Nursing Philosophy

The mission and vision of Lancaster General Health lays the foundation for the Department of Nursing. Nursing is an essential component of the integrated delivery system within Lancaster General Hospital. The nursing department extends beyond the acute care setting and recognizes the paradigm shift from a focus of illness to one of prevention and wellness. Utilizing the model of Relationship Based Care, nursing establishes a relationship with the patient, family, support system, and other healthcare providers. The nurse works collaboratively to coordinate age appropriate and culturally/ethnically sensitive care. The degree of participation by the patient, family, support system and other health care providers will vary based on needs, preferences and abilities. This relationship strives to achieve positive patient outcomes that maximize ones quality of life across the entire lifespan and strives to provide an extraordinary experience…every time.

Through Shared Governance, the nursing department supports accountability and responsibility for decision-making and clinical judgment, which are central to the delivery and continuity of care. Shared Governance establishes standards of nursing performance reflective of clinical practice, education, collaboration, performance improvement, and leadership.

The development of the nurse is accomplished through Benner’s theory of novice to expert as outlined in the clinical ladder process. This model serves as the foundation for the education of nursing within the health system and serves as the framework for establishing nursing performance standards.