The faculty believes that the associate degree in nursing education should be an integral part of a community college. We therefore accept the democratic philosophy and objectives of Texarkana College as it fulfills its mission to meet the diverse educational needs of the community. In keeping with the goals of the college, the associate degree in nursing program prepares a graduate for immediate employment, provides courses that may be acceptable for transfer to other colleges should graduates seek a higher degree and provides programs for development and/or expansion of skills.
We believe that humans are holistic beings who are unique and complex with biological, psychological, sociological and communication needs that vary throughout life. The faculty believes that health, defined as the process of well-being, is the right of every individual. Health services should be available to each through the cooperative efforts of a wide range of professions and disciplines, commonly called the interdisciplinary health team. The inherent dignity of the individual gives one the right to actively participate with the health team in decisions which affect one’s state of health.
Nursing works independently as well as collaboratively with other health disciplines to provide individualistic and cost effective care with clients of all ages. The faculty believes that nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of the ill, disabled, and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, and education are also key nursing roles. (Adapted from the International Council of Nurses, 2003). Furthermore, the faculty believes that nursing should constantly encourage client independence.
The knowledge base and practice of the nursing profession include promotion of health, management and monitoring of health and management of common, uncommon, complex and rehabilitative problems with predictable and unpredictable outcomes. The knowledge base and practice of the associate degree in nursing student is directed toward use of the nursing process to provide or coordinate direct nursing care for a limited number of clients with common, complex, or rehabilitative problems in structured acute and long-term health care settings. Such clients are identified as individuals or family/significant others.
Acute and long-term healthcare settings, for which the graduate of the associate degree in nursing program is prepared to enter, include geographical or situational environments where the policies, procedures, and protocols are established to support critical thinking decisions, and there is available consultation. The associate degree in nursing student functions in accordance with the differentiated essential competencies of graduates of Texas nursing programs in the role of member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the healthcare team. Upon graduation, the associate degree in nursing student is prepared for a beginning staff position under supervision in various healthcare settings.
The faculty believes that individuals learn in a variety of ways and come into the learning situation in different stages of development; therefore, learning is believe to be:
- Composed of cognitive, affective and psychomotor components.
- An additive process, progressing from simple to complex.
- Demonstrated by a change in behavior.
- Enhanced by a multi-sensory approach.
- Individualistic, according to life experiences and personal characteristics.
As the effort and energy put into learning is under personal control, learning is ultimately the responsibility of the student. The faculty shares the responsibility to the extent that they are accountable for curricular planning and for the creation of the learning environment. Throughout the learning process, the faculty will encourage development of a nursing conscience based upon professional, moral, ethical and legal standards.
The faculty further believes that as needs of society change, so do learning needs of the professionals who serve it. Continuing education after graduation is an inherent part of one’s professional obligation. In coordination with existing college continuing education services and with community groups, the nursing faculty responds to learning needs by identifying, planning, and otherwise ensuring implementation of continuing education opportunities for health care personnel.