The Nursing Program

History of the Nursing Program

At the beginning of World War II, the College developed a baccalaureate program to meet the needs of a nation at war. In 1957, this well-respected program was discontinued, its original objectives having been met. In the years that followed, there was a perceived need for a private baccalaureate nursing program in the Bronx. Following research, a feasibility study and consultation with baccalaureate nurse educators, administrators, and the National League for Nursing, plans for a new baccalaureate program were approved. The new program was designed to focus on family and community as well as on the individual. In March 1975, the program received permanent registration from the New York State Education Department. The first class of nursing majors entered the College in September 1975 and graduated May 1979. During the same year the program was granted full accreditation by the National League for Nursing. The baccalaureate nursing program offers courses of study for generic students and accelerated students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Mission of the School of Nursing

In keeping with the history, tradition, and mission of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, the mission of the School of Nursing is to educate and socialize students into the caring practice of the profession of nursing. Baccalaureate and master’s graduates are prepared to provide holistic and compassionate care. Our mission is carried out with a focus on academic and ethical development in a diverse and collaborative environment. The School cultivates in its graduates a respect and caring for the integrity of others, promotes a spirit of service and leadership, and fosters a commitment to life-long learning.

Introduction to the Profession

Welcome to this amazing profession! You may not yet hold a license, but the minute that you commit yourself to nursing education, you are a nurse. You are asking the patients in your care to trust you; you are promising the patients in your care that you will keep them safe; you are promising society that you are here to provide care, prevention of disease, promotion of health and intervention during illness. There is not one day in your professional life from this point forward where you will not make a difference in someone’s life. And I could not recommend a more satisfying way to spend a career.

You have decided to start your career here at The College of Mount Saint Vincent…wise decision! The professionals in this program who are here to shepherd you through these challenging months and years are the best and the brightest. They are the crème de la crème of nursing and nursing education, and they are committed to making you too, the best of the best!

The policies and procedures in this document are detailed and provide you with the rules and regulations that you will need to follow to make this educational journey a success!

Best to All of You!
Susan Apold, Ph.D., R.N., A.N.P.-B.C., G.N.P., F.A.A.N., F.A.A.N.P.