The Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program is guided by a philosophy which embodies the
                                       mission and goals of Mission College. This philosophy acknowledges the individual
                                       and emphasizes the diversity of thought, creativity, multicultural viewpoints, and
                                       teaching/learning strategies that integrate innovative ways of acquiring and sharing
                                       knowledge.
                                    
                                    By combining the values of the individual with the acquisition of knowledge and nursing
                                       skills, the Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program fosters the development of the whole
                                       person as a responsible, accountable professional committed to the principles of life-long
                                       learning and service to others using a holistic approach to the practice of the nursing profession. The philosophy of the program is actualized through application of the
                                       Neuman Systems Model.
                                    
                                    In support of the philosophy, mission, and goals of Mission College and the philosophy,
                                       mission, and goals of the Registered Nursing (LVN-RN) Program, the faculty affirms
                                       the following beliefs:
                                    
                                    The person is a layered multidimensional being that consists of five person variables
                                       or subsystems which are identified as physical/physiological, psychological, socio-cultural,
                                       developmental and spiritual. The person may in fact be an individual, a family, a
                                       group, or a community. The person is seen as being in a state of constant change and
                                       in constant, dynamic interaction with the environment.
                                    
                                    The environment consists of the internal and external forces which surround a person
                                       and with which they interact at any given time. These forces include the intrapersonal,
                                       interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors which can affect the person's normal line
                                       of defense and so can affect the stability of the system.
                                    
                                    Health is the optimal state of wellness in which all variables are in harmony with
                                       the whole of the client (Neuman, 1995). Health is a continuum of wellness and illness.
                                       As the person is in a constant interaction with the environment, the state of wellness
                                       is dynamic and influenced by the interaction with the five person variables, the stressors
                                       they encounter, and systemic feedback loops.
                                    
                                    Nursing is a unique profession that is concerned with all of the variables which influence
                                       the response a person might have to a stressor. The task of nursing is to address
                                       the whole person and use nursing actions to assist individuals, families, and groups
                                       to retain, restore, or maintain a maximum level of wellness. The primary aim is stability
                                       of the patient/client system through nursing interventions to reduce stressors.
                                    
                                    This concept of nursing is consistent with Nursing's Social Policy Statement in which
                                       nursing is defined as "the prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and the
                                       protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families."
                                       (American Nursing Association, 2003). Furthermore, nursing is an art and applied science
                                       based on principles from the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, which
                                       focus on the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health
                                       problems.
                                    
                                    Nurses collaborate with a multidisciplinary health team to respond and care for the
                                       patient/client across the life cycle based on physiological, psychosocial, cultural,
                                       and spiritual needs.
                                    
                                    Education is a dynamic and synergistic process of sharing information between individuals
                                       resulting in a modification of behavior. Education respects the individuality of students
                                       and recognizes that each student has different educational experience; sociocultural,
                                       spiritual, and economic backgrounds; and a unique support system. The aim of education
                                       is to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a positive, innovative
                                       environment moving from the beginning (simple) to advanced competencies (complex).
                                    
                                    Teaching/Learning is defined as the right and responsibility of nurse educators to
                                       utilize sound educational practices and theoretical concepts to present relevant knowledge
                                       and skills reflecting current evidenced-based healthcare practices in order to facilitate
                                       the students' achievement of their highest potential.
                                    
                                    Recognition of differences in individual needs, learning styles, ethnicity, and cultural
                                       backgrounds are essential components in effective teacher-learner interactions. Within
                                       the concept of teaching/learning is the idea that the learning environment nurtures
                                       the development of potential, promotes the maturation of values, cultivates the ability
                                       to think critically and independently, and encourages the spirit of inquiry.
                                    
                                    Learning is an individualized, continuing, and interactive process. Learning is enhanced
                                       by active student participation in which the students assume primary responsibility
                                       for directing their own learning.
                                    
                                    Learning occurs via a dynamic and synergistic process that prepares the learner to
                                       function effectively and competently as an entry-level registered nurse, a provider
                                       of care across the health/illness continuum, and as a member within the profession
                                       of nursing.