Nursing Division

PHILOSOPHY

The Nursing Division faculty believes that man is a dynamic interactive being affected by the environment. Nursing is a scientifically based, goal directed, interactive process. By utilizing the nursing process, biopsychosocial knowledge, and effective communication techniques, nurses assist clients to meet their needs and gain optimal health as they adapt to stressors within their environment.

The nursing faculty believes that nursing education should take place in institutions of higher education and should include both nursing and general education courses. The faculty accepts responsibility for developing and implementing the nursing curriculum. Nursing education provides the learner with opportunities for the investigation, acquisition, and application of knowledge and skills. As a result of the nursing education process, the student is prepared for entry into nursing practice. Nursing education is viewed as a cooperative endeavor to motivate both learner and instructor to strive for the achievement of their highest potential.

The nursing faculty believes that learning is a partnership involving faculty, students, and clients. It is a self-initiated and life-long process, which progresses from the simple to the complex. The student, an active participant in the education process, is ultimately responsible for his/her own learning. Therefore, the student is encouraged to accept this responsibility. The instructor's role is to assist the student in clarifying concepts, solving problems, and developing individual strengths necessary for competent practice. This process creates a social, cultural, and scientific awareness that manifests itself in responsible professional practice.

The faculty believes that the Darton College Nursing Program contributes to the Southwest Georgia community by preparing nurses who are competent to practice in entry-level positions. As a member of the health care team, the associate degree nurse manages and provides care by utilizing the nursing process, communication skills, and principles of teaching learning in the promotion of optimum health. We believe that the associate degree nurse is prepared to function in entry-level positions, under the supervision of the baccalaureate, masters, and doctorally prepared nurse. We further believe that nurses with baccalaureate and/or advanced nursing degrees provide leadership and assume responsibility for more complex health care delivery. The faculty believes that the graduate will assume responsibility for personal, ethical, legal, and professional behavior, and a commitment to lifelong learning within the profession of nursing.