Facts About the Program

A Short History of the School of Nursing

Founded as a 3 year Diploma School in 1899 by the Sisters of St. Frances of Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph Hospital Training School for Nurses became part of the only Catholic hospital in the state of Rhode Island, which had been opened in 1892. The first graduation occurred in 1902, with 5 nurses receiving diplomas. In the early part of the 1900s, the word "Training" was removed from the school name.

In 1912, Rhode Island put into law the states first Nurse Practice Act, and soon after St. Joseph received its first state approval as a nursing education program.

In 1937 the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny New York took over the administration of the hospital and school of nursing and remained with the hospital until the early 70s.

A formal affiliation was signed with Providence College in 1951, allowing students from the school to take their biological and social sciences at the college. In spite of the affiliation being in effect for nearly 20 years, it was not until 1973 that students began receiving college credits for these courses, giving them a springboard to further their education.

Early in 1973 St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing moved to Marian Hall at the Fatima Unit following the condemning of the 75-year-old residence and classroom facilities at the Providence Unit. Shortly after the move the school became a commuter school .

With the trend in nursing requiring further education for diploma graduates, the school entered into an articulation agreement with Salve Regina University in Newport in 1992. The university agreed to accept all of the graduates nursing and science courses in transfer, allowing them an easier transition into the BSN Program. In 1995 science courses were moved into Rhode Island College, where an established RN to BSN program afforded graduates a second option for easier course transfer and transition towards pursuing a nursing degree.

A curriculum revision which occurred in 1996 gives the student exposure to the varied settings in which professional nurses practice their art. Classroom and clinical activities are structured to include group and individual assignments, student presentations and the use of the Learning Resource Center which is comprised of state of the art Nursing Arts and Computer Labs as well as a Health Sciences Library and an Audiovisual Lab. This new design provides opportunities for students with varied learning needs.

St. Joseph School of Nursing has always been an integral part of its parent organization: from St. Joseph Hospital in the early years, to the present St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island. It is strongly supported by the Board of Trustees with administrative access through the President and Chief Executive Officer. The program has provided states throughout the country and countries throughout the world with more than 2300 competent professional nurses for 100 years, each carrying with them the pride and proud heritage of the pin they wear, along with the commitment, dedication, and excellence of the "St. Joes Grad".

Mission Statement

The mission of St. Joseph School of Nursing is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies to promote and restore health by functioning as an entry level professional nurse in acute, chronic, and community health care settings in an ever changing health care environment.

Vision

The School of Nursing will fulfill its mission by implementing a cost-effective, quality education program that is guided by, and in accordance with, the values of the Faculty and those of our governing organization.

Values

The Faculty of the School of Nursing embraces:

• a belief in the Judeo Christian philosophy which recognizes the diversity and personal worth of every individual
  
  
• the necessity for the educational process to incorporate commitment and accountability of both student and teacher. We recognize learning as a life long process that requires knowledge, communication skills, psychomotor skills, and critical thinking, all of which will result in behavioral changes.
  
  
• the recognition that the student is the center of the educational program. The teacher, as the facilitator of learning, selects resources including technology, and provides the setting and direction for the student to pursue both guided and independent learning. Outcome based assessment, an integral part of the process, is used to determine student progress and to contribute to program improvement.
  
  
• the belief that nursing is a process, which provides a unique function in assisting an individual, sick or well, in the performance of activities contributing to health, to recovery, or to a peaceful death. We further believe that nursing as a process is directed toward the holistic individual, the family and the community. It encompasses interpersonal relationships, assessments, decisions based on critical thinking, plans of care, implementation, and evaluation.
  
  
• the need to respond to the expressed health care needs of the community by preparing competent practitioners of nursing who are able to deal with the evolving needs of society and the nursing profession.

School Goals

The graduate of this school:

• Carries out responsibilities of an entry level professional nurse in acute, chronic or community health care settings.
  
  
• Uses the nursing process to meet the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the client.
  
  
• Assists the client in initiating measures to maintain and achieve the highest level of wellness.
  
  
• Is accountable for personal and professional growth through life long learning.
  
  
• Accepts ethical and legal responsibilities inherent in the practice of nursing.