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Persons possess their own definition of health that may differ from the beliefs of others. It is based on the perception of each individual person’s quality of life at any given time. Health is a dynamic and constantly changing phenomenon that evolves as persons continuously adapt to their internal and external environments.

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Nursing is a dynamic and caring profession that assists persons, families and the community to achieve and maintain optimal wellness, and provides support for a peaceful death. The nurse functions as a vital member of the healthcare team through collaborative professional practice. Nursing is based on a theoretical body of knowledge, founded in the humanities and social sciences. It is also based on personal, professional and societal values that include trust, an attitude of caring, and respect for human dignity and rights. Nursing practice is implemented through the nursing process, incorporating the principles of critical thinking, communication, teaching and management in the provision of client care. Nursing practice is goal-directed, person-centered, multicultural and racially diverse.

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Education is a continuous process that recognizes and builds on previous knowledge and skills that enables an individual to adapt to new experiences. Nursing education is a collaborative, developmental learning process that enables the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to practice the profession of nursing. The nursing faculty emphasizes application of the nursing process, communication skills and integration of cognitive, technical and psychosocial skills through critical thinking.

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Learning is a life-long, integrative process of growth that progresses from the simple to the complex. Critical thinking, self-direction, individual motivation and self-evaluation are essential parts of the learning process. The teaching-learning process is a partnership whereby both the student and the faculty have rights and responsibilities. Learning takes place in an atmosphere of cooperation between the student and teacher, directed toward the achievement of mutual goals. The role of the faculty in the teacher-learner relationship is to encourage growth and accountability through planned experiences that facilitate the learning process.

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The School of Nursing is an integral part of the community it serves. The faculty and students are responsible for participating in the planning and implementation of health care services that are responsive to the needs of the organization and global communities.

The school has a responsibility to provide students with a curriculum that continuously responds to the changing needs of society. Academic, personal and financial aid guidance is provided to assist the student in attaining educational goals. Graduates are positioned for employment as registered nurses and are provided with educational mobility through articulation for continued personal and professional growth.

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The purpose of Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing's diploma program is to prepare graduates to seek licensure as registered nurses and to function as beginning practitioners in acute, intermediate, ambulatory and long-term healthcare services and settings. The goals are:

• To provide a progressive program of didactic and supervised clinical instruction that promotes integration of theory and nursing practice.
• To develop a broad knowledge base for nursing, and to offer educational mobility by providing college courses in the behavioral and natural sciences and liberal arts.
• To ensure the quality of the program by maintaining faculty with appropriate academic and clinical expertise.
• To satisfy licensing rules and regulations and accreditation standards by providing resources, facilities and support services that meet the needs of faculty and students.
• To maintain a program relevant to current health care through an ongoing curriculum evaluation and revision process.