Education
Philosophy of nursing
As both art and science, nursing is oriented to the provision of care that promotes the well-being of the people it serves. Nurses intervene to strengthen human responses to internal and external stressors in order to restore, maintain and/or promote the optimal state of health or facilitate a peaceful death. The faculty subscribe to the core values of caring, integrity, diversity and excellence. We hold as essential values personal and professional integrity and respect for all persons. We treasure innovation and creativity while engaging students within a climate that fosters continuous learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional accountability.
Guided by the AACN’s Essentials of Nursing Education (2008, 2011) the faculty prepare students to practice and lead in a rapidly evolving health care environment. This philosophy is congruent with the mission of the university and its commitment to provide a stimulating environment for teaching, learning, research and service. It is also consistent with the fundamental beliefs about nursing and nursing’s contract with society as described by the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2010).
References
- American Association of Nurses. (2010). Nursing’s Social Policy Statement: The Essence of the Profession. Washington, DC: ANA.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. Washington, DC: AACN.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. Washington, DC: AACN.
Adopted by the Faculty of the School of Nursing February 23, 2011
VCU Mission and Values
The mission statement for VCU is accessible on the main university website.
