Mission of the Nursing Program at the Graduate Level

The mission of the graduate nursing program is designed for professional nurses to prepare them to advance nursing knowledge and abilities generally and in a specific functional area.  The master’s curriculum is based on the philosophy of the
School of Nursing and Wagner College.

It is organized around key concepts of nursing, health, individual, and environment.  Students in the program have the opportunity to expand their knowledge base, synthesize knowledge into new concepts and theories, test theories, create new ideas and processes, and apply them in nursing practice. Students are given the opportunity to learn strategies of leadership and change in order to improve nursing practice and the health status of society.  The graduate student is prepared in the role areas of nurse educator or family nurse practitioner.  The program prepares its graduates to actively participate in improving the delivery of health care, conducting research, and acquiring a foundation for doctoral study.

Objectives of the Graduate Program: 

At the completion of the program students will be able to:

1.     evaluate nursing practice as it influences the quality of services provided within the health care system;
2.     analyze nursing theories and strategies in practice to promote, restore, and maintain the optimal level of
      health of populations across the life span;
3.     use research to improve nursing practice;
4.     function as catalysts for change in collegial roles with other health professionals to improve the health care
      delivery system.
5.     demonstrate leadership roles by functioning as:
      a)     nurse educators in collegiate nursing programs or staff development programs; or
      b)     family nurse practitioners;
6.     promote responsibility and accountability in themselves and others in their role as educators and
      practitioners.