Conceptual Framework for a BSN Program

Molly Little, Nicolette Silverio, Alysce Parish, Kimberly Vice

MSN Education Students

The University of Texas at Tyler - College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Curriculum
Competencies (based on
QSEN Competencies and AACN Essentials)
Patient-Centered Care
Teamwork & Collaboration
Evidence Based Practice

Nursing
Definition
nursing Nursing is the protection, promotion,
QualityofImprovement
and
of health and abilities, prevention of illness
optimization
Safety
and
alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and
injury,
Informatics
treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of
individuals, families, communities, and populations
(American Nurses Association, 2016).
Nursing theory is an organized set of concepts, definitions,
relationships, and assumptions or propositions derived from
nursing models or from other disciplines for the purpose of
explaining and predicting phenomena (Masters, 2015).
According to Masters (2015), to apply nursing theory in
practice, the nurse must have some knowledge of the
theoretical works of the nursing profession (p. 428). Nursing
theories can be traced back to Florence Nightingale and what
would become her Environmental theory. Nursing theories
have vastly developed since the time of Florence Nightingale
and are an integral part of nursing curriculum for the
bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) and should be taught
throughout. Erickson's Modeling and Role Modeling Theory,
King's Theory of Goal Attainment, Neuman's Systems Model,
Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, Peplau's Theory of
Interpersonal Relations and Rogers' Theory of Unitary
Human Beings are a small sample of important nursing
theories.

Purpose: To prepare baccalaureate nurses for excellence in

professional nursing
Mission: To prepare baccalaureate nurses for entry-level
positions through evidence-based care, professional
development, leadership, service, and competent skill to
effectively care for people across all cultures and
throughout the lifespan for optimal outcomes.
Vision: To prepare the best baccalaureate nurses to
advocate for the profession, provide best practice care,
and impact the professional both locally and globally.

Nursing Education
Definition: A prearranged curriculum that includes clinical
practice experience to develop nurses. The different levels of
diploma include an associate, baccalaureate, masters, and
doctoral. Additional forms of education include certificates,
continuing education, and in-services (Nursing education,
2012).
Theories: Patricia Benners Novice to Expert Theory. The
theory describes five levels of nursing experience: novice,
advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert (Olin,
2011). Another theory is the Holistic Comfort Theory. The
balance of an educational experience to the art of comfort
combined with the science of nursing, students and teachers
can have a successful learning relationship (Goodwin, Sener,
& Steiner, 2007).

Paradigms (based on Texas Board of Nursing

DEC)

Member of a Profession
Provider of Patient-Centered Care
Patient Safety Advocate
Member of a Health Care Team

Education
The Oxford dictionary defines education as the process of
receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a
school or university (Education, n.d., para. 1). Education
involves the theory and practice of teaching and provides
information about or training in a particular field or subject
(Education, n.d., para. 3).
Theories in education are centered on learning and are called
learning theories. Learning theories are categorized as
behaviorism, cognitivism, social cognitivism, humanism,
constructivism, and brain-based learning (Pettigrew, 2015)

References
American Nurses Association. (2016). FAQ: Definition of nursing. Retrieved from
http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/FAQs#def
Competencies. (2014). Retrieved from http://qsen.org/competencies/
Differential Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs. (2010). Retrieved
from https://www.bon.texas.gov/education_documents.asp
Education. (n.d.). In Oxfords online dictionary. Retrieved from http://
www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/education
The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. (2008). Retrieved
from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/order-form/baccalaureate-essentials
Goodwin, M., Sener, I., & Steiner, S. H. (2007). A novel theory for nursing education: holistic
comfort. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 25, 278-285.
Masters, K. (2015). Nursing theories: A framework for the professional practice. [Kindle DX
version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
Nursing education program. (2012). In Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing.
Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/nursing+education+program
Olin, J. (2011, September 12). 7 Nursing theories to practice by [Web log post]. Retrieved from
http://www.rncentral.com/blog/2011/7-nursing-theories-to-practice-by/
Pettigrew, A. C. (2015). Learning and students. In M. H. Oermann (Ed.), Teaching in nursing and
role of the educator (pp. 15-33). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.