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.
Professional nurses assume leadership roles through social action, identification of health care needs, involvement with resource allocation, and participation in health policy decisions. Baccalaureate education in nursing provides the basis for entry into professional nursing practice. The baccalaureate graduate is prepared as a generalist capable of functioning in a variety of roles and health care systems. Nursing process is the systematic model utilized for problem-solving. Registered nurse students have an opportunity to synthesize prior nursing experience with new knowledge.