Mission Statement
The Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University supports the mission, vision, and goals of the University. The Department of Nursing is committed to meeting the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education©️ through educating students to reflect essential elements of: person-centered care, quality improvement, safety principles, communication, technology, professionalism, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and informed decision making for healthcare leaders in a global environment.
Core Values
Person-Centered Care, Quality Improvement, Safety Principles, Communication, Technology, Professionalism, Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment, and Informed Decision Making
Philosophy of the Department of Nursing
The Department of Nursing is driven by a steadfast commitment to cultivating excellence in evidence-based nursing practice, education, and scholarship. Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that nursing is both an art and a science, and we are dedicated to preparing compassionate, competent, and ethically responsible nurses. Aligned with the AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, our approach is holistic, focusing on the interconnectedness of person, environment, health, and nursing education (2021).
Person
At the heart of our philosophy is recognizing the individual as a unique and holistic being. We affirm the inherent dignity, worth, and diversity of each person. Through person-centered care, we strive to understand and address each person’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. By fostering meaningful connections with clients, we empower them to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, recognizing their autonomy and individuality.
Environment
We acknowledge the profound impact of the environment on health and wellness. Our department is committed to creating healing environments that are inclusive, culturally competent, and responsive to the social determinants of health. By embracing sustainability, we aim to create environments that support population health (and policies) and healthcare technologies that contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Health
Health is a dynamic and multifaceted state encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Our philosophy emphasizes promoting health through evidence-based practice, preventative care, and health education. By addressing the root causes of illness and promoting healthy lifestyles, we strive to enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
Nursing
Nursing is a dynamic and evolving discipline that requires scientific knowledge and humanistic values. We embrace the nursing process as a systematic framework for providing holistic care. Through compassionate communication, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making, our educators and students strive to meet the diverse needs of clients, families, and communities. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our dedication to continuous learning, evidence-based practice, and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams.
Nursing Education
Education is the cornerstone of our commitment to producing competent nursing professionals. Aligned with the AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, our curriculum emphasizes integrating essential knowledge, nursing competencies, and attitudes necessary for professional nursing practice. We foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, leadership development, and clinical decision-making to prepare graduates who are adaptable to the evolving healthcare landscape. Our educators are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth (2021).
The Philosophy of the Department of Nursing is a testament to our dedication to holistic, person-centered care, environmental stewardship, health promotion, excellence in nursing practice, and a dynamic nursing education aligned with the AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021). Through these principles, we strive to empower our students to become compassionate, competent, and socially responsible nurses, poised to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
