Nursing Philosophy
The philosophy of the Nursing Program is consistent with the mission of the Good
Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science. The faculty believes that God created
each individual uniquely, worthy of respect and with the potential for growth. Each
person, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, formulates a system of moral
and ethical values with the free will to make choices and to be responsible and
accountable for those choices as one attempts to adapt to an ever-changing world. Each
person is viewed as a biophysiological, psychosocial, spiritual being.
Social systems are created by people to provide for the protection, acculturation and
nurturance of individuals, and the societies at large. Each individual continually
interacts with, influences, and is influenced by social systems. Society is composed of
individuals, families, groups and communities.
Health is a state of optimal wellness, which is unique to the individual. Health includes
the ability to adapt to changes in order to meet needs. Health is influenced by each
individual’s motivations, past experiences, environment and personal beliefs.
Nursing is a caring profession that originated in response to the needs of society. It
is an art, an applied science, and a learned profession based upon knowledge of an
individual and his/her environment, the biological, physical and behavioral sciences.
The nurse functions through the use of the nursing process to assist an individual’s
adaptation to a state of optimal wellness. The nurse facilitates the promotion,
maintenance, and restoration of health or a peaceful death for the individual. The
nursing role encompasses practitioner, counselor, educator, advocate, collaborator and
coordinator. The graduate is prepared to function as a beginning professional nurse.
Our graduate can best function giving direct patient care in a variety of health care
settings with emphasis on acute care facilities.
Education is a life-long dynamic process of intellectual, social, emotional and
spiritual development, which builds upon, and is influenced by, numerous factors
including acculturation, self-image and value system. Learning is the acquisition of
knowledge, skills, and understanding, which results in changed behavior. The educational
process assists the learner to think critically, to reason and to make ethical decisions.
Faculty and students are mutually responsible for learning. The faculty, as
facilitators of learning, are themselves participant learners.
The faculty is responsible for providing systematic learning opportunities, guidance and
development of each individual student. The faculty assumes responsibility for providing
appropriate supportive services. The faculty participates in development, implementation
and evaluation of all aspects of the program. The faculty also encourages continuing
professional and personal growth and community involvement.
The faculty and students acknowledge their obligation to participate in meeting the
healthcare needs of a changing society. The program encourages students to participate
in service to the community and to continue their education for the continued excellence
in nursing.