MISSION STATEMENT

The philosophy of the Associate Degree Nursing Program is congruent with the Mission Statement, Goals, and Philosophy of San Joaquin Delta College.  The program is designed to integrate the educational needs of the student with the needs of the community, the college, and the nursing profession.  The Nursing Faculty is committed to provide and maintain a curriculum and a program of instruction that prepares its graduates for entry-level nursing practice.

PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING

Nursing is a time-honored profession to the prevention of illness, promotion of health and restoration of optimal wellness delivered in a professional, caring and supportive manner.  Nursing is a discipline, which requires the use of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills necessary for the provision of individualized care.  The delivery of care is based upon the application of the nursing process, utilizing scientific principles and theoretical knowledge.  The nursing process is goal-oriented; patient centered and requires critical thinking skills toward problem solving and decision-making.

The practice of nursing is dynamic and is directed toward the needs of the individual, the family and the community during health and illness.  The faculty believes that the practice of nursing must consider the changes in the dimensions affecting each individual and his environment, and promote measures to effectively reestablish and maintain a homeostatic state.

The different roles in nursing practice continue to evolve from past, present and future demands of the health care delivery system.  Nursing practice can be in structured and unstructured, acute, chronic or community-based health care settings.  Nursing roles as provider of care, manager of care, client advocate and member of the profession, all require humanistic and caring behaviors and commitment to ethical practices independent of the practice setting.  These behaviors are as important as the integration of theoretical knowledge and scientific principles within practice of the profession.                                                

PHILOSOPHY OF THE INDIVIDUAL

The faculty views the individual as a wholistic being in constant interaction with the internal and external environment.  The individual possesses innate and acquired abilities which facilitate this interaction.  The faculty believes that biological, psychological, sociological, cultural and spiritual dimensions inherent to the individual must be considered from a wholistic perspective.  The integrity, uniqueness and existence of the individual is based upon a delicate balance of these dimensions, a balance needed to maintain a steady, homeostatic state.

The individual is a part of a collective society where families, groups, communities and populations continually evolve and adapt to internal and external change.  Change may affect the steady state of equilibrium and disturb the delicate balance of the various dimensions.  Actual or potential health problems may arise when the ability of the individual to adapt to change is temporarily or permanently impaired.  In times of need, the individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in a caring and nurturing environment.  It is the right of the individual to participate in making decisions regarding his/her health care needs.