This paper examines the mission statements, values, and organizational visions of a major research university's College of Nursing and Kaiser Permanente healthcare organization. The analysis reveals how state-supported nursing programs balance research, education, and clinical practice differently than non-profit healthcare systems. Despite distinct organizational structures, both institutions prioritize nurse leadership, continuous learning, and quality healthcare delivery. The paper demonstrates alignment between the comprehensive, research-intensive preparation of university-trained nurses and the learning-organization culture that Kaiser Permanente cultivates in its operations.
[University] is known for its world-class academic programs, including the professional preparation and training provided through the College of Nursing. State-supported colleges and universities are somewhat unique in their missions and goals, differing from private colleges in their dedication to service within their state and inclusiveness in student body diversity. While state-supported universities may serve fewer place-bound students, they draw from across their respective states and typically also attract out-of-state students who attend on full-ride scholarships to offset the steep tuitions imposed on non-resident students. This broader geographic reach and commitment to public service fundamentally shapes how state universities design their academic programs and define their institutional identity.
The formal mission statement for the College of Nursing at [University] reflects the institution's comprehensive educational mandate:
"The mission of the College of Nursing is to prepare nurse leaders and to be forerunners in the discovery, dissemination and application of nursing knowledge. As a state supported higher degree program in nursing, the college is committed to preparing nurse clinicians, scholars, and educators to meet the health needs of the people of Iowa. As part of a research intensive university, the College of Nursing supports its research mission through national and international leadership in innovative educational and practice programs and the generation of new knowledge."
The grounding of the College of Nursing at [University] is evident in its three-pronged mission statement, which is lengthier and more complex than the mission statements of many comparable colleges and universities. The first component of the mission emphasizes leadership, discovery, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. From this, it is apparent that nursing programs at [University] have a research arm and a scholarly bent that differs from institutions primarily focused on clinic-based nursing practice. Nursing education programs with this multiple focus prepare students to emerge from their program in varied professional roles: as nurse educators in institutions of higher education, as nursing scholars who pursue research in healthcare and medicine, or as nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses who continue their education to acquire specialized skills and knowledge.
In contrast to the comprehensive mission of the College of Nursing at [University], the mission statement of Kaiser Permanente is brief and concise, completely focused on service and healthcare delivery:
"KP exists to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve."
The Kaiser Permanente mission statement is more characteristic of a non-profit agency or corporation, as both types of organizations tend to generate short, direct mission statements. Kaiser Permanente has extended this approach by creating an extensive list of values known as the Kaiser Permanente Promise and a formal organizational vision. The KP Promise is described as "a program-wide re-dedication to our mission" and serves to refocus the organization on its membership. The promise expresses intention to refocus on "the individual needs and wishes of each member," which aligns with person-centered practice in a healthcare member institution or health maintenance organization (HMO). The promise further articulates four cornerstones of the organizational vision intended to enable Kaiser Permanente to be the best for its members—a framework emerging from member satisfaction research. The Kaiser Permanente vision is articulated in terms of 15 prerequisite operating requirements, selected because they serve as "enablers" that support the organization in attaining its KP Promise and, through that path, achieving and sustaining its mission.
The philosophy of nursing evident at Kaiser Permanente aligns well with that of the College of Nursing at [University]. Kaiser Permanente strives to be a learning organization, working to more consistently and reliably meet operating requirements across all aspects of service provision and planning. Nursing practice at Kaiser Permanente is characterized by organizational values such as "Quality you can trust," "Caring with a personal touch," "Convenient and easy," and "Affordable." Clearly Kaiser Permanente is an organization determined to provide outstanding service and manifest the best of its brand promise in healthcare delivery.
Nurses trained at the College of Nursing at [University], regardless of their programmatic emphasis, would find themselves working in a context at Kaiser Permanente that appreciates nursing scholarship and research—embedding evidence-based practice throughout clinical operations—and seeks the type of nurse leadership that fosters continuous improvement and learning by staff and the healthcare institution as a whole. The educational foundation provided by the College of Nursing is clearly reflected in Kaiser Permanente's mission, values, and vision.
You’re 85% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.