Philosophy of Learning
The School of Nursing is an integral part of the Division of Patient Care Services of UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside. The faculty of the School of Nursing and the students participating in the program support the mission of the hospital and the philosophy of the Patient Care Services Division in that patients have unique values, needs, goals, and capabilities for health. The faculty believes that education for nursing is best accomplished in an academic and clinical setting that is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in professional nursing, and demonstrated by evidence-based practice and utilized in the delivery of quality care to individuals, families and the community. These beliefs serve as basis for the interpretation of the concepts that follow:
Humankind
Humankind is envisioned individually and collectively as creative, unique, self-determined, and holistic whose inherent nature is good. Humankind is conceived as an open system in a dynamic interaction with the internal and external environment directed by individualized values and beliefs.
Environment
The environment is viewed as an aggregate of constantly changing physical, psychosocial, and cultural conditions. In this multidimensional climate of interrelated events, there is a reciprocal exchange between man or woman, and the environment determining the formation, survival and quality of life of the individual, the family, and the community. Through planned collaborative alliances, the nurse becomes a purposeful agent to influence the quality of individual interactions with the environment.
Health
Health is a constantly changing phenomenon, based on an individual’s perception of one’s state of health and quality of life at any given time. This self-perception is influenced by history, culture, heritage, family, and the environment at large. Health care choices are influenced by relationships with family, significant others, health care professionals, an assimilation of cultural values, expectations, and the reality of resources.
Nursing
Nursing is a science-based, caring profession that facilitates health and healing through services offered to others by the establishment of relationships purposefully focused toward health. These relationships are characterized by the establishment of trust, meaningful communications, and an attitude of nonjudgmental caring and respect of dignity and uniqueness of the individual.
Sharing activities of the nurse-client process are: identification of needs and goals; negotiation of goals; decision making, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The process of critical thinking enables nurses to match priority client needs with available resources in an efficient and effective manner. This results in attainment of targeted goals: quality patient care, patient satisfaction, caregiver satisfaction that ultimately supports the growth of professional nursing, and the environments in which evidence-based nursing is practiced.
Beliefs
The faculty believes the school has a primary responsibility to provide each student accurate and valid information through a current and relevant curriculum that meets or exceeds standards of professional regulatory agencies. The faculty accepts accountability for providing students with a variety of theoretical and clinical learning experiences, which are fair, individualized, and equitable.
Through the provision of a creative learning environment, faculty and students engage in a relationship which acknowledges individual student rights and assets. This educational climate is built upon a foundation of mutual respect, values, and goals. Core values are focused on open, honest, collaborative relationships. Core goals are process and outcome-oriented, supported by quality educational standards and policies. Process outcomes are evidenced by successful completion of course objectives, and are reflected in the ultimate achievement of program objectives.
Learning is a transformational process wherein students and faculty collaborate to reach greater levels of understanding of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The faculty-student relationship is enhanced when accountabilities and expected outcomes are clear. The faculty strives to provide an environment that encourages active participation of students and facilitates growth and leadership. The faculty believes that education is best accomplished by providing students with accurate and reliable information, opportunities for individualized learning experiences, guidance, and direction to supportive resources. In the faculty-student partnership, the student also assumes accountability for behaviors which contribute to the achievement of expected outcomes. Students are supported and guided by faculty to become collaborative participants in learning. Through negotiation with faculty for individualized learning options, students are stimulated and empowered to achieve course and program goals, and ultimately to embody behaviors that perpetuate commitment to life-long learning.
Goals
The goals of the School of Nursing are to:
- provide educational opportunities for all persons who demonstrate academic and clinical ability and interest in nursing to complete a program of study leading to a diploma in nursing
- provide an environment supportive of the learning needs of a diverse student body
- prepare graduates who are capable of practicing professional nursing, at a beginning level, with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings