FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deerfield Beach, FL — August, 2025 — The Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) is proud to announce a groundbreaking affiliation with Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), naming them the first-ever united Academic/Hospital National Caring Science Affiliate. This prestigious designation recognizes Vanderbilt’s deep and demonstrated commitment to the philosophy, ethic, and praxis of Caring Science in both academic and clinical settings.
This historic partnership underscores a shared vision to elevate human-caring, that honors the mind-body-spirit connection of patients, families, clinicians, and students alike. It also marks a powerful alignment of values and mission across both the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University Medical Center — fostering systems that advance whole-person healing and professional resilience.
We are thrilled to recognize VUSN and VUMC as the first integrated academic and healthcare system to receive this designation. Their leadership is boldly advancing the legacy and future of Caring Science as a living, breathing philosophy that transcends health care and education.”
Vanderbilt’s adoption of Caring Science principles reflects its longstanding commitment to excellence in nursing education, compassionate clinical practice, and innovative health care delivery.
"We believe our affiliation with WCSI and this academic-practice partnership will not only benefit students, nurses and patients, but that it represents a model that can be replicated to advance the future of nursing and health care”
Through this affiliation, the institutions will join a global consortium of National Caring Science Affiliates who are implementing Caring Science theory and practices into their organizational cultures.
“Caring is at the heart of nursing. This affiliation with WCSI formally acknowledges what we’ve long believed: that caring and compassion are foundational to learning, leadership, and healing.”
As part of the WCSI National Affiliate Program, Vanderbilt will continue to integrate Watson’s Caring Science Theory into curricula, research, and clinical care models, while fostering collaborative scholarship and leadership that nurtures professional well-being and equitable, person-centered health outcomes.
For more information on the Watson Caring Science Institute and its Affiliates, visit www.watsoncaringscience.org.
Media Contact:
Robert Silva Director, Operations, Watson Caring Science Institute
Phone (954) 508-1115
Robert@watsoncaringscience.org
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