The faculty of Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing believes that nursing is a unique and integrated discipline that encompasses both the arts and sciences in providing holistic client care. The faculty believes that nursing fosters reciprocal caring that is the highest level of commitment to self, others and the community. The faculty believes that nursing uses creative application from a theoretical body of scientific knowledge to deliver care to individuals, groups and cultures while assuming the roles of caregiver, teacher, advocate and manager. Nurses provide care using the nursing process. Nurses function in an autonomous, collaborative manner to facilitate the attainment of optimal physiological and psychosocial outcomes for individuals of all ages.

Individuals are holistic beings composed of mind, body and spirit. Each individual is unique, possessing self-worth and dignity, and capable of making autonomous decisions. The mind and body are subject to change as individuals are in constant interaction with the environment. The individual's ability to meet change impacts on one's physiological and psychosocial integrity and affects their health status and ultimate outcomes.

Health is a dynamic state affecting individuals of all ages and encompasses a continuum of wellness to illness. Perception of health is defined by the individual and influenced by the family, community and society. Health involves holistic integration of all needs of the individual. The goal of nursing in health care is to empower the individual to attain chosen physiological and psychosocial outcomes by incorporating principles of health promotion, maintenance, and restoration, or assisting to a dignified death.

Learning is a cumulative lifelong educational process. The purpose of education is to stimulate the intellectual and personal growth of individuals. The faculty at Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing believes that nursing education encourages students to analyze and think critically while allowing for free inquiry and self-expression. Critical thinking is used as a basis for nursing care decisions, as well as understanding and functioning within the health care delivery system and the profession of nursing. The faculty believes nursing education is an interactive process and, therefore, designs learning experiences that complement, nurture and stimulate each student.

The nursing program is based on current trends in nursing education and health care. The program curriculum integrates the multiple aspects of nursing and health care while addressing holistic core constructs of health preservation, caring, delivery of nursing care and societal responsibility. Courses in sciences and humanities enhance the educational preparation of students and increase their awareness of individual, family and societal needs. Clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to apply theory to practice. Students are prepared to become contributing members of the health care team, functioning as accountable professionals within the legal and ethical standards of the nursing profession.