Department Mission

The faculty of the Associate Degree Nursing Program of Davis & Elkins College supports the beliefs and general purposes of the college. The Nursing Program is in concert with the college's mission "to prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world." The mission of the associate degree program in nursing is to provide its students with a personalized quality education designed to prepare its graduates to practice as registered nurses and to provide a foundation for continued expansion of knowledge.

Philosophy

The Davis & Elkins College nursing faculty ascribes to the core competencies for nursing and nursing education identified by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. While firmly based in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient-centered care. The nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family and members of the health care team. The nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral to making competent decisions related to the provision of safe and effective nursing care. Information essential to nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means. The adoption of these key philosophical components fosters the development of the nurse’s professional identity.

Majors & Minors Offered

Majors

Nursing

For More Information Contact: Dr. R. Carol Cochran, Chairperson
Department of Nursing
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 637-1375
cochranc@dewv.edu