Society is dynamic and culturally diverse. It is a totality of relationships characterized by language, shared beliefs, and common norms that influence the behavior and development of all of its members. Humans simultaneously occupy many roles within society; as individuals, as members within a family, and as members within a community. Environment refers to both internal and external forces affecting health.
Health is conceptualized as occurring on a continuum with movement between a state of optimum wellness and degree of illness. The adaptive abilities and health perspectives of humans are major determinants of their position on the health continuum. Primary considerations are the promotion of wellness, prevention of illness, restoration of health, and maintenance of optimal functioning.
The faculty believe that teaching/learning is a dynamic and lifelong process characterized by the acquisition of knowledge and skills which change the behavior of the learner. The role of the teacher is to mentor and facilitate learning. The learner is an active participant and has the responsibility to share in the teaching/learning process. The learning environment, enhanced by technology, should foster an enriching interaction between the teacher and learner.
The faculty believes that nurses prepared at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree levels are responsible for continuing their educational and professional development. The School of Nursing has a firm commitment to facilitate the professional and personal development of its learners. Both consumers of nursing care and practitioners of nursing benefit from the commitment and vision of the School of Nursing.