The philosophy of the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center School of Nursing reflects the beliefs of the faculty and supports the mission of the school. The coordinated efforts of the undergraduate and graduate programs contribute to the education, research, care of individuals and populations, community service and development purposes of the university to advance professional nursing. The faculty believe that people, health, and nursing are interrelated and exist in a dynamic global environment. People are viewed as holistic beings with inherent dignity and worth who participate as actively as they are able in decisions, which affect their health. These decisions are influenced by individual values, beliefs and perceptions as well as ethical, legal, cultural, social, political, and economic forces.
Health is viewed as the dynamic state of wellness and illness in individuals and groups.
Health care is an interdisciplinary effort focused on health promotion, disease prevention, illness care, and rehabilitation activities through partnerships between patients and health care providers. The goal of nursing is to assist people to make maximum use of resources, understand and prevent illness, promote health, restore function, and experience a peaceful death. Professional nurses are accountable to society for the effects of nursing practice to improve the health of people based on research and professional standards of care. Education supports learning as a lifelong process that results in a change in thought, values, and behavior. Learning includes teacher-learner interaction in setting goals, assessing and selecting learning experiences, determining instructional methods, and evaluating the learner's progress.