Philosophy of the School of Nursing

The faculty of the School of Nursing, in accord with Molloy College, believes that every person, as a biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, cultural being, has an innate potential for self-actualization in a dynamic universe. We believe that human beings are entitled to an environment that fosters individual self-esteem and mutual positive regard. We hold in high esteem the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. It is the concept of valuing, in relation to humanity-environment-health, which gives meaning to humanistic nursing practice.

Each human being is an integrated whole, evolving through time. The uniqueness of humanity is reflected through individuals, families and communities continuously interacting with their environment. Since environment influences the health and well-being of humanity, we recognize our collective responsibility to strive toward an environmentally better world.

Health is a dynamic state of bio-psycho-socio-spiritual-cultural well-being. A responsible society provides a health care system that enables individuals to function at their highest level. Nursing meets the actual and potential needs of humanity by assisting a diverse, multi-cultural population to attain, maintain and retain optimum health.

Nursing is both a science and an art that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of human responses. Humanistic nursing integrates theory and practice within a framework of ethical decision-making. Nursing provides health care for individuals, families and communities. Central to professional practice are caring, interpersonal communication and nursing therapeutics. We believe that nursing is a social contract grounded in the profession’s code of ethics and requires a life-long professional commitment.

Baccalaureate nursing education is based on liberal arts and sciences. This foundation distinguishes baccalaureate nurses by preparing them to communicate, evaluate and provide humanistic health care. Professional nursing education includes nursing’s scientific body of knowledge, which is augmented by the findings of multidisciplinary research. Baccalaureate education prepares the nurse generalist in a beginning leadership role as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team who is able to practice in a variety of settings.

The faculty believe that learning is an ongoing process that fosters intellectual inquisitiveness, critical thinking and decision-making, a creative approach to life situations and an appreciation of ethical and aesthetic values. We believe learning occurs best in a humanistic environment that values students and supports them in becoming increasingly self-aware and self-directed.