Person - The concept of person is introduced early in the curriculum through foundational science and nursing courses and is reinforced throughout the program. The person, family, or community is viewed as a holistic being with biological, psychological, social, cultural, developmental, and spiritual dimensions. The client is the direct recipient of nursing care and remains central to all nursing decisions and interventions.
The Practical Nursing Program values culturally sensitive, therapeutic, and patient-centered care that respects the dignity, uniqueness, preferences, and needs of every individual.
Health - Health and wellness are dynamic states that exist along a continuum throughout the lifespan. The practical nurse promotes health through education, prevention, restoration, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Nursing care is directed toward assisting individuals in achieving optimal levels of health and well-being while supporting quality of life, comfort, and dignity during illness, chronic conditions, or end-of-life care.
Health promotion concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum and support evidence-informed nursing interventions and patient teaching.
Environment - Environment includes all internal and external conditions affecting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Environmental influences include physical surroundings, cultural factors, socioeconomic conditions, technology, relationships, and healthcare systems.
The practical nurse contributes to maintaining a safe and effective care environment through evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, infection prevention, and adherence to safety standards that support positive patient outcomes.
Nursing - Nursing is both an art and a science focused on promoting health, preventing illness, restoring wellness, and supporting individuals across the lifespan. Practical nursing practice is grounded in caring, ethical behavior, clinical judgment, communication, and collaboration.
The Practical Nursing Program prepares students to provide safe, evidence-based, client-centered nursing care under the direction of licensed providers. Nursing education progresses from simple to complex concepts and integrates classroom instruction, laboratory practice, simulation, and clinical experiences to support competency development.
The practical nurse contributes to care coordination, promotes patient safety, supports physiological and psychosocial integrity, and participates as a collaborative member of the healthcare team.
Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment - The nursing process provides a systematic framework for delivering safe and effective nursing care. Students are introduced to assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation early in the curriculum and apply these concepts throughout laboratory and clinical experiences.
Clinical judgment is integrated throughout the curriculum and supports the practical nurse’s ability to recognize patient needs, prioritize care, communicate findings, and contribute to safe decision-making within the practical nurse role.
Teaching & Learning - Teaching and learning are essential components of nursing education and nursing practice. Faculty provide a supportive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
Students are expected to actively participate in the learning process and progressively develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for safe practical nursing practice. The practical nurse also serves as an educator by promoting health literacy, patient education, and wellness across the lifespan.
Professionalism - Professionalism is foundational to practical nursing practice and is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate ethical, legal, respectful, and accountable behaviors in all academic, laboratory, and clinical settings. Professional nursing behaviors include:
- integrity,
- accountability,
- collaboration,
- cultural sensitivity,
- effective communication,
- lifelong learning,
- and adherence to the role and scope of the practical nurse.
Students are encouraged to engage in professional growth, community involvement, and service activities that support the nursing profession and the communities they serve.