This course will provide an introduction to the profession and discipline of nursing, the relationship of nursing to liberal arts, and the nursing scope of practice in the United States healthcare system. Students will examine the six Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) core competencies of Patient-centered care, Teamwork and Communication, Evidence-based Practice, Quality Improvement, Safety and Informatics. Selected nursing theories and a framework for translating nursing research into practice will be introduced. Perspectives of practicing nurses in various roles will be highlighted. Students will be introduced to course concepts through experiential, meaningful learning activities, including but not limited to small group dialogue, classroom discussion, group presentations, and simulation.
This course introduces the theoretical basis and application of nursing therapeutics with emphasis on pharmacology. Content areas include pharmacological concepts related to the major drug groups, drug actions, adverse reactions and nursing implications. Attention is given to life span considerations, cultural, legal, ethical, and safety implications. There will also be an emphasis on the role of the professional nurse as patient educatior and advocate.