Adult learners possess diverse abilities, respond to a variety of teaching strategies, and are capable of assuming responsibility for personal achievement. These principles provide the basis for educational mobility in nursing, life-long learning, and a commitment to maintaining excellence in professional practice. The client is viewed holistically as a physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and spiritual being within an environmental context. Clients are open systems whose responses are influenced by culture, personal beliefs, values, and the environment. The client is capable of learning, and initiating positive changes toward well-being and health.
Health is a dynamic state which fluctuates among degrees of wellness and illness.
Health, which embodies physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions, is influenced by genetic endowment, health practices, and responses to health and illness. The function of nursing is to assist the client in establishing realistic goals through health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of responses to illness. A caring environment is a base for empowering the client system to problem solve and set health-related goals. The health care system is a complex organization of resources and facilities. Nursing is an integral part of the health care system.