Practical Nursing

This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of normal body structure and function. The student will learn major systems, organs, and terminology necessary for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. Upon successful completion of this course, within the scope of the practice of the practical nurse, the student will be able to describe the structure and function of the respiratory, cardio-vascular, muscular-skeletal, nervous, skin, and sensory systems of the body, describe the structure and function of the reproductive, urinary, digestive, and endocrine systems of the body, describe the relationships of body systems in providing patient care.

This course provides the student with information regarding common acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions relating to the body systems including the management, needs, and specialized nursing care of patients with these conditions. Signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment for each condition are covered. Principles of nutrition, pharmacology, and asepsis are reviewed throughout the course.

This course provides instruction integrating theoretical and clinical experiences with a variety of complex medical and surgical patients of all ages experiencing common physical and emotional conditions. This course provides practical application of the theory and skills acquired in the classroom and lab. Primary emphasis is placed on problem solving methods dictated by the individual’s nursing needs and the patient’s state of dependency. The student, as a member of the health care team, has the opportunity to participate in the health and wellness aspects of the patient’s family.

This course provides information regarding obstetrics, neonatology, and relates to normal growth and development throughout the life cycle. This course will provide information relating to normal pregnancy, labor and delivery, the puerperium, and the normal newborn as well as common deviations. The specialized nursing skills to manage and care for the maternal and newborn patient throughout the maternity cycle are emphasized.

This course will introduce the student to the basic nursing core concepts of health care delivery systems and trends, legal and ethical responsibilities in nursing, the uses of the computer in the health care setting, and a review of basic math and science concepts. The student will be prepared to provide basic personal patient care and perform patient care procedures in hospital and long-term facilities. Safety measure, emergencies, and organization of patient-care assignments are included as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, blood borne diseases including HIV and AIDS and infection control procedures. Health care needs of the geriatric patient are introduced and pre-operative nursing care is discussed. The grieving process, appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communications in the performance of nursing functions are covered. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab via simulations and the student has the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the clinical setting.

This course prepares students to administer medications. The six “rights” of administration including calculation, routes of administration, proper use and storage of medications, patient observation, and documentation are explored. This course also includes the study of a large body of medications in terms of their therapeutic uses, characteristics, actions, dosages, side effects, and techniques used in administering them. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab.

This course prepares students to administer medications with emphasis on injections and intravenous therapy. The six “rights” of administration including calculation, routes of administration, proper use and storage of medications, patient observation, and documentation are reinforced. This course also includes the study of a large body of medications in terms of their therapeutic uses, characteristics, actions, dosages, side effects, and techniques used in administering them. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab where simulation(s) will be used to ensure competencies are met.

This course prepares students to administer medications with emphasis on injections and intravenous therapy. The six “rights” of administration including calculation, routes of administration, proper use and storage of medications, patient observation, and documentation are reinforced. This course also includes the study of a large body of medications in terms of their therapeutic uses, characteristics, actions, dosages, side effects, and techniques used in administering them. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab where simulation(s) will be used to ensure competencies are met.

This course includes the basic principles of nutrition and their application in person-centered care. Disease prevention and the general enhancement of life through nutrition will be explored. The content progresses from simple to complex utilizing the nursing process to provide holistic care.

This course includes the basic principles of nutrition and their application in person-centered care. Disease prevention and the general enhancement of life through nutrition will be explored. The content progresses from simple to complex utilizing the nursing process to provide holistic care.

This course provides information regarding the general characteristics, needs and problems of the pediatric patient to prepare the student to adapt nursing care for that patient. Signs and symptoms of common pediatric disorders and diseases are covered including nutritional requirements and diversion and recreational activities. Nursing skills related to the care of the pediatric patient are emphasized.

This course was developed to help candidates prepare to take the NCLEX-PN examination. The course provides both comprehensive content review and NCLEX questions for practice. This course reviews Clinical Judgment and the NCLEX-PN Examination, Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies, Professional Standards in Nursing, Nursing Sciences, Foundation of Care, Growth and Development Across the Life Span, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Problems of the Adult Client, and Pharmacology. Students will be provided the opportunity to assess their preparedness for the national examination. The current test plan for the NCLEX-PN examination will guide the presentation of specific course content. An assessment of individual strengths and weaknesses of nursing knowledge through diagnostic tools can be constructed and a plan for areas of needed growth can be formulated.

This course serves to introduce the Practical Nursing student to their role as a member of the health care team. This course includes orientation to study methods, historical background of nursing, therapeutic communication skills, ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, trans-cultural concepts, and lines of administrative authority. The theory and clinical components of this course prepare students for their role in the workplace.

This course prepares the practical nursing student to recognize and apply the principles of human relationships and resultant behavior in nursing practice. Employability skills and the legal and ethical aspects specific to practical nursing will be discussed as well as the transition from student to graduate nurse.