PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The philosophy and purpose of the nursing program reflects a commitment to the mission and goals of the institution as well as the personal beliefs of the nursing faculty in relation to the individual, health, the environment, nursing, education, nursing education, and the competencies of the graduate of the program. The individual is viewed as a unique, biophysical, spiritual being capable of growth as he strives toward achieving his greatest potential. The individual is in constant interaction with a changing internal and external environment. Each individual within society has dignity, worth, and freedom to make choices regarding his life. It is the individual’s right to receive the optimal quality of health care regardless of age, ethnic origin , gender, sexual orientation, social status, economic status, religious creed, or personal beliefs. Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium which includes purposeful, adaptive responses to one’s environment. Levels of Health can be plotted along a continuum ranging form high-level wellness to death. High-level wellness is an integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward the potential of which the individual is capable. It requires that the individual maintain a continuum of balance and purposeful direction within the environment in which he is functioning. The individual’s ability to adapt to alterations in the changing environment affects his position on the wellness-illness continuum. Illness is a maladaptive response to the individual’s environment resulting in disequilibrium and unmet needs. The environment is constantly changing and includes all conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding and affecting the individual. These internal and external forces affect the individual’s adaptation and position on the wellness-illness continuum.
Nursing is an evolving science and a unique, caring art that promotes, maintains, and restores optimal health for the individual, family, and community. The goal of nursing is to utilize the nursing process in diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems and life’s processes, thus, contributing to the individual’s quality of life and promoting dignity in death. The practice of nursing is governed by federal and state laws, institutional policies, and professional standards and ethics. The faculty subscribe to the National League for Nursing (NLN) statement of competencies of the associate degree nurse.
Education is a systematic development of the potential of the whole person. It is a lifelong process which includes both learning and teaching and results in a change in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors. These changes are demonstrated by personal growth, responsible citizenship, and technical competence. Teaching is the process of facilitating learning by directing and guiding the student toward desired goals, which can be measured by behavioral outcomes. Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, and skills through active participation by the student. It is a dynamic process, which is demonstrated by the ability to apply general concepts to new situations. Learning is fostered in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect. Learning experiences provide opportunities for the student to develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and creativity.
The learning-teaching activities follow a logical and sequential pattern, proceed from the simple to the complex, and provide for individual differences. Evaluation is an integral part of the learning-teaching process and involves active participation of the student and teacher.
Nursing education should be structured within a system of higher education combining general education (science, liberal arts) and nursing to provide a broad base of knowledge. This provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for identifying client needs, defining nursing problems, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary health teams, planning and implementing the appropriate courses of action, and evaluating client outcomes. Nursing education endeavors to instill, within the student, an understanding of the responsibilities inherent to nursing, foster the development of professional values, and motivate the student toward professional growth.
The graduate of the Associate Degree Program in Nursing is prepared to function in a variety of structured health care settings as an entry-level practitioner under the supervision of a more experienced nurse in the roles of provider of care, manager of client care, and member within the discipline of nursing. The graduate will assume responsibility for continued learning and self-development and will respond to the forces that impact on the delivery of health care and the practice of nursing.
The purpose of the nursing program at Naugatuck Valley Community College is to prepare individuals with the basic knowledge and skills required for a career in nursing and for meeting the ever-changing situations encountered in work and living in society.
The program prepares the graduate to:
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