Department of Nursing Education

Mission and Focus

Mission

The aim of the George Washington University Department of Nursing Education is to develop nursing leaders who will actively engage in promoting health and well-being at local, national and global levels. The department encourages nursing students and faculty to achieve a high level of excellence through rigorous scholarship and by promoting quality in all their endeavors. Pursuit of knowledge is a key thread that crosses the entire curriculum and will enable the student to critically evaluate and integrate theory, research and current practice trends and will encourage life-long learning. Learning is enhanced through collaborative interaction with other health care disciplines, broadening the student's appreciation for diverse points of view. In continuing the GW tradition of embracing innovation, students will examine future oriented concepts and incorporate information technology. The program will cultivate ethical and empathetic professionals who are compassionate, respectful of diversity and view individuals from a holistic perspective.

Vision

The George Washington University Department of Nursing Education will become a leader in nursing education. Through its educational programs, graduates will advance the nursing profession. This vision stems from society's need for well-educated nursing professionals who are prepared to deliver high quality health care services and to lead future generations in the improvement of health for all through management, research and practice. The nursing department values leadership, quality, knowledge, collaboration, innovation and compassion.

Expected Outcomes - Bachelor of Science Program

• Utilize the nursing process to support and promote health in diverse individuals, families, groups and communities in a multi-cultural world.
• Synthesize knowledge derived from the natural, behavioral sciences and the humanities with nursing theory as a basis for professional nursing practice.
• Apply theories to analyze client responses to health and illness and intervene appropriately.
• Demonstrate nursing practice that is based on ethical, legal, and professional values and standards of practice.
• Participate in identifying societal health needs, critiquing and improving the delivery and quality of health care and nursing practice.
• Demonstrate accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes relative to nursing practice.
• Collaborate with clients and health care team to provide, facilitate, and coordinate optimal health care.
• Utilize leadership and management skills to identify and meet health care needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Utilize communication theories and techniques in developing effective relationships with clients and health care team members.
• Evaluate research findings to determine their relevance and apply findings to professional nursing practice.
• Demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of health care information management and application of patient care technology.
• Demonstrate continued commitment to lifelong learning to promote personal and professional growth.

Expected Outcomes - Master of Science Program

• Demonstrate leadership based on advanced knowledge
• Promote and improve quality in the workplace through quality improvement practices
• Synthesize knowledge of nursing practice, theory and research as a foundation for advanced nursing practice and roles
• Demonstrate continued professional development through ongoing education
• Establish an interdisciplinary professional network that includes collaboration and teamwork
• Promote positive changes in health care delivery and nursing practice
• Engage in caring and collaborative relationships with patients, colleagues and communities for shared decision-making

Expected Outcomes - Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Provide high quality patient care.
• Implement a process of change.
• Solve emerging quality issues.
• Promote and facilitate the critical appraisal and translation of research.
• Design evidence-based interventions.
• Collect and analyze clinical practice data.
• Lead interprofessional teams in efforts for improving patient and population health outcomes.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness of health care through the use of information technology.

Student Learning Outcomes

As a result of their education at GW, graduates of the nursing programs will have the potential to:

• Influence decision-making entities to improve health care
• Promote advancement of the profession by writing, presenting and seeking leadership positions
• Employ results of quality improvement activities to initiate change, improve outcomes and promote excellence
• Integrate current research findings and evidence to expand knowledge and enhance role performance
• Satisfy competency requirements for professional practice in their concentration area
• Partner with other disciplines to enhance interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, to achieve patient centered outcomes and improve continuity across health care settings
• Design ways to incorporate and manage change
• Participate in shared decision making that address risks, benefits and outcomes
• Integrate legal, ethical, and professional guidelines as standards for advanced nursing practice