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Little Falls Nursing Department Philosophy

The philosophy of nursing service of Little Falls Hospital and the Residential Health Care Facility is based upon our perception of relationships between members of the health team. This relationship, we believe, is at all times dynamic and collaborative - the end result being the attainment of a satisfactory resolution of the patient's health problem. The role of the nurse in assisting in the resolution of the patient's health problem is in his/her implementation of the nursing process.

This process entails close personal interaction between patient, nurse, and physician in order to ascertain the best possible means of attaining the patient's well-being as quickly as possible.

It often requires consultation with families, physicians, other para-professionals and is not limited in scope by the walls of the hospital temporarily surrounding the patient.

The nursing process must include psychological and psychosocial as well as physiological concepts to solve health problems. The goal is not only to restore health and rehabilitate, but also to prevent further illness and promote better community health.

In order to be able to function adequately within the philosophy, the nurse must become familiar and skillful in the use of the nursing process. He/She will need to know how and what significant data can be collected in order to formulate a nursing diagnosis. He/She will need the know-how in formulating a plan of action with the patient, the knowledge and skill to apply the plan of action as well as to evaluate the results of these actions upon the patient and to change plans with changing needs. He/She will also need the ability to assist patients and their families to achieve their potential for self-direction toward optimal well-being. A mature and responsible individual is required for such a role as well as one who is aware of his/her own personal and professional needs and abilities.

Nursing Service Administration assumes the responsibility for providing inservice training and continuing education according to local needs and economic practices.