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Department of Nursing Philosophy

The Department of Nursing (DON) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is committed to the university's broad mission of teaching and service, research excellence, and intellectual interaction and creativity included in the full range of programs offered through the DON.

The philosophy of the Department of Nursing is derived from a synthesis of beliefs and values shared by faculty, staff, students, alumni, clinical agencies and community stakeholders concerning nursing, nursing education, nursing students and the university. This philosophy and purpose stems from the mission, vision, and core values of the department. The mission and vision speak to collaboration, innovation and excellence. The core values are integrity and ethical accountability; excellence, innovation, and leadership; caring, respect, and cultural sensitivity; community collaboration and social justice.

Professional nursing is both an art and science, entrusted by society to provide services to promote, maintain, and restore the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings. Nursing as a discipline is grounded in theory and research that directs and validates clinical practice decisions and actions, and generates knowledge for practice. Nursing as a profession derives its authentic authority over nursing education, research, practice and service from a social and ethical contract with the public. This contract mandates that the profession act responsibly in promoting person-centered, safe, evidence-based collaborative care, utilizing informatics with a focus on quality improvement for the public's health and well-being.

The faculty recognizes that student-centered learning requires an environment which promotes strategies that encompass students learning styles and facilitates learning outcomes which are cognitive, affective and psychomotor and driven by the idea of continuous improvement. Rich and varied educational opportunities are an integral part of lifelong learning and demonstrating professionalism in partnership with communities. Successful CSUSB nursing students are expected to learn, to lead, and to transform themselves, the profession, and the community by fulfilling leadership roles and providing evidence-based nursing practice.

Graduate nursing education builds upon the baccalaureate curriculum to prepare nursing students for advanced nursing roles by promoting the development of advanced knowledge, concepts and skills.