Erik Erickson's theory of human development (1963) maintains that individuals progress through eight maturational stages and that societal and cultural factors influence the manner in which an individual accomplishes the developmental tasks of each stage from birth through the end of life. Progression through each of these stages results in higher level functioning. The maturation level of individuals can be assessed and the nursing process implemented according to the developmental task being faced.
Developmental levels are the organizing framework for the junior baccalaureate courses. Each junior course focuses on a particular developmental level: the middle aged and elderly client (Nursing 3313), the young adult (Nursing 3314 and 3318), and the child and adolescent (Nursing 3318). While the junior level courses focus on the needs of clients as individuals, the senior level courses focus on clients as families and communities (Nursing 4412). Nursing 4414 focuses on the needs of families and clients of various developmental levels who are experiencing complex health problems. Nursing 4416, 4417, and 4418 synthesize this learning through a selected leadership experience in a clinical setting.
