NUR 131 Fundamentals of Nursing

This course introduces the student to the role of the practical nurse as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Emphasis is placed on integrating the nursing process and theoretical concepts into the performance of fundamental skills in the healthcare setting. This course also explores the legal-ethical standards of nursing practice as they relate to the practical nurse.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

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)

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

NUR 131 Fundamentals of Nursing

Campus Location

  • Georgetown
  • Dover

Effective Date

202252

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 multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Emphasis is placed on integrating the nursing process and theoretical concepts into the performance of fundamental skills in the healthcare setting. This course also explores the legal-ethical standards of nursing practice as they relate to the practical nurse.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Relate sound nursing judgment, by incorporating theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to guide competent decision-making in healthcare settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1)

  2. Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2)

  3. Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)

  4. Describe principles of leadership and management as it relates to nursing practice. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4)

  5. Explain 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:

  1. Recognize sound nursing judgment when making decisions needed for competent nursing practice in healthcare by incorporating theoretical knowledge, and clinical reasoning skills.

    1. Describe the steps of the nursing process.

    2. 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.

    3. Discuss the components of the nursing care plan.

    4. Discuss the use of nursing diagnoses in the care of clients in healthcare settings.

    5. List teaching/learning strategies implemented in the client/family education.

    6. Solve mathematical calculations for beginning nursing practice.

    7. Explain theoretical principles in the care of the client with chronic and/or acute healthcare needs.

 

  1. Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care.

    1. Describe strategies in which nurses can establish positive relationships with clients and families.

    2. Discuss the influence that client cultural diversity has on the delivery of nursing care.

    3. Demonstrate correct techniques and follow proper safety guidelines when performing selected nursing skills in the care of clients in healthcare settings.

 

  1. Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team.

    1. Discuss the members of the multi-disciplinary team and the major responsibilities of each role.

    2. Explain the importance of motivational theory and team building in healthcare settings.

    3. Practice various forms of verbal and nonverbal communication.

    4. Define active and passive listening.

    5. Describe the implications of active and passive listening in the care of clients and families.

    6. Discuss guidelines regarding documentation on the client chart. 

 

  1. Describe principles of leadership and management as it relates to nursing practice.

    1. Describe the difference between leadership and management.

    2. Identify the legal aspects of assignment to other members of the healthcare team.

    3. Describe the nurse’s role in conflict management.

    4. Discuss the importance of change in the workplace and the nurse’s role as a change agent.

    5. Define conflict and its advantage as a strategy in an organization.

 

  1. Explain the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice.

    1. Define the principles of professional, ethical, and legal standards, including the Nurse Practice Act and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.

    2. Discuss client confidentiality.

    3. Discuss the client chart as a legal document.

    4. Describe the difference between power and empowerment.

    5. Identify the characteristics of powerlessness in people.

    6. Describe ethical and legal issues relating to the care of clients and families.

 

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

4 Exams (Summative)

30%

Final Exam (Summative)

60%

Formative: (Equally Weighted)

Quizzes

Non-Proctored ATI

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)

  1. Analyze sound nursing judgment, by incorporating theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to provide clinically competent nursing care.

  2. Demonstrate caring behaviors while recognizing the uniqueness of the individual.

  3. Practice appropriate communication techniques while functioning as a member of the health care team.

  4. Administer nursing care that incorporates the principles of leadership and advocacy.

  5. Use professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.