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Women's Health Care Studies
Programs
Philosophy
The Women's Health Care Studies Graduate Programs (Midwifery and Women's Health
Care Nurse Practitioner) accept the philosophy of the Graduate Division of the
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. The faculty believe that education
is an ongoing process which continues after graduation, promoted by the belief
in and support of self directed learning, critical thinking, and the efforts of
the student to succeed. The faculty also believe that learning is reinforced by
the immediate and repeated application of knowledge and skills in clinical
situations.
The purpose of the Women's Health Studies Graduate Programs is to prepare nurses
to be professional Midwives and Nurse Practitioners. The curriculum is designed
to prepare all students at three levels of competence: first, to become
excellent clinicians; second, to become proficient in knowledge about political
and health care systems; and third, to develop and/or enhance leadership skills
so as to be able to function effectively in multiple systems that interact to
deliver health care to women and their families.
In keeping with the clinical focus of these educational programs, the faculty
believe the following about Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner practice. The
autonomous practice of Midwives and Nurse Practitioners is based on the health
promotion model and the concept of interdependent practice - the promotion and
effective utilization of the unique aspects of each health professional's and
client's knowledge and skills joined together to ensure safe, satisfying health
care for every client. Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner practices encompass the
provision of family-centered, comprehensive care to essentially healthy women
and their families with respect for human dignity and worth, variety in cultural
forms, and the client's right to self determination in health care.
The faculty further believe that to provide optimal holistic care for women,
Midwives and Nurse Practitioners must promote the empowerment of all women in
controlling their lives and their health. Women's Health Care professionals need
to use the political process for the benefit of women and children throughout
the world and for the betterment of the Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner
professions themselves. Midwives and Nurse Practitioners also need to
participate with other professionals in health planning for all women and to
create and institute systems for the delivery of safe, cost-effective health
care to all socioeconomic groups.
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"The education that I received at PENN
was exemplary, first class, and top notch. I was exposed to idea of
evidence-based practice long before the concept became a buzz word in our
nursing domain".
-- Marie M. Essex, MSN
Perinatal Nurse
Practitioner
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