The Philosophy of Nursing Programs

    The Alabama College System

The philosophy of the nursing programs is consistent with the mission,

goals and objectives of The Alabama College System.  The programs

provide curricula to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary

for entry level employment in practical and professional nursing. 

          The nursing faculty endorses the following beliefs:

Maslow’s  theory is the foundation for the program of learning.  According

to Maslow, all individuals have similar needs arranged in a hierarchy with

higher needs emerging as basic physiological needs are met.  Individuals

are unique biological, psychosocial and spiritual beings who strive to meet

holistic needs.  Each individual has the right to make informed decisions

about one’s health in a technologically changing society. Society, a

complex system that influences culture, values, and beliefs, provides

direction and meaning to an individual’s experiences throughout the lifespan. 

          Health, which is individually perceived, exists when needs are met. 

Ranging on a continuum from highest level wellness to death, health is a

dynamic state.  The goals of health care are to promote, maintain, and

restore health.

          Nursing is an art, as well as, a science in which the holistic needs

of the individual are met through utilization of the nursing process in a variety

of settings.  The nursing process incorporates scientific principles,

interpersonal and psychomotor skills.  The practice of nursing takes place

in an ever changing health care system and requires caring, critical thinking, competency,  legal/ethical accountability, dedication to an evolving body of knowledge, life long learning and client advocacy. 

          The teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between

faculty and students where faculty serve as facilitators of learning. The

successful teaching-learning process requires an environment that promotes learning, considers the needs of the individual, and provides opportunities for

student participation and educational goal attainment.  The learning process is based on principles of critical thinking and is enhanced by the presentation

of information from simple to complex.  Learning is achieved when there is

evidence of a change in behavior within the cognitive, affective, and/or

psychomotor domains. Individuals have the right to achieve self-actualization

and society provides educational opportunities.

Nursing education is a learner-centered process which combines

general education and nursing courses to prepare the individual for the

practice of nursing.  Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of

instructional methodologies, and available resources, nursing education

fosters competency, accountability and continued professional development.  Learning is a life long process which promotes professionalism and is

beneficial for the learner and society.

 Threads Integrated Throughout Curriculum

1. Critical Thinking
2. Communication
3. Nutrition
4. Pharmacology
5. Cultural Diversity
6. Lifespan
7. Pathophysiology
8. Technology
9. Teaching / Learning
10. Legal / Ethical
11. Roles of the Nurse

 ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK

This schematic is designed to show the complete picture of

the program of learning.  The description of the schematic drawing

of The Alabama College System nursing programs is as follows:

          The umbrella represents a diagrammatic scheme of the

nursing programs’ organizing framework.  In order for an umbrella

to function properly, it must be unfurled, have all its parts connected

and its fabric intact.  The nursing faculty visualize the organizing

framework in a similar manner. The philosophy serves as the handle

of the umbrella and is used to unfurl the curriculum.  The organizing framework is composed of four major concepts:  nursing, nursing

process, human needs and the health-illness continuum.  These

four concepts are depicted by the horizontal bands on the umbrella.

The eleven ribs of the umbrella represent the eleven curriculum

threads. These threads are based on the philosophy and the four

major concepts and connect the fabric of the curriculum to the

pinnacle of the umbrella which represents the program outcomes.

• To contribute to the continuing provision of health care in the community by offering quality associate degree and practical nursing programs.

• To provide the organization through which the philosophy, program objectives, curriculum and program policies may be developed, implemented, evaluated, and revised within the framework of the College's organization in a manner which maintains approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

• To interpret the purposes of the Nursing Education Program to other institutions, organized groups, or individual members of the community.

• To promote an environment conducive to satisfaction and professionalism of the nurse faculty and staff.