Nursing course descriptions
NURSING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FIRST SEMESTER
Nursing 321(Nursing Process):
This course introduces the concepts and provides practice experiences to understand and use the nursing process and the Roy Adaptation Model for planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. The course is divided into four units: Nursing Process; Roy Adaptation Model; use of the nursing process with the physiological Mode; and use of the nursing process with the psycho-social modes.
Nursing 311 (Communication in Nursing):
This course provides theoretical knowledge and practical application and experience of interpersonal communication skills needed to interact therapeutically, institute a teaching-learning plan, and communicate with individuals and groups.
Nursing 313 & 315 (Introduction to Nursing Process and Practice/Fundamentals of Nursing Process and Practice)
N 313 is an introduction to nursing and prepares the student to give care to the hospitalized patient, with focus on the mature adult. It includes introduction to the hospital environment and universal standards, basic nursing procedures, and utilization of the nursing process. After satisfactory completion of this course, the student can function at the beginning Nurse Aide level.
N 315 uses the nursing process to assess adult and older adult needs, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate their effectiveness. Calculation and administration of medication, flow rate determination, asepsis and sterile technique, pre/peri/post-operative care, nutrition, and advanced skills are developed. Principles and practice of therapeutic communication and teaching are utilized. Documentation and legal obligations are focused. There may be a practicum included in this course. After successful completion of this course, student eligible to complete examination for CNA.
SECOND SEMESTER
Nursing 323 & 325 (Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of the Adult Patient I & II)
N 323 encompasses care of the medical-surgical patient with problems of the cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, endocrine, immune, and hematologic system; oncological problems are emphasized. Nursing process based on the Roy Adaptation Model is continued. Communication and teaching are practiced. This course may include a practicum.
N 325 encompasses care of the adult medical-surgical patient with problems of the gastro-intestinal, genitourinary, orthopedic, and neurological systems. Nursing process based on the Roy Adaptation Model is continued. Communication and teaching are practiced. This course may have a practicum. 20
THIRD SEMESTER
Nursing 333, Nursing 335 and Nursing 339 (Nursing Process and Practice in Health Care of Women and Families; in the Care of Children; and in the Care of the Geriatric Patient):
N 333 includes both theory and practice in meeting the health care needs of women, and of families during childbearing. Psychosocial as well as physiological nursing concepts, including cultural, emotional, developmental, and environmental are emphasized. Settings include hospitals, clinics, and parent education classes.
In N 335, developmental theories (primarily Erikson) and the Roy Adaptation Model are utilized to focus on the assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of the bio-psycho-social problems of children and families. Integration of growth and development principles direct the care of the child related to position on the health-illness continuum.
N 339 focuses on the geriatric patient, integrating content of the Roy Adaptation Model and nursing process. Clinical experiences include long-term care and home-health. A more advanced role of the nurse is emphasized. Peripheral venipuncture is introduced in this course.
FOURTH SEMESTER
Nursing 343 and 345 (Nursing Process and Practice in the Psycho-Social Adaptation of the Patient and Care of the Adult Patient III):
N 343 provides theoretical knowledge correlated with clinical experience in planning and administering care to the psychiatric patient in the acute care setting. Emphasizes the care of the patient with mental health problems, cognitive disorders, problems of daily living, and substance abuse. Utilizes the Roy Adaptation Model and nursing process as a framework for providing care.
N 345 provides theoretical knowledge correlated with clinical experience in the care of the complex adult medical-surgical patient with cardiopulmonary and multisystem insufficiencies. The Roy Adaptation Model and nursing process are used to plan and implement care. Clinical experiences utilize critical care units. Theory content from previous nursing courses and required cognates are synthesized.
Nursing 347 (Leadership and Management in Nursing):
This course includes historical perspectives, current issues, and legal, ethical, professional, and practice factors important to nursing. Leadership, management, and communication factors pertinent to patient care are discussed. A four week full-time clinical preceptorship utilizing selected R.N. preceptors is performed in acute care settings for a total of 136- 144 hours.
TRANSITION SEMESTER (LVN-RN)
Nursing 329A and B (Role Transition to Registered Nurse and From LVN to RN)
N 329 A assists the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and other 'alternate route' students to make a successful transition to the RN nursing student role. Lecture content focuses on resources, role development, change theory, learning styles, LVN and RN scope of practice and roles, and medication calculations. Nursing 329 B content focuses on professional communication, legal and ethical issues, nursing process, physical assessment, critical thinking, and calculation and administration of medications by intravenous piggyback.