The philosophy and objectives of the HCC Nursing Program reflect statements of belief that are integral to our mission of curriculum development at Howard Community College. Shared with students and clinical agency staff, these ideals promote a deeper understanding of the planning and implementation of nursing education curricula and work to ensure congruency between theory and practice.

On education, we believe...

That education is a lifelong process that promotes personal and professional growth. Teaching and learning are dynamic processes that inspire new ways of thinking and alter behaviors in the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains. In a collaborative environment with active and responsible student involvement and faculty who function as constructive, knowledgeable facilitators, the learning process becomes a stronger, more powerful and enduring tool. By using multiple learning strategies and advanced teaching methodologies, we have discovered a marked improvement in instructional effectiveness, critical thinking, and student learning.

Education is influenced by changes in the demographics of our society, the health care delivery system, and technological advances. Mobility within career and/or professional programs requires commitment to ongoing education and personal accountability in the teaching and learning process.

Consistent with HCC's philosophy of community college education, we believe...

That fostering flexibility and diversity in both theory and practice, is our profound responsibility within the community college environment. Characteristics and needs of both the community and student population serve as focal points in initiating and developing specific curricula and general course offerings. Opportunities are offered for diverse student populations, and are made available to full- and part-time students, degree or nondegree candidates, in career or transfer programs.

On nursing, we believe...

That nursing is both an art and a science, with varying levels of practitioners. The art of nursing revolves around the meaning of relationships between patient and nurse. In practicing the art of nursing, the nurse gives attention to aesthetic and caring approaches. Nursing as a science is based upon a unique body of knowledge derived from a general education in the areas of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.

A knowledge base reflective of the varying levels of nursing practice contributes to the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimal health of individuals, families, and communities. Nursing demands the ability to adapt to a changing environment in assessing, analyzing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.

Consumers of the health care delivery system are integrated, bio-psychosocial, dynamic beings with actual or potential human needs in five areas: physical, pharmacological, nutritional, rehabilitational, and psychological. Individuals function interdependently at varying levels, responding to environmental stressors through the process of adaptation. Nursing intervention aims to help promote positive adaptation to these elements throughout the life cycle within a multicultural society.

Continued learning and application of facts and principles are necessary for effective decision making in patient care settings. As providers of health services, nurses should be self-directed, creative, critical thinkers who strive for personal and professional growth, regardless of their level of practice.

Today, the nursing profession is comprised of a rich environment of career options diverse settings and a full spectrum of educational requirements and levels of
preparation. The practical nurse graduate, for example, provides direct patient care by assisting with data collection, contributing to a plan of care, performing basic therapeutic and preventive nursing measures, and helping evaluate how nursing interventions affect patients with commonly occurring health problems. The associate degree graduate, as a technical nurse, provides direct care for more complex patient problems that require judgment and collaborative decision making. Technical nursing education is designed as a complete, formal education for entry into registered nurse practice. The baccalaureate graduate, as a professional nurse, has the educational foundation for independent decision making and leadership roles. The provision of care at this level requires a broad base of scientific principles.

On nursing education, we believe...

That quality nursing education, which includes both general education and career components, takes place in educational settings as an integral part of the parent institution. This learning experience should be available to those who have the potential to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively meet the nursing needs of society. Educational preparation within each level of practice should build on previous knowledge to facilitate career mobility.

We believe that the nursing faculty should realistically assess the knowledge and skills necessary for safe functioning at the appropriate type or level of practice. This assessment should serve as the basis for planning, organizing, implementing, and revising the curricula. The assessment should also provide a basis for determining a safe level of performance, which is achieved by all students in theory and clinical practice.

On nursing education leading to an associate degree, we believe...

That the nursing faculty are both educators and skilled practitioners who maintain a high level of expertise and are responsible for selecting learning experiences based on a variety of settings. Our instructors are committed to review, analyze, and evaluate studies in the field and to incorporate relevant data into the curriculum.

An essential part of educating nursing students involves providing opportunities to observe and participate in both simulated and actual patient-centered learning experiences. The clinical component of the curriculum for the associate degree nursing student is structured within a theoretical framework in which concepts and principles are applied.

Associate Degree Program Objectives

At the completion of this program, the associate degree nurse graduate will be able to: