PN 101A Practical Nursing 1

This course is the first of three terms in the Practical Nursing Program. Content covered in the classroom and lab will include: nursing and the health care delivery system, complementary and alternative care; legal and ethical issues, including scope of practice; communication; nursing process, critical thinking, physical assessment; documentation, abbreviations, HIPAA; development across the life span; health promotion; cultural diversity; nutrition and therapeutic diets; medical asepsis and infection control; pharmacology and medication administration; and pain assessment. Skills taught during this course will include communication techniques, physical assessment, ambulatory care skills; focused assessments (Braden, falls risk, mini cognition and pain), nursing process, documentation, and oral, topical, drops, ointments, sublingual medication administration, dosage calculation. Clinical application of content and skills will take place in the nursing lab and in outpatient and ambulatory care settings.

Credits

7

Prerequisite

WR 121Z, HP 100, BI 233, PSY 215 and (MTH 052 or MTH 065 or MTH 095 or higher or placement test), all with a grade of C or better and admission into the Practical Nursing Program

Corequisite

PN 101B 

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate beginning understanding of how to develop a nursing care plan and identify the difference between the LPN and RN roles in developing and implementing the plan
2. Identify members of the health care team and the ethical and legal responsibilities of the LPN as a member of the team
3. Perform within the legal and ethical guidelines of the profession
4. Identify the stages of the grieving process and plan/implement appropriate interventions for persons experiencing grief
5. Identify the physiological and psychological effects of aging and how these effects would affect care of an elderly person
6. Describe and demonstrate assessment techniques and other methods of gathering data for patient care
7. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply principles of medical and surgical asepsis
8. Demonstrate the ability to calculate medication dosages correctly and administer oral medications safely
9. Demonstrate proficiency when performing the following skills: handwashing, taking vital signs, measuring/recording intake and output, using appropriate lift/transfer techniques, performing hygiene care, assessing and implementing measures to prevent/treat pressure ulcers, administering oxygen, performing catheter care, and utilizing appropriate measures to ensure patient safety and prevent falls