Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of the program flows from the program philosophy. Nursing is an essential part of the health care system and practical nursing is an important component of the discipline of nursing. The client is viewed in a holistic manner that encompasses care throughout the life span. Basic human needs are utilized as a curriculum framework, which also encompasses the core concepts of health promotion/illness prevention, therapeutic communication, cultural diversity, ethical/legal issues, pharmacology, and nutrition. The nursing process is utilized for the assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of care provided to the client and/or family. Critical thinking skills are utilized in this process and through all aspects of the nurses' involvement in the healthcare arena. Psychomotor skills are developed throughout the program to facilitate safe delivery of care, both to the client and the nurse. These core concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum.

The curriculum is designed to provide a logical sequence of courses and content. Course content increases in the degree of difficulty and complexity. The faculty has agreed on the definitions of the following terms:

• CLIENTS
  Clients (human beings) are holistic beings. The faculty view the client as a biological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and spiritual being with the unique capacity to experience emotions. Individuals exist, develop, and interact within the context of their families, communities, and societal environments. Each individual is unique and has intrinsic worth. Clients have the right and responsibility to make decisions for themselves and to develop to their maximum potential. The nurse intervenes at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Human beings strive for a sense of balance and well being within a societal context.
  
• HEALTH-ILLNESS CONTINUUM
  The health-illness continuum is a dynamic state of wellness requiring nursing interventions focused on health promotion, restoration and rehabilitation. Clients may be at any point on the continuum at any time during the growth and development process. Nurses may assist clients to a maximum state of wellness within the client’s potential or assist in providing a dignified death.
  
• SYSTEMS
  Human beings are individuals each comprised of a unique set of characteristics which include physical, psychological, developmental, enviromental, socio-cultral and spirital components. Humans are dynamic systems unto themselves who exist within systems, which are constantly changing.
  
  The nurse is an individual who is part of the complex group of systems, and who is working within a system labeled - Medicine. The roll of the nurse within the system is to aid the client, to adapt, and to change.
  
• COMMUNICATION
  Communication consists of verbal, nonverbal, written, oral and technological means of communicating with other healthcare professionals and clients to meet client needs and implement change. It is the transferring of information from all domains (affective, cognitive and psychomotor).
  
• CULTURAL DIVERSITY
  Cultural Diversity refers to the recognition of differences and similarities among individuals and groups related to expectations, behaviors, and ethnicity. Respecting and encouraging diversity enhances one’s view of the world and promotes personal and professional growth.
  
• CRITICAL THINKING
  Critical thinking incorporates skills in reasoning, analysis, and decision-making relevant to the discipline of nursing, demonstrated by openness of inquiry, ability to ask questions, generate ideas and offer perspectives.