Integrative Nursing and Health Sciences Initiatives for the 21st Century: Vision and Pedagogy at One Jesuit University

Abstract

The powerful and complex mandates arising from reports such as The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health and Health Professionals for a New Century: Transforming Education to Strengthen Health Systems in an Interdependent World challenge colleges and universities to reconsider how they deliver nursing education. Future healthcare professionals require greater focus on interdisciplinary, team-based, interprofessional, community-based, and international experiences. For Jesuit colleges and universities, these demands are added to—though also complement—our longstanding and deep commitment to ensure Catholic mission and identity are embodied in teaching, learning, and service in nursing programs. This article describes how these mandates are inspiring innovations in our nursing programs, and guiding our integrative health sciences initiatives for all students. Emphasis is on reducing global health inequities, improving healthcare literacy for all students, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborative research. Several challenges are identifi ed for successful implementation and sustainability.