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Healthcare & Health Sciences

Nursing Course Descriptions

NURS 100: Home Health Aide to Certified Nursing Assistant

Credits: 2.00

Prepare current licensed Home Health Aides to safely and competently provide basic technical and personal care skills; identify mental health, social service, and cognitive needs of all populations; and render restorative care, while encouraging client independence while following all infection control, safety, and emergency procedures according to WA State Administrative Code. Successful completion will allow the student to take the WA State NAC exam. Current HHA license in WA State and AHA BLS card. Proof of TB testing, along with proof of current COVID and flu vaccinations. Permission code required. Previously AHE 160. 

Course Level Objectives

  1. Measure, record, and report vital signs, height/weight, and client observations. 
  2. Explain the role and scope of practice of the NAC in WA State.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of body mechanics.
  4. Explain developmental tasks through the life span and how care delivery needs to be adjusted for safety including lighting, comfort (warmth), quiet, and ventilation.
  5. Demonstrate ability to read, write, understand, and speak English and understand medical terminology used in facilities.
  6. Demonstrate the use and care of prosthetic devices.
  7. Describe the Workers' Right to Know Law and the Uniform Disciplinary Act.
  8. Participate in proficient care delivery at a facility under the supervision of a licensed clinical instructor. 

NURS 101: Certified Nursing Assistant: Basic Patient Care

Credits: 3.00

Introduction to the functional and legal role of nursing assistants on the health care team. Synchronized online lectures and discussions will prepare the student for their laboratory and clinical experience. Upon successful completion of concurrent NURS 101, 102, and 103 the student will be able to test for Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification. NURS 101 and NURS 102 were previously AHE 162. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment NURS 102 and NURS 103. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AHE 115 or current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the nursing assistant's legal scope of practice and function on the health care team.
  2. List communication techniques available for various clinical and patient situations to avoid barriers.
  3. Employ medical terminology and abbreviations appropriately.
  4. Explain how culture and religion influence health and illness. 
  5. Summarize Maslow's theory of basic needs as it applies to the individual client.

NURS 102: Certified Nursing Assistant: Basic Skills Lab

Credits: 2.00

Introduction to the basic Certified Nursing Assistant skills needed to perform safe, competent care to vulnerable populations. On-campus lab sessions provide training for students to practice skills in a safe environment. NURS 101 and NURS 102 were previously AHE 162. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment NURS 101 and NURS 103. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AHE 115 or current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Perform accurate measuring, recording, and sharing of client data. 
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in all skills needed for client care, as listed in the current Washington Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook.
  3. Apply Maslow's theory of basic needs to provide care. 
  4. Evaluate and critique classmates' skill performance in a supportive manner. 
  5. Integrate constructive feedback from instructors and classmates to improve lab skills.
  6. Complete a simulated clinical experience in the on-campus lab. 
  7. Discuss various ways to approach the delivery of care that keep Patient and Resident Rights at the forefront.

NURS 103: Certified Nursing Assistant: Clinical Externship

Credits: 2.00

Practical experience in all client care skills and the functional role of the nursing assistant in the workplace. Students will be placed at a pre-approved clinical site and practice under the supervision of the clinical instructor and the facility's staff. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in the summer) as space is available. Previously AHE 164. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment NURS 101 and NURS 102. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AHE 115 or current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Participate as a member of the healthcare team to plan and deliver direct client care.
  2. Under the supervision of the clinical instructor, or facility staff perform all patient care skills as per the current WA State Candidate Handbook.
  3. Evaluate care delivered through journal assignments.
  4. Report abnormal findings to nursing staff and clinical instructors promptly.

NURS 104: Acute Care Nursing Assistant

Credits: 2.00

Fundamentals of care for the hospitalized patient will be explored. Care differences between medical, surgical, and critical care patients across the lifespan will be discussed and new clinical skills presented. NURS 104 and NURS 105 were previously AHE 130. Prerequisite(s): Completion of NURS 101, NURS 102, NURS 103 or valid CNA licensure in Washington state. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 105 & NURS 106.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define terms related to communicable diseases.
  2. Identify selected types of microorganisms, common methods of isolation, and principles of infection control such as patient isolation.
  3. Describe the principles of specimen collection and processing, transport media, and storage of supplies.
  4. Perform point of care testing, including blood glucose monitoring, urine dipstick, and stool guaiac.
  5. Describe and demonstrate the principles of wound care, including wound drains.
  6. Describe the purposes for urinary catheterization and demonstrate the involved procedures.
  7. Describe the purpose of bladder ultrasound and demonstrate the correct procedure in simulated exercises.
  8. Describe the purpose of supplementary oxygen and discuss the involved procedures of equipment monitoring, care, and patient teaching.
  9. Describe the purpose of tube feeding and bowel management.
  10. Demonstrate competency in assisting with intravenous lines.

NURS 105: Acute Care Nursing Assistant: Lab

Credits: 1.00

The course teaches the lab component of NURS 104. Focus in the skills laboratory on advanced skills including infection control, asepsis and sterile techniques, specimen collection, wound care, and point-of-care testing. NURS 104 and NURS 105 were previously AHE 130. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: NURS 101, NURS 102, NURS103  or valid CNA licensure in Washington state. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 104 & NURS 106.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Practice correct usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and handwashing during simulation of care for various types of patient isolation.
  2. Demonstrate simulated safe and accurate specimen collection, processing, and transportation, along with supply storage.
  3. Perform point-of-care testing, including blood glucose monitoring, urine dipstick, and stool guaiac.
  4. Demonstrate wound care, bladder ultrasound, surgical drain, and tube feeding management during simulated exercises.
  5. Manage supplementary oxygen and discuss involved safety practices, procedures of equipment monitoring, and protection of equipment.
  6. Practice interaction skills and patient teaching with people who have various communication barriers while in a simulated setting.

NURS 106: Acute Care Nursing Assistant Externship

Credits: 1.00

Practical experience in an acute care setting, using advanced skills, learned in the lab. Function as an integral part of the healthcare team. Students will be supervised by the clinical instructor and the facility's staff. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in the summer) as space is available. Previously AHE 131. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of NURS 101, NURS 102, & NURS 103 or a current WA state CNA license. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 104 & 105. Clinical sites require TB test to be completed and up-to-date COVID and flu vaccinations.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Plan and deliver competent and safe patient care in conjunction with the facility's staff.
  2. Apply all principles and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory.
  3. Demonstrate clinical competence while providing patient care under the supervision of the clinical instructor or the facility's staff.

NURS 115: Nursing Foundations: CD

Credits: 4.00

Introduction to fundamentals of nursing care. Provides theoretical background and introduces nursing process. Emphasis on cultural awareness and critical thinking in nursing care. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing (PN) program. Corequisite(s): NURS 114 and NURS 118.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team.
  2. Describe the principles for documentation of health assessment and nursing care.
  3. Identify communication skills necessary to provide safe, culturally-competent care.
  4. Identify the elements of the nursing process which are used to facilitate person-centered care.
  5. Discuss how evidence-based resources are identified and used in nursing practice.
  6. Explain how nursing theory guides practice.
  7. Discuss the legal and ethical standards for the practical nursing role.
  8. List health disparities that impact health and safety for vulnerable patient populations.

NURS 117: Nursing Foundations Clinical and Lab

Credits: 4.00

Introduction to fundamentals of nursing care and clinical skills in lab and clinical settings. Provides theoretical background and introduces the nursing process. Emphasis on communication, cultural awareness, and critical thinking in nursing care. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team. 
  2. Demonstrate understanding of documentation of assessment findings and nursing care. 
  3. Identify and explore communication skills that demonstrate safe, culturally-competent care. 
  4. Identify elements of the nursing process which are used to facilitate person-centered care. 
  5. Exhibit beginning clinical reasoning skills.
  6. Demonstrate competence with beginning-level nursing skills.
  7. Discuss how evidence-based resources are identified and used in nursing practice. 
  8. Consider how learning experiences facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability. 
  9. Discuss the legal and ethical standards for the practical nursing role. 
  10. Identify health disparities that impact health and safety for patients. 

NURS 120: Medical Surgical Nursing I: CD

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on care of adults throughout the health-illness continuum. Reviews health promotion, altered functioning related to disease states, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, nursing process, communication, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate beginning knowledge of professional collaboration with members of the healthcare team.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the principles for documentation of pertinent assessment findings and nursing care.
  3. Describe therapeutic communication techniques used with patients and families that provide for safe, culturally-competent care.
  4. Display beginning proficiency with the nursing process to facilitate person-centered care.
  5. Demonstrate beginning understanding of evidence-based resources and their use in nursing practice.
  6. Express understanding of the legal and ethical standards for the practical nursing role.
  7. Explain how health disparities impact vulnerable patient populations.

NURS 122: Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical and Lab I

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on care of adults in lab and clinical settings. Reviews health promotion, altered functioning related to disease states, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, communication, nursing process and skills, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Communicate with other health care team members in both oral and written formats to provide for continuity of care.
  2. Document pertinent assessment findings and nursing care at a beginning level.
  3. Demonstrate growth in communication skills to provide safe, culturally competent-care to patients.
  4. Use the nursing process at a beginning level to individualize patient interventions to provide person-centered care.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of assessment findings, pathophysiology, and medical/nursing management when performing and documenting nursing care.
  6. Exhibit basic clinical reasoning skills.
  7. Demonstrate competence with beginning-level nursing skills.
  8. Consider social and cultural differences when providing nursing care.
  9. Describe how evidence-based resources are identified and utilized by a nurse to provide patient care and education.
  10. Express how learning experiences facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.
  11. Display understanding of the legal and ethical considerations of the practical nursing role.
  12. Recognize how health disparities impact the social determinants of health.

NURS 130: Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 3.0

Introduces concepts relating to emotional, mental, and behavioral disturbances and disorders. Emphasizes theory related to mental healthand psychosocial nursing. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123, NURS 124, and NURS 125.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the role of the practical nurse within a multidisciplinary mental healthcare team.
  2. Discuss normal mental health principles and well as mental health problems.
  3. Identify the components of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.
  4. Demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication skills with clients and families.
  5. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  6. Use the nursing process to collect and analyze physical and mental health data to plan and provide care in a professional mental health setting.
  7. Apply principles of social and cultural diversity to provide care which is nondiscriminatory, empathetic, and culturally sensitive.
  8. Give examples of legal and ethical issues related to the care of clients with mental illness.
  9. Identify nursing care principles designed to empower clients and families dealing with mental illness, substance abuse issues, and dementia.
  10. Explore current mental health nursing theory and research.
  11. Discuss medications commonly used in clients with mental illness.
  12. Display sensitivity for cultural and social differences, privacy, and confidentiality when planning and providing care.

NURS 135: Nursing Care of Children

Credits: 2.0

Introduces concepts related to normal child growth and development, social and cultural awareness, and family centered care of children experiencing health alterations. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123, NURS 124, and NURS 125.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the role and scope of practice of the practical nurse in the nursing care of families.
  2. Discuss normal pregnancy, birth, and childhood growth and development.
  3. Incorporate social and cultural differences into the assessment of family structure and dynamics.
  4. Integrate knowledge of family structure and dynamics in all aspects of nursing care.
  5. Use nursing process to analyze assessment data, to plan and deliver care to child bearing and child rearing families.
  6. Utilize information technology to access resources to support health education for the family.
  7. Demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication skills with families.
  8. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  9. Display sensitivity for cultural and social differences, privacy, and confidentiality when planning and providing care.

NURS 136: Nursing Care of Children Practicum

Credits: 1

Clinical practicum focusing on application of nursing process and delivery of nursing care to pediatric clients and their families. Emphasis on normal child growth and development, social and cultural awareness, and family centered care.Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123, NURS 124, and NURS 125. Corequisite(s): NURS 135.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Function within the role and legal scope of practice of the practical nurse when caring for childrearing families.
  2. Integrate normal child growth and development plus knowledge of family structure and dynamics in all aspects of nursing care.
  3. Use the nursing process to collect and analyze assessment data and to provide nursing care to children and their families.
  4. Demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication skills with children and families.
  5. Display sensitivity for cultural and social differences, privacy, and confidentiality when providing nursing care.

NURS 138: Mental Health Nursing Practicum

Credits: 2

Clinical practicum focusing on application of nursing process and delivery of nursing care to clients with emotional, mental, and behavioral disturbances and disorders. Emphasis on legal and ethical issues, social and cultural awareness, and safe client centered care. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123, NURS 124, and NURS 125. Corequisite(s): NURS 130.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Function within the role and legal scope of practice of the practical nurse in a multidisciplinary mental health care team.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the components of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.
  3. Use the nursing process to collect and analyze physical and mental health data to care for clients in a mental health setting.
  4. Integrate knowledge of psychopharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into the client database.
  5. Implement principles of social and cultural diversity to deliver nursing care which is nondiscriminatory, empathetic, and culturally sensitive.
  6. Use techniques intended to promote safety when working with clients exhibiting behavioral or psychological symptoms.
  7. Demonstrate understanding of legal and ethical issues related to the care of clients with mental health disorders.

NURS 140: Medical Surgical Nursing Simulation I

Credits: 2.0

First in a two course series using simulated clinical experiences to provide care for medical surgical clients across the lifespan. Focus on altered functioning related to disease states, critical thinking, communication, nursing process and skills, cultural awareness, and integration of pharmacologic principles. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123 and NURS 133. Corequisite(s): NURS 141 and NURS 142.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the etiology, pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, and medical and nursing management of common disease processes.
  2. Use the nursing process to analyze data, identify nursing diagnoses, and develop and implement a plan of care for adults with medical surgical disorders.
  3. Integrate knowledge of pharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into client database.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of social and cultural differences when planning and delivering nursing care.
  5. Apply legal and ethical principles involved in caring for the client and family.
  6. Demonstrate therapeutic communication techniques that promote client and family centered care.
  7. Communicate to the health care team in both oral and written formats, incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  8. Reflect on the nursing care, safety, teamwork and communication, evidence-based practices, and clinical decision-making process within each simulated learning experience to facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.

NURS 141: Medical Surgical Nursing I

Credits: 3.0

First in two course series using a systems approach to examine adult health and illness. Focus on altered functioning related to disease states, critical thinking, nursing process, cultural awareness, and integration of pharmacologic principles. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 123 and NURS 133. Corequisite(s): NURS 142.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and medical and nursing management of common disease processes.
  2. Use the nursing process to analyze data, identify nursing diagnoses, and develop a plan of care for adults with medical surgical disorders.
  3. Integrate knowledge of pharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into client database.
  4. Consider social and cultural differences when planning nursing care.
  5. Apply legal and ethical principles involved in caring for the client and family.
  6. Identify therapeutic communication techniques that promote client and family involvement in care.
  7. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  8. Utilize information technology to access current information and research available on medical surgical disease processes and nursing care.

NURS 142: Medical/Surgical Nursing Practicum I

Credits: 5.0

Clinical practicum focusing on application of nursing process and delivery of nursing care to clients with chronic illness. Emphasis on basic and intermediate nursing skills, medication administration, communication, and critical thinking. Permit code required. S/U grade only. Prerequisite(s): NURS 132, NURS 133, and NURS 123. Corequisite(s): NURS 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and medical and nursing management of common disease processes.
  2. Use the nursing process to analyze data, identify nursing diagnoses, and develop a plan of care for adults with medical surgical disorders.
  3. Integrate knowledge of pharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into client database.
  4. Consider social and cultural differences when planning nursing care.
  5. Apply legal and ethical principles involved in caring for the client and family.
  6. Identify therapeutic communication techniques that promote client and family involvement in care.
  7. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  8. Utilize information technology to access current information and research available on medical surgical disease processes and nursing care.

NURS 144: Medical Surgical Nursing II

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on increasingly complex care of adults throughout the health-illness continuum. Reviews health promotion, altered functioning related to disease states, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, communication, nursing process, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify effective techniques for collaboration with the healthcare team.
  2. Demonstrat understanding of the principles for documentation of pertinent assessment findings and nursing care.
  3. Outline communication skills used with patients and families to provide for safe, culturally-competent care.
  4. Display growing proficiency in using the nursing process to facilitate person-centered care.
  5. Demonstrate how evidence-based resources are used in nursing practice.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of the legal and ethical standards for the practical nursing role.
  7. Provide examples of how health disparities impact patients.

NURS 145: Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical and Lab II

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on increasingly complex care of adults in lab and clinical settings. Reviews health promotion, altered functioning related to disease states, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, communication, nursing process and skills, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Provide effective communication to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats to provide for continuity of care.
  2. Organize and communicate pertinent patient assessment data and nursing care information to team members and patients.
  3. Engage in communication that promotes culturally-competent care and patient and family involvement.
  4. Use the nursing process to implement a person centered plan of care for adults.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of pathophysiology and medical/nursing management to determine and document individualized interventions for care.
  6. Exhibit increasing proficiency with clinical reasoning skills
  7. Demonstrate competence with intermediate-level nursing skills.
  8. Explain how social and cultural differences can affect nursing care.
  9. Utilize information technology to provide evidence-based nursing care.
  10. Identify learning experiences that facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.
  11. Consider knowledge of the legal and ethical principles for the practical nursing role when caring for the patient and family.
  12. Use knowledge of how health disparities impact the social determinants of health for patients and families

NURS 148: Nursing Care of Families

Credits: 3.00

Introduces concepts related to normal child growth and development, social and cultural awareness, and family centered care of children experiencing health alterations as well as physiologic and psychosocial changes surrounding normal pregnancy, uncomplicated birth, and the newborn period. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Examine how members of the healthcare team collaborate to provide care to children and families.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the documentation of pertinent assessment findings and nursing care for families and children.
  3. Determine appropriate therapeutic and developmentally-appropropriate communication to provide culturally-competent care.
  4. Display proficiency in the nursing process in providing family-centered care.
  5. Utilize information technology to plan evidence-based nursing care for childbearing families and children.
  6. Articulate the legal and ethical principles for the practical nursing role in caring for the pediatric patient and childbearing families.
  7. Examine how health disparities impact vulnerable patient populations.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare provider responsibilities as mandatory reporters.

NURS 149: Community Nursing Clinical and Lab

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on application of nursing process and delivery of nursing care to pregnant and laboring patients, children and their families in a lab or clinical setting. Emphasis on normal growth and development, social and cultural awareness, and family centered care. Reviews health promotion, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, communication, and nursing process and skills. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Communicate pertinent patient data and nursing care information for children and families to the healthcare team.
  2. Promote therapeutic and developmentally appropriate communication that involves children and family to provide culturally-competent, individualized care.
  3. Display proficiency in the nursing process in providing individualized family-centered care.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of normal physiology, pathophysiology and medical/nursing management to determine and document individualized interventions for care.
  5. Exhibit increasing proficiency with clinical reasoning skills.
  6. Demonstrate competence with intermediate-level nursing skills.
  7. Incorporate social and cultural differences when delivering nursing care.
  8. Utilize information technology to provide evidence based nursing care for childbearing families and children.
  9. Interpret how learning experiences facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.
  10. Apply knowledge of the legal and ethical principles for the practical nursing role in caring for children and families.
  11. Determine how health disparities impact vulnerable patient populations.
  12. Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare provider responsibilities as mandatory reporters.

NURS 150: Medical Surgical Nursing Simulation II

Credits: 2.0

Second in a two course series using simulated clinical experiences to provide care for medical surgical clients across the lifespan. Focus on altered functioning related to disease states, critical thinking, communication, nursing process and skills, cultural awareness, and integration of pharmacologic principles. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 140, NURS 141, and NURS 142 Corequisite(s): NURS 151.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Recognize the etiology, pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, medical, and nursing management of common disease processes.
  2. Use the nursing process to analyze data, identify nursing diagnoses, develop, and implement a plan of care for adults with medical surgical disorders.
  3. Integrate knowledge of pharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into client database.
  4. Incorporate social and cultural differences when planning and delivering nursing care.
  5. Apply legal and ethical principles involved in caring for the client and family.
  6. Demonstrate therapeutic communication techniques that promote client and family centered care.
  7. Communicate to the health care team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  8. Reflect on the nursing care, safety, teamwork and communication, evidence based practices, and clinical decision making process within each simulated learning experience to facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.

NURS 151: Medical Surgical Nursing II

Credits: 3.0

Second in a two course series using a systems approach to examine adult health and illness. Focus on altered functioning related to disease states, critical thinking, nursing process, cultural awareness, and integration of pharmacology. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 141 and NURS 142. Corequisite(s): NURS 152.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Recognize etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and medical and nursing management of common disease processes.
  2. Use the nursing process to analyze data, identify nursing diagnoses, and develop a plan of care for adults with medical surgical disorders.
  3. Integrate of pharmacology, lab results, and diagnostic findings into client database.
  4. Incorporate social and cultural differences when planning nursing care.
  5. Apply legal and ethical principles involved in caring for the client and family.
  6. Integrate therapeutic communication techniques that promote client and family involvement in care.
  7. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  8. Utilize information technology to access current information and research available on disease processes and nursing care.

NURS 152: Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum II

Credits: 4.0

Clinical practicum focusing on application of nursing process and delivery of nursing care to clients in acute care settings. Emphasis on mastery of complex skills, medication administration, communication, and critical thinking. Permit code required. S/U grade only. Prerequisite(s): NURS 141 and NURS 142. Corequisite(s): NURS 151.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Discuss the role of the nurse in the delivery of care in a multidisciplinary setting.
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge and nursing process to safely plan and implement direct nursing care for one or two adult clients with medical surgical disorders in an acute care setting.
  3. Demonstrate proficient use of technical skills, legal guidelines, and communication skills to obtain, organize and record data in the healthcare setting.
  4. Incorporate effective communication skills and nursing strategies that are consistent with cultural, socioeconomic, and spiritual influences on client health.
  5. Integrate principles of caring, ethical responsibility, and respect for human dignity into nursing care.
  6. Collaborate with healthcare team using effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  7. Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication skills to develop teaching strategies, promote health and wellness, and manage care for clients and families.
  8. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  9. Demonstrate proficient use of critical thinking skills, theoretical knowledge, and legal principles in safe and accurate administration and documentation of medications.
  10. Display organizational skills, priority setting, time management, and accountability in delivery of care.
  11. Safely perform intermediate to complex nursing procedures adhering to legal and regulatory standards and institutional policies.
  12. Display sensitivity for cultural and social differences, privacy, and confidentiality when planning and providing care.

NURS 153: Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 3.00

Introduces concepts relating to emotional, mental, and behavioral health and disorders. Emphasis on legal and ethical issues, social and cultural awareness, and safe patient and family centered care. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate understanding of how members of the healthcare team collaborate to provide care to patients with mental health concerns.
  2. Promote therapeutic, culturaly-competent communication that involves patients, families, and caregivers in care.
  3. Integrate strategic communication techniques which promote safe, therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and caregivers to provide person-centered care.
  4. Display proficiency in the nursing process in planning person-centered care for patients with mental health concerns.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of safety practices and care guidelines for patients with mental health concerns.
  6. Utilize information technology to plan evidence-based nursing care for patients with mental health concerns.
  7. Apply knowledge of the legal and ethical principles for the practical nursing role in caring for patients with mental health concerns.
  8. Integrate knowledge of how health disparities impact vulnerable patient populations.
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of health care provider responsibilities as mandatory reporters.

NURS 154: Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical and Lab III

Credits: 4.00

Focuses on complex care of adults in lab and clinical settings. Examines health promotion, altered functioning related to mental and physical disease states, integration of pathophysiology and pharmacologic principles, clinical judgment, communication, nursing process and skills, safe individualized care, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Communicate effectively to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats to provide for continuity of care.
  2. Display effective communication and organizational skillsto provide pertinent patient data and nursing care information to healthcare team members and patients.
  3. Engage in therapeutic, culturally-competent communication that promotes patient and family involvement in care.
  4. Develop strategic communication techniques which promote safe, therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and caregivers to provide person-centered care.
  5. Use the nursing process to implement a person-centered plan of care for adults with medical surgical and mental health disorders.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology and medical/nursing management to develop and document individualized interventions for care.
  7. Exhibit proficiency with clinical reasoning skills.
  8. Demonstrate competence with advanced-level nursing skills.
  9. Incorporate social and cultural differences when delivering nursing care.
  10. Utilize information technology effectively to provide evidence-based nursing care.
  11. Reflect on learning experiences to facilitate personal growth and strengthen critical thinking ability.
  12. Apply knowledge of the legal and ethical principles for the practical nursing role in caring for the patients, families, and caregivers.
  13. Provide examples of how health disparities impact discharge, transfer and care management resources for patients and families.

NURS 155: Special Topics in Nursing

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Workshops with special focus on topics of current interest in the healthcare field. Topics will vary each quarter. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explore current topics of interest in nursing.

NURS 160: Transition to Practice

Credits: 3.00

Emphasis on the knowledge and skills needed to transition to professional nursing practice. Prepares students for the practical nursing role and licensure examination. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate effectiveness of professional collaboration and communication with healthcare team members in delegating and prioritizing care.
  2. Explain how techniques of therapeutic and culturally-competent communication affect person-centered care.
  3. Assess knowledge of safe, evidence-based nursing care by applying clinical judgment and the nursing process to plan and evaluate care for diverse clients.
  4. Analyze how quality-improvement practices, healthcare informatics, and scholarship activities enhance patient care.
  5. Evaluate the application of ethical and legal principles of the nursing profession on the delivery of nursing care.

NURS 161: Medical Surgical Nursing Preceptorship

Credits: 4.00

Clinical externship course combines the concepts and skills learned throughout the practical nursing program. Emphasizes leadership skill development, independence, time management, and mastery of the nursing process to manage patient care. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Integrate effective professional collaboration and communication with healthcare team members in delegating and prioritizing care.
  2. Employ therapeutic and culturally-competent communication to provide person-centered care to patients, families and communities.
  3. Apply sound clinical judgment and the nursing process to provide safe, evidence-based nursing care to multiple patients.
  4. Integrate quality improvement, healthcare informatics and scholarship activities to enhance patient care within a healthcare facility.
  5. Demonstrate caring and integrity by understanding and upholding ethical and legal principles of the nursing profession in the practical nursing role.

NURS 198: Individual Project In Nursing

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Individual projects in nursing. By arrangement and permission of a nursing faculty advisor. S/U grade only.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explore current topics of interest in nursing.

NURS 210: Transition to Practice

Credits: 3.0

Explores origins and history of nursing and the process of professional development. Emphasis on legal and ethical aspects of health care and skills needed to transition to practice. Prepares students for the job market and licensure examination. This course is to be taken in the final quarter of the program. Permit code required. Prerequisite(s): NURS 151 and NURS 152. Corequisite(s): NURS 220.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the role of the practical nurse as a member of the healthcare team.
  2. Discuss ethical, legal, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects of nursing practice.
  3. Apply scientific and nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills via the comprehensive exam.
  4. Demonstrate effective communication skills with peers and instructors.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of collaboration.
  6. Describe the nurse's responsibility for professional development and career advancement through continuing education, degree progression, and technical literacy.

NURS 220: Medical Surgical Nursing Preceptorship

Credits: 3.0

Clinical externship course combines the concepts and skills learned throughout the practical nursing program. Emphasizes leadership skill development, independence, time management, and mastery of the nursing process to manage care for clients in skilled nursing facilities. Permit code required. S/U grade only. Prerequisite(s): NURS 151 and NURS 152. Corequisite(s): NURS 210.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Use critical thinking and organizational skills to make staff assignments and manage care on a nursing unit in a skilled nursing facility.
  2. Communicate effectively with clients and families.
  3. Communicate to the healthcare team in both oral and written formats incorporating professional communication skills, medical terminology, and legal principles.
  4. Apply the nursing process to plan, prioritize, and deliver care to a group of clients on a nursing unit in a skilled nursing facility.
  5. Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure that client care is delivered safely, correctly, and in a timely manner.
  6. Integrate communication skills and nursing strategies that are consistent with the cultural, socioeconomic, and spiritual influences on the staff, clients, and families.
  7. Display sensitivity for cultural and social differences, privacy, and confidentiality when planning and providing care.

NURS 255: Special Topics in Nursing

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Advanced workshops with special focus on topics of current interest in the healthcare field. Topics will vary each quarter. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explore current topics of interest in nursing.
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