Service, hospitality, discipline, prayer, and respect for persons and community are Benedictine values that are woven throughout the curricula at the University Of Mary. The value of scholarship, wisdom, and strong ethical, and moral formation cannot be overstated in today's healthcare environment.
Benedictine Values
University of Mary Graduate Competencies
The following four areas are the focus of the University of Mary graduate programs competencies
Communication
Graduates are engaging and effective communicators demonstrated by employing collaborative dialogue and adapting language to resonate with multiple audiences and/or cultures. Their communication reflects a strong command of their field due to the accurate application of disciplinary standards and fusion of disciplinary frameworks and evidence into oral and written works. Developing practicum objectives independently and creating practicum learning experiences with leadership mentors is an excellent approach to learning communication skills and interprofessional collaboration. In order to reach the 1000 hours of practicum required, NUR855 Leadership Practicum was repeated for 3 semesters, incorporating new projects, mentors and objectives into each course.
Moral Courage
Graduates clarify, support, or defend what is right and true, whether reached by faith or reason, when confronted by opposing actions or viewpoints in order to serve an understanding of the truth and to promote a culture of human dignity, justice and virtue. The incorporation of Benedictine Values woven throughout coursework helps graduates build a deep appreciation for the underprivileged and the underserved. With an understanding that every individual is worthy of care, compassion, dignity, and respect, course discussion expanded awareness of populations in need. Required course reading about the need for professional moral courage in nursing leadership. A Socratic Seminar in NUR 916 surrounding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging raised awareness of the need for moral courage and care of the vulnerable in our society. Community needs assessment, outreach and local "missions" can provide free healthcare and address food insecurity to raise population health through trust building and outreach.
Professional Distinction
Graduates are servant leaders committed to excellence in their professions and communities. Students integrate knowledge and skills in the applicable discipline for professional services and/or contributions to society. They integrate applicable ethical principles and synthesize supporting reasons/evidence for decision making. Students pursue the common good by prioritizing the needs of, cultivating the growth of , others above their own circumstances and aspirations.
Scholarship
Graduates conduct research or evidence-based practice to develop degree-appropriate knowledge of scholarship. Students display the skills and dispositions essential to effectively conduct evidence-based practice or research and produce scholarship, They develop a professional philosophy grounded in scholarship.
Research and scholarship are crucial to advancing patient safety, and delivering high quality care, cost effective, efficient care. Learning to obtain research on new topics expands the ability to think critically. Scholarship was deeply developed over the course of the year-long DNP project. The project was a culmination of one full year of literature search, appraisal of evidence, organizational needs, determination of the problem, and working with stakeholders. Writing the paper and developing the project with a partner was an opportunity to expand collaboration skills and mature both personally and professionally.
The development of essential leadership qualities in each student prepares that student to work courageously and effectively for the common good, is Servant Leadership. The University of Mary, promotes an environment in which students have the freedom to discover their gifts and develop characteristics critical to leadership, so that they may use those talents to serve those around them.~
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The two Benedictine Values that had the greatest impact on my DNP journey were the
values of:
~Discipline in scholarly research
~Honoring and respecting all persons to improve patient care and foster collegial relationships.
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While it has always been my nature to help others, learning to help others through leadership and scholarship were refined during my DNP educational experience. Through assignments that required self-reflection and scholarly writing I learned to broaden my perspective and reach inward to become a better leader. Research and critical appraisal as part of a year long DNP project became engrained in my practice. Listening, compassion, empathy, and expertise were modeled by my instructors. There were two electives I could choose between to fulfill my one elective requirement. I took both, NUR (850) 750 Teaching and Learning In Nursing, and NUR 860 The Nurse Executive. I was hungry for the knowledge in each course after I read the course descriptions. I felt that this was an opportunity to maximize learning and growth potential. I benefitted greatly from both the course content and my instructors in each class.
NUR 750 Teaching and Learning in Nursing
NUR750 Teaching Plan
The assignment detailed the application of emotional intelligence to the charge nurse role. A nature inspired plan to teach the concepts of teamwork and collaboration to be effective as a novice charge nurse, based upon an example from nature of teamwork that enables survival in one of the harshest environments on earth... Antarctica. Leadership through adversity requires stamina and resilience and this perspective has given me the courage to seek leadership opportunities that are well aligned with my personal and professional goals. Leading others through education is personally and professionally rewarding.
NUR750 Analysis of Lecture as a Teaching Method
The assignment reviewed the rationale, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of lecture as a method to teach adult learners, and strategies to enhance this method of teaching. This course reinforced for me why I love lecture as both a learning method as a student, and a teaching method as an instructor. The development of the paper prepared me for new considerations to review in my own teaching methods across content. This course also reinforced my love for developing educational content to make complex topics understandable, and how the use of simulation and lecture both appeal widely to my teaching philosophy to promote competence and confidence in nursing students and novice nurses.
NUR 860 The Nurse Executive
NUR 860 Collaborative Leadership Assessment
A collaborative Leadership Assessment based upon self and colleague evaluation of strengths and opportunities for growth. I learned to look at myself in an open manner and seek truthful feedback from trusted colleagues. I found that some of my knowledge was validated about my strengths, and the caution to be taken when the strengths are taken to the extreme. I learned that I am self-aware enough to identify and acknowledge my own areas of opportunity for growth, and to trust my instincts and abilities as I seek a position in nursing education in which I can make a meaningful impact to the nursing profession and patient care.
NUR 860 Leadership Plan
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The process of development of my own leadership plan involved self-reflection and introspection on my strengths, opportunities and goals for personal and professional growth as a nurse leader. I am eager to see the next part of my nursing journey and I am energized to work to meet the challenges of healthcare today: nursing shortages and the need for innovation in healthcare.
