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Nursing Program Philosophy and Conceptual Framework

PHILOSOPHY

INTRODUCTION

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program functions within the framework of the mission and goals of Bellevue Community College.  As part of the larger community, the Bellevue Community College ADN program builds on the college’s mission by preparing students to successfully take the national registered nurse licensure examination and providing options to transfer to baccalaureate programs after graduation.  This program is responsive to the changing needs of the community, is accessible to those seeking to continue their education, and is representative of the diverse demographics of the college community.  The ADN program of Bellevue Community College provides full and equal access to opportunities for educational success.
 
Nursing is an art as well as a science.  The profession requires critical thinking in both independent practice and interdisciplinary partnerships within health care. Professional behaviors, effective communication, use of the nursing process, collaboration and management of care are central to nursing. Legal regulations, standards of practice and an established code of ethical principles frame nursing practice.

Nursing education is a dynamic process that promotes competence, independence and collaboration.  It is a cooperative endeavor between instructor and student.  As a lifelong process, learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through active participation, critical thinking, and application of artistic and scientific concepts.  Effective interpersonal interactions allow the mutual sharing of ideas and experiences that facilitate learning. The faculty believe that the goal as professional nursing educators is to provide experiences for students to become skilled and responsible practitioners of nursing who arrive at independent, complex judgments.

Faculty is invested in student success.   The expertise, perceptions, beliefs and expectations of faculty influence the learning process by encouraging and exposing students to attitudes, experiences, skills and knowledge.  We utilize various instructional methods based on individual needs of students, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, available learning experiences, content to be learned and environmental conditions.  Students are guided to assume responsibility for their own learning. With the assistance of the faculty, it is the student’s responsibility to identify their strengths and areas for development to enhance personal and professional growth.  Resources are provided to create and support an environment that facilitates each student’s success in the program.
 Complete and accurate data coupled with theory and knowledge from nursing as well as the liberal arts and sciences is the foundation of evidence-based practice.  Faculty believe that through the use of evidence-based practice, students can better assist individuals, families and communities to achieve optimal functioning.

Graduates of the Bellevue Community College ADN program are accountable, adaptable generalists who are prepared to successfully take the national licensing exam for registered nurses and to provide care in a variety of settings.  Using the nursing process, the graduate incorporates advocacy and critical thinking for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. Adaptation to varied cultural beliefs and practices requires flexibility and respect for others.  In a society with diverse health care values, practices and needs, it is essential that students learn to recognize, appreciate and appropriately respond to culturally-influenced health behaviors.  The graduate is prepared to provide culturally competent, holistic nursing care in response to the client’s values, beliefs, practices and environmental influences.

Revised: March 2008