The Department of Nursing, as an integral part of St. Clair County Community College, derives its overall philosophy and purpose from the mission and goals of the college. The faculty support and implement the mission, goals and philosophy by providing an innovative, creative and comprehensive curriculum in an interactive environment. We acknowledge the diverse needs of our students and clinical agencies as we work together for community enrichment.

The purpose of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is to prepare students to provide safe and effective nursing care. In addition to the concepts included in the metaparadigm, faculty integrates education, teaching and learning enrichment.

Person: Each individual is a unique person (client and/or patient) who also may be part of a family or community. Individuals possess dignity and inherently desire respect. They have the right to make their own decisions. The person is viewed as a holistic being interconnected with others and their environment.      

Environment: The environment is the sum of internal and external forces surrounding the person. The internal forces include physical, intellectual, emotional, cultural and social factors. The external forces include circumstances and influences of the community and society. The nurse facilitates an environment conducive to optimal health. 

Health: Health is defined as the individual attainment of optimal wellness and not merely the presence or absence of disease. Health perception is influenced by the person’s values and beliefs. Harmony between the person and the environment promotes holistic well-being throughout the lifespan. Health influences the roles of nursing.

Nursing: Nursing is the science and art of caring for and about the person, environment and health. In addition to psychomotor and affective skills, nurses incorporate critical thinking and use the nursing process as a framework to care for diverse clients. Nursing is an applied science that uses evidence-based practice as a foundation to deliver safe and effective care. The Associate Degree Nurse is a direct caregiver, communicator, teacher, manager and member of a profession. Nursing education prepares individuals for nursing practice. 

Nursing Education: The Nursing Department strives to create a safe, comfortable environment conducive to learning. Nursing education involves the teaching of theories, skills and behaviors that assist the learners to assume the role of a registered nurse. Nursing education is a team effort composed of both the educator and the learner.

Teaching: Teaching includes the ethical responsibility to develop curriculum focused on evidence based practice that directs the learning process. The faculty is committed to the assessment of student learning for continuing improvement of nursing curriculum. 

Standards of Practice, Standards of Professional Performance and the Nursing Code of Ethics are used to guide the student toward safe practice. The nursing educator is viewed as a facilitator and catalyst for learning. The educator is available to the learner to clarify concepts and encourage critical thinking using various learning experiences. Nurse educators at St. Clair County Community College use theoretical and practical knowledge in their own area of expertise to provide the best possible learning environment. Students are expected to make a commitment to learning and to professional values of nursing.

Learning: Learning is a process by which behavior is changed as a result of experience and/or acquisition of knowledge. Ethical and caring behaviors are also necessary to fully engage in the leaning process. Learning is influenced by cultural beliefs and the learning styles of the student. Students are accountable and responsible for their own learning. The learner must be self-motivated and flexible to fully participate in problem-solving, decision making and other aspects of critical thinking. Technology has become an integral part of nursing education to assist the student in learning. Students learn to provide direct client care, communicate with various clients and colleagues, teach, manage self and others, develop collegial responsibilities and to be a member of a profession. Life-long learning is necessary to continue the practice of nursing and is stressed throughout the program. 

The conceptual framework is derived from the nursing philosophy. The program outcomes — direct care, communication, teaching, management and professional — surround the conceptual framework. The lines are dotted to allow for information to be freely exchanged with the environment. This enhances evidence-based practice and encourages life-long learning.

The metaparadigm of nursing is included in the conceptual framework. The concepts of person, health, environment and nursing as well as teaching and learning are the focus of nursing education. The triangles do not connect to each other or to the dotted lines in order to encourage strength and flexibility. 

Concepts from the philosophy link to the conceptual framework. Essential elements of the nursing philosophy are listed under each concept

Nursing education is the core of the Associate Degree Nursing program.  Nursing education facilitates student learning.