About
History
The Department of Nursing was established at Salve Regina University in September 1948. This was one year after the University had first opened its doors, admitting the first freshman class in September 1947. True to the tradition of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, who inspired her followers to service of the poor, sick and uneducated, the Sisters of Mercy were scholarly women of vision, dedicated to the study of the liberal arts and sciences. At the same time, they were also committed to providing opportunities for students to become prepared for beginning professional careers and continuing responsible service to society.
Nine members of the freshman class, in 1948, chose Nursing as their major field of concentration. By September 1978, approximately 100 students were choosing Nursing as their major. Department faculty grew from one Sister of Mercy in 1948, to 9 full-time faculty and 20 adjunct faculty.
From its opening in 1948, the Department of Nursing has maintained full approval of the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. In 1960, Salve Regina University became the first educational institution in the State of Rhode Island to achieve the national recognition of attaining the National League for Nursing (NLN) accreditation for its baccalaureate program in Nursing.