Philosophy and Goals

Philosophy

Nursing is a dynamic process of caring based on a theoretical body of knowledge. The nurse functions as a vital member of the healthcare team through collaborative professional practice. The primary goal of nursing is to assist individuals in the achievement of an optimal level of wellness and to reduce the burden of suffering from illness. The focus of nursing practice is on individuals' specific needs based on their healthcare choices related to physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, developmental and spiritual dimensions of individual lifestyles. This is accomplished through the promotion, restoration and maintenance of health, based on the individual's level of functioning and perceived needs. Through health education, the nurse assists individuals in making informed choices and supports individuals and families in decisions regarding healthcare. The professional nurse is accountable for providing safe, comprehensive nursing care to individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings.

Education is a life-long process that enhances the personal, social and intellectual development of an individual and increases his/her competencies in dealing with various aspects of life. Education fosters the development of critical thinking so that the individual can creatively respond to life situations.

Learning is the process by which individuals acquire knowledge and skills through the domains of cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and affective caring components. The learner is an active participant in the educational process. The learning environment provides challenging experiences and opportunities with guidance for the enhancement of self-directed behavior.

The educational program of Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing is based on a theoretical body of knowledge, which directs clinical nursing practice. The framework for presentation of content is a physiological systems approach. Beginning concepts of nursing theory serve as the basis for more advanced concepts of the most current, evidenced-based, nursing practice.The Faculty believes that through Role Concept, the student strives toward personal and professional growth. The student uses self-evaluation to develop responsibility and accountability. Through the Nursing Process, the student develops critical thinking skills to apply the problem-solving approach in the management of comprehensive nursing care. The student initiates effective interaction with individuals, families and groups through the Communication Process. Using Teaching/ Learning concepts, the student identifies individuals' learning needs and assists in the achievement and maintenance of their optimal level of wellness.

The application of these four major curriculum threads enables the student to manage patient care. This is achieved through collaboration and coordination with individuals, families and other members of the healthcare team. The educational program is committed to ensuring that students receive the necessary opportunities to enable them to be responsive to the needs of a culturally diverse community.

The Faculty assumes responsibility for planning, implementing and evaluating learning experiences for students. The curriculum reflects current changes within the nursing and healthcare environment. The student shares responsibility for planning and evaluating her/his education. The Dixon School of Nursing subscribes to the mission and philosophy of Abington Memorial Hospital and the Department of Nursing to assure that comprehensive healthcare is provided to patients and that the healthcare needs of the community are met. Upon successful completion of the licensing examination, the graduate becomes a registered nurse capable of functioning in a beginning professional position in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare settings.

School Goals

• Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing prepares the graduate to become a professional nurse through an educational approach using a physiological systems framework with integration of functional health problems.
• The graduate utilizes critical thinking skills and the most current evidence-based nursing knowledge to apply the nursing process in clinical practice.
• Communication skills enable the graduate to develop therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and groups. In managing patient care, the graduate effectively collaborates with other members of the healthcare team.
• Through the use of teaching/learning concepts and knowledge of health promotion/disease prevention strategies, the graduate assists individuals in achieving and maintaining an optimal level of wellness.
• The graduate is able to deliver culturally competent, safe, and efficient nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.

The total program promotes personal and professional growth of the graduate and fosters accountability, self-direction, a commitment to continuing education and participates in professional organizations.

Anti-Discrimination Statement
The Abington Memorial Hospital schools of Nursing, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiologic Technology are equal opportunity institutions. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status in their educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and other institutionally administered programs.

The Abington Difference

• Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
• Approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
• Hospital based nursing education where students learn strong clinical skills
• Patient simulation technology to develop critical thinking skills
• Enhanced learning through computerized clinical scenarios
• One year of college course work followed by two years of nursing theory and practice
• Faculty prepared at master’s level or higher
• Small class size where students receive individual attention
• Excellent student to faculty ratio in the clinical setting
• Students representing various age groups, backgrounds and life experiences
• Support services in place to aid students in achieving their fullest potential
• Full tuition packages available to qualified students
• Career counseling and advisement for job placement
• Outstanding success rate for first time test takers on the RN licensure examination
• Graduates eligible for acceptance into Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion programs