|
The science and art of nursing at JIRDC is guided by the principles of providing and promoting activities that are life enhancing according to the unique needs of each individual served. The view of nursing defined by Dr Virginia Henderson, RN, Nursing Theorist, best represents JIRDC's philosophy of nursing care:
"The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge. And to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence..."
Nursing at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center has made important advances in practice which many in the nursing field have suggested is necessary in order for nursing's recognition as a professional discipline. Nurses at this facility have contributed to the growing body of knowledge in care of developmentally disabled persons. The stability of the nursing staff has provided the environment for continuing experiential learning in serving persons with multiple physical, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial challenges. The emphasis on education and research has contributed to an environment conducive to staff growth and development. For nurses this translates into involvement in ongoing personal education, education of other staff and students and clinical research. The interdisciplinary team approach and process allows an effective method for the nurses to apply nursing knowledge to the issues of treatment of a group of individuals and places nurses in a role in which clinical assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation are practiced daily and the results of the nursing process shared with many others in the team setting.
Links of interest:
North Carolina Board of Nursing (www.ncbon.com)
|
