University of Tulsa - Kendallabrum (Tulsa, OK)

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ursing What is professional nursing? The College of Nursing, as an integral part of the Universi- ty of Tulsa, accepts the institution's response to its aca- demic role of higher learning in the preparation of gradu- ates that are knowledgeable and skillful in their profes- sions and responsible in their service to the community. Professional nursing is the care of clients, patients, fam- ilies, and communities. It is directed toward the promo- tion of health, prevention of disease, alleviation of dis- comfort, and restoration to maximum level of function. The College of Nursing has as its primary purpose the preparation of graduates for beginning positions in the practice of professional nursing in a variety of health agen- cies. In accordance with the principles for professional education, a distinctive quality of the baccalaureate pro- gram is the broad base of instruction which should be reflected in all of the graduate professional nurse's activi- ties. The liberal arts, natural and professional science back- ground and foundation are integrated to assist the gra- duate in developing and ability to adapt to change, to use discriminatory judgment, and to use depth and breadth of knowledge to analyze and evaluate nursing situations. The program provides an educational opportunity which en- courages personal, civic, and professional leadership de- velopment and establishes a foundation for graduate study. The faculty believes the professional nurse has a high level of competence in clinical nursing, functions effectively as a member of the health team, and recog- nizes responsibilities in a dynamic society. He or she main- tains high moral and ethical values, and contributes to the improvement of nursing care through knowledge of the research process and the utilization of research findings. The guiding principles used in planning the nursing cur- riculum incorporate the biological, psychosocial, spiritual nature of man and respect for the innate dignity and worth of man. It is directed to assist man to reach his highest health potential. Curriculum is designed to be implemented in a teaching-learning process in classroom activity, seminars, clinical experience, and independent projects. The faculty accepts the definition of learning as that men- tal activity by which knowledge, skills, attitudes, apprecia- tions, and ideals are acquired resulting in the modification of behavior or insightful thought into one's current be- havior tif no change is necessaryj. The faculty believes in order for students to achieve their highest learning po- tential, they must be allowed and encouraged to express themselves creatively with peers, faculty, and in clinical laboratory situations under supervision. This expression enables students to validate or rejects ideas, thoughts, or concepts. Only when an environment is provided for freedom to express, criticize, and question can learning take place. Therefore, students shall have the freedom to pursue learning in an environment dedicated to the search for truth related to self, society, and the profes- sion. The faculty assumes responsibility to provide an environ- ment wherein professional competence is developed and refined. We further have the responsibility, the right, and

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the professional competence to evaluate the student in light of professional actualization through a variety of methods. By creating within the student the attitude of professionalism, the faculty believes graduates will strive toward further growth and development through con- tinuing education. Through attainment of both college and personal objectives, students of the baccalaureate program of nursing will reach a level of self-actualization known to professionals. The faculty believes the graduate of the baccalaureate program is prepared to: 1. Apply principles of leadership to identify problems, formulate solutions, implement and evaluate plans of care for individuals, groups and community. 2. Provide leadership for the advancement of nursing care, the nursing profession, and health care. 3. Initiate and participate in evaluation of nursing care practices for the improvement of health care. 4. Coordinate the components of patient care. 5. Participate in activities for continued personal and professional development. FAR LEFT: Dr. Neila A. Poshek, Dean of the Nursing School, is the only female dean at TU. BOTTOM LEFT: Mrs. Ilona Stone, Assistant Dean of the Nursing School reads over a student's care plan. Oliver Dziwoki poses with one of his patients.