Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION

Philosophy of Nursing Education Melissa Del Giorno Molloy College

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION Philosophy of Nursing Education There are many factors which can influence ones personal philosophy. A combination of an educational philosophy with a nursing theory can truly inspire the creation of ones own philosophy of nursing education. There are a variety of educational philosophers which have effected the way in

which faculty teach today. Carl Rogers was an American psychologist who developed the notion of student-centered teaching. The humanistic approach supports and promotes the dignity of the individual, values students feelings, and promotes the development of a humanistic perspective towards others (Billings & Halstead, 2012, p. 224). Rogers discussed various principles for learning; he noted that when the subject matter is relevant to the students, they are more likely to learn. He affirmed that significant learning is acquired through doing. Rogers also focused on the role of the teacher or facilitator. He emphasized the purpose of teaching was to facilitate learning. He states, I see the facilitation of learning as the aim of education, the way in which we develop the learning man, the way in which we can learn to live as individuals in the process (Zimring, 1994, p. 3). Rogers also stressed that the responsibility of learning did not depend solely on the ability of the teacher to teach or have knowledge of the field of study. Learning depended on the qualities of the relationship between the student and facilitator. These qualities of the relationship are divided into three different areas. The first quality is very basic and suggests that the teacher must be a real person. The facilitator should show a full range of emotion and be able to share feelings without remaining stoic or sterile. This allows for the students to feel comfortable and be able to approach the faculty. The second quality describes a facilitator that encourages the

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION learner. This teacher is caring and trusting towards the learner. The third quality which creates a learning environment is empathetic understanding and prizing the student. This quality illustrates the sensitivity of the facilitator and rewards the student. Rogers believed that each student had motivation and the ability to realize the potential for

growth. He explained that if the teacher had particular attributes, they could bring this out in the student and therefore facilitate significant learning. Nursing has been shaped by many nurse theorists. Patricia Benner is a nursing theorist who has influenced various aspects of nursing. Patricia Benner has provided essential understanding of how knowledge and skills are acquired and directly applied to nursing practice, education, research and administration (Altmann, 2007, p. 114). Benners theory described five levels of nursing experience from novice to expert. These five levels are novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert. Each step builds upon the previous one and expands as the learner gains expertise. Benner points out that a person can be a novice in one area and still be an expert in another depending on experience. This theory is applicable to nursing practice and I believe nursing education as well. My philosophy of nursing education has been influenced by the educational ideas of Rogers and the nursing theory of Benner. I believe a humanistic approach is very important and that the faculty should be sensitive and caring towards students. The relationship between faculty and students could foster learning or could act as the barrier. It is important for the teacher to be a real person and to be approachable for students to ask questions or express concerns. I also agree with Rogers when he says that the role of the teacher is to facilitate learning. This is the most important part of being an educator; I

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION believe if the students are learning, then the teacher is successful. Benners theory, From Novice to Expert, has also influenced my philosophy. I believe that students have a natural progression when they are going through nursing school and that with more experience they gain more knowledge. This theory should be considered when determining teaching strategies for the class. When an educator has a group of novice students he/she should utilize certain teaching tools for that group and adjust them accordingly for expert students. The facilitator should also be aware that not every

student makes it to expert and that some students can be on different levels depending on the subject matter. It is important for the educator to assess and evaluate each students knowledge in order to properly facilitate learning. My practice as a nurse educator will be strongly influenced by my personal philosophy of nursing education. Although in the beginning I believe it will be difficult, I will certainly try to be my real self in front of the class and not put on a faade. I know I genuinely care for other people, which is why I chose nursing as my profession. I will be caring towards my students and convey empathetic understanding and sensitivity. My main goal as a nurse educator would be to facilitate learning. I will explore various teaching strategies, assess the students learning styles and utilize whatever resources are available to improve the course and aid the students. I will evaluate my teaching strategies to determine if they are successful in facilitating learning and if they are not I would be willing to change to better the class. I aspire to have the students be excited about nursing and about learning different factors that will ultimately help them to be great nurses.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION A personal philosophy of nursing education can be influenced by many different factors. Educators must decide what is important to them and discover ways to teach according to their philosophy. The most essential component of teaching is to facilitate learning.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION References Altmann, T. K. (2007). An evaluation of the seminal work of Patricia Benner: Theory or philosophy?. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 25(1/2), 114-123. Billings, D. M. & Halstead, J. A. (2012). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders-Mosby. Smith, M. K. (2004). Carl Rogers, core conditions and education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-rogers.htm Ulrich, B. (2011). From the editor. From novice to expert. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 38(1), 9. Zimring, Fred. (1994). Carl Rogers. International Bureau of Education, 24 (3/4), 411422.