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PROGRAM PURPOSE
The purpose of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare
nurses to manage direct care to clients with commonly recurring
illnesses in acute and long-term health care facilities. This purpose
relates to the Mission of the University by providing general and
specialized education for a diverse population of students, but with an
emphasis on career preparation for women. In relation to the University,
the Associate of Science in Nursing Program defines education as the
process through which the student acquires knowledge and concepts
necessary for the profession of nursing. This learning process is
facilitated by a personalized environment, which prepares the graduate
to assume responsibilities of a registered nurse as health needs change
and research findings expand.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program at Mississippi University
for Women, cognizant of and responsive to the health needs of rural
Mississippi, combines general and specialized education for a diverse
population of students, but with an emphasis on career preparation for
women. The program for the associate degree nurse prepares the graduate
for entry level into professional nursing practice and neither requires
nor precludes further education.
The faculty believe that each person is a bio-psycho-social and
spiritual being whose inner nature is in part unique to the individual
and in part shared with all humankind. The person's nature is basically
good or neutral, and the individual strives to satisfy basic needs as
well as to work toward self-actualization. Interaction between the
individual and the environment occurs throughout the life span, but
follows a sequential, orderly pattern of growth and development. The
person is of value to self and the environment as an individual
regardless of any innate abilities or differences. Therefore, the
individual has the right to health care opportunities which can lead
toward the realization of that person's full potential as a human being.
Nursing is one of many groups practicing which provide health care to
individuals within society as a whole. In its broadest sense, nursing is
the application of arts and sciences in assisting the person to maintain
and/or recover the optimum level of health or to accept death. Nursing's
functions include the performance of those activities that would
ordinarily be performed by the self, if the individual had the strength,
will or knowledge. These activities should be performed in a manner
which promotes responsibility, freedom and consciousness as an
interdependent member of society.
Associate degree nursing practice combines nursing skills with selected
principles from the biological, technological, and social sciences. The
associate degree nurse utilizes these principles and skills to assess
the individual's level of growth and development and potential assets
along the wellness-illness continuum. Therapeutic nursing intervention
and instruction are planned and evaluated to assist the person to
maintain and/or recover an optimum level of health or to accept death.
The associate degree nurse is prepared to provide care in the community
where policies and procedures are specified and guidance is available to
a group of clients with acute and chronic health care needs.
Education is a change in individual behavior which evolves from
organized learning experiences through the use of critical thinking. It
is the process through which a student acquires knowledge,
decision-making skills, and understanding of those facts, principles and
concepts that underlie a field of endeavor. The student is assisted in
integrating the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively
in that field of endeavor in a complex, dynamic society.
Learning is a continuous and active process manifested by change
reflected in behavior. This learning is best achieved when outcomes of
learning are behaviorally defined and attainable through a sequential
learning process from the simple to the complex. With recognition of the
dependent nature of the student body, the learner is encouraged toward
progressive independence. The learning process is facilitated by a
personalized environment which re-enforces individual strengths through
written communication, oral presentations, frequent individual
conferences, small group discussions, and specific planned activities.
Associate degree nursing is committed to insuring program effectiveness
through strategic planning and collaborative relationships within the
community. Through provision of educational opportunities graduates are
prepared to assume the roles of provider of care, manager of care and
member of the discipline of nursing in a changing and diverse society.
The functions and responsibilities of the associate degree nurse will
change as health needs within society change and research findings
expand. In preparing for this change and expansion, a learning
environment which emphasizes leadership, management, individual
accountability, and the need for continued professional and cultural
growth is provided.
Revised February 2004
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program prepares individuals for:
1. utilization of the nursing process in providing care to an individual
or to a group of clients with acute and chronic health care needs.
2. provision of therapeutic nursing intervention, including client
instruction, which reflects decisions based on critical thinking,
communication theory, research findings, and the assessment of client
needs.
3. identification of the interrelatedness among the client's needs,
family, community, and cultural environment.
4. utilization of the client's level of growth and development and
strengths along the wellness - illness continuum in providing care and
instruction.
5. provision of nursing care where policies and procedures are specified
and guidance is available.
6. participation with other members of the health team in the community
in managing client centered care in acute and long term settings.
7. demonstration of personal accountability within the ethical and legal
framework of nursing practice.
8. recognition of the responsibility of maintaining personal,
professional, and cultural growth.
Revised May 2003
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