Our Nursing Philosophy

We believe highly skilled and specialized nursing care is essential to Vanderbilt University Medical Center's mission of quality in patient care, education and research. We believe nursing is an applied art and science focused on helping people, families and communities reach excellent health and well-being.

Our guiding philosophy recognizes the inherent worth, dignity and uniqueness of every person. We involve patients and their families in decisions about their health, and we help them reach their top level of wellness.

We believe in constantly improving patient care, being quick to adapt our practices, and being flexible. We believe in the concept of Shared Governance whereby staff collaborate on nursing practice and the clinical work environment. We strive to communicate clearly, recognize nursing staff for excellence, and recruit and retain talented staff.

We believe research is vital for advancing clinical practice. As we evaluate ourselves, we improve patient care and add to our knowledge. We offer opportunities for advanced professional education and personal growth, which lead to better quality in nursing. We believe the future of nursing is in the synergy between service and education.


"I am a Vanderbilt Nurse"

Each nurse is a role model of quality professional practice. We are accountable for our practice, and we strive to exceed professional standards and ethical codes. We welcome the challenge of providing high-quality nursing care as members of a leading health care community.

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Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the only Magnet Designated Organization in the Middle TN area.