Alvin Carl de Guzman

MSN, BSN, RN

Philosophy of Teaching

Introduction: As an educator in nursing, I am committed to fostering an environment that cultivates lifelong learning, critical thinking, and compassionate care. My philosophy of teaching is grounded in the belief that education is not merely about imparting knowledge but also about empowering individuals to become competent, confident, and empathetic healthcare professionals.

Core Values:

  1. Holistic Development: I believe in the holistic development of students, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and professional growth. Nursing education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing experiential learning, reflective practice, and ongoing mentorship.
  2. Excellence: I strive for excellence in teaching by maintaining high standards of academic rigor, evidence-based practice, and ethical conduct. I encourage students to pursue excellence in all aspects of their education and future careers, inspiring them to continuously seek opportunities for improvement and innovation.
  3. Collaboration: Collaboration is at the heart of nursing practice, and I emphasize its importance in the educational setting. I promote interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and community partners, recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich learning and enhance patient care.
  4. Cultural Competence: In an increasingly diverse society, cultural competence is essential for delivering culturally sensitive and equitable healthcare. I integrate principles of cultural competence into my teaching, fostering awareness, respect, and appreciation for the unique values, beliefs, and backgrounds of individuals and communities.
  5. Compassion: Compassion is the cornerstone of nursing care, and I instill its significance in every aspect of my teaching. I encourage students to approach their practice with empathy, kindness, and humility, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every patient they serve.

Teaching Approaches:

  1. Active Learning: I employ active learning strategies such as case studies, simulations, role-playing, and group discussions to engage students actively in the learning process. By applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, students develop critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning abilities essential for competent nursing practice.
  2. Experiential Learning: Experiential learning is a powerful tool for bridging theory and practice, and I provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning in clinical settings, simulation labs, and community-based projects. Through guided reflection and debriefing, students deepen their understanding, identify learning needs, and integrate experiential knowledge into their practice.
  3. Technology Integration: I harness the power of technology to enhance teaching and learning, leveraging multimedia resources, online platforms, and simulation technologies to facilitate interactive learning experiences. Technology enables students to access educational materials, collaborate with peers, and engage in self-directed learning, fostering independence and adaptability in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
  4. Feedback and Assessment: Feedback is essential for growth and development, and I provide timely, constructive feedback to students to support their learning journey. I employ a variety of assessment methods, including formative and summative assessments, to evaluate student learning outcomes and guide instructional planning. Assessment is not merely about measuring knowledge but also about fostering self-awareness, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Conclusion: In conclusion, my philosophy of teaching in nursing education is rooted in the values of holistic development, excellence, collaboration, cultural competence, and compassion. Through active learning, experiential learning, technology integration, and effective feedback and assessment, I strive to empower students to become competent, confident, and compassionate nurses who make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Professional Goals

  1. Enhance Teaching Effectiveness:
    • Implement innovative teaching strategies and instructional technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
    • Participate in professional development opportunities focused on pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment practices.
    • Incorporate evidence-based teaching methods and educational research findings into teaching practices.
  2. Promote Student Success:
    • Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student retention, academic achievement, and professional growth.
    • Provide mentorship, guidance, and academic support to students, including tutoring, advising, and career counseling.
    • Collaborate with students to set clear learning goals, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements.
  3. Advance Clinical Practice:
    • Stay abreast of current trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in nursing practice through continuing education and professional development.
    • Enhance clinical expertise and proficiency through ongoing clinical practice, preceptorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
    • Integrate clinical experiences and case studies into teaching to bridge theory and practice and prepare students for real-world challenges.
  4. Contribute to Curriculum Development:
    • Participate in curriculum development and revision processes to ensure alignment with accreditation standards, industry requirements, and best practices in nursing education.
    • Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and stakeholders to design and implement innovative, evidence-based curricula that reflect the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
    • Incorporate feedback from students, alumni, and employers to continually improve and refine curriculum content, structure, and delivery methods.
  5. Engage in Scholarship and Research:
    • Engage in scholarly activities, including research, publications, presentations, and grants, to contribute to the advancement of nursing education and evidence-based practice.
    • Collaborate with colleagues and interdisciplinary teams to conduct research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and program evaluations.
    • Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and professional organizations to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.
  6. Facilitate Professional Development:
    • Serve as a mentor, coach, and role model for novice educators and aspiring nurse educators, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth.
    • Facilitate workshops, seminars, and conferences on nursing education topics to share expertise, best practices, and innovative approaches with colleagues and peers.
    • Engage in professional organizations, committees, and networks dedicated to nursing education to stay connected, informed, and inspired by the broader nursing community.

By setting and pursuing these professional goals, nurse educators can continually strive for excellence in teaching, promote student success, advance clinical practice, contribute to curriculum development, engage in scholarship and research, and facilitate professional development within the field of nursing education.

Practicum Hours

Academic Membership

Pacific Union College – Associates of Science in Nursing, 2016-2020

Pacific Union College – Bachelors of Science in Nursing, 2020-2021

Pacific Union College – Master of Science in Nursing, 2023-2024

Professional Membership

Crestwood – Crisis Stabilization Unit (Fairfield), August 2020 – November 2020

Dignity Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Stockton): Neurotelemetry, October 2020 – Present

Assignment Exemplars