Department of Nursing

The Southern Utah University Department of Nursing is a nationally recognized Baccalaureate Nursing Program, providing quality innovative nursing education that efficiently and effectively meets the needs of students and the regional community.

We offer a learning-centered education that meets the requirements for baccalaureate and graduate degrees at SUU and ensures that graduates have the abilities to be successful, excellent, professional nurses. The purpose of the Department of Nursing is to provide learning opportunities that engage students in a comprehensive program of classroom and experiential learning that emphasizes caring, critical thinking, patient safety, ethical decision making, and communication, civic responsibility and professional excellence.

1. To prepare graduates to successfully enter professional nursing practice and graduate school by offering well-planned and pedagogically sound learning experiences that explore diverse cultures and ideas. Courses are focused on authentic, meaningful engagements that develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, and ethical decision making.
2. To develop technically proficient nurses by offering students hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art health care equipment, one-on-one instructional experiences and varied hands-on clinical practicum opportunities that include intentional and transformative learning experiences.
3. To excel in its commitment to high-quality outcomes and student achievements by supporting faculty members as health care professionals.  Faculty will demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarly endeavors, practice, and professional community service and provide leadership in nursing practice by fostering good teaching, encouraging participation in clinical practice, professional service, and  scholarly engagement.

MSN in Leadership and Administration Program Goals 

1. To prepare graduates to become successful in critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and decision-making abilities of a nurse leader with an advanced degree. 
2. To prepare graduates for advanced nursing roles in leadership and healthcare. 

3. To develop proficient nurse leaders with an academic foundation necessary to pursue doctoral education. 

1. Provide quality professional nursing care based on a synthesis of theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing, physical and social sciences, arts and humanities, and life experiences.
2. Use evidence as the basis for clinically competent contemporary nursing care.
3. Communicate effectively using various means in a variety of roles and settings.
4. Optimize health care to diverse individuals, families, groups and communities through collaboration with interdisciplinary health care teams.
5. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation toward life-long learning.
6. Influence the quality of nursing and health care using leadership skills, management concepts, and a knowledge of the political system.
7. Be legally and ethically accountable for clinical nursing practice.
8. Assume the role of generalist nurse and become a responsible member of the profession.

Upon completion of the Southern Utah University Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration Program, graduates will be able to do the following:

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other health-related sciences as the foundation for nursing leadership.
2. Lead change through interprofessional care teams to improve quality outcomes.
3. Demonstrate leadership to advance a culture of excellence through lifelong learning.
4. Navigate and integrate care services across the healthcare system.
5. Design innovative nursing practices and translate evidence into practice.
6. Demonstrate ethical and culturally responsive leadership.