The University of Maine established the nursing program in 1939, creating the first baccalaureate program for nurses in Maine. The nursing program later became a School of Nursing in 1958. Their graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in Nursing was first offered in 1992. Originally developed as family nurse practitioner program, schools graduate options now include individualized programs of study (I-MSN). The Baccalaureate and Masters programs in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The BSN and MSN programs also are approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Mission Statement

The University of Maine School of Nursing, as a member of the flagship campus of the University of Maine System, provides leadership to improve health care and advance the discipline through education, scholarship and service. The members of the School value participation in a broader academic community that fosters excellence, self-reflection, accountability, respect for diversity and life-long learning.

The School of Nursing achieves this mission through excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, the holistic and compassionate care of individuals and communities, and the professional development of each member of the School within a nurturing environment. The School serves the people of Maine and beyond by providing academic programs that prepare graduates for practice in an ever changing health care environment. Baccalaureate and graduate programs focus on developing critical thinking and clinical decision making skills, understanding health care systems and becoming leaders within the profession.

Undergraduate program

Preparing nurses for the increasingly diverse and global health care system, where change is rapid and constant, is a challenge recognized and embraced by the University of Maine School of Nursing. Nurses educated for the 21st century must be prepared for continued change, expanded roles, a variety of health care settings, and use of technology. The School of Nursing undergraduate curriculum includes:

• Liberal arts courses, taken during the first two years, which are the foundation for developing critical thinking, decision-making ability, an appreciation for the individual, and developing respect for diversity of cultures.
• Physical and social sciences which provide the foundation for understanding human health.
• Nursing courses which provide the theoretical and scientific under pinning of promotion, maintenance and restoration of health across the life span.

RN Studies Program

The University of Maine School of Nursing RN Studies Program expands career options for registered nurses (RN) who possess the Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing. Building on prior education, clinical experience, and career goals, the program of study enables the RN to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSN) or Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN).

RN students may attend on a full or a part-time basis. The length of time necessary to complete a BSN or MSN depends on the number of transfer hours a student has completed and the number of credit hours planned for each semester. The curriculum sheet below may help you identify which of the courses you have completed.

Graduate Programs

The University of Maine School of Nursing developed its first graduate program in 1992 and the initial group of graduate students received their MSN in May 1994. For the first years, the MSN program focused on preparing the nurse for the advanced professional role of family nurse practitioner (FNP). Later, in response to the diverse graduate education needs of Maine nurses, their graduate program expanded to prepare nurses for professional roles such as nurse educator, nurse administrator, or other professional role. Graduate program faculty are expert practitioners in their field.

The University of Maine Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Orono Student Nurses Association

The Orono Student Nurses Association (OSNA) is a pre-professional organization for nursing students at the University of Maine. The service based mission of their organization empowers students to advocate for our school-based population and surrounding communities. Some of their past service efforts have included mentoring fellow nursing students through the Peer Mentor Program, delivering meals to home-bound individuals in the community, organizing annual health fairs and donor drives, and participating in activities such as the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life.

Tags: Nursing Careers, Nursing Colleges, Nursing School Courses, Nursing School Programs, Nursing Schools,

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