A nursing mission statement identifies your core purpose and values as a nurse. A nursing vision statement describes the future impact you hope to make through your work.
Key takeaways
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Nurses who want increased career satisfaction might consider defining the underlying mission upon which their nursing identity is built. Finding meaning in our work is important; our mission and values are crucial to feeling like our "nurseness" means more than just a paycheck.
While most companies and organizations have mission or vision statements, very few individuals do. To take your career to the next level, identifying your mission or vision is a good step.
Short of writing an actual mission statement, simply thinking about the mission and vision of your career might be enough. You'll find plenty of online guidance for developing mission and vision statements.
Here, we focus on developing a mission or vision for yourself — not necessarily for others to read. Having said that, if you're a nurse entrepreneur, a mission statement may be a natural step in the maturation of your business. For now, let's focus on the basics, not the bells and whistles.
What is a nursing mission statement?
A nursing mission statement is a brief statement that defines your purpose as a nurse. It reflects your professional values, commitment to patient care, and the principles that guide your daily practice.
When you decided to become a nurse, you likely did so for a variety of reasons. Your mission may have been to pursue a career that offered many opportunities. Your drive to enter the profession may have resulted from past experiences.
Perhaps you were inspired by the nursing care that your mother received while very ill, or maybe your dad was in hospice and the nurses made all the difference during his final days. If you've put a stake in the ground as a nurse, you probably did so for a reason.
If you want to identify your mission, ask yourself some questions:
- Why am I a nurse?
- What is nursing about for me?
- Who am I serving and why?
- What are the underlying values that make me who I am as a nurse?
- How do I live my values at work?
An effective nursing mission statement is:
- Clear and concise
- Focused on patient care
- Aligned with your professional values
- Easy to remember
- Meaningful to your nursing practice
Example nursing mission statement
"My mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes patient dignity, improves health outcomes, and supports individuals and families during their healthcare journey."
What is a nursing vision statement?
A nursing vision statement focuses on the future. It describes what you hope to achieve or the impact you want to have throughout your nursing career.
Your nursing vision differs slightly from your mission; the vision is more of an illustration of what you'd like to accomplish through your nursing service. Your vision encompasses your aspirations, your goals, and the lofty ideals that demonstrate not only who you are as a nurse but also where you're going.
Think of your nursing vision as the 10,000-foot view. It doesn't matter how you'll get there, just where you'd like to go. In other words, think big picture and bird's-eye view.
A vision statement often includes:
- Long-term career goals
- Leadership aspirations
- Desired impact on patients
- Contributions to healthcare
- Professional growth objectives
Example nursing vision statement
"My vision is to become a nurse leader who improves healthcare access, mentors future nurses, and advocates for equitable, patient-centered care."
Nursing mission statement vs. nursing vision statement
Some nurses may confuse mission and vision statements, but they serve different purposes.
| Mission statement | Vision statement |
| Focuses on the present | Focuses on the future |
| Defines purpose | Defines aspirations |
| Explains why you do your work | Describes what you hope to achieve |
| Guides daily decisions | Guides long-term goals |
| Rooted in values | Rooted in future impact |
Your mission describes who you are today. Your vision describes who you want to become.
How to create your nursing mission statement
Creating a mission statement doesn’t require perfect wording. Start by identifying the values and beliefs that matter most to you.
Step 1: Identify your core values
Consider the values that influence your nursing practice.
Examples include:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Advocacy
- Respect
- Empathy
- Accountability
- Lifelong learning
- Collaboration
- Equity
Choose three to five values that resonate most strongly with you.
Step 2: Reflect on your purpose
Ask yourself:
- Why did I become a nurse?
- What motivates me to continue nursing?
- What impact do I want to have on patients?
- What makes me proud of my work?
Write down your answers.
Step 3: Define your strengths
Think about the strengths you bring to patient care.
Examples may include:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Education
- Advocacy
- Clinical expertise
- Emotional support
Step 4: Draft your statement
Combine your values, purpose, and strengths into a concise statement.
Template:
"My mission is to use my __________ and __________ to provide __________ care that helps __________."
Step 5: Refine and simplify
A mission statement should be easy to remember and meaningful to you.
Aim for one to three sentences.
How to create your nursing vision statement
Your vision statement should focus on the future impact you want to make.
Step 1: Imagine your ideal future
Think about where you want your nursing career to be in five, 10, or 20 years.
Questions to consider:
- What role do I want to have?
- Who do I want to help?
- What contributions do I hope to make?
- What legacy do I want to leave?
Step 2: Identify long-term goals
Examples include:
- Becoming a nurse practitioner
- Leading a healthcare team
- Teaching future nurses
- Improving community health
- Advancing nursing research
- Influencing healthcare policy
Step 3: Write a future-focused statement
Template:
"My vision is to __________ so that __________."
Step 4: Keep it inspiring
A vision statement should motivate you and provide direction throughout your career journey.
Personal nursing mission statement examples
Example 1: New graduate nurse
"My mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while continuously learning and growing as a nursing professional."
Example 2: Medical-surgical nurse
"My mission is to deliver safe, high-quality patient care that promotes healing, dignity, and positive health outcomes."
Example: Nurse educator
"My mission is to inspire, educate, and prepare future nurses to provide exceptional patient care."
Nursing vision statement examples
Example 1
"My vision is to become a trusted healthcare leader who improves patient outcomes and mentors future nurses."
Example 2
"My vision is to advance healthcare quality through innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning."
Example 3
"My vision is to help eliminate healthcare disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations."
When should you update your mission and vision statements?
Consider reviewing your statements when:
- Starting a new job
- Changing specialties
- Earning a certification
- Completing a degree
- Moving into leadership
- Experiencing major career transitions
As your professional goals change, your mission and vision may evolve as well.
Conclusion
When you're slogging away at four 12-hour shifts, nursing can feel like just a job. Sure, the paycheck helps, but finding meaning in your work is important if you want to hang onto the sense that you're a nurse on a mission, a nurse with a vision.
Whether you want to help cure cancer, contribute to research, mentor younger nurses, or serve older adults, if you can see it in your mind and heart, you're halfway to a solid vision and mission. If you can articulate your mission or vision, your nursing career may take on more gravitas, lending itself to deeper learning, self-knowledge, and satisfaction.
Cultivate your vision, live your mission, and allow your nursing career to be imbued with as much meaning as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nursing philosophy the same as a mission statement?
Not exactly. A nursing philosophy is broader and describes your beliefs about nursing, patient care, and healthcare. A mission statement is typically shorter and focuses on your purpose and values.
How long should a nursing mission statement be?
Most nursing mission statements are one to three sentences long.
Can nursing students create a mission statement?
Yes. Developing a mission statement early can help nursing students clarify their goals and professional values.
Should I include my mission statement on my resume?
You may incorporate elements of your mission statement into a professional summary, cover letter, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.
How often should I review my mission and vision statements?
At least once per year or whenever you experience a significant career change.
What makes a strong nursing vision statement?
A strong vision statement is future-focused, inspiring, realistic, and aligned with your long-term career goals.
Creating a personal nursing mission and vision statement is an investment in your professional growth. By defining your purpose, values, and aspirations, you create a framework that can guide your decisions, strengthen your professional identity, and help you build a meaningful nursing career.
