MISSION STATEMENT

The mission at Ball State University School of Nursing is to promote academic and clinical challenge, achievement, team work, and problem solving.  Faculty are committed to provide high quality baccalaureate and master's nursing education that prepares professional nurses to meet the health needs and improve the quality of life of people in Indiana, the nation, and internationally.  In our quest for professional leadership, we value integrity, social justice, and social responsibility.  Faculty are committed to provide an environment that fosters intellectual freedom, inquiry, investigation, and creative activity.

GOALS

1. Prepare graduates for the practice of professional nursing.
2. Promote collaboration in lifelong learning and inquiry among students,   graduates, faculty, and other individuals within and outside the university environment.
3. Foster opportunities for student and faculty experiences in diversity of values, culture, and ethnicity at local, regional, national, and international levels.
4. Utilize technological advances in student learning and in client, family, and community nursing.
5. Engage in the discovery of knowledge through scholarly work, teaching, and service to add to the body of nursing science.
6. Facilitate the integration of learning experiences in extended education.

Approved by Faculty Organization:  5/5/03


PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING

The faculty in the School of Nursing adopt the mission of Ball State University including the core values of the discovery of knowledge, integration of learning experiences, and civic and professional leadership.  The philosophy of the School of Nursing consists of three elements: humans and their interaction with the environment, nursing, and values of the faculty.

Humans

Humans are physical, psycho-emotional, sociocultural, and spiritual beings.  They are in continuous interaction with the environment.  People's decisions about health are influenced by their physical and mental health, gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnic, and racial origin as well as sexual orientation.  Nurses recognize the individual's influential factors that affect health and provide care within the context of family, significant others, community, and the society.

Nursing

Nursing is a profession whose function is to promote health of people through helping them to be active participants in health care, maintain the right to self-determination, and ensure adequate provision of information.  Nurses use education, research, service, and involvement in health care policies to promote health, reduce risks, prevent disease and disability, and meet the individuals' self-care deficits.  Nurses help manage wellness, restore the optimal functioning after illness, and provide comfort and support during end of life. 

Nursing is a profession that is guided by the ANA code of ethics and standards of practice.  Nurses are engaged in the development of scientific knowledge and use of technological resources that will advance the profession.  Nurses work with consumers independently and in collaboration with other members of the health care team.  Further, professional nurses are engaged in leadership at the local, state, national, and international health-related organizations.

Values of the Faculty

Faculty are dedicated to the belief that every individual has the right to holistic and nondiscriminatory health care that is based upon worth and dignity of all people.  Faculty recognize diversity of values, culture, and ethnicity, and provide learning opportunities for students with culturally diverse populations.  Faculty uphold professional ethics when working with students, staff, faculty, other professionals, and people in the community.

Approved by Faculty Organization:  5/5/03

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The School of Nursing is a learning community that builds on a foundation of liberal arts, humanities, and sciences to develop clinical skills and judgment required to practice professional nursing.  Faculty believe in student success.  The faculty believe that students are responsible for their own learning with faculty to facilitate the learning process.  Faculty are committed to providing an environment which assists students to reach their potential, promote intellectual interest, critical thinking, development of professional values, and a commitment to life-long learning.  Within a milieu of mutual respect, students and faculty participate collaboratively in a venture of inquiry and investigation, learning, creativity, and service. 

Faculty are responsible for designing and implementing teaching strategies that help facilitate students' learning.  Evaluation of the student performance is a continuous process and utilizes established criteria.  Student success is promoted by supportive faculty advisement, remedial work, and/or referral to counseling services.  Faculty enhance the learning process by maintaining current knowledge in the discipline of nursing and integrating research and service into nursing education.

Approved by Faculty Organization:  5/5/03


ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Approved by Faculty Organization:  8/02