The human being and environment form an integrated system. The environment that influences human function consists of internal and external components that affect individuals, families, groups and communities. The environment includes economic, political, social, spiritual and physical surroundings. Human beings can creatively change components of the environment that may increase their ability to achieve a desired level of human functioning.

The individual and society share the responsibility for one’s health. Health is a state of wholeness or integrity of individuals. Health is a result of diverse cultural, biological, psychosocial, spiritual and environmental elements that exist on a continuum across the life span. Health demands are met by assisting individuals to participate in activities necessary to meet optimal health outcomes.

Nursing is a caring profession that exists to meet society’s healthcare needs by assisting individuals, families, groups, and communities to identify and achieve their health goals throughout the life cycle. Nursing is an art that creatively uses knowledge from the sciences and humanities to plan and provide therapeutic interventions to meet the unique healthcare needs of society. Nursing is an evolving science that synthesizes concepts and theories through research and critical inquiry to develop an understanding of human responses to health needs. Nursing process is the basis of professional practice. Nursing assumes leadership roles in healthcare, legislation and public service to identify and implement changes in the delivery of healthcare.

Learning in the undergraduate and graduate nursing education programs is a continuous process involving cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills. Personal growth and self-discovery in the learning process are enhanced in an environment that encourages collegial relationships that stimulate a curious examination of the world. The results of the educational experience are the development of communication processes, critical thinking, analytic inquiry, creativity and professional judgment that prepares the student for future challenges in nursing practice.

Faculty serves as motivators and facilitators of learning. Faculty seeks to inspire an appreciation and desire in each student for new knowledge and life-long learning. Graduates of undergraduate and graduate programs will be an integral part of the continued development of our profession. The graduates will participate in endeavors to discover new knowledge and methods to meet the health needs of all individuals.