AAS37_archived

NSG115  Introduction To Nursing

2 Credit Hours

Introduction to Nursing focuses on the student as a learner and on the transition into the beginning Registered Nurse role.  The importance of organization, time management, effective study skills, test-taking strategies, cultural diversity, and communication skills are emphasized.  Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs and the systematic problem-solving approach are introduced as the organizational framework to identify, prioritize, and integrate human needs into the delivery of nursing care.  Attention is given to the historical development, current trends, cultural and spiritual aspects of nursing care, and legal aspects of nursing.  These principles will show how nursing can serve the client and his/her family, as well as the community.  In addition, introduction to computer skills, medical terminology and math concepts are explored. QSEN competencies are discussed in depth and will be integrated to prepare the student for future course objectives.   Requirements for RN licensure will be presented along with the legal and ethical considerations that impact nursing practice. The student will also explore the importance of verbal and written communication in the healthcare field and be introduced to medical terminology and therapeutic communication.

QSEN Competency Focus: Team work And Collaboration

Fundamentals of Nursing focuses on identifying, prioritizing, and integrating the hierarchy of basic human needs throughout the lifespan. Trans-cultural nursing concepts are introduced. This course explores intercultural communication as well as communications with different groups, genders and clients with special needs. It also emphasizes the communication process with other professionals, life’s losses, and documentation in the electronic age. Systemic problem-solving approach provides the organizational framework for a holistic approach to nursing care. Through theory and lab, this course introduces the principles and cognitive/motor skills essential to nursing practice. This includes: communication, the systematic problem-solving approach, vital signs, health assessment, body mechanics, aseptic techniques, client safety, nutritional needs, and care for adults of varying cultural and developmental stages. The application of the QSEN competencies to nursing practice is also addressed in this course through focus on safety and teamwork and collaboration. The student will begin to examine effective and appropriate delegation to other healthcare staff.

QSEN Competency Focus: Safety, Teamwork & Collaboration

NSG155  Pharmacology 8 Credit Hours

Pharmacology is designed to give the student an understanding of principles of pharmacology and specific drug groups using the prototypical approach and emphasizing physiological classifications and generic nomenclature.  Discussion of specific physiological drug groups will be organized according to their use in treating alteration in activity-exercise, sleep-rest, elimination, cognitive-perceptual, nutritional-metabolic, and self-perception-self concept dimensions.  The nursing process is applied to the administration of medication, and emphasizes identifying the altered health pattern for which the medication is administered, promoting and monitoring therapeutic effect, observing for and minimizing adverse effects, and evaluating the effectiveness of drug therapy. Drug dosage calculation will be emphasized.  Lab will enhance the student’s ability to apply these principles through hands-on experience with enteral, parenteral, and cutaneous routes.