AUGUSTA -- The University of Maine at Augusta proudly announces Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Vickie Ireland has been selected to serve on the "American Nurses Association's Nursing: Scope & Standards", 5th Edition revision workgroup for the 2025-26 term.
The workgroup is responsible for reviewing and updating the ANA's "Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice", a foundational document that defines the role, responsibilities, competencies and expectations of nurses across the profession. The revised fifth edition is scheduled for publication in June 2026.
"I am thrilled to see Dr. Ireland take on this national-level leadership role," said Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional Studies Brenda McAleer. "Her expertise and insight will help shape the future of nursing practice, ensuring that standards continue to reflect the evolving needs of healthcare. UMA is proud to have her contributing to this important work."
Ireland's selection highlights her dedication to advancing nursing education and practice. Additionally, she recently earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credential through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, reinforcing her commitment to innovative teaching methods.
As a member of the ANA workgroup, she will contribute to shaping national nursing standards, ensuring they evolve to meet the demands of modern health care.
A new nursing education facility is currently under construction at the Capital Center at the Marketplace at Augusta and is slated to open in time for the fall 2025 semester. UMA's nursing program has grown from 91 students in the 2019-20 school year to 265 in 2024-25. The new facility will be 50 percent larger than its current location at the Augusta Civic Center. It will feature advanced laboratory and collaborative areas, and triple the program's simulation lab capacity. These enhancements will help UMA address Maine's nursing shortage by increasing enrollment capacity to 400 students, offering more robust hands-on learning environments and supporting excellence in nursing and patient care to meet Maine's healthcare needs.
UMA Nursing educates and embraces a diverse student population in holistic and integrative therapies using innovative technology and evidence-based practices to nurture future nurse leaders who serve and care for individuals across the lifespan.
UMA offers two nursing degree options - the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the RN-to-BSN completion which was recognized in 2024 as Maine's most affordable online option for registered nurses advancing their education.
The nursing program at UMA is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is one of only 17 programs in the US endorsed as a holistic nursing program by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the state of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs. For more information, please visit uma.edu.