Strategic Plan 2004 – 2009
Executive Summary
(April 5, 2007)

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Nursing and Health Studies is to educate students and support faculty committed to excellence in the art and science of nursing and health studies through creating and disseminating health knowledge and developing culturally competent leaders to provide service to our community, the nation and the world.

Vision Statement

To be recognized as an innovative world center for excellence in nursing and health studies education, scholarship and research.  To be one of the top twenty-five most distinguished schools of nursing in the country.

Strategic Plan Overview

The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies strives to improve human health through strategic initiatives in the areas of multidisciplinary evidence-based research, education programs, and outreach efforts that serve the local and global community.

1.  Research

Nurse scientists have improved the quality of client care through the investigation of nursing practice issues.  Nursing science has provided the foundation to launch nursing into a high impact discipline that can improve the quality of health care.  The future needs of society demand nurse researchers prepared in an environment that promotes and supports research.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies contributes to the health of society through nursing science and research with the through the following strategic initiatives:

  • Development of an Office for Nursing Research that supports faculty and student research endeavors.
  • Creation of internal research teams focused strategically on the areas of maternal and child health, patient safety, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, and health disparities.
  • Expansion of existing international research efforts to encompass additional global partners with a special focus on the Caribbean and Latin America.
  • Strengthening ties to partners and community agencies through the creation of a South Florida Nursing Research Consortium.
  • Enhancement of faculty and student research efforts through resources and services in the areas of grantwriting, mentoring, and financial support.
  • Ongoing review of school-based research priorities and opportunities for collaboration with other partners including University of Miami departments.

 

2.  Education

Quality nursing education is fundamental to quality health care.  Nursing education must remain flexible and innovative to meet the changing needs of society.  The shortage of nurses and nursing faculty provides vast opportunities for the development of dynamic educational programs created with foresight to provide the professional nurse with the vision and abilities for the future healthcare environment.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies endeavors to develop and implement clinically current nursing and health science programs reflecting the changing nature of the profession and addressing the changing needs of society through the following strategic initiatives:

  • On the faculty level, by recruiting expert clinicians and scientists capable of providing the highest quality education to students in both practice and research settings.
  • At the doctoral program level, by the recruitment and support of students and nurse scientists capable of conducting evidence-based research at the highest levels.
  • At the master’s program level, by the recruitment and support of students and faculty capable of excellence in nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, and the practitioner specialties of family, acute care, adult, women’s health, and psychiatric mental health.
  • At the baccalaureate program level, by the recruitment and support of exceptional students in the nursing and health science programs.
  • At all program levels, by ongoing review of curricula and program objectives.

 

3.  Community Outreach

As Miami is a “Gateway to Latin America,” so too is health care a bridge between cultures and communities.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies will continue to capitalize on its unique expertise in education and research to enhance collaboration between and among community partners locally and globally through the following strategic initiatives:

  • Establishment of a WHO/PAHO Center for Nursing Workforce Development and Patient Safety focusing on the Western Hemisphere.
  • Expansion of national and international workforce development initiatives through the resources of the school’s International Academy for Clinical Simulation and Research.
  • Expansion of winter and summer international “mini-mester” programs and outreach in Chile and Haiti.
  • Expansion of current faculty exchange with Chile to include other global partners.
  • Encouragement and support of the school’s student organizations that engage in community service activities on a regular basis.