Externally, the dean "ministers" to faculty, students, and staff through securing resources necessary to accomplish program goals. The dean articulates to persons in the academic and broader community their role in the dance of nursing. The role of these persons is to provide resources such as scholarships, faculty development possibilities, learning resources, and research monies. Although this may be a primary responsibility of the dean by nature of the role, all persons in the circle share in this process by virtue of their commitment to nursing.
The administrator brings to the circle a skillful use of the caring ingredients. Alternating rhythms are used to understand and appreciate each person's unique contributions that support the achievement of program goals. For example, the budgetary process is essential to creating an environment that reflects the valuing of nursing. Commitment of the dean to securing resources necessary to accomplish the program goals drives the budget rather than the budget driving the commitment. The administrator's devotion to the discipline and to the basic assumptions of the theory direct all activities. The administrator makes decisions that reflect the basic beliefs of this theory. All decisions would ultimately be made from this standpoint: "What action should I take as administrator which would support the study of nursing as nurturing persons living in caring and growing in caring?"
What we have tried to suggest here is that every aspect of nursing education is grounded in the values and assumptions inherent in this theoretical focus. Thus, not only is the curriculum a direct expression of Nursing as Caring, but all aspects of program are similarly grounded.
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