The educational program
of St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing is based on Gospel
values, which advocate principles of social justice, stewardship
and courage. These principles advocate for a society in which all
can realize their full potential and achieve the common good.
The faculty believe that each human is a unique, holistic being
with biological, psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual dimensions
who has varying degrees of self-care ability. We further believe that
each human has dignity and intrinsic worth through all stages of development
and constantly influences and is influenced by the ever changing environment.
This environment consists of all the forces that impact on man, and
includes culture, family, community, society, and the physical universe.
Health is a state of wholeness or integrity of the individual. Health
is a relative dynamic state that continuously alters as a person adapts
to changes. Wellness is a state in which the individual, family and
community are able to function at an optimal level throughout the
life cycle. Illness is a process in which the self-care capacity of
a person is diminished when compared to one's previous condition.
Nursing is a professional discipline with both art and science
components. It involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment
of the individual's, family's and community's responses to actual
and/or potential health needs. Caring is basic to nursing practice
as it involves intentional acts based on the welfare of another that
demonstrates concern or empathy. The nurse functions independently,
inter-dependently and dependently in multiple roles in collaboration
with others. The nurse uses nursing process, critical thinking skills,
therapeutic communication and entrusted resources to promote optimal
health and provide compassionate care.
Education is a cooperative process involving teachers and learners
in the pursuit of knowledge through planned and purposeful learning
experiences designed to result in cognitive and behavioral changes.
Each individual has a unique learning style and learns at his or her
own pace. Education is most effective when it encourages self-direction
and the internalization of the concept that learning is a lifelong
process.
Nursing education incorporates knowledge from nursing, the humanities
and the physical, biological, social and psychological sciences. Nursing
education is a continuous process, whereby the art and science of
nursing are translated into responsible nursing practice.
The faculty are responsible for developing and implementing a curriculum
which evolves from a synthesis of our beliefs about health, nursing
and education. Opportunities are provided for students to grow intellectually
and in self-awareness. Experiences are also provided for students
to develop a sensitivity to and an appreciation of the diverse cultural
and societal needs of the community, which includes the underserved
population.
The faculty support student participation in health promotion activities
in the community. The faculty also involves students in activities
that promote the recognition of professional and civic responsibilities.
St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing prepares its graduates
to function as beginning level practitioners of professional nursing.
The graduates are prepared to apply the nursing process in the care
of individuals, families and communities at all stages of development
and wellness and in a variety of settings. The graduates are able
to function with autonomy and a sense of professional, ethical and
legal accountability in acute, intermediate, long term and ambulatory
health care environments.
