About the School of Nursing

Person

“Person” refers to diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and/or populations, across the lifespan, that partner in a therapeutic relationship with a nurse. Person may also be referred to as client or patient.

Health

“Health” refers to the multidimensional dynamic state of well-being of the person.  Health encompasses the physiological, psychological, cultural, social and spiritual aspects and perceptions of a person’s quality of life.

Nursing

“Nursing” is a science, an art, and a practice discipline that “encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings” (Definition of Nursing, International Council of Nurses, 2010).  Nursing is the “protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (What is Nursing? American Nurses Association 2013) Nursing further includes the “promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education” (Definition of Nursing, International Council of Nurses, 2010)

Environment

“Environment” refers to both internal and external factors, stressors and stimuli and describes the world a person lives in and interacts with.  Based on ecological theory, multiple influencers including, but not limited to, physical, behavioral, developmental, political, economic, ethical, social, legal, psychological, spiritual, technological, and cultural aspects determine environment (Edmondson-Jones 2007). These influencers must be considered when health care is delivered to the person. Both the person and the person’s health influence the environment.  Any change in the environment, no matter how small, may impact the health of the person (Fawcett, 2000).

Professional Nursing Education

“Professional Nursing Education” refers to the education of nurses from a university-based teaching institute via a variety of delivery modes, including distance education, for an increasingly diverse student body.  A baccalaureate education is the foundation for entry-level nursing practice (Advancing Higher Education in Nursing, 2000; Academic/Professional Progression in Nursing, 2007) and should prepare nurses for graduate education and life-long learning.  A graduate education builds on knowledge and competencies of baccalaureate education, and reflects advanced nursing skills in clinical practice, education, leadership, research and evidence-based practice for contemporary nursing roles (Advancing Higher Education in Nursing, 2006, 2011).

Nursing education should prepare students as leaders of relationships, leaders of processes and leaders of culture (Salmela, Erikson, Fagerstrom, 2011).