Our philosophy
Nursing students gain valuable experience performing physical assessment tests at local elementary schools.
The philosophy of the MU Sinclair School of Nursing is derived from a synthesis of beliefs and values shared by faculty, staff, students, alumni and clinical associates concerning nursing, nursing education, nursing students and the university.
We believe that a dynamic statement of philosophy serves as the foundation for determining the nature, purposes and priorities of all programs, activities and directions within the school.
The School of Nursing is committed to the university's broad mission of research and service, including the full range of programs in nursing — bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science (MS), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), doctorate (PhD) in nursing and Nursing Outreach.
Nursing is a practice science and an art, entrusted by society to provide services to improve and maintain the health and well-being of people. Nursing is grounded in theory and research that direct and validate clinical practice decisions and actions and generate and organize knowledge for practice. The profession of nursing derives its legitimate authority over nursing education, research, practice, and service from a social contract with the public. This social contract mandates that the profession act responsibly in promoting the public’s health and well-being. The SSON faculty believes that nursing leadership in education, practice, research, and policy is essential in advancing a health care delivery system that provides high quality services.
Persons may be individuals, families, communities or populations. They are dynamic, complex, holistic beings with rights, responsibilities and inherent value. Multiple influences affect persons’ self-perceptions and capabilities for acting on their own behalf. Individuals and the influences acting upon them must be understood, respected, and considered when providing nursing care.
Environment is comprised of external and internal domains. External domains consist of physical, geographical, biological, chemical, socio-cultural, economic, political, legal, ethical, and organizational elements. Internal domains consist of bio-psycho-social-spiritual processes. There is a dynamic reciprocal relationship between persons and the environment.
Health is a state of optimal well-being. It is influenced by persons’ internal and external environments. Health is mediated through a series of interactions with the environment.
Nurses work with persons who have actual or potential health care needs. Our diverse, complex, and ever changing society creates constant demands on their health and well-being. Nursing is concerned with all aspects of the human environment. Nursing is conducted in accordance with the practice standards and ethical codes of the nursing profession. Nursing education occurs on multiple levels. Education for the beginning practice of professional nursing requires the minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing that integrates professional and liberal arts education. Graduate education is required for the roles of advanced clinical practice, education and leadership. Doctoral education is required for conduct of scholarly inquiry.
Students enter nursing education programs with varied knowledge, life experiences, skills, and learning styles. Curricula are designed to advance learner’s knowledge of nursing and pursuit of individual interests while assuring attainment of professional objectives, and fostering lifelong learning.
The MU SSON embraces the opportunities inherent in being part of a large progressive research-intensive land grant university and health sciences center. The faculty actively support the mission of the University through our commitment to quality education, research, and service. We embrace the university values of respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence. We are committed to creating an intellectually stimulating and culturally diverse environment. The faculty are in a privileged position to prepare graduates to function in a variety of leadership roles, advance the body of nursing knowledge, and provide services to the citizens of Missouri, the nation, and the world.
The faculty recognizes that student-centered learning is an interrelation of theory, practice, and research. Faculty create and foster a learning environment characterized by independence, analytical thinking, scholarly inquiry, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty guide students to search for knowledge through research, scholarly endeavors, and clinical practice.