Philosophy of the School

The faculty believes -

Man, the central focus of nursing, is a complex system and holistic being in constant interaction with the environment. Man is composed of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs, which must be met to maintain equilibrium. As a dynamic being, man interacts with the internal and external environment, learning throughout the life span, developing self-potential, and maintaining homeostasis through the use of adaptive mechanisms. Throughout the life span, man encounters a variety of roles within the context of the family, groups, and community. Possessing intrinsic values, rights, and responsibilities, man deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

As a discipline, nursing is based on a body of knowledge from the sciences, arts, humanities, and technology. Nursing is a caring relationship with people of all ages and cultures throughout the wellness-illness continuum. The practice of nursing provides total care to the individual, the family and community through independent actions and collaborative efforts with other health care providers. Nursing activity and critical thinking are generated by the synthesis of knowledge and the systematic use of the nursing process consisting of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. Integral to the nursing process is the impact of biopsychosocial and cultural forces, as well as health promotion technology affecting all persons throughout the human life cycle. The primary goal of nursing is to assist individuals in the achievement of an optimal level of wellness.

Education is a continuous activity which is directed at producing desirable changes in both students and faculty. It is a cooperative, dynamic process involving mutual teaching and learning that promotes the continuing development of the individual's capacities for progressive adjustments to life situations. Effective learning occurs in selected environments that satisfy the needs for recognition, acceptance and self-realization. Integral aspects of learning include goal-oriented behavior, active participation, reinforcement and evaluation. Learners are afforded the opportunity to question and analyze knowledge and value systems through experience in diverse situations.

Faculty is responsible for directing the learning experience of the student. The program provides an opportunity for the student to build nursing knowledge and skills, to test out critical thinking to help meet patient needs in a variety of hospital and community settings. The faculty acts as facilitators and role models when providing guidance and direction to the students while enhancing the student's self-esteem, by offering challenging educational experiences, constructive feedback, and positive reinforcement.

Nursing is a profession with a defined field of study and laws that regulate its members and practice. Nursing education is structured to identify changing needs of the individual, family and community; recognize and intervene in meeting altered needs; and to enhance critical thinking in complex nursing situations. A close relationship exists between the cognitive and operational phases of nursing. This is accomplished through meaningful correlation of nursing theory with selected clinical experiences. Relevant college courses are strategically placed to build a knowledge base to augment learning and facilitate future educational articulation.

The growth of each student is enhanced through mentoring, counseling and guidance as the individual experiences a variety of situations. The potential for personal and professional growth is fostered through peer interaction, curricular and extra-curricular activities, and Student Government. The faculty shares responsibility for the environment that lends itself to this growth.

The school is an integral part of the community. Therefore, faculty and students recognize their responsibility to that community to provide accountable professional nurses capable of providing compassionate, high-quality, cost-effective nursing care and health promotion services through health screenings and health teaching.

The graduate of this program is prepared to function as a beginning professional nurse in acute, intermediate, long term, ambulatory and home care settings in accordance with the Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law. The nurse, as a member of a multidisciplinary team, will promote health by making sound decisions, acting creatively and assertively, and advocating the rights and values of the individual, family and community. Further commitment to nursing will be demonstrated through continued participation in the educational process and in the provision of primary, secondary and tertiary health care.