The practice of professional nursing is a deliberative process of assessing, analyzing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care with clients that promotes and restores health and prevents illness. The baccalaureate program prepares a beginning, self-directed practitioner who is capable of initiating, implementing, and revising nursing care.
Professional nursing is based upon the integration of knowledge from the humanities, the physical and social sciences, and nursing theories and research. The curriculum is based on the development of the individual and the family within a community. The curriculum flows from the philosophy and covers a four-year academic period. It includes integrated nursing courses, electives, and the General Education Curriculum requirements. Due to the cultural diversity of clients, it is suggested that students consider taking a foreign language. Written agreements with the cooperating hospitals and agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania ensure clinical facilities for the student’s practice, which is concurrent with the classroom theory. NOTE: Students are responsible for their own transportation to assigned clinical areas.
In addition, opportunities for learning are provided in the Clinical Nursing Simulation Center, which is equipped with computer-assisted instructional materials and with low fidelity and high fidelity manikins. A simulated clinical environment allows the student to practice the psychomotor skills necessary in nursing practice. A faculty member is available to assist the students.
