Division of Nursing Philosophy
Nursing is both an art and a science. As such, it embraces the development of the individual through both liberal studies and scientific preparation. The goal of nursing is to view each individual as a bio-psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual being with individual needs that are of utmost concern to the profession. The goal of this program is also to educate nurses to develop a view of nursing as a self-actualizing process that is essential in ministering to those seeking care. Nurses must be supportive and considerate of each individual seeking care. Nurses must exhibit unconditional regard for each patient.
Nursing is a profession that encompasses professional and personal values, core knowledge and competencies in developing the role of care provider. It is also a service to humanity. Essential to this discipline is the development of attributes that encourage the holistic development of self in order to become socially responsive to the healthcare needs of a culturally diverse world.
The philosophy, objectives, and goals of the newly formed nursing division are congruent with: a) the Nurse Practice Act of California, b) Dr. Jean Watson's philosophy of caring in nursing, c) the mission and goals of Concordia University Irvine, and d) the standards identified by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
At Concordia University Irvine, the nursing division functions within the philosophy of the University and has based its curriculum on the philosophy of Dr. Jean Watson’s premise that nursing is both a philosophical and scientific approach to caring for all those who seek health care, disease prevention and management, health promotion and education. Watson’s views are founded on scientific knowledge from various disciplines that allow nursing care to encompass both “curative” and “carative” dimensions in assisting clients to reach or maintain health or “die a peaceful death."
The nurse develops the skills to incorporate the nursing process while; performing simple to complex nursing care skills; teaching clients and families about self care, disease management, prevention, and health promotion; and learning and implementing the ability to appropriately delegate and supervise members of a health care team. In addition, nurses will develop the ability to evaluate patients’ responses to nursing and medical care, revise a plan of care in concert with the patient while advocating for best treatment and nursing care options with members of the health care team in a variety of settings.
Nursing and its relationship to people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds is rooted in a liberal arts education and life experiences that assist in integrating biophysical knowledge with information about human needs and behaviors in order to care for those who seek health care for illnesses, health restoration, and promotion. Dr. Jean Watson’s belief also encompasses the promotion of each nurse’s self awareness and self care. With this approach, the students have the opportunity to evaluate their own cultural beliefs and those of patients, their own learning needs and styles in building competencies at a beginner’s level in a variety of practice settings. It is also the belief that the education at Concordia University Irvine will prepare graduates to communicate and interface with all members of health care teams in order to optimize patient health through best practice methods.