Course Number and Title:
NUR 131 Fundamentals of Nursing
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (BIO 110 or (BIO 120 and BIO 121)) and (PSY 127 or concurrent) and (MAT 152 or higher) and (Test score or ENG 101 or higher)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
6 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the student to the role of the practical nurse as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team. Emphasis is placed on integrating the nursing process and evidence-based concepts of care into the performance of fundamental skills in healthcare settings. This course also explores the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice as they relate to the practical nurse.
Disclaimer
This course requires 90 hours of experiential learning in a variety of settings. Students must provide their own transportation to and from placement sites.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Determine sound nursing judgment, by incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to guide competent decision-making in healthcare settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1)
Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2)
Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)
Discuss principles of leadership and management as it relates to nursing practice. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4)
Demonstrate the application of the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
Determine sound nursing judgment, by incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to guide competent decision-making in healthcare settings.
Describe the steps of the nursing process.
Discuss the use of the nursing process for the identification of client strengths and weaknesses in order to formulate a plan of care for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and wellness.
Discuss the components of the nursing care plan.
Discuss the use of nursing diagnoses in the care of clients in healthcare settings.
List teaching/learning strategies implemented in the client/family education.
Explain evidence-based practice in the care of the client with chronic and/or acute healthcare needs.
Solve mathematical calculations for beginning nursing practice.
Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care
Describe strategies in which nurses can establish positive relationships with clients and families.
Discuss the influence that client cultural diversity has on the delivery of nursing care.
Demonstrate correct techniques and follow proper safety guidelines when performing selected nursing skills in the care of clients in healthcare settings.
Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team.
Discuss the members of the interprofessional team and the major responsibilities of each role.
Explain the importance of collaboration and team building in healthcare settings.
Employ various forms of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Use active and passive listening strategies.
Describe the implications of active and passive listening in the care of clients and families.
Discuss guidelines regarding documentation on the client chart.
Discuss principles of leadership and management as it relates to nursing practice.
Explain the difference between leadership and management.
Summarize the nurse’s role in conflict management.
Discuss the importance of change in the workplace and the nurse’s role as a change agent.
Demonstrate the application of the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice.
Explain the principles of professional, ethical, and legal standards, including the Nurse Practice Act and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
Determine ethical and legal issues relating to the care of clients and families.
Identify Social Determinants of Health.
Operate within the scope of nursing practice in healthcare settings.
Use constructive feedback to improve clinical performance.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
3 Module Exams (Summative) (Equally Weighted) | 30% |
Cumulative Final Exam (Summative) | 60% |
Other Assignments (Formative) (Equally Weighted) - 3 Quizzes
- Practice ATI Assessments
| 10% |
Lab/Clinical (Formative/Summative) | Pass/Fail |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
Interpret sound nursing judgment, incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to provide clinically competent practical nursing care.
Demonstrate caring behaviors while recognizing the diversity of individuals.
Formulate appropriate communication techniques while functioning as a member of the interprofessional team.
Employ nursing care incorporating the principles of leadership and advocacy.
Relate the professional, ethical, and legal standards of practical nursing to client care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.