Nursing (LPN)

Nursing (LPN) Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • PNU 152

  • Fundamentals of Nursing

  • 11
  This course focuses on the fundamental concepts necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for a diverse population with well-defined health concerns, focusing on the aging adult. Legal and ethical responsibilities of the practical nurse are introduced. Nursing process and critical thinking/clinical judgement are presented and the role of the practical nurse in applying basic nursing principles is identified, in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Communication techniques used when interacting with patients, families and other support persons and members of the interdisciplinary team are discussed. Math calculations for medications and nursing responsibilities in the preparation, safe administration and documentation of medication is presented. Program concepts such as evidence-based care, teamwork and collaboration, and information technology are also discussed.
  
  Concepts of human behavior, microbiology and nutrition are integrated in the course. Psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors that affect human behavior are presented. Coping mechanisms and guidelines for the promotion of psychological and spiritual comfort are discussed. Effects of common and newly emerging microorganisms and their characteristics in relation to health and the control of disease are introduced, including methods of destroying microorganisms. Principles of nutrition are introduced, including knowledge of nutrients, food sources, menu planning and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Selected nursing skills are taught in the laboratory with opportunities to apply fundamental concepts basic to nursing skills and clinical practice. Application of knowledge and skills occurs in a variety of clinical settings.
  
  Co-Requisites: PSY 216 Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
• • PNU 153

  • Concepts of Adult Health Nursing I

  • 8
  This course incorporates and expands on the concepts introduced in PNU-145 & PNU-146 and provides for the knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and clinical reasoning necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for diverse adult patients experiencing various medical/surgical and mental health issues. Pharmacology is integrated throughout the concepts with emphasis on safe administration of medication. The course incorporates the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of adult patients with common health problems. Concepts of leadership and management are introduced. Select advanced nursing skills are taught in the laboratory with the application of knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical settings.
  
  Pre-requisites with a required grade of “C+” (77%) or better:
  • PNU-145
  • PNU-146
• • PNU 154

  • Concepts of Adult Health Nursing II

  • 8
  This course is a continuation of Concepts of Adult Health Nursing I, and provides broader knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and the clinical reasoning/ judgment necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for diverse adult patients experiencing various medical/surgical issues. Pharmacology is integrated throughout the concepts. The course incorporates legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of diverse adult patients with common health problems. Concepts of leadership and management are expanded upon, with a focus on team leading. Application of knowledge and skills are evaluated on a higher level, including the ability to care for a multiple (2) patient assignment. Synthesis of clinical reasoning and practical skills occurs in a variety of clinical settings with continued emphasis on safe administration of medication. Course content also includes health promotion strategies.
  
  Pre-requisites with a required grade of “C+” (77%) or better:
  • PNU-145
  • PNU-146
  • PNU-153
• • PNU 157

  • Practical Nursing across the Continuum

  • 7
  This course incorporates and builds on previously-learned concepts for the knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and clinical judgment necessary for safe patient-centered nursing care to diverse families, across the life span (with a focus on childbearing families, children and elder care). The course also applies mental health nursing to the care of the family and introduces concepts of community nursing. Also included are legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of patients across the lifespan. The student will learn to effectively apply strategies in preparation for entry level practice, including a review for the NCLEX-PN® as well as current trends in nursing. Synthesis of clinical judgement and practical skills will occur in a variety of clinical settings.
  
  Pre-requisites with a required grade of “C+” (77%) or better:
  • PNU-145
  • PNU-146
  • PNU-153
  • PNU-154