Philosophy

The faculty of Frankford Hospital School of Nursing believes that Nursing is a profession that utilizes a body of knowledge integrating physiological and biopsychosocial sciences. It is a practice discipline using a holistic, caring approach across the Health-Illness continuum. Nurses assist individuals, families, communities and society in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of optimal wellness. The unique role of the nurse encompasses a wide range of functions including teaching, consumer advocacy, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses strive to promote a safe environment in all practice settings. The methodologies employed by the nurse include application of the nursing process, critical thinking, analysis and the concept of change theory.

Nursing education is a systematic, dynamic process through which the learner acquires knowledge of the science and art of nursing. This process is accomplished through the transfer of theory to practice through meaningful clinical experiences in a variety of settings.

Education is as an ongoing process, through which the learner develops knowledge, values and skills to achieve an awareness of professional accountability and responsibilities.

The nursing curriculum is built upon and uniquely integrated with the humanities, arts and sciences. The faculty strives to respond to changes in technology, trends and emerging global issues. The following constructs form a foundation for the curriculum: scientific principles, nursing process, critical thinking psychosocial principles, individual/ family/community, health promotion, change agent and professional development. The curriculum progresses in a logical, sequential order with increasing complexity.

Learning is a cumulative, lifelong process by which the learner is challenged to develop an attitude
of inquiry. The teaching and learning process is a shared experience between faculty and students. Faculty facilitates personal and professional growth and encourages self-directed learning through mentoring. The faculty is responsible for identifying essential knowledge for competent nursing practice and for instilling skills in critical and reflective thinking.  Our instructors use creative strategies to engage all types of learners from a variety of backgrounds, and they maintain open channels of communication to facilitate student learning. The faculty empowers the student to actively participate in learning. Students are responsible for theoretical/clinical preparation and communication of learning needs.

Recognizing that nursing is a lifelong career with role multiplicity, the goal of nursing education is to prepare a competent beginning nurse generalist who functions as a member of the health care team, demonstrates critical thinking, utilizes informatics, incorporates quality improvement, is committed to lifelong learning, and addresses changing needs in the delivery of exceptional care that is evidence-based, culturally sensitive and client-centered.

The individual is unique and multidimensional, possessing universal needs and comprised of biopsychosocial, cultural and spiritual attributes. The individual functions within the framework of family, community and society. The individual proceeds in the mastery of developmental tasks striving for self-actualization. The individual is dynamic, interacting with an ever-changing environment.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity (Word Health Organization, 1947). Health is defined by individuals in relations
to their own values, personality and lifestyle. Health is a point on the Health-Illness Continuum represented by optimal well-being at one end and death on the opposite end. Health care is a right of every individual. Nurses assist individuals to attain optimal wellness in a variety of settings.

The environment consists of everything that surrounds the individual and is affected by physical, economic, social and political influences

The School of Nursing is committed to the community. Students and faculty participate in community-centered activities promoting health and quality care for diverse populations.