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Programs > Health > Nursing > ADN > Philosophy

Associate Degree Nursing Program Philosophy

The Kapi‘olani Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program operates within the philosophical framework of Kapi‘olani Community College. We, the nursing faculty, are committed to contributing to the profession of nursing through teaching and service. We recognize nursing students as unique, caring and motivated. We believe that a sound nursing educational program is based on concepts relating to humans, health, illness, and the environment.

Humans: Humans are unique beings with biological, psychological, sociological, cultural and spiritual dimensions. These dimensions are in constant interaction and inseparable. In order to function optimally and maintain a state of wellness, needs related to these dimensions must be met. Every human, throughout their lifespan, has the potential for growth and development in each of these components. Age and stage of development affect the nature and intensity of specific needs as well as the ability to independently meet and/or communicate them.

We believe that humans are unique with inherent qualities including dignity and worth. Humans have the right to direct their own lifestyle and are encouraged to communicate their needs and feelings to members of the health care team. They have the right to obtain health care services that assist them in achieving the highest attainable standard of wellness. Humans have the right and responsibility to participate in the maintenance of their health and in the planning of related care during altered states of wellness.

Health and Illness: We believe that each human exists on a health-illness continuum that may move from high level wellness to severe illness and death. Humans are in a constant state of adjustment to internal and external environmental stressors as they strive to meet their needs.

Environment: We believe that movement on the health-illness continuum is caused by internal and external stressors, which can affect humans and the attainment of their needs. Successful adaptation leads to a state of optimal functioning and wellness. Unsuccessful adjustment may lead to alterations in wellness, to illness, and possibly to death.

Nursing: We believe that nursing is an evidenced-based science that promotes, maintains and, when possible, restores health. The goal of nursing is to assist humans to attain their maximal state of wellness on the health-illness continuum, including the support of a peaceful and dignified death.

Nursing is a dynamic profession that has a scientific base. It requires knowledge of the principles of biological and behavioral sciences and of the humanities as they apply to the practice of nursing. The nursing process is used to assess human needs and functioning, determine nursing diagnoses, plan nursing care, implement nursing actions, evaluate outcomes, and modify nursing actions as necessary.

ADN Graduate: We believe the ADN Graduate assists humans to meet their needs, prevent illness and attain wellness by promoting balanced and integrated biological, psychological, sociological, cultural and spiritual functioning. To do this the ADN graduate practices within the ethical, legal and regulating frameworks of nursing and standards of professional practice.

The ADN graduate uses comprehensive assessment of data collection, analysis and synthesis of relevant data to gain a holistic view of the client. The ADN graduate utilizes the nursing process and facts derived from evidenced-based practice to make clinical decisions to ensure the delivery of accurate and safe nursing care.

The ADN graduate provides caring interventions in an environment that encourages hope, trust and respect for cultural values, beliefs and lifestyle. These caring interventions aim to protect and promote client dignity.

The ADN graduate facilitates communication with clients and families using techniques of therapeutic communication. The ADN graduate also utilizes appropriate channels to communicate relevant, accurate and complete client information in a concise and clear manner

The ADN graduate incorporates teaching and learning principles when providing education for promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. The process is implemented in collaboration with the client, family and other members of the health care team.

The ADN graduate collaborates in the shared planning, decision making, problem solving, goal setting and assumption of responsibilities with the client, family and those who comprise the interdisciplinary team. The ADN graduate acts as an advocate, liaison, coordinator, and colleague to collaborate and coordinate the client’s care across health care settings and toward positive outcome.

The ADN graduate manages care through the efficient and effective use of a variety of resources. Through planning, organizing, delegating and controlling resources, the ADN graduate, in collaboration with the health care team, assists the client to move toward positive outcomes, transition across health care setting and access available resources in a cost-effective manner.

Nursing Education: We believe it is the responsibility of the faculty to design and implement a curriculum which promotes course and program outcomes by utilizing a systematic approach. The curriculum is designed to foster learning which increases in depth and breadth as students progress through the program. Students are assisted to actively participate in learning through course activities that integrate previously learned concepts with newly acquired content. Self-motivation is an essential element in the learning process and is encouraged throughout the program. Students are accountable to be self-directed learners in order to meet program requirements.

The goal of nursing education at Kapi‘ olani Community College is to develop safe, caring and competent practitioners who recognize the responsibility for life-long learning. Consistent with KCC's philosophy, the ADN program may be the terminal point in the student's formal education, or it may provide an opportunity for the student to articulate with an accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Program.