Master Resource Outline

Credits: 2 credit lecture

Semesters  offered: F,  Sp

Prerequisites: BIOH201, BIOH 211,  HDFS101,BIOM 250/251

Co-requisites: NRSG 329 IL or consent of instructor

Course Description

This course introduces the  application of nursing principles, concepts and fundamental skills for the care of the individual needing assistance. Safe, quality nursing care begins with the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes and cultural sensitivity to patient-centered care. Learners will apply assessment data and cues to develop the clinical judgment needed in the nursing process. Effective and therapeutic communication includes obtaining and conveying relevant information via oral, written, and electronic methods to collaborate with clients, their support systems and the healthcare team.

Catalog Course Description:  This course introduces the application of nursing principles, concepts and fundamental skills for safe quality nursing care. Learners use assessment data, clinical judgment and therapeutic communication to plan and provide for effective nursing care.

Course Objectives

  1. Integrate knowledge, skills and technology from previous courses and experiences in the sciences and humanities to the art and science of patient-centered care.
  2. Incorporate assessment findings, data, cues, and critical thinking to the nursing process.
  3. Apply concepts of physiological and psychosocial responses, safety, and nursing judgment to promoting health in nursing care.
  4. Explain accurate, therapeutic, and timely oral, written, and electronic communication to facilitate interactions with clients, their support persons, and the healthcare team.
  5. Relate the components the professional nurse’s role, skills, and responsibilities in pharmacological management, including information technology to patient-centered, safe care.
  6. Describe attitude and behaviors consistent with professional nursing values in providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and ethical nursing care.

Course Learning Outcomes: The student will:

  1. Describe steps and rationales in the performance of nursing care that adheres to safety standards and current evidence-based practice.
  2. Demonstrate therapeutic communication skills to build rapport with individuals and their support persons to address disease prevention, health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.
  3. Discuss assessment findings, data, and cues into the nursing plan of care.

AACN Competencies 

This course introduces:

1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of nursing’s distinctive perspective and where shared perspectives exist with other disciplines.

1.2 Apply theory and research-based knowledge from the arts, humanities, and sciences.

1.3 Demonstrate clinical judgement founded on a broad knowledge base.

2.1 Engage with the individual in establishing a caring relationship.

2.2 Communicate effectively with patients (individuals, families, and groups.

2.3 Perform an assessment.

2.4 Diagnose actual or potential health problems and needs.

2.5 Develop a plan of care.

2.6 Demonstrate accountability for care delivery.

2.7 Evaluate outcomes of care.

4.2 Integrate best evidence into nursing practice.

5.2 Contribute to a culture of patient safety

5.3 Contribute to a culture of provider and workplace safety

6.1 Communicate in a manner that supports a partnership approach to care delivery.

6.3 Use knowledge of nursing and other professions to address the healthcare needs of patients and populations.

7.1 Apply knowledge of systems to work effectively across the continuum of care.

8.1 Describe information and communication technology tools used in the care of patients, communities, and populations.

AACN Threads

  • Equity and Inclusion
  • Diversity
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Communication
  • Ethics
  • Clinical Judgement
  • Mental Health

Recommended Content and Concepts

  1. Basic Nursing Care
    1. Infection control
    2. Asepsis
    3. Safety, security and emergency preparedness
      1. Common hazards
      2. Safety devices 
      3. Restraints
    4. Medication delivery
  2. Nursing Process
    1. Critical thinking, clinical judgment and patient-centered care
    2. Assessment
    3. Diagnosing
    4. Planning
    5. Implementation
    6. Evaluation
  3. Communication
    1. Professional therapeutic
    2. Documentation
    3. Reporting
    4. Teaching-learning principles
  4. Physiological Needs and Care
    1. Vital Signs
    2. Oxygenation
    3. Comfort
    4. Hygiene
    5. Intake/Output & Nutrition
    6. Elimination/Specimen Collection
    7. Mobility/Immobility
    8. Skin integrity/wound care

Suggested Student Learning Activities 

  • Laboratory  introduction  of  skills  with  return  demonstration
  • Clinical  applications  of  nursing  process  and  skills
  • Development  of  nursing  care  plans
  • Chart  review
  • Role  plays
  • Case  studies
  • Demonstrations
  • Patient  interviews
  • Utilization  of  informatics
  • Reading  assignments
  • Literature  searches
  • Cooperative  learning
  • Presentations
  • Clinical  conferences
  • Videos
  • Simulation/dramatization
  • Virtual simulation