The Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program is guided by a philosophy which embodies the
mission and goals of Mission College. This philosophy acknowledges the individual
and emphasizes the diversity of thought, creativity, multicultural viewpoints, and
teaching/learning strategies that integrate innovative ways of acquiring and sharing
knowledge.
By combining the values of the individual with the acquisition of knowledge and nursing
skills, the Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program fosters the development of the whole
person as a responsible, accountable professional committed to the principles of life-long
learning and service to others using a holistic approach to the practice of the nursing profession. The philosophy of the program is actualized through application of the
Neuman Systems Model.
In support of the philosophy, mission, and goals of Mission College and the philosophy,
mission, and goals of the Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program, the faculty affirms
the following beliefs:
The person is a layered multidimensional being that consists of five person variables
or subsystems which are identified as physical/physiological, psychological, socio-cultural,
developmental and spiritual. The person may in fact be an individual, a family, a
group, or a community. The person is seen as being in a state of constant change and
in constant, dynamic interaction with the environment.
The environment consists of the internal and external forces which surround a person
and with which they interact at any given time. These forces include the intrapersonal,
interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors which can affect the person's normal line
of defense and so can affect the stability of the system.
Health is the optimal state of wellness in which all variables are in harmony with
the whole of the client (Neuman, 1995). Health is a continuum of wellness and illness.
As the person is in a constant interaction with the environment, the state of wellness
is dynamic and influenced by the interaction with the five person variables, the stressors
they encounter, and systemic feedback loops.
Nursing is a unique profession that is concerned with all of the variables which influence
the response a person might have to a stressor. The task of nursing is to address
the whole person and use nursing actions to assist individuals, families, and groups
to retain, restore, or maintain a maximum level of wellness. The primary aim is stability
of the patient/client system through nursing interventions to reduce stressors.
This concept of nursing is consistent with Nursing's Social Policy Statement in which
nursing is defined as "the prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and the
protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families."
(American Nursing Association, 2003). Furthermore, nursing is an art and applied science
based on principles from the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, which
focus on the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health
problems.
Nurses collaborate with a multidisciplinary health team to respond and care for the
patient/client across the life cycle based on physiological, psychosocial, cultural,
and spiritual needs.
Education is a dynamic and synergistic process of sharing information between individuals
resulting in a modification of behavior. Education respects the individuality of students
and recognizes that each student has different educational experience; sociocultural,
spiritual, and economic backgrounds; and a unique support system. The aim of education
is to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a positive, innovative
environment moving from the beginning (simple) to advanced competencies (complex).
Teaching/Learning is defined as the right and responsibility of nurse educators to
utilize sound educational practices and theoretical concepts to present relevant knowledge
and skills reflecting current evidenced-based healthcare practices in order to facilitate
the students' achievement of their highest potential.
Recognition of differences in individual needs, learning styles, ethnicity, and cultural
backgrounds are essential components in effective teacher-learner interactions. Within
the concept of teaching/learning is the idea that the learning environment nurtures
the development of potential, promotes the maturation of values, cultivates the ability
to think critically and independently, and encourages the spirit of inquiry.
Learning is an individualized, continuing, and interactive process. Learning is enhanced
by active student participation in which the students assume primary responsibility
for directing their own learning.
Learning occurs via a dynamic and synergistic process that prepares the learner to
function effectively and competently as an entry-level registered nurse, a provider
of care across the health/illness continuum, and as a member within the profession
of nursing.