professional identity and social conscience. The curriculum cornerstones of clinical judgment, professional values, and interprofessionalism prepare students to be safe and competent nurses. The acquisition of competency-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes prepares future nurses to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Learning is a collaborative process whereby students and faculty learn from each other, individuals, families, and communities, peers, mentors, and preceptors as well as other health care professionals. Reflective practice forms the basis for the development of sound clinical judgment necessary for the provision of safe, quality nursing care. Student centeredness is the cornerstone to optimal learning; faculty is committed to a supportive, caring, and interactive environment that takes into account the diversity of culture and experience that students bring to the learning environment.

Self-care practices can positively impact student academic achievement, individual, family, and community outcomes, and perceived well-being. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for and become skilled in self-care to ensure personal health, emotional resiliency, and ability to care for others. As future nurses, students have an ethical duty to care for their own health and safety in order to provide safe care for others.

*“Individual, family, and community” is referred to as “client” by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which also includes significant others and populations.

Bradley, K. L., Goetz, T., & Viswanathan, S. (2018). Toward a contemporary definition of health. Military Medicine, 183, (suppl 3), 204–207.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a rigorous 16-month professional program for highly motivated and committed students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. The ABSN program is designed to run continuously for the 16 months and totals 65 credits. The ABSN program mirrors the School of Nursing and Population Health's vision, mission, philosophy and program outcomes for BSN education.

Students build on previous academic foundations and are able to engage quickly in nursing course work and