The philosophy of the nursing programs is consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of The Alabama Community College System. The programs provide curricula to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry level employment in practical and professional nursing. The nursing faculty endorses the following beliefs:
Maslow’s theory is the foundation for the program of learning. According to Maslow, all individuals have similar needs arranged in a hierarchy with higher needs emerging as basic physiological needs are met. Individuals are unique biological, psychosocial and spiritual beings who strive to meet holistic needs. Each individual has the right to make informed decisions about one’s health in a technologically changing society. Society, a complex system that influences culture, values, and beliefs, provides direction and meaning to an individual’s experiences throughout the lifespan.
Health, which is individually perceived, exists when needs are met. Ranging on a continuum from highest level wellness to death, health is a dynamic state. The goals of health care are to promote, maintain, and restore health.
Nursing is an art, as well as, a science in which the holistic needs of the individual are met through utilization of the nursing process in a variety of settings. The nursing process incorporates scientific principles, interpersonal and psychomotor skills. The practice of nursing takes place in an ever changing health care system and requires caring, critical thinking, competency, legal/ethical accountability, dedication to an evolving body of knowledge, life long learning and client advocacy.
The teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between faculty and students where faculty serve as facilitators of learning. The successful teaching-learning process requires an environment that promotes learning, considers the needs of the individual, and provides opportunities for student participation and educational goal attainment.
The learning process is based on principles of critical thinking and is enhanced by the presentation of information from simple to complex. Learning is achieved when there is evidence of a change in behavior within the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains. Individuals have the right to achieve self-actualization and society provides educational opportunities.
Nursing education is a learner-centered process which combines general education and nursing courses to prepare the individual for the practice of nursing. Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of instructional methodologies, and available resources, nursing education fosters competency, accountability and continued professional development. Learning is a life long process which promotes professionalism and is beneficial for the learner and society.
Threads Integrated Throughout Curriculum
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Cultural Diversity
- Lifespan
- Pathophysiology
- Technology
- Teaching / Learning
- Legal / Ethical
- Roles of the Nurse