Statement of Philosophy

The philosophy of the Nursing Program supports and is consistent with the purpose of the College. The philosophy was developed by the faculty in 1980 with the implementation of the program and has been periodically revised to more specifically address beliefs about nursing practice, the practice of associate degree nursing and nursing education (latest revision 2002).

A. Nursing Practice

We believe in and are proud of the time honored tradition of nursing as a practiced discipline committed to the holistic care of individuals, each of whom is a unique, thinking being who makes choices, possesses value and dignity and strives toward attainment of their needs. We believe the nursing practice supports health and well-being by recognizing the importance and interdependence of the physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of individuals and families.

Nursing practice is the assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of actual or potential alterations in health and the human responses to these alterations. Nurses practice within legal boundaries upholding the ethical standards of the nursing profession. We are guided by and are in agreement with the State of Florida Statutes 464.003 which states: "Practice of professional nursing means the performance of those acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment and nursing skill based on applied principles of psychological, biological, physical and social sciences which shall include, but not be limited to: the observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation of care; health teaching and counseling of the ill, injured or infirm; and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others..."

The goal of nursing is to assist clients, in a caring and competent manner, in reaching their highest level of wellness, achieving independence rather than dependence and maintaining locus of control for health within the individual.

B. Practice of the Associate Degree Graduate

We believe that the associate degree nurse is prepared to fulfill an important role in providing quality, cost effective nursing care within the healthcare delivery system and will be qualified to respond to current and future needs of rapidly changing healthcare delivery systems. Roles of nurses are in the process of evolving at all levels of practice including the associate degree level. The nursing faculty is in agreement with the 2000 National League for Nursing educational outcomes related to the core components of associate degree graduates. These elements include:

1. Professional Behaviors - characterized by commitment to the profession of nursing by adherence to standards of professional practice.
2. Communication - an interactive process through which information is exchanged.
3. Assessment - the collection, analysis and synthesis of data for the purpose of assessing the client's health status.
4. Clinical Decision Making - the performance of accurate assessment, the use of multiple methods to access information and the analysis and integration of knowledge and information to formulate clinical judgments.
5. Caring Interventions - nursing behaviors and actions that assist clients in meeting needs.
6. Teaching and Learning - processes that are used to promote and maintain health and reduce risk.
7. Collaboration - shared planning, decision-making, problem solving, goal setting and assumption of responsibilities by those who work cooperatively.
8. Managing Care - the efficient, effective use of human, physical, financial and technological resources to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.

The graduate is prepared to successfully take the NCLEX-RN and function as an adaptable generalist in diverse care settings. The clients in these various settings may be individuals, families, or community aggregates. The nursing behaviors extended to clients include maintenance of wellness, prevention of illness, restoration of health, as well as treatment of illness.

Graduates of associate degree nursing programs are prepared and encouraged to articulate to baccalaureate nursing programs. Associate degree nursing is viewed as a beginning point and can, but need not be, an end point for formal education. Continuing education, whether formal or informal, is essential to provide quality care in an environment of rapidly advancing knowledge, technology and social and economic change.

C. Nursing Education

The faculty believes that nursing education belongs within the structure of collegiate education, where general education courses as well as nursing courses are offered as part of the curriculum. A collegiate setting allows the student to explore and synthesize coursework from the scientific and humanistic disciplines that can be applied to nursing practice.

We believe that the Associate Degree Nursing Program exposes the student to a core of nursing knowledge that enables the student to provide a safe, effective care environment and maintain and/or restore the client's physiological and psychosocial integrity. Attitudes of caring, responsibility and accountability, along with critical thinking skills and the core nursing knowledge will form a foundation from which the graduate can develop into an experienced practitioner.

The faculty believes that optimal learning occurs when:

1. The environment encourages freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression.
2. Learning progresses from the simple to the complex.
3. Responsibility is placed on the learner to be an active participant in the learning process.
4. There is a close correlation between theory and practice.


5. Ample opportunity for application and practice of theoretical concepts is provided, including application of critical thinking skills.
6. Individual differences and needs are considered.
7. A variety of learning methods are offered to meet the different learning styles of the learner.
8. Education is viewed as a life long process to assist the individual to adapt to and participate in a changing environment.