Santa Barbara City College, Associate Degree in Nursing Program
Philosophy

Mission Statement

The mission of the SBCC ADN Program is in accord with the Mission Statement and Core Principles of the Santa Barbara City College. It supports the tenets of the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, and the California State Board of Registered Nursing. The primary aim of the program is to prepare entry-level registered nurses as providers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members the profession. The program is responsive to the changing healthcare needs of the community, state and nation.

The curriculum provides a positive, innovative learning framework that fosters the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that graduate nurses are equipped to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates will collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, be effective communicators, demonstrate leadership, social consciousness, and a commitment to life-long learning.

Philosophy

The faculty believes that teaching/learning is a continuous and interactive process with students and faculty sharing joint responsibility. Faculty members provide information, resources, and guidance to facilitate learning; however, students must assume primary responsibility for their own learning. The faculty acknowledges that students are adults with prior knowledge and experiences and they differ in learning styles and needs; therefore, a variety of instructional strategies and support services are used to promote student achievement and success.

The faculty believes that nursing is an art and applied science based on a unique body of knowledge derived from the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. As an art, nursing embodies learned therapeutic and caring behaviors and the creative use of skills and expertise essential to promote, maintain, and restore the person to an optimal level of health. As a science, nursing integrates concepts from the humanities and natural and behavioral sciences to develop a body of knowledge that supports the delivery of evidence-based care. It is recognized that nursing is a complex multifaceted profession directed towards promoting each client’s optimal level of health. This involves utilization of the nursing process, application of critical thinking and the transfer of theory into clinical practice. Nursing encompasses the roles of provider of care, manager of care, and member of the profession.

The SBCC ADN curriculum is based on the principles of Jean Watson’s theory, The Caring Science. Inherent in this curriculum model is a commitment to and a compassion for care of the whole person. Caring involves learning about and understanding human needs and human responses in varying states of health. It also involves understanding and valuing human individuality and diversity. By extending a human presence, nurses promote human dignity, reinforce self-esteem, enhance spirituality, nurture strengths, and facilitate healing. The Watson theory also recognizes that both the person cared for and the caregiver are affected by every interaction; therefore it is imperative that nurses take care of themselves in order to effectively care for others. Caring concepts are included in the program’s Conceptual Framework, Basic Standards for Safe Nursing Practice, and Educational Outcomes.

Finally, the faculty acknowledges that nursing education and practice exist on a continuum with increasing levels of responsibility:

At the ADN level of Registered Nursing, the graduate is prepared to work in a variety of heath care settings to assist individuals to meet their health needs. At the ADN level of Registered Nursing, the focus is on providing care that is person-centered, respectful, reflective, and based on nursing knowledge. ADN graduates utilize the nursing process, critical thinking, sound clinical judgment and effective communication skills in all aspects of care that are comprehensive, individualized and competent. ADN graduates utilize these same skills to manage a group of patients and to provide leadership to other health care team members.

At the BSN level, the focus of nursing practice is on the care of the community, family systems and individuals in the acute care and community settings. Emphasis is on a broader preparation in the basic sciences and on increased understanding of socio-cultural, political, economic influences on consumers and on the health care delivery system. Leadership, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are strong components.

At the Masters level, the focus is on specialization. Collaboration with other disciplines, leadership, understanding and developments of nursing theory, research, publishing, preparation of nursing faculty, and the development of independent practitioners are emphasized.

Educational Outcomes

The student who completes SBCC ADN Program will meet the Standards of Competency delineated by the Board of Registered Nursing in the State of California and will demonstrate both the knowledge and ability to:

1.  Provide holistic care with commitment and compassion.

2.  Establish positive nurse-patient relationships.

3.  Provide culturally competent care for persons of all ages.

4.  Use the nursing process and clinical decision-making to   provide care.

5.  Communicate effectively with patients, members of health care team, and others.

6.   Use Teaching and Learning Processes to Promote and Maintain Health

7.   Provide leadership, manage resources, delegate and supervise based on the legal and professional scope of practice.

8.   Adhere to Standards of Professional Practice.

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