Program Philosophy
The Vocational Nursing Program respects and supports the philosophy of Valley Baptist Medical Center
and is consistent with the hospital’s Mission and Vision. We believe that each person is unique with
many interrelated systems, which are the result of a biological, social, psychological, cultural, and
spiritual interaction, which influences health and behavior. We believe it is the right of the
individual to be responsible for their own life choices including decisions regarding health, illness,
recovery, and death.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” We believe that nursing care is
a service committed to promote a state of wellness and at the same time educate on the prevention of
disease.
We believe that nursing roles and faculty functions are directed to establish safe, competent, and
compassionate patient care. The graduate is educated utilizing increasing levels of critical skills
based on the scope and standards of vocational nursing practice as delineated by the Texas Board of
Nursing. The graduate, as a member of the health care team, is also prepared to serve others with
compassion and dignity.
Program Vision
According to the Texas Board of Nursing – Nurse Practice Act,
“Vocational Nursing” is defined as a directed scope of nursing
practice, including the performance of an act that requires
specialized judgment and skill, the proper performance of which is
based on knowledge and application of the principles of biological,
physical, and social science as acquired by a completed course in an
approved Vocational Nursing Program.
Our vision, along with the vision of VBMC, is to provide
innovative quality education based on the philosophy, goals, and
objectives of this program including the:
1. Preparation of students to be eligible to take the National
Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
2. Preparation of students to function under the supervision
of registered nurses and licensed physicians by providing basic
nursing care as outlined in the scope of practice and standards of
nursing care.
3. Preparation of students to function as members of the
nursing and health care team that holistically meets the health care
needs of the patient.
4. Preparation of students to practice in a nursing community
environment.