Mission and Philosophy

The Mission of the School of Nursing

Educating professional nurse leaders for lives of service promoting health and healing within our diverse community.

The Philosophy of the School of Nursing

Capital University is a comprehensive, private, church-related university philosophically committed to providing a liberal arts education within a caring environment. Based on the University's fundamental commitment to its Lutheran heritage, the School of Nursing encourages the pursuit of moral, ethical, and social growth as well as attainment of intellectual goals Faculty expects all undergraduate and graduate students to participate actively in the learning process.

Professional education is geared toward the attainment of a specialized body of knowledge pertaining to a discipline through commitment to the social, ethical, and scholarly standards of the profession. Faculty expects students to commit to lifelong learning and contribute to society.

Professional education fosters the acceptance of responsibility for critical thinking and decision making congruent with level of practice. Baccalaureate education provides opportunities for the development of personal qualities such as creativity, maturity, and the expansion of intellectual and cultural perspectives. Graduate education extends the development of these qualities both in depth and scope.

Preparation for baccalaureate professional nursing practice is based on a program of studies that includes nursing science, physical and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. Synthesis of theories, principles, and research from nursing and related disciplines enhances the specialized body of knowledge in the nursing profession. Preparation for graduate professional nursing practice is based on a program of studies that includes theories, research, and advanced clinical skills within a multidisciplinary context.

The central concern of nursing is the health of people within the contexts of their culture and social systems. Health is a state of well being that is culturally defined, valued, and practiced. Health reflects the ability of individuals, families, and groups to perform daily activities to their optimum potential. Transition describes the process by which individuals progress towards optimal health. Similarly, students progress along a continuum of professional growth. Nurses assist individuals to obtain or maintain optimum levels of health using problem solving that involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation as well as collaboration with individuals, families, groups, and health team members.

Capital University School of Nursing faculty believes that individuals learn through their experiences in a culture that values learning. Creation of this culture is the mutual responsibility of learners and teachers. Faculty fosters a personal commitment to critical thinking, caring, and communication among each other, students, and clients of nursing care.