Nursing

This course examines the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

This introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formulation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.

This course focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients with alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/ electrolyte balance.

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classification and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medication.

This course focuses on development of clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematic calculations and conversions related to clinical skills, blood pressure assessment, aseptic technique, wound care, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, suctioning, management of enteral tubes, basic medication administration, glucose testing, enemas, ostomy care, and catheterization. In addition, the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach.

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is the second semester in a two semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied, using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instruction is delivered both within a classroom and in a laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab includes analysis of cellular metabolism and the individual components of body systems, such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. Students examine homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluids, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

This course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership, team building, and scope of practice.

This course will cover topics related to health promotion in the context of the family. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of healthy families, we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development.

This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized.

This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of clients. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building.

This course explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.

Topics include structure and functions of microorganisms, microbial control, infectious diseases, immunity and resistance to disease, problems of sanitation and control in relation to microbiology of air, water, food and sewage. This course is equivalent to 806-197 at other WTCS schools.

This course focuses on the development of advanced clinical skills. Content includes advanced IV skills, blood product administration, chest tube systems, basic EKG interpretation, and nasogastric/feeding tube insertion.

Complex Health Alterations I prepares the learner to expand knowledge from previous courses in caring for clients with alterations in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems, as well as clients with fluid/electrolyte and acid-base imbalances and alterations in comfort.

This intermediate level clinical course develops the RN role when working with clients with complex health care needs. A focus of the course is developing skills needed for managing multiple clients and priorities. Using the nursing process, students will gain experience in adapting nursing practice to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds.

This course will cover topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed. Attention will be given to diverse and at-risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive/ maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources will be examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, economically diverse individuals and groups.

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.

This advanced clinical course requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized.

This clinical experience prepares the student to assume the role of graduate nurse. The course promotes clinical decision-making, delegation, and collaboration to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional development is fostered.

Complex Health Alterations II prepares the learner to expand knowledge and skills from previous courses in caring for clients with alterations in the immune, neuro-sensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary, and reproductive systems. The learn will also focus on management of care for clients with high risk perinatal conditions, high risk newborns, and the ill child. Synthesis and application of previously learned concepts will be evident in the management of clients with critical/life threatening situations.

This course covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the RN. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice.

This course examines interpersonal relationships of humans and groups and the consequent structure of society. It details the various social processes and concepts which shape human behavior, analyzing such phenomena as organizations, deviance, race and ethnic relations, population, urbanization, social change, and social movements. Religion, education, and the family are studied.