MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING DIVISION  

MISSION STATEMENT & PHILOSOPHY

The mission of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is to facilitate the development of qualified persons in the community to achieve the goal of becoming Registered Nurses who value the concepts of caring, competence and professionalism.

The Faculty Believe That:

Nursing education is a planned, outcome-directed process which uses the principles of adult learning to assist the student in developing nursing competencies. Education is a life long, interactive, experiential process that results in a positive change in awareness, beliefs and behaviors. Nursing education is a collaborative endeavor in which the faculty assists the adult learner to achieve the status of professional nurse. 

The profession of nursing assists and empowers people to achieve and maintain optimal health and to prevent or cope with illness, disability and death. Nursing is accountable to individuals, families, communities and societies. Society is an ever-changing, multicultural environment influenced by technology, economics, politics and individual diversity. Health is a dynamic state in which the well-being of an individual is maximized. Holistic health involves the harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit in an ever-changing environment.

The nurse in practice provides leadership while functioning as a caring, competent professional in both autonomous and collaborative roles. The nurse uses decision-making strategies, appropriate communication and deliberative action to provide holistic health care to a culturally diverse society. The goal of nursing practice is to provide safe, quality, cost-effective care in a variety of settings. Nursing practice involves the care and empowerment of individuals and/or families at all points on the health-illness continuum throughout the life cycle. Nursing practice involves actions that focus on the promotion of health, prevention of illness and provision of care for the ill. Nursing incorporates respect for client's values and cultural diversity. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with other disciplines in a caring and competent manner, within practice guidelines, using appropriate decision-making strategies.