Professionalism is a key component of nursing. Nurses are expected to demonstrate accountability for their own behaviors while adhering to the Standards of Professional Nursing Practice and the Code of Ethics for Nursing. A professional nurse is one who demonstrates pro- active leadership while collaborating with other members of the healthcare team in a collegial manner. The faculty believes professionalism includes conveying non-verbal messages by personal appearance. By understanding these messages the nurse is able to present the image of a competent and caring leader.
Graduates are prepared to accept responsibility for their professional behaviors.
The graduate nurse will move along a continuum from novice to expert. In doing so, the nurse develops additional leadership qualities, a sense of social consciousness and ownership of nursing practice. In developing a professional nurse, the faculty believes that learning begins in a supportive, caring environment. The faculty recognize that students bring to the program multiple life and educational experiences which can assist in the educational process. Benchmarks are set by the faculty and the curriculum is designed in order for students to achieve the educational and program outcomes.