Mission & Philosophy
Mission statement
"At EMU I learned about nursing with compassion ... to really make a difference in the life of a patient."
--Lisa Gascho Hershberger,
Class of 03
Our flexible curriculum design allows the department to serve the needs of students with diverse educational backgrounds, from beginning students to registered and practical nurses.
Philosophy
Nursing at its core is caring for people within their health experience and the total environment, bringing them to wholeness and healing. EMU's nursing program is based upon faith beliefs, as well as professional standards.Christian perspective
We encourage students to adopt a Christian philosophy of nursing, which incorporates the following approaches to caring:| service agape love justice |
presence empowerment advocacy |
reconciliation partnership grace |
Nursing in the global environment
We view the environment as including both natural and sociocultural systems. Health care systems are especially important components of the environment. Nursing is understood by considering role functions, various processes nurses engage in, Christian approaches to caring, and professional responsibilities. The discipline of nursing is best built upon knowledge from the natural and behavioral sciences and the liberal arts.
What does an effective nurse do?
- thinks critically
- feels deeply
- communicates clearly
- interacts meaningfully
- assumes responsibility
- acts morally
- approaches clients within a partnering framework
- understands that people's needs vary with developmental stage and cultural background
- views people holistically, recognizing that health encompasses both wellness and illness
Our program's educational environment
A number of foundational beliefs underlie the educational environment we seek to create.- Personal growth is essential for professional growth.
- Interdependence in relationships with faculty facilitates this growth.
- Teachers must provide honest feedback within a supportive framework.
- The learning process is strongest when student involvement is high, the goals of learning are clear, and the student has the opportunity to practice desired skills.
- Different students learn more easily by different methods; therefore, the educational experience should incorporate a variety of methodologies.
Our graduates
Graduates of the EMU Nursing program are generalists, prepared to function as beginning practitioners in a variety of settings, working with individuals, families, or groups of clients. Graduates are self-directed and engage in continual learning and development. They are accountable for their own actions but work collaboratively with clients, other health team members, and communities within which they practice.As professionals, they seek to improve health care by involvement in church, community, political, and professional organizations and activities. They also have the prerequisite background for graduate study.
The responsibilities of nurse care givers require validation of adequate preparation for practice. Our graduates are ready to take state licensure examinations.
Further information about our program's philosophy
See also:
