Aloha. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to invite you to learn more about the programs in the College of Nursing and health Sciences at Hawai‘i Pacific University.
We are excited to be involved with our colleagues in the greater University community in implementing a vision for health care in the 21st century. Faculty and students alike are bringing nurses, nursing education and research, advanced practice health care and health related programs to serve the public in both urban and rural areas throughout the state and the nation. But more importantly, we strive to remain faithful to our mission and to maintain the highest standards in education, including a curriculum that includes classroom training, hands-on clinical simulation, clinical opportunities and community internships.
This is a challenging time for nursing and nursing education. The need for skilled nurses is accelerating as the proportion of the population age 60 and older expands.The national nursing shortage, currently estimated at more than 200,000 positions, is expected to quadruple by 2020. Talented nursing professionals are needed and valued by the community, in Hawai‘i, the nation, and around the globe. The nursing shortage, need for advanced practice nurses and diminishing supply of nurse educators are just three among the many challenges contributing to the perfect storm in health care. Fortunately, Hawai‘i Pacific University is well positioned to meet those challenges as we strive to remain true to the mission of the University which, in part, states “Our innovative undergraduate and graduate programs anticipate the changing needs of the community and prepare our graduates to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society”.
We are proud to have an overall enrollment of over 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students in our College. This makes us Hawai‘i’s largest nursing program and one of the 20 largest single site baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States! Each and every one of our students is important to us, current professionals and future ones, as we prepare for increasing challenges to our health care system. Although the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a large enrollment, you will find that we are small enough to retain the true spirit of community.
The health issues facing Hawai`i and beyond are complex and require understanding of health policy analysis, epidemiology, health promotion and wellness, health education and research. More importantly, they require collaboration among individuals to seek solutions.
The faculty and I are pleased to have you explore our University and College. We are part of a vital University, located in a setting that nurtures your soul as well as your mind, and where technology meets human diversity. We invite those of you that are interested in pursuing a quality educational experience to consider Hawai‘i Pacific University College of Nursing and Health Sciences. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Randy M. Caine, EdD, APRN, ACNS-BC, ANP-BC, GNP
Dean
