Vision
Our goal is to be a national leader among academic health centers. We are building on our traditional missions of patient care, education and research; creating innovation in nursing and in the delivery of health care; adapting our organization to succeed in a changing environment; and working collaboratively as partners with our professional colleagues, and individuals, communities and organizations we serve.

Philosophy of Nursing
Nursing is an art and a science dedicated to improving the physical and psychological well-being of patients. The Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care supports the practice of nursing within the service, education, and research mission of the University of Iowa, the Health Sciences colleges, and UI Hospitals and Clinics, in order to benefit patients, the people of Iowa, and the health care professions. We are committed to excellence in Practice, Education, Informatics, Research, and Administration.

We provide care to patients and their families in a respectful, caring manner. We deliver care which is appropriate, effective, efficient, and aimed toward specific outcomes. To facilitate care delivery and to achieve desired patient outcomes, we foster positive working relationships with other members of the health care team. We reach out to our community network and integrated delivery system by responding to service needs and contributing to the education of our partners in health care.

We provide education that empowers patients, families, and staff to make decisions about health care. We promote a learning environment for staff. Our staff participates in all aspects of education, including professional development; role modeling professional behavior; sharing expertise with colleagues; and assisting patients and families in understanding their health status, their care, and choices that affect their health. We value academic education, and we support staff members who seek advanced education. Our interactive relationships with the University of Iowa College of Nursing and with the other health science colleges enhance the educational component of our practice environment.

We provide information systems that serve users by making data readily accessible for clinical and management decision making, quality improvement, education, and research. We support the development of efficient electronic systems that enhance communication among staff and facilitate the flow of patient information throughout the enterprise.

We improve the quality of care by assuring that patients and families receive nursing care which has been demonstrated by research to improve outcomes. We are committed to an environment which fosters scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and adoption of innovations. Research is an integral component of nursing practice and clinical decision making. To achieve our goals, it is essential for staff to generate new knowledge and use evidence to improve patient outcomes.

We work to achieve the goals of the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Nursing Administration works to create an environment which promotes data-based decision-making, supports participative management, and fosters innovation. Staff provide quality, cost-effective care in an environment where they are recognized for excellence in clinical practice and achievements in education, informatics, and research.