Carla+Morton's+Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy Carla K. Morton I believe that teaching is the art and science of communicating through word, action and application the total picture of the nursing profession. As a teacher I believe that I have several responsibilities. These include:


 * Providing a safe environment so learning can occur
 * Recognizing and valuing the uniqueness of every student
 * Inspiring students to develop a passion for nursing
 * Instilling the attitude of life long learning
 * Modeling professional behavior
 * Teaching the values of the nursing profession
 * Demonstrating caring as the corner stone of our profession
 * Guiding students to understand the level of professional responsibility that will hold as professional nurses
 * Teaching students to role model healthy behaviors
 * Assisting students to develop critical thinking skills so that nursing content is utilized in a way that best benefits patients, and society
 * Helping students develop high self-efficacy

I also believe that students have certain responsibilities. These include:
 * A commitment to a high standard of excellence
 * A commitment to the nursing profession
 * A desire for continual personal and professional growth

Learning is a two way street with the teacher and the student each having responsibilities. I have to provide the content and understanding of what a student needs to learn to meet their academic and professional goals but the student must have an internal motivation to commit to the process, be open, and teachable. As the teacher I must respect the students’ potential to learn and grow and I must be flexible to help meet the needs of the students so learning can occur.

I would use several different methodologies to assist students in obtaining these goals. The first is role-modeling. Students need to observe the teacher modeling professional behavior
 * demonstrating caring behaviors (to the students); commitment to life long learning as evidenced by partnering with the students as each of us learn from one another; and instilling the core values and principles of nursing throughout the curriculum.

Teachers may know what a student needs to know to be successful but the teacher must help the student build this new knowledge based on individual goals and plans. I would have students develop their vision of the ideal nurse. This ideal nurse would have certain qualities, skills and experiences. I would have the student then develop a personal growth plan based on their current assessment of their skills, strengths and weaknesses to determine what learning needs to move toward their ideal nurse model. I believe that each student has varied learning styles. All learning styles need to be included to enhance each students potential to learn. Role modeling, media images, video, case presentation, and small group discussions/problem solving would be avenues I would utilize to create an atmosphere that nurture learning and each individual feels safe to question and explore.

As a life long learner I would continue to maintain certifications, attend conferences, network with colleagues in the education field and pursue opportunities that extend my comfort zone and require me to learn new skills. Remembering how it feels to be new, to not be the expert but the novice is an important concept for all teaching to remember. The best way for that to happen is to continue to expose myself to areas where I am the novice again.

I teach because I have a passion for the nursing profession. I can only touch a limited number of patients but if I teach a new nurse then I multiple the patients I can touch through each nurse I teach.