VUSN Student Handbook

About the School

Table of Contents

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

    The Master's of Science in Nursing, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Master of Nursing Program is currently undergoing initial accreditation in accordance with CCNE requirements and is expected to receive accreditation fall of 2024.

    Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    655 K Street NW, Suite 750
    Washington, DC 20001
    Phone: 202.887.6791
    Website: https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE

    Vanderbilt School of Nursing was a charter member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Nursing which later was incorporated into the National League for Nursing (NLN).

  • Midwifery Programs

    The nurse-midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). 

    Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
    c/o American College of Nurse-Midwives

    8403 Colesville Rd., Ste. 1230
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    Phone: 240.485.1800
    Website: https://www.midwife.org/acme

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

    Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, professional, and doctorate degrees. Vanderbilt University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

    Questions about the accreditation of Vanderbilt University may be directed in writing to:

    Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    1866 Southern Lane
    Decatur, GA 30033-4097

    You may also call (404) 679-4500 or use the information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

  • Tennessee Board of Nursing

    The programs offered by VUSN are fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

    State of Tennessee Department of Health
    Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation
    Division of Health-Related Boards
    665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
    Nashville, TN 37243

    Phone: 615.532.5166
    Website: http://tn.gov/health

  • U.S. Department of Education

    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202
    Phone: 1.800.872.5327
    Website: https://www.ed.gov/

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral components of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s purpose to promote excellence and innovation in education, practice, and research. The overarching goal of the VUSN diversity and inclusion strategic plan is “to transform diversity and inclusion within VUSN by enhancing the cultural climate across academics, faculty practice, research, and informatics among faculty, staff, and students.” VUSN’s diversity and inclusivity statement reflects the school’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

  • VUSN Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Statement

    At Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN), we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. We support our efforts with respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. To bring to life our vision of inclusive excellence, we seek to recruit, admit, hire, retain, promote, and support diverse and underrepresented groups of students, staff, and faculty. We value social justice and human rights. We embrace the plurality of humanity that composes our community including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and religion. We reject racism of any kind, be it systemic, institutional, or individual. We acknowledge the painful histories related to racism even within the nursing discipline, including education, practice, and research. We pledge to not let an unjust past continue to determine the future. We will enact practices which promote anti-racism and social justice across all entities within VUSN. We affirm the inherent worth of each individual in order to protect, promote, and optimize the health and abilities of all people. As educators of advanced practice nurses, nurse scholars, nurse leaders, and nurse faculty, we accept the responsibility to foster and graduate highly educated, culturally sensitive health care professionals who mirror the diverse populations they serve.

History

The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing opened in 1908, offering a three-year diploma program in nursing. The first Bachelor of Science degree was awarded in 1936, the first master’s degree in nursing in 1958, and the first Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2010. The School of Nursing was one of the nation's first nursing programs to incorporate nursing into a liberal arts degree. Having phased out its undergraduate degree program in 1989, the School offers a curriculum that enables PreSpecialty students (those from diverse backgrounds and with bachelor degrees) to move into the master’s level of study and prepare for careers in advanced practice nursing. The inaugural cohort for the school's new entry into nursing generalist program, Master of Nursing, matriculated in January 2023 and the first Master of Nursing degree was awarded May 2024. This professional degree results in a registered nurse prepared to meet the complex community and acute health needs. “U.S. News and World Report” (2025) ranked the Vanderbilt School of Nursing #4 for its master’s program and #15 for its DNP program in the Best Nursing Schools in the country. (Website: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools/vanderbilt-university-33271)

Mission Statement

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing advances nursing education, health equity, and well-being through scientific discovery, innovation, evidence-based care and lifelong learning.

Vision

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing will be the global leader in the transformation of health care and the nursing profession.

Core Values

  • Excellence
  • Kindness/civility
  • Inclusivity
  • Integrity/trust 

Skills and Simulation Lab

The Skills and Simulation Lab is located on the 3rd Floor of the School of Nursing building. VUSN houses a center for achieving and advancing skills in nursing science in a student-forward environment. From the acquisition of tactical skills to the application of progressing clinical reasoning, students are able to explore in a setting that is safe to grow and develop their nursing foundations. This space allows for students to be exposed to a variety of challenges in current healthcare settings through high-fidelity simulation and augmented or virtual reality environments. Students have the opportunity to test clinical reasoning and tactile skills that may not be experienced during their intensive training. From foundation refinement to specialty-specific competency building, the lab is a robust learning environment.

Opened in January 2019, the space consists of 13 bays equipped with the latest technology in simulation capture, advanced manikin simulators, and a variety of skill task trainers. Scenarios are brought to life by faculty working behind the scenes in “control rooms” who manage the variables consistent with diagnostic patterns for the application of knowledge, reasoning and skills. Each simulation session has three primary parts: pre-brief, scenario, and debrief. During pre-brief, students are prepped with learning objectives, scenario back story, and general participant expectations. With the help of suspended disbelief, the scenario and environment allow for the students to care for a person in the clinical setting. The scenario may be recorded or streamed to students in classrooms for observation. At the end of the scenario, participants gather for a debriefing of the event. This allows for student-led deeper learning, discussion, and reflection.

Simulation is a team sport, as is healthcare. The current simulation team consists of simulation nurses, informatics innovation researcher, simulation nurse informaticist, and a lab director. The team is guided by the standards set forth by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The team is dedicated to advancing the mission, vision, and values of the school and its students.