Philosophy
We believe that nursing is a dynamic, challenging profession that requires a synthesis of critical thinking skills and theory based practice to provide care for individuals, families, and communities experiencing a variety of developmental and health-illness transitions. Caring, which is at the heart of the nursing profession, involves the development of a committed, nurturing relationship, characterized by attentiveness to others and respect for their dignity, values, and culture. We believe that nursing practice must reflect an understanding of and respect for each individual and for human diversity.
Transitions involve a process of movement and change in fundamental life patterns, which are manifested in all individuals. Transitions cause changes in identities, roles, relationships, abilities, and patterns of behavior. Outcomes of transitional experiences are influenced by environmental factors interacting with the individual's perceptions, resources, and state of well-being. Negotiating successful transitions depends on the development of an effective relationship between the nurse and client. This relationship is a highly reciprocal process that affects both the client and nurse.
Developmental transitions represent maturational processes that progress from birth to death. Health-illness transitions are those biopsychosocial and spiritual changes that influence an individual's interaction with and ability to adapt to the environment. Nursing therapeutics are actions designed to facilitate healthy adaptation and to prevent unhealthy outcomes for clients experiencing these transitions. Professional nursing practice is based on critical thinking, mastery of knowledge and skill, integration of theories and research, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Ongoing professional development is necessary to maintain excellent nursing care, promote the nurse's growth, and continue the advancement of the nursing profession.
Nursing practice takes place within the context of an ever-changing environment, including organizations and communities undergoing transitions. Interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary to develop and implement comprehensive plans of care to improve outcomes among individuals, families, and communities. Nursing requires effective communication skills for interacting with diverse populations and with their colleagues in nursing and other disciplines. Nurses must continually expand their expertise in the use of technology to manage and process information to support their practice.
The CSU MSN program prepares a licensed nurse for advanced nursing practice and doctoral study. Advanced practice nurses embrace the roles of expert clinician, educator, administrator, consultant, and researcher. Learning at the graduate level is facilitated by an open collegial relationship between faculty and students that results in the development of a competent, advanced practice nurse.
Reference: Schumacher, K.L., & Meleis, A.I. (1994). Transitions: A central concept in nursing. IMAGE: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 26(2), 119-127