The School of Nursing graduate nursing program embraces the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021), Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, 6th Edition A Report of the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education (2021), and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ Nurse Practitioner Role Core Competencies (2022).
The Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program Outcomes at the University of Southern Maine are the ability to:
1. Synthesize and translate current and emerging knowledge to inform education, practice, research and policy as a scientific endeavor within nursing.
2. Evaluate nursing actions that promote-person centered care for individuals, families, and populations.
3. Apply evidence-based practices and scientific knowledge to improve care delivery, patient outcomes, and systems management.
4. Advance quality improvement and data driven metrics to inform change and policy recommendations at the micro and macro level.
5. Promote communication and interprofessional partnerships that leverage advocacy efforts, social justice initiatives, and cultural humility across settings.
6. Evaluate information and communication technologies that support quality of care among providers and patients at all system levels.
7. Model commitment to high-level wellness through personal, professional and leadership development.
8. Foster a practice environment grounded in theory and evidence that models leadership, professionalism, mentorship and resilience among nursing professionals.