Preparing Compassionate Nurses: Infusing School Mission and Values in Undergraduate Education.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Ethics
• Higher Education

Background:

• Curriculum revision requires understanding student perspectives on values integration.
• Faith-based traditions (Mercy and Jesuit) are integral to the institution's mission.
• Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs prepare future professional nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe senior-level BSN students' perspectives on the integration of Mercy and Jesuit values.
• To examine values integration in both didactic and clinical nursing courses.
• To inform curriculum revision efforts regarding faith-based values.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-method research design.
• Data collected from senior-level students in a pre-licensure BSN program.
• Exploration of student views on values and mission integration.

Main Results:

• Students strongly recognized the importance of the school's mission and values for their nursing careers.
• Evidence of values integration was found in the program.
• Students indicated a need for increased focus on mission and values within clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• While values integration is present, enhanced attention is necessary in clinical components of the BSN program.
• Student perspectives highlight the significance of faith-based values in professional nursing identity.
• Findings support targeted improvements in clinical education to better align with institutional values.