Nursing Conceptual Framework
An organizing framework for the Program was chosen to reflect not only a contemporary high-quality curriculum, but also a curriculum that is innovative in teaching and learning opportunities, and relevant to the practice of nursing at the practical nurse and registered nurse levels. To that end, the organizing framework of a concept-based curriculum has been adopted. The evolution from a content-based, medical model curriculum to a concept-based curriculum reflects the need for nurses to be critical thinkers and continuous learners.
The organizing framework is based on Giddens’s Concepts for Nursing Practice. The Concepts for Nursing Practice framework is organized into 1) specific overarching units; 2) themes; and 3) concepts. Each overarching unit has specific themes. The themes have concepts to further organize knowledge. Concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum in order to meet specific course objectives and student learning outcomes. The progression of knowledge occurs as concepts and exemplars (examples) are leveled from basic to complex throughout the curriculum.
The faculty of Hondros College of Nursing has identified a multitude of concepts that are woven throughout the program offering structure as a conceptual framework for the curriculum. The conceptual framework is built upon the major components of the philosophy: human beings, nursing, environment, and health. The supporting concepts of nursing roles, teaching-learning, therapeutic interventions, culture, standards of practice, ethical and legal principles, nursing process, critical thinking, therapeutic communication, caring and client advocacy, professional accountability, and leadership and management help students develop and expand in their role as a nurse.