Philosophy

The Faculty of the Georgetown University School of Nursing (GUSON) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) & Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Programs, affirm the mission and vision of Georgetown University and its School of Nursing. We affirm the Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) Guidelines for Practice and Education and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Core Competencies. We affirm the ACNM Truth and Reconciliation Resolution and NPWH Position Statement on Structural Racism and Implicit Bias in Women’s Health Care that acknowledge past harms of our professions and current and ongoing commitment to justice.

We recognize WHNPs and midwives care for individuals, families, and communities. We embrace cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.”

We believe health care is a universal right, not a privilege, and that access to high-quality health care promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. We affirm that no individuals or communities should experience discrimination or barriers to accessing excellent health care due to their race, ethnicity, sex, gender, size, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, socioeconomic status, location, ability, or any other characteristic. Health care should promote health equity and address health disparities in a respectful and inclusive way to support human flourishing. Health care must be characterized by shared decision-making and respect for self-determination recognizing each person as the expert in their own health and well-being.

We believe WHNPs and midwives must engage in self-reflection of their beliefs, attitudes, biases, practices, and abilities. This includes active participation to unlearn racist or discriminatory thoughts and behaviors, reduce health disparities, address social determinants of health, and promote health equity. We believe learning is best achieved in a respectful environment in which students and educators engage with the diversity of our community, have meaningful discussions, and explore the world around them.

We affirm the importance of the critical evaluation of emerging evidence to update clinical practice. WHNPs and midwives continually update our clinical practice through integration of emerging evidence, and engaging with the communities we serve to better understand and meet their needs.

We affirm our responsibility to identify, address, and atone for the existence of racism and other forms of oppression within our institution and educational environment. We share a collective responsibility to serve as role models and mentors. We offer support and encouragement to enable our students to become excellent clinical scholars and effective health care leaders who advocate for positive change at the clinical, community, institutional, and systemic levels. We expect all members of the learning community to critically engage, reflect on complex questions and problem solve. We are committed to engaging in leadership and scholarship, advancing research, and elevating advanced practice nursing and midwifery.

Revised and approved October 2021

Mission and Goals Statement

The Georgetown University’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Programs will produce transformative leaders who are committed to the promotion of health equity and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities throughout the world.

The mission of Georgetown University’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Programs is to prepare WHNPs and midwives to be excellent health care providers and advocates. Our program develops clinical leaders in a safe, inclusive, supportive, and affirming hybrid learning environment. We are committed to the pursuit of social justice, excellence, innovation, and accountability in teaching, practice, scholarship, and research.

Revised and approved October 2021

Terminal Objectives

The terminal objectives of the Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Programs are that the student will:

  • Integrate ethical principles and clinical excellence in midwifery and WHNP practice.
  • Be a competent, safe, beginning practitioner.
  • Continue to develop the role of the midwife and WHNP and promote the profession of midwifery and WHNP.
  • Use research skills and a scholarly approach to assist in the development and validation of midwifery and nursing science.
  • Integrate theoretical and scientific concepts that influence leadership in midwifery and WHNP practice roles consistent with education, practice, and research.
  • Participate in the process of health policy development for continued improvement of health care systems.
  • Engage in life-long learning and the professional development of self and others.
  • Practice in a manner that honors and respects the cultural beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of the women and families served.

Revised and approved: October 2015

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