School of Nursing

Educating nurses for over 50 years.

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The Power of Compassion

Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees. From face-to-face instruction to online learning, the Graceland School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the health care needs of our communities.

 

Our Awards Speak For Themselves

Graceland was named the #1 Best Online RN-BSN Program in Missouri and the #6 Best RN Program in Iowa. Additionally, the school received a designation in 2020 as a Nursing Diversity Champion from Minority Nurse and the Family Nurse Practitioner program was recognized one of the best online nursing programs in the nation.

2021 Best Online Family Nurse Practitioners program2024 Best Online Master's Degrees

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Our Mission

The mission of the nursing program is to create learning communities where professional nursing students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives as generalists and advanced practice specialists.

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Our Goals And Values

Promote the Achievement

of the mission of the university and the School of Nursing.

Provide an Education

that prepares students according to professional nursing standards, including The Essentials of Baccalaureate and Master’s Nursing Education, and that meets the needs of communities of interest.

Utilize Teaching & Learning Practices

implemented by faculty who are academically and experientially qualified and who are effective teachers engaged in scholarship and service.

Provide a Foundation

for advanced study in nursing.

Prepare a Graduate

who has met the expected student outcomes of a program, including licensure and certification.

Prepare a Graduate

who is satisfied with the educational preparation provided within the learning community and elicits satisfaction from communities of interest, including employers of graduates.

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Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Are you considering colleges with undergraduate nursing programs? Graceland is one of the premier nursing schools in the Midwest that offers an 18 and 24 month traditional face-to-face BSN-RN program in a campus setting. And for the busy RN we have online options to pursue your bachelor’s degree and a combined program that will allow you to earn our bachelor’s and master degree faster. Whether you’re just starting out and looking to complete a BSN program in a campus setting, or a busy working RN looking at online options, we have an option that is right for you.

Nursing: BSN-RN (on-campus)

Nursing: RN-BSN (online degree completion)

Nursing: RN-BSN-MSN (online degree completion)

BSN-RN Handbook (pdf)  |  RN-BSN Handbook (pdf)

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Online Graduate Nursing Programs

The world of nursing is constantly changing, and for 50 years, Graceland has been changing with it by dedicating ourselves to providing the most up-to-date online graduate nursing programs and content possible.

Nursing: MSN-FNP

Nursing: MSN-AGACNP

Nursing: MSN-PMHNP

Nursing: DNP

Graduate Handbook (PDF)

Graceland University School of Nursing accepts students from states in which they are approved to offer practicum experiences in preparation to become certified as a Nurse Practitioner. To find out whether Graceland is approved to accept students from your state, please contact bbell1@graceland.edu; for more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please contact the appropriate state board of nursing.

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NPHub Helps You Find MSN Preceptors

Graceland has partnered with NPHub, a technology company specializing in pairing MSN nursing students with experienced preceptors for their clinical practicum placements. Through its innovative marketplace platform, NPHub considers the nature of the clinical rotation, gives you access to geographical preferences, and specific areas of interest.

Finding clinical practicum placements is one of the most challenging parts of completing your coursework. Graceland’s relationship with NPHub gives you access to clinical placements that are critical for your success.

Goals and Philosophy

Welcome to Graceland University School of Nursing. Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees. Delivery options include face-to-face and online learning modalities.  The School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, the Graceland University School of Nursing is dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the health care needs of our communities.

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Goals

The School of Nursing strives to:

  1. Promote the achievement of the mission of the University and the School of Nursing.
  2. Provide curricula that prepare students according to professional nursing standards, including The Essentials of Baccalaureate and Master’s Nursing Education, and that meets the needs of communities of interest.
  3. Utilize teaching learning practices implemented by faculty who are academically and experientially qualified and who are effective teachers engaged in scholarship and service.
  4. Provide a foundation for advanced study in nursing.
  5. Prepare a graduate who has met the expected student outcomes of a program, including licensure/certification.
  6. Prepare a graduate who is satisfied with the educational preparation provided within the learning community.
  7. Prepare a graduate who elicits satisfaction from communities of interest, including employers of graduates.
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Philosophy Statement

As an integral part of Graceland University, the School of Nursing was framed by Christian beliefs as set forth in the Value Statements of the University that  further enhance the achievement of University General Education Goals by nursing students.

The goal of the nursing program is to enable students to become professional nurses who respect and care about the worth of all individuals, who are capable of thinking critically, and who can provide quality nursing care in diverse settings to individuals, families, communities and societies within the global health environment. Consequently, the School of Nursing educates students to become professional nurses who synthesize and apply concepts from the liberal arts, nursing curricula, and nursing practice.

As reflective practitioners, professional nurses apply the nursing process in a holistic and caring way to promote the optimal health of individuals, families, and communities. The roles of the professional nurse include Learner, Clinician, and Leader. Development within each role occurs along a novice-to-expert level continuum.

Learning is life-long. Learners possess intellectual curiosity fostered by the incorporation of current research findings (evidence) in their nursing practice. Clinicians provide competent, holistic care across the lifespan. Nurse Leaders collaborate with other health disciplines to develop policies and institute changes in healthcare.

Professional Nursing Standards, the AACN Essentials for BSN and MSN Education, and the missions, goals, and philosophies of the University and School of Nursing guide curricular development and delineation of expected student learning outcomes. Curricula are developed to instill professional nursing values and a commitment to Evidence-Based practice. Effective learning is best facilitated by employment of active learning and self-reflective strategies.

Central to the mission, goals, and curricular design of Graceland University’s School of Nursing programs is the development and achievement of student learning outcomes necessary for practice as baccalaureate generalist nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse educators. All graduates are expected to achieve student learning outcomes related to higher level thinking, communication, and nursing role performance.

Entry into professional nursing begins with education at the baccalaureate level. At all levels the educational process is a shared endeavor between students and faculty. Opportunities for theoretical and experiential learning are provided in an atmosphere that stimulates each learner. The faculty support learning communities for traditional as well as nontraditional students. Each student has the right and responsibility to develop his/her highest personal and professional potential.

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Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

The Graceland Pi Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing was chartered in March, 2000. STTI has a total of 520 chapters and over 135,000 active, dues-paying members who live in more than 90 different countries. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is a prestigious organization that provides many exciting opportunities for nurses around the world. Students are invited into the honor society based on academic achievement and academic integrity. Explore www.nursingsociety.org for more information about Sigma Theta Tau.

View Graceland's Pi Eta Chapter
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Over 50 Years of Graceland Nursing

Graceland University’s history as an institution for educating nurses dates back more than 50 years. Originally a diploma program that was a partnership with the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital, Graceland’s nursing program has been a leader for decades. 1968 – 69 marked the first cohort of students in the baccalaureate program and, over 50 years later, the School of Nursing continues to produce graduates who are empathetic, committed to patient care and among the most respected in the profession.

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The clinical training that the nursing program offered played a key role in securing professionally advancing employment right after graduation. Dr. Little-Stoetzel taught critical care nursing and I took her lessons with me all throughout my nursing career, my DNP training program, and into my career as a CRNA. I remember one night working in the ICU with a fellow Graceland graduate, and at one point in the craziness of the situation my friend and I laughed and said we would be making Dr Little-Stoetzel so proud!
Jordan Mark '14 CRNA, US Army Nursing
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A Graceland instructor shared this advice and it has stuck with me throughout my career: It takes a nurse to save your life. I am the eyes at the bedside for the doctors. I assess and must have the knowledge to point out when something doesn't seem right. People come to me not feeling their best. I'm here to be a voice for them, to be an advocate for them, to get them back to feeling their best.
Krishelle Ivory, FNP '10 Nurse Practitioner, Liberty Care Center, Spira Care Nursing
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Graceland's hands-on learning experience and experienced professors made the experience valuable. The in-clinical experience and practicum was most useful to me.
Falon Giles '14 Critical Care RN Nursing
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Graceland helped me realize my individual potential as a learner. The nursing school's faculty and administration always made me feel like they wanted me to succeed. Building on their support, I've had the confidence to apply myself and get into a competitive overseas nurse training program.
Claudia Higdon Tang '20 Healthcare Support Worker, Addenbrooke's Hospital and BMI Nursing
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The Latest School of Nursing News

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Press Release

School of Nursing Ranked Second in Iowa for Nurse Practitioners

October 25, 2024

Graceland University is proud to announce that its School...

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Faculty, Students

Nothing For Granted

August 30, 2024

The Graceland University School of Nursing maintains a long-standing...

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Press Release

Graceland Named Top 10 Online Nursing Program by Forbes

April 17, 2024

The Graceland University School of Nursing received an impressive...

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Faculty

Jackson Presents at Missouri Immunization Coalition

March 1, 2024

Dr. Shawnna Jackson, Associate Professor of Nursing, presented at...

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Students

A Path of Professional Growth

February 8, 2024

With incredible passion and commitment, Graceland University School of...

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Students

Celebrating A Difference

December 22, 2023

When they celebrated Fall commencement and headed into the...

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Accreditation Information

 


The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Graceland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa and Missouri State Boards of Nursing.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Accreditation Logo

Graceland University has been approved by Iowa to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) Logo

 

The right accreditation helps ensure that you are receiving a quality education. Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Graceland School of Nursing selected CCNE to be their accrediting body due to it’s rigorous standards and respect within the academic and health care communities.

In accordance with Missouri requirements (Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 335.046; 20 CSR 2200-4.020,1D) completion of the Graceland BSN degree does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination since all applicants must be approved by the Board and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the State Board of Education, as well as the basic professional curriculum at Graceland. A complete copy of the State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act 335.066 can be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. A resource for information regarding tuition, fees, and length of program is: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

You may contact our accrediting bodies at the following addresses:
HLC: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800-621-7440.
CCNE: 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

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