The baccalaureate program in nursing has a twofold purpose: to prepare competent nurses who will meet the needs of society and to develop the potential for leadership in nursing graduates. These purposes constitute the beliefs of the nursing faculty and are in alignment with the mission and goals of the university.

The nursing profession has an explicit responsibility to society to work in ways to positively influence the safety, health, and welfare of the public. This requires the development of students who are grounded in professional values, ethical behaviors and concepts of patient-centered care. A patient-centered care approach assures that every situation encountered in nursing practice is viewed, reflected on, and acted upon while keeping the patient at the center. This occurs because the nurse recognizes the importance of individual mind-body-spirit connections to relationships with families, groups, and communities in the acquisition of health, wellness, safety, and dignity in a variety of environmental settings. Inherent to patient-centered care is the development of competent nurses who use critical thinking, and are skilled in assessment, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing evaluation techniques. It is also imperative that nurses understand and incorporate a continual dialogue and collaboration with patients, families, groups, communities, and health care professionals in providing effective, comprehensive care.

As the first level of professional nursing practice, the baccalaureate graduate embraces a leadership role through advocacy and professional development. Advocacy begins at the bedside and extends to organizational and community settings. The development of leadership skills calls for nurses who can embrace and deliver change processes while honoring the best traditions and practices that already exist. BSN graduates will also exhibit professional leadership through continued lifelong learning and sharing knowledge and expertise as a means of developing others.

In order to prepare competent nurse leaders, faculty embrace behaviors such as role modeling and mentoring to develop an environment of learning that respects diversity, life experience, and individual attributes and abilities. Students and faculty have a mutual responsibility to create and foster an environment which is intellectually stimulating and respectful. Students are responsible for learning and faculty are responsible for delivering an innovative program that is aimed at assisting students to achieve program outcomes.