The faculty of the School of Nursing delivers conceptually based didactic, clinical, and simulation learning activities in the pre-licensure program. The registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing program builds upon an existing foundation of nursing knowledge using effective distance learning methodologies to meet the educational needs of the practicing nurse. In both programs, the faculty are facilitators of learning, helping students expand knowledge, competence, as well as to develop or extend professional roles and values. Consistent with these beliefs and the mission of Eastern Illinois University College of Health and Human Services, the School of Nursing offers superior, flexible, and accessible nursing education for pre-license students and Registered Nurses. To meet the needs of learners and the larger community, the faculty pursues excellence in teaching, research, and service. A student-centered approach that facilitates the professional growth and development of the learner is integrated throughout the curriculum.
The Nursing faculty identify the concepts of person, environment, and health to form the framework for nursing practice. A person is a unique individual with human needs. This uniqueness is shaped by environmental, genetic factors, and social determinants. Human needs are requirements for well-being. When needs are unmet, homeostasis is threatened. Adaptation occurs through change, growth and development.
The environment is dynamic and includes all the conditions influencing the person. Family impacts the well-being of the individual. Social, culture, community, health care system and the world are all parts of the environment. Health is a dynamic state of physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. A holistic view of health allows the nurse to assess the health status of individuals, family, groups, and the community. Nurses meet health care needs through evidence-based interventions to address health promotion, disease management, and restoration throughout the lifespan.
There are three primary nursing roles: provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, and member of the nursing profession. As providers of care, nurses integrate theory, research and knowledge from the sciences, liberal arts and nursing as a foundation for evidence-based practice. This foundational information is dynamic and constantly changing, requiring nurses to engage in lifelong learning. In the role of designer/manager/coordinator of care, the nurse applies knowledge and skills in information and patient care technology. As a collaborative member of an interdisciplinary health care team, the nurse, as a leader, advocates for safe, high quality, and competent care of diverse populations. As a member of the profession, the nurse implements care based on professional ethics, standards and values. The nurse influences health policy locally and globally to promote health across the lifespan.
The faculty developed and update the curriculum and student learning/program outcomes based on the following standards and guidelines: Illinois Nurse Practice Act, the American Nurses Association, (ANA) Nursing scope and standards of care (2015), The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education, (2008).
