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The Philosophy of
Nursing Programs
The Alabama College System
The philosophy of the nursing
programs is consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of
The Alabama College System. The programs provide curricula to
develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry
level employment in practical and professional nursing. The
nursing faculty endorses the following beliefs:
Maslow's theory is the foundation
for the program of learning. According to Maslow, all
individuals have similar needs arranged in a hierarchy with
higher needs emerging as basic physiological needs are met.
Individuals are unique biological, psychosocial and spiritual
beings who strive to meet holistic needs. Each individual has
the right to make informed decisions about one's health in a
technologically changing society. Society, a complex system that
influences culture, values, and beliefs, provides direction and
meaning to an individual's experiences throughout the lifespan.
Health, which is individually
perceived, exists when needs are met. Ranging on a continuum
from highest level wellness to death, health is a dynamic state.
The goals of health care are to promote, maintain, and restore
health.
Nursing is an art, as well as, a science in which the holistic
needs of the individual are met through utilization of the
nursing process in a variety of settings. The nursing process
incorporates scientific principles, interpersonal and
psychomotor skills. The practice of nursing takes place in an
ever changing health care system and requires caring, critical
thinking, competency, legal/ethical accountability, dedication
to an evolving body of knowledge, life long learning and client
advocacy. The
teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between
faculty and students where faculty serve as facilitators of
learning. The successful teaching-learning process requires an
environment that promotes learning, considers the needs of the
individual, and provides opportunities for student participation
and educational goal attainment. The learning process is based
on principles of critical thinking and is enhanced by the
presentation of information from simple to complex. Learning is
achieved when there is evidence of a change in behavior within
the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains.
Individuals have the right to achieve self-actualization and
society provides educational opportunities.
Nursing education is a
learner-centered process which combines general education and
nursing courses to prepare the individual for the practice of
nursing. Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of
instructional methodologies, and available resources, nursing
education fosters competency, accountability and continued
professional development. Learning is a life long process which
promotes professionalism and is beneficial for the learner and
society.
Threads Integrated Throughout Curriculum
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Cultural Diversity
- Lifespan
- Pathophysiology
- Technology
- Teaching / Learning
- Legal/Ethical
- Roles of the Nurse
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