Philosophy of the Department of Nursing - Henderson State University
Humanity
Humanity is composed of individual, family and community systems. Human beings have gifts, limitations and imperfections. Their integrity is defined by the extent to which they develop a beneficent ethical core and require of themselves internal congruence with that core. Each person is a holistic integration of physical, psychological, spiritual and social dimension like other individuals, yet unique. As a complex system, the individual receives, integrates, responds and offers to others, physical, psychological, spiritual and social engagement in a specific environmental context. These interactions allow potential satisfaction of individual and universal human needs. Satisfaction of human need determines the capacity of human systems to respond, develop, change and grow throughout the life span.
Environment
Environment is internal and external and in a constant state of change. The internal environment of human systems is composed of dynamic psychological, physical, spiritual and social dimensions in progressive development. The external environment of human systems includes family and community. Environmental interactions can e supportive or threatening to human systems that seek equilibrium in conditions of constant change.
Health
Health is dynamic. Health fluctuates with the interaction between the environment and the physical, psychological, spiritual and social dimensions of human systems. Systems have the potential and capacity for optimum health. Environmental factors may facilitate or limit human systems' abilities to reach optimum health. Economic, ethical, legal, political social and spiritual factors in the environment influence the health of human systems. Each individual has the right to quality health care; however, environmental factors may limit access to resources.
Nursing
Nursing is a profession accountable to society. Nursing is a caring, human endeavor seeking to assist human systems in promoting, attaining and maintaining health. Professional nursing requires evidence-based practice. The nurse, grounded in natural and behavioral sciences, humanities, critical thinking and ethics, is responsible for personal and professional growth. Nurses are accountable to society for ethical, dignity affirming, competent care giving and health teaching. Professional nursing uses research to insure best practice outcomes. Nursing leadership, advocacy and multicultural competencies are requisites for professional practice.
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Date Last Modified: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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