Practical Nursing

This course includes the presentation of the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Content includes the structure and function of cells, tissues, and human organ systems. Related pathophysiology of major body system diseases is presented. Upon completion students will be able to identify normal structures and functions of the human body systems, and common diseases that may afflict each system.

This course establishes fundamental concepts and skills of nursing which are essential to providing basic care to the adult patient. The role of the practical nurse in the long-term care setting is emphasized. The student is introduced to the nursing process and critical thinking as the logical framework(s) upon which nursing actions are based. The patient as the focus of nursing care, is introduced as a unique, irreducible whole. The concepts of basic human needs, health and illness, homeostasis, safety, nutrition, elimination, and comfort are considered in the class, laboratory and clinical setting. Students will progress from learning about interventions in the classroom, to practicing in the lab and finally to performing interventions in the clinical setting. Students apply teaching and learning principles as a means of health promotion.

This course is an introduction to the study of human growth and development. Emphasis is placed on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects of normal human development from conception to death. The relationship between nutrition, environment and growth and development is incorporated. Content includes infant/child growth and developmental delay indicators, and signs and symptoms of common developmental abnormalities. Upon completion students are able to demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development across the life span, and to apply this knowledge in their practice of nursing.

This course prepares the student to care for the adult client with needs ranging from simple to complex in the acute and sub-acute settings. This course initiates students in a system-based approach with emphasis on respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Common diseases, their effect upon the  patient, and related health care responses are considered. Utilization of the nursing process and critical thinking skills are emphasized in the delivery of safe, effective care.

This course prepares the student to care for the adult client with needs ranging from simple to complex in the acute care setting. The system-based approach is continued with emphasis on urological, musculoskeletal, endocrine, reproductive, sensory, neurosensory and integument systems. Ear, nose, and throat disorders will be addressed. Common diseases, their effect upon the patient, and related health care responses are considered. Emphasis is placed on application of the nursing process and critical thinking/clinical reasoning skills in the delivery of safe, effective care. Students complete transition to the role of the practical nurse and member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.  

This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational concepts of providing mental healthcare to patients experiencing psychiatric problems within different healthcare environments. This course offers the student an opportunity to provide nursing care that promotes emotional, mental and social well-being of the patient and significant others. Emphasis is placed on the practical nurse’s role as an effective member of a multidisciplinary mental health team. The use of the nursing process promotes clinical thinking/clinical reasoning in the care of patients with alterations in mental health. The student’s knowledge of the bio psychosocial and cognitive aspects of the individual’s development throughout the lifespan is emphasized. The clinical experience in different healthcare environments provides an opportunity to become aware of various modalities of care and use of self as a therapeutic tool. 

The microbiology course introduces the student to the types and characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms. The modes of transmission and resulting disease states are examined. Methods for identifying microorganisms and the body’s defenses against pathogens are considered. The prevention, treatment, and control of communicable diseases through the use of medications and/or environmental controls are described with an emphasis upon established and emerging pathogens. Healthy People 2020 initiatives are discussed.

The course is designed for practical nursing students preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and enter the workforce. Students are instructed in strategies of test taking and in the development of an individualized preparation plan. The course includes a comprehensive, focused practical nursing review and administration of a NCLEX-PN success predictor examination. Students learn about the application process for licensure and are instructed on effective methods for obtaining employment. 

This course introduces the student to pharmacological methods of treatment and the role of the practical nurse in medication administration. Medications are examined according to classification, indications for use, mechanism of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing implications and related patient educational needs. The legal and ethical responsibilities of the practical nurse as well as safety considerations related to medication administration are emphasized. The routes of medication administration and related documentation are detailed.