ABSN Program Vision and Mission

Our vision is to be a beacon of excellence in nursing education, shaping the future of healthcare through the relentless pursuit of better. We aspire to cultivate a community of nurses who are not only proficient in their clinical abilities but are also advocates for innovation, equity, and holistic patient well-being. Through collaborative partnerships and a forward-thinking curriculum, we aim to graduate nursing leaders who drive positive change, improve outcomes, and inspire others to join the pursuit of better in healthcare. 

Our mission is to empower aspiring healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to lead the pursuit of better in the ever-evolving field of nursing. We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to the highest standards of patient care. 

The philosophy of the Drake University Nursing Program is rooted in the belief that nursing is both an art and a science, grounded in human connection, compassion, and a commitment to the pursuit of better for individuals, families, and communities.  

Central to our philosophy is the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of background, culture, or circumstance. We embrace diversity and strive to cultivate an inclusive learning environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.  

We believe in the power of education to transform lives and shape the future of healthcare. Our program is designed to provide students with a rigorous academic foundation combined with hands-on clinical experience, fostering the development of critical thinking, clinical competence, and ethical decision-making skills.  

At the heart of our philosophy is a dedication to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice. We instill in our students a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for social justice, health equity, and the well-being of vulnerable populations.  

We embrace innovation and encourage our students to be lifelong learners, adaptable to change and committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in healthcare technology, research, and practice.

Above all, we believe that nursing is a calling—a noble profession that requires empathy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Through our program, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of nursing leaders who will continue the legacy of excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.  

1. Support professional nursing practice decisions with concepts and theories from the biological, physical and social sciences. (Domain 1: Knowledge for nursing practice) 
2. Apply nursing process and clinical judgment skills when providing holistic, person-centered nursing care for diverse populations with a commitment to equity and inclusion. (Domain 2: Person-centered care) 
3. Analyze the social determinants of health when planning population-focused nursing care with attention to outcomes, cost and equity to transform lives and strengthen communities. (Domain 3: Population health) 
4. Utilize methods of discovery to inform nursing practice and improve outcomes with curiosity and creativity. (Domain 4: Scholarship for the nursing discipline) 
5. Model leadership by acting with integrity and purpose when planning and implementing safe, quality nursing care, coordinating the health care team, and tasked with oversight and accountability for care management. (Domain 5: Quality and safety) 
6. Collaborate with patients, families and the interdisciplinary team with joyful accountability and a commitment to equity and inclusion to promote safe, quality outcomes while presuming the best in each other.  (Domain 6: Interprofessional partnerships) 
7. Employ the skills of a change agent to optimize system effectiveness through innovation and evidence-based practice with robust communication, collaboration and teamwork. (Domain 7: Systems-based practice) 
8. Use patient care technology and information systems when providing nursing care in a variety of settings. (Domain 8: Informatics and healthcare technologies) 
9. Comply with professional standards of moral, ethical and legal conduct in practice through civility, caring and respect. (Domain 9: Professionalism) 
10. Operationalize a commitment to life-long learning for quality practice to serve our communities with integrity, purpose and optimism about the future. (Domain 10: Personal, professional and leadership development)