Program Purpose
The Evergreen Valley
College Nursing Program provides an optimal learning environment that
will enable the culturally diverse learner to begin the process of
life-long learning as a registered nurse. By earning an associate of
science degree in nursing, program graduates are eligible to apply to
take the NCLEX-RN, and are prepared for entry-level practice into the
profession of nursing.
Program Philosophy
Nursing faculty concur
with the mission, vision and values of Evergreen Valley College and
share in the responsibility of the total educational program. Within
this framework, nursing faculty have defined a unique program
philosophy.
Faculty value each
person as distinct individuals with rich cultural experiences and a unique potential for growth.
Faculty believe that the
environment is a dynamic state where multi-faceted life experiences occur.
Faculty believe that
health is an individual's perception of his/her
well being and their ability to engage in life experiences. They believe
that health is an evolving state that occurs on a health-illness
continuum.
Faculty define
nursing according to Nursing's Social Policy Statement as:
"The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities,
prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the
diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of
individuals, families, communities and populations" (American Nurses
Association, 2003). In addition, faculty believe that nursing is a
dynamic, collaborative process based on principles from the biological,
physical and behavioral sciences which focuses on the diagnosis and
treatment of actual or potential health problems.
Faculty believe
that nursing supports human responses to health and illness by providing
caring interventions that facilitate the client's ability to achieve
optimal quality of life or to die in comfort with dignity. Nurses engage
in lifelong learning that utilizes critical thinking to support and
advocate for culturally sensitive care within a community.
Faculty
define learning as an interactive, meaningful process that integrates
visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles. The goal of learning
is to become a faster, independent, creative, critical thinker. This is
best achieved when the reflective learner develops reasoning abilities
through self-assessment and self-awareness. Faculty believe in the
capacity of the individual to learn, grow and change in a culturally
diverse environment.
Support for student success in learning
starts at the college level with a strong foundation in liberal arts and
sciences. Faculty enhance student success by building on general
education principles and empowering students in an environment where
faculty function as teachers, mentors and supervisors.
References
American Nurses Association. (2003). Nursing's social policy statement, 2nd ed., American Nurses Publishing, Washington, D.C.
