IntroductionThe School Of Nursing
The School of Nursing offers an excellent blend of both theoretical knowledge and clinical experience. Throughout the nursing program, students gain clinical experiences at area hospitals, Community Health and Homecare Agencies, schools, and the University's nationally recognized Health Promotion Center.
Students are admitted directly to the baccalaureate nursing program and begin with a strong foundation in the natural and behavioral sciences in the freshman year. Strong grades in the pre-requisite courses including psychology, chemistry, microbiology and anatomy & physiology are critical to success in the nursing program. Nursing courses begin in the fall of the sophomore year and progress to include an increasing number of hours providing patient care throughout the curriculum. Undergraduate students start caring for patients during the second semester of the sophomore year.
Graduate students are in the field beginning in the second year of full-time study. The amount of supervised practicum time increases for all students as they progress through the program. The School of Nursing graduate program has three tracks: Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia and Healthcare Management. The course of study leads to a master of science in nursing degree and fulfills academic requirements toward certification as an adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult psychiatric nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetists or in nursing administration, advanced. The faculty encourages students to use and build upon past education and experiences. The School of Nursing has long been recognized for its commitment to individualizing instruction and educational experiences.
The course of study for B.S.N. and M.S.N. students reflects the school's philosophy, is organized according to a clearly articulated framework, and is designed to help students achieve the terminal objectives.
Philosophy
The Philosophy of the School of Nursing flows from the Mission Statement of Fairfield University, and gives definition to the Jesuit ideals of social responsibility, truth and justice.
The faculty believes that people are biological, psychological, social and spiritual beings who are unique members of families and of larger social systems. Interaction and communication within these systems influence health, harmony and well-being. Situational and developmental change represents transitional points in the life cycle which may result in disharmony and/or an opportunity for growth.
Health is a dynamic process of physical, mental, spiritual and environmental harmony which enables people to affirm and pursue their own life goals. Optimum health begins with nurturing and promoting one's own emotional and spiritual growth, which then extends to respect and caring for others. Alterations from health are a trajectory from wellness to illness with many variables affecting the quality of life along that continuum. When recovery from illness is not possible, death is viewed as the final state of life offering an opportunity for further growth
Students are viewed as holistic individuals with multifaceted roles, who are accountable for their learning. Each student brings unique qualities that contribute the strength and diversity of the program. Along with planned educational experiences, faculty offer support, guidance and mentoring throughout the learning process. Students are encouraged to develop their individual strengths and identify areas of interest as they progress throughout the curriculum. Students emerge as qualified entry-level practitioners, at the baccalaureate or Master's level, who integrate theory and research into their practices and use a critical approach to problem solving.
Because society is rich with diverse religious, ethnic and cultural groups, professional nurses must be prepared to work with those whose beliefs and values may be different from their own. In order to be sensitive to others, it is first necessary to know and accept one's own values and beliefs. Students and faculty demonstrate mutual respect for the rights of others and appreciation of these differences.
Mission & Purpose
In keeping with the mission of Fairfield University to develop men and women for others, the School of Nursing builds on a tradition of innovation and a commitment to provide the very best nursing education, scholarship, and professional service locally, nationally, and internationally.
The School of Nursing is committed to leadership in nursing. The discovery, transmission, and use of knowledge are at the core of our work. Knowledge of health and illness in individuals, families, groups, and communities, both locally and internationally, provides the context for our charge. The ultimate test of our vision will be the results of contributions of faculty and graduates over time.
Organizing Framework
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Commitment to social responsibility, truth, and justice is inherent in the Jesuit ideal and underscores the need to provide care to vulnerable populations.
Nurses have a moral and ethical obligation to provide and advocate for optimal health care for all members of society regardless of differences in culture, race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and age. Provision of care to vulnerable populations is a particular concern to nursing.
Nurses consider the interplay of health and social issues as they care for clients in various stages of health and illness. Students confront the range of ethical dilemmas and value conflicts inherent in care delivery, and develop an understanding and acceptance of self and others.
Holism
Human beings are unique individuals who grow in complexity throughout life...physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The interaction among human beings and between people and the many environments and cultures in which they live is considered in planning and providing care.
The physical environment includes climate, geography, air and water quality, and food purity, as they affect health and well being. The social environment, defined by roles, relationships and a network of care, influences health and provides support. The cultural environment, which includes family norms, religious beliefs, health beliefs, health practices, and the development of values and mores, influences definitions of health and illness and determines the manner in which health problems are managed. These environments and their interactions with human beings are integral to a holistic perspective.
Nursing Practice
Nurses diagnose human responses to actual and potential health problems, identify individual strengths and nursing care needs, and plan and deliver culturally-competent care that promotes, maintains or restores health. The role of the nurse is conceptualized as helping clients across the life span to maximize their optimum potential.
As students engage in clinical practice, they consider the complex interactions among individuals, families and communities and analyze how those interactions influence health and the larger society in providing care.
Nursing practice integrates scientific problems solving with holistic caring. Based on research and theoretical knowledge, the nursing process is used as a problem-solving approach to analyze information and prioritize patient care needs for individuals and groups.
Professionalism
Characteristics of professional nursing practice include critical thinking, decision making, and accountability. Behaviors integral to professional nursing's role are advocacy, political activism, effective communication, collegiality, commitment to life-long learning, scholarship, and the upholding of standards as defined by the profession.
Nurses function as integral members of multidisciplinary teams, engage in interdependent roles, and collaborate with other health care providers, clients, and family members.
Students facilitate collaborative processes, make referrals, teach others, confer with individuals and groups, and strategize to shape health policy at various levels. The purpose of this collaborative, interdisciplinary activity is to improve care through education, consultation, and management.
Professional nursing practice combines holistic care with evidence-based practice. Nursing research is viewed as the investigation of issues of concern in nursing practice with the aim of answering complex questions and developing knowledge to improve care and potentiate health.
Leadership and management skills are essential to shape the future of health care, and help others attain goals and facilitate change. Participation in professional organizations and groups, role modeling, client advocacy, political activism, and fostering a learning environment by mentoring and precepting others is expected.
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