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The Nursing Curriculum

About Theoretical Model for Community-Based Nursing Education

Illustration of Theoretical Model of Community-Based Nursing Education


Linfield's School of Nursing Theoretical Model for Community-Based Nursing Education provides a visual organizational structure for the curriculum. The model reflects the dynamic relationship between global and local communities and the community of learning.

Central to this community of learning is a focus on learner-centered education, which engages you in the practice of health promotion, illness prevention and treatment and reflects the value of social justice.

“Our nursing curriculum is grounded in a strong 21st Century comprehensive education. That means we develop lifelong learners with the ability to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively and lead others in complex, diverse environments.”

—Paul Smith, Dean of Linfield's School of Nursing

Themes of communication, community, diversity, ethics, health and stewardship provide a foundation for the program’s design and are incorporated throughout.

Professional education includes:

  • Nursing knowledge (what you need to know)
  • Clinical skills (what you need to do)
  • Socialization into nursing practice (your “being” as a professional nurse)

The ways in which you engage in a process of inquiry include evidence based practice, praxis and reflective practice.

Nursing curriculum at a glance

  • First semester

    • Foundations of Community-based Nursing Practice (NURS 305), 4 credits
    • Professional Communication in Healthcare (NURS 315), 3 credits
    • Evidence-Based Nursing (NURS 320), 3 credits
    • Integrated Experiential Learning I (NURS 335), 4 credits
  • Second semester

    • Nursing Care of Clients and Families Across the Lifespan with Chronic Conditions (NURS 355), 3 credits
    • Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (NURS 365), 3 credits
    • Integrated Experiential Learning II (NURS 375), 5 credits
    • Nursing in Mental Health and Illness Across the Lifespan (NURS 395), 3 credits
  • Third semester

    • Transitions in Health and Illness (NURS 425), 3 credits
    • Integrated Experiential Learning III (NURS 435), 6 credits
    • Nursing Care of Clients and Families Across the Lifespan with Acute Conditions (NURS 455), 4 credits
  • Fourth semester

    • Population-Based Nursing (NURS 460), 3 credits
    • Nursing Leadership (NURS 470), 3 credits
    • Integrated Experiential Learning IV (NURS 475), 7 credits