Philosophy of the Nursing Program

The faculty of the Slippery Rock University Department of Nursing believe that persons receiving nursing care must be treated with dignity and respect, and that the uniqueness of each person must be recognized.  Furthermore, we believe that baccalaureate prepared nurses play an unique role in creating a health care system that meets the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

            We believe that each individual is unified and dynamic--comprised of personal, social, and biologic systems, which interact with each other and the environment.  Interacting forces, especially cultural and societal practices, influence health beliefs and behavior. Human beings possess the capacity to choose rationality and the right to make decisions affecting their health and to receive support for those decisions. However, the ability to perceive the level of health and to deal with health changes varies with each person; therefore the person may need nursing assistance to attain a higher level of wellness.

            Nursing is an essential part of the society out of which it grew and with which it has been evolving. Multiple environmental factors--legal, ethical, political, socio-economic, and historical--affect both the level of health of humans and their ability to acquire health care. Health care professionals need to be sensitive to the influence of these factors on their practice and on the health care system.

Professional nursing practice is distinct and grounded in baccalaureate education, which reflects a strong foundation in the liberal arts, and sciences and research based nursing theory.  Baccalaureate nursing education emphasizes critical thinking, a process including interpretation, analysis, evaluation, independent judgment, problem solving and decision-making.  The baccalaureate student develops sensitivity to people of all ages from diverse backgrounds and cultures.  Professional practice is comprehensive independent, and interdependent. It includes caring for individuals, families, and communities.   Professional practice takes place in both structured and unstructured settings where professional nurses incorporate research findings in their practice.

Becoming a professional nurse is an evolutionary process, which begins with a willingness to be open to experiences that allow for the socialization of new roles. Professional nurses recognize that they serve as role models for health. . The professional nurse adopts a client advocacy relationship and participates with the multidisciplinary health care team to strive toward high quality health care.  The professional nurse is prepared for the increasing role of technology in health care and health care delivery. 

            Self-understanding and self-evaluation are essential to personal and professional growth and are critical to the process of role socialization. These behaviors require openness to the new and a willingness to change; they promote individual and professional self-determination with simultaneous accountability for one's actions. The nursing program at Slippery Rock University, therefore, provides the foundation for a life-long process of personal and professional growth as well as for graduate nursing education.

University-wide Outcomes for Student Learning and Development

A.  Communication

            Communicate effectively in speech and in writing, using appropriate information sources 

      presentation formats, and technologies.

B.   Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

            Locate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from multiple perspectives—mathematical, scientific, and humanistic.  Apply this information literacy to contemporary challenges.

C.   Values and Ethics

            Demonstrate an understanding of how the values of personal integrity cooperative action, and respect for diversity influence one’s own behavior and the individual and group behavior of others.

D.  Social Awareness and Civic Responsibility

            Use knowledge of evolving human institutions and of diverse cultural and historical perspectives to interact effectively in a variety of social and political contexts.

E.   Global Interdependence

            Act with an understanding of the cultural, socio-economic, and biological interdependence of planetary life.

F.   Personal Development

            Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, as well as a commitment to wellness, and to emotional and spiritual growth.

G.   Aesthetic Perception and Ability

            Appreciate artistic expression and demonstrate an understanding of the creative process, finding vital and original ways to express feelings and insights in one’s work.

H.  Professional Proficiency

            Apply knowledge and skills to meet professional competencies within a specific discipline.

Department of Nursing Outcomes

 1.       Uses effective communication in formal and informal interactions with individuals and groups including clients, families, and communities.

2.   Applies critical thinking process to professional nursing practice.

3.   Synthesizes knowledge from nursing, scientific, and humanistic disciplines to guide nursing practice.

4.   Uses the nursing process to promote, maintain, and restore health for individuals, families, and groups within communities.

5.   Participates with others in providing high quality, cost-effective care and in promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and groups within communities.

6.   Applies research findings to improve and refine nursing practice.

 7.   Evaluates nursing practice in relation to professional/legal standards, ethical principles, and sensitivity to the cultural differences of clients.

8.   Exercises leadership for the evaluation and enhancement of the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.

9.  Values continuing personal and professional development.