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About

For over eighty years, Queen's Nursing has been advancing health sciences and nursing scholarship through education, research, and clinical practice. Established in 1941, the school has continuously shaped the nursing profession through the collective pursuits of our students, faculty, and alumni.


Guided by Queen's Health Sciences' vision of Radical Collaboration for a healthier world, the School of Nursing centres on three key pillars of foci: nursing care and practice, wellness, and equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity, and accessibility (EDIIA). These pillars underpin our commitment to providing a person-centered education that empowers nurses and highlights the potential of our profession. We are dedicated to continuing our legacy of excellence in nursing education and as a health partner within our communities.

School of Nursing building

Nursing Care & Practice

Reflecting all persons and knowledges in care is vital to building a healthier world. We are committed to person-centred practice.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, & Accessibility (EDIIA)

The School of Nursing is dedicated to creating an environment where EDII is reflected throughout our work and culture—both on-campus and within health care settings.

Wellness & Mental Health

With a continued need for mental wellness supports in health education, the promotion of wellness, mindfulness, and compassionate care practices is integral to our community.

Our Story

1941
Queen’s offers first nursing courses

The School of Nursing was established shortly afterwards, in response to the growing wartime demand for nurses.

1942
Queen's launches first formal nursing program

The proposed 'course' consisted of two academic years and two summer sessions on Queen's campus, followed by 32 months training at Kingston General Hospital

1946
First BNSc degrees awarded

In May 1947, two graduates received the first bachelor in nursing science degrees from Queen's University.

1970
First externally funded research project

Nursing faculty member Dr. Ruth MacKay and Dr. David Alexander (department of pediatrics) receive funding to conduct a study examining the role of advanced nursing practice. Our faculty continue this legacy of interprofessional collaboration and research excellence today.

1994
Graduate Nursing Programs launches

While training in advanced practice nursing took place at Queen's throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the master of nursing science degree launched in 1994. Since then, Queen's Graduate Nursing Programs have developed a doctoral program in nursing (PhD), a master of nursing primary healthcare nurse practitioner program (MN-NPHNP) and a primary healthcare nurse practitioner diploma program (PHCNP).

1997
Queen’s Health Sciences is established

Queen’s Faculty of Medicine joined with the Schools of Nursing and Rehabilitation Therapy to come together as one faculty. In 2022, QHS celebrated 25 years of collaboration and togetherness.

2012
Master of Science in Health Quality launches

Created in collaboration with the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Health Quality Programs became the first of their kind in Canada, specializing in linking theory and practice in health quality, risk, and safety. In September 2018, the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Quality (PhDHQ) launched, the first doctoral program in Canada to specialize in the field of health quality and safety.

2021
The School of Nursing celebrates eighty years of nursing excellence

To celebrate eighty wonderful years of educating and supporting nurses from all capacities and specialties, the School of Nursing hosted a year-long campaign that reflected on how the profession has changed, and how we have changed with it.