Program Mission Statement
The mission of the SON is "To educate nursing students at beginning and advanced levels through excellence and innovation in teaching, scholarship and service." Baccalaureate education would be at the beginning level where the graduate will possess the basic skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to practice nursing in this ever-changing healthcare environment. Baccalaureate students are prepared to provide safe nursing care and have the basis for leadership roles in the future. Graduate education would be at the advanced level as either a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Leader.
This mission is grounded in the mission of the Brooks College of Health to "Foster the development of compassionate, highly competent professionals who are actively engaged with their communities, dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of health." and the University to "Ignite a passion for learning and discovery through transformational education in a supportive environment that leads students to rewarding careers and lifelong success." The SON further fulfills the University mission by following the five guiding values identified by the UNF 2023-2028 strategic plan. These five guiding values are: Accountability, Integrity, Excellence, Civility, and Culture of Care.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing, the natural and social sciences, mathematics and the humanities as the basis for providing culturally competent care within a diverse society.
- Incorporate into practice the professional nursing standards, effective written and verbal communication skills and the use of management and care technology systems.
- Demonstrate leadership and and management skills to work productively within interprofessional teams to enhance quality improvement processes and improve outcomes in various healthcare settings.
Critical Thinking Skills
- Evaluate and integrate scientific findings into evidence-based professional nursing practice.
- Use critical thinking skills through the nursing process, working in collaborative partnerships to protect, promote and optimize health for individuals, families and communities throughout the lifespan in a variety of environments of practice.
Other Skills (Opt.)
- Demonstrate professional values in all collaborative partnerships and foster advocacy and professional accountability.
- Use the UNF School of Nursing conceptual framework as a basis for professional nursing practice.
- Establish goals for future personal and professional growth through commitment to lifelong learning.
Students prepare a portfolio during their capstone course in which each student demonstrates how they achieved each of the terminal objectives for the program. This portfolio is accompanied by examples of their work throughout the course of the program. Poster presentations and oral presentations in numerous courses are also used to verify the acquisition of requisite communication skills. These direct measures of achievement are complemented by indirect assessment measures including alumni surveys, student perception surveys, employment rates and admissions to professional schools or advanced degree programs. Students take the NCLEX examination for licensure as a registered nurse at the completion of the program. Pass rates on this national examination affirm mastery of content knowledge and skills.