Practical Nursing Curriculum
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR PRACTICAL NURSING CURRICULUM
BIO101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits theory)
Course Description: This is an elementary study of human anatomy and physiology essential to safe and effective nursing care. Integration of structure and function in the light of homeostasis is emphasized. Systems addressed in the first quarter include skeletal, muscle, nervous, and endocrine.
Prerequisites: None
ENG100 English Composition (2.5 credits theory)
Course Description: The course develops students’ abilities to read and think critically and to write meaningfully in response to what they read. Comprehensive critical reading will encourage students to express their own ideas clearly and coherently. Students will learn writing methods and strategies: finding and narrowing the topic, generating ideas, identifying and stating the main idea for the focused writing, organizing a paragraph, revising and editing. Students will use computers to document their in-class and home assignments. The course includes workshops in the computer laboratory.
Prerequisites: None
NUR101 Nursing Fundamentals (4 credits theory, 3 credits lab)
Course Description: This course provides the beginning student with ability to comprehend and to store information needed for critical thinking in the role of the licensed practical nurse as defined by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Also, this course provides the student with fundamental nursing concepts and skills required to administer nursing care to a variety of clients. The student is introduced to the concepts of caring, communication, nursing process, and critical thinking. In addition to classroom discussion, interactive computer software programs, small group laboratory experiences provide the student opportunity to learn basic skills and demonstrate skill competency.
Prerequisites: None
MTN101 Pharmacology Math (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course provides the beginning student with basic math skills required to calculate drug dosages. The student is given many opportunities to calculate appropriate medication dosages for clients of all ages.
Prerequisites: None
PSY101 Social Psychology (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the principles and major concepts of the science of human behavior. Topics include: personality; social psychology; stress and coping; psychopathology; development and learning; sensation and perception; and intelligence.
Prerequisites: None
BIO102 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits theory)
Course Description: This course is a continuing elementary study of human anatomy and physiology essential to safe and effective nursing care. Integration of structure and function in the light of homeostasis is emphasized. Systems addressed in the second quarter include: cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.
Prerequisite: BIO101
NUR110 Gerontology Nursing (3 credits theory, 2 credits clinical)
Course Description: This course uses the nursing process to teach the care of the geriatric client. Emphasis is placed on the special needs of the aging client, and how to meet those needs through provision of safe, effective nursing in a caring environment. Clinical experience in a long-term care facility is a component of this course.
Clinical Experience days: Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays 7am to 1pm.
Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700 Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisite: NUR101
Concurrently with: NUR111
NUT101 Nutrition (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course is a study of the nutritional requirements of the healthy individual according to the latest RDA; the major nutrients, vitamins and minerals; and metabolism and energy. Developmental age is considered in determining appropriate requirements, and how they are met.
Prerequisite: None
NUR111 Data Collection for the PN (2 credits theory, .5 credit lab)
Course Description: This course focuses on subjective and objective data collection with clients. Caring, communication, and critical thinking are emphasized. Supervised laboratory experience provides the opportunity to practice learned skills.
Prerequisite: BIO101 Concurrently with: BIO102
NUR120 Pharmacology I (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with appropriate basic information relating to drugs, including: general classifications, dosages and measurement, and basic principles of drug administration. Roles and responsibilities of the nurse administering drugs are emphasized. Practice is provided in a laboratory setting, as well as in a clinical setting.
Prerequisite: MTN101
NUR121 Pharmacology II (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course provides the student with content relevant to nursing theory and practice as it relates to drug classifications and pharmacokinetics. Variations across the lifespan are considered. Students learn the importance of drug actions and nursing implications.
Prerequisite: NUR120
PSY110 Lifespan Development (3 credits theory)
Course Description: This course provides a study of the normal developmental processes of the human person throughout the lifespan. It includes all aspects of development: physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and moral.
Prerequisite: PSY101
NUR142 Nursing of the Family (6 credits theory, 3 credits clinical)
Course Description: This course focuses on the nursing care of the woman and her family during the maternity cycle (pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum), and the care of the newborn. Emphasis is placed on the nurse’s teaching role in this setting. Clinical experience is provided in an appropriate maternity setting. This course also focuses on the nursing care of infants, children, and adolescents in various health and educational settings. Emphasis is placed on the needs of the entire family unit in provision of holistic care. A special caring manner, as well as developmental considerations, are stressed in meeting the many needs of the family. Clinical experience is provided in an appropriate hospital setting.
Clinical experience days: Days of the week vary from Monday to Saturday, hours also vary between 7am and 11 pm. Total clinical hours per quarter are 99 but are distributed to many clinical sites. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700
Prerequisites: NUR101, NUR 110, NUR 111, NUR 120 Concurrent: NUR 121
NUR132 Nursing Care of the Adult (7 credits theory, 4 credits clinical)
Course Description: This course focuses on nursing care of adult clients with selected medical-surgical disorders and their treatment. Emphasis is placed on the role of the practical nurse in contributing to the nursing process to meet the physiological, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of adult clients with selected medical-surgical problems. Critical thinking skills and a caring manner are utilized in nursing care delivery, evaluation and documentation. Care of clients with acute and chronic disorders is discussed, as is care of the dying. Emphasis is placed on the practical nurse’s role as a contributing health team member and the use of the delegation within the scope of practice. Clinical experience is provided in an appropriate health care setting to enable the student to demonstrate: appropriate communication skills including documentation, strategies to promote, maintain and restore health, and the use of nursing interventions as defined by the Board of Nursing of the State of Ohio in the scope of practice for the licensed practical nurse.
Clinical experience days: Day Program- Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7am to 1pm Evening Program- Fridays 5pm to 10pm, Saturdays 7am to 1pm. Agency contact hours 132.
Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700
Prerequisites: NUR101, NUR 110, NUR 111, NUR 120 Concurrent: NUR 121
NUR150 Nursing Trends and Issues (4 Credits theory)
Course Description: This course is a study of the current issues and trends in nursing education and practice. The role of the practical nurse in today’s health care delivery system is examined and defined. Ethical and legal issues as they affect nursing practice are discussed. Preparation for licensure as a licensed practical nurse is included, as well as preparation for employment.
Prerequisite: NUR110
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR ADN PROGRAM CURRICULUM
ENG101 English Composition I (5 credits theory)
Students will read texts of various genres and styles and learn to reflect on the readings. Comprehensive critical reading will encourage students to express there own ideas clearly and coherently. Group discussions and in-class presentations will allow the students to develop their comprehending skills, abilities to analyze critically what they have seen or heard, to articulate their inferences, and refine their own ideas for writing assignments. Students will learn writing methods and strategies: finding and narrowing the topic, generating ideas, identifying and stating the main idea, organizing a paragraph, revising and editing. Students will learn and practice different rhetorical types of writing: description, narration, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, argument. Students will use computers to document their assignments.
Prerequisite: Assessment test or remedial course
MAT102 Applied Math (2 credits theory)
This course provides basic math skills required to calculate accurately drug dosages and IV flow rates. The course includes general calculation methods that are used in the clinical setting: percentage, ratio-proportion method, formula methods, and body weight.
Prerequisite: None
BIO110 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 credits theory, 1 credit lab)
This course is a part of a series of three that studies the structure and function of the human body using the integrating principle of homeostasis to show how the normal interaction of structure and function is achieved and maintained, by dynamic counterbalancing forces within in the body. The body as a whole is discussed and includes the chemical basis of life. Structures involved in support and movement are examined.
Prerequisite: None
NUR105 Nursing Foundations I (3 credits theory, 2 credits lab)
This course introduces the student to the profession of nursing and its role in the health care delivery system. Theoretical foundations of Nursing Practice are introduced, as are concepts of caring, communication, nursing process, critical thinking, nursing theory and research. The course provides the students with fundamental nursing skills required to administer nursing care to a variety of clients. Medical terminology and nursing documentation are included in the course. Classroom discussion, interactive computer courses, and small group laboratory experiences provide the student opportunity to learn basic skills and demonstrate skill competency.
Concurrent: BIO110, MAT102
BIO 111 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 credits theory, 1 credit lab)
This course involves the study of the structure and function of the human body using the integrating principle of homeostasis. Discussion of the body’s transportation system, defense mechanisms and stress involve the blood, the heart, the vessels, the response to injury and reaction to stress. The provision of vital chemicals and the elimination of waste products are discussed as respiration, and urinary function.
Prerequisite: BIO110
NUR106 Nursing Foundations II (2 credits theory, 2 credits clinical)
This course discusses the concept of health and illness across the lifespan with attention to the role of stress and adaptation, basic human needs, self-concept, cultural diversity, and spirituality. Special focus is devoted to physiologic and functional changes and health needs of the aged client. Basic roles of the nurse are defined as they are utilized to promote health and prevent illness. The use of nursing research is discussed as a basis for nursing practice. Procedures for safe and effective administration of medications is presented and demonstrated in the simulated clinical setting, and return demonstration is required. Clinical experience with elderly clients allows the student to demonstrate basic nursing skills.
Clinical experience days: Thursdays, Fridays 7am to 1pm: Thursdays and Fridays and, Saturdays 7am to 1pm. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisites: NUR105, MAT102, BIO110 Concurrent: NUR 108, BIO111, PSY105
NUR107 Transitions (3 credits theory, 2 credits lab)
Course Description: This course is based on the articulation model devised by the Ohio Collaborative Project to enhance educational mobility for nurses in Ohio. It aims to provide efficient progression from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. The course validates prior learning in basic nursing, updates and enhances the student’s knowledge about nursing process, begins the process of role transition by comparing roles, and prepares the student for advanced placement in the RN program. Special focus is placed on therapeutic communication, the teaching learning process, practice issues, physical assessment skills, and intravenous skills.
Prerequisite: Licensed as Practical Nurse
Concurrent: NUR125, MAT102, BIO110
PSY105 Introduction to Psychology (5 credits theory)
The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic overview of psychology as a behavioral science and to help students develop a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of human behavior. Topics include psychology and development, cognitive processes, learning, intelligence, motivation and emotion, perception, personality, behavior and psychotherapy.
Prerequisite: None
NUR108 Health Assessment (2 credits theory, .5 credits lab)
This course focuses on the development of a thorough knowledge base, including use of the necessary interview and physical examination skills, to assess client needs in health and illness across the lifespan. A caring, holistic approach is emphasized for obtaining subjective data and during physical examination, with consideration of cultural and developmental factors pertinent to the individual client. Supervised laboratory experience provides the opportunity to practice assessment skills.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, NUR 105 Concurrent: BIO 111, NUR 106, PSY 105
BIO112 Human Anatomy & Physiology III (3 credits theory, 1 credit lab)
This is the third course in the series that studies the structure and function of the human body using the integrating principle of homeostasis. The provision of nutrients and their metabolism is discussed as the structure and the function of the digestive system. The anatomical structures and functional mechanisms that permit communication, control, and integration of bodily functions are studied, as is reproduction and development.
Prerequisite: BIO111
BIO210 Microbiology (3 credits theory, 1 credit lab)
This course discusses microorganisms, their structure, chemistry and growth. Special emphasis is placed on pathogenicity and host defense mechanisms, including immunology. Infectious diseases and parasites are also covered.
Prerequisite: None
NUR115 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits theory, 2 credits clinical)
This course utilizes a clinical approach to the study of mental health and mental illness. Relevant theories and therapies for nursing practice are discussed appropriate to various community and acute care settings. Emphasis is placed on mental health disorders that occur across the lifespan. The student has opportunity to demonstrate use of critical thinking and caring interventions in nursing practice with clients in appropriate mental health settings.
Clinical experience days: Thursdays and Fridays 7am to 1pm or Thursdays, and Fridays 3pm to 9 pm, Fridays 5pm to 9pm and Saturdays 7am to 1pm.
Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisites: NUR106, NUR107 or NUR108
Concurrent: NUR125
NUR125 Pharmacology (4 credits theory)
This course includes the study of drugs and their interactions with living systems, the effectiveness, safety and selectivity of drugs, and factors that affect the intensity of drug responses in the human body. The relationship of pharmacology to nursing practice, and patient care and education is discussed. Drugs are studied in groups or classifications, according to their mechanism of action or effect in the body. Variations across the lifespan are considered as well as food-drug interactions, drug-drug interactions and nursing implications. Emphasis is placed on the nurse’s responsibilities for knowledge, safe practice, critical thinking, and patient teaching.
Prerequisite: NUR106
NUR135 Nursing of Adults I (4 credits theory, 4 credits clinical)
This course is the first of a series which focuses on the nursing care of adult clients with selected medical-surgical disorders and their treatment. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse, including use of caring behaviors, therapeutic communication, critical thinking, and collaboration with others, to meet the needs of the client. A holistic approach includes discussion of physiologic, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs of adult clients and end of life issues.
Clinical experience allows the student to demonstrate use of the nursing process with clients to achieve objectives related to health promotion, health maintenance and health restoration. Clinical experience: Fridays or Saturdays 7am to 1pm.
Faculty contact: D. Casey. Agency contact hours 132
Prerequisites: NUR106, NUR108, NUR125, BIO112, NUR115, BIO210
Concurrent: PSY115, NUT 105
PSY115 Life Span Development (4 credits theory)
This course provides a study of the normal developmental processes of the human person throughout the life span. It includes all aspects of development: physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and moral.
Prerequisite: PSY105
NUT105 Nutrition (4 credits theory)
This course uses a multidimensional approach to the study of the role of the nurse in providing nutrition to clients. Emphasis is placed on education and health promotion, as well as medical nutrition therapy.
The nutritional requirements for the health of the individual and the community are defined and discussed. Each of the major nutrients is discussed, sources are defined, and functions in the body are outlined. Food habits, cultural patterns, and lifespan health promotion is included. Use of nutritional therapy in major altered health conditions is discussed.
Prerequisite: None
NUR220 Nursing of Adults II (5 credits theory, 4 credits clinical)
This course focuses on the nursing care of adult clients with selected medical-surgical disorders and their treatment. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse, including use of caring behaviors, therapeutic communication, critical thinking, and collaboration with others, to meet the needs of the client. A holistic approach includes discussion of physiologic, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs of adult clients. Clinical experience allows the student to demonstrate use of the nursing process with clients to achieve objectives related to health promotion, health maintenance and health restoration.
Clinical experience: Day program- Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7am to 1pm: Evening Program- Fridays 5 to 10pm and Saturdays 7am to 1pm. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours 132
Prerequisite: NUR135
Concurrent: NUR215, SOC101
NUR225 Nursing of Adults for the LPN (3 credits theory, 2 credits clinical)
This course is designed for the Licensed Practical Nurse to further his/her knowledge of nursing care of adult clients. Discussion of nursing process and its components, including nursing diagnosis, allows the student to progress in understanding of the role of the registered nurse. The course focuses on assessment of the health status of the adult and the nursing management of problems of physiologic function. Clinical experience allows the student to collaborate with others in utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of adult clients in a holistic manner.
Clinical experience days: Fridays or Saturdays 7am to 1pm.
Faculty contact: D Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisites: BIO 110, NUR107, NUR125, MAT102
Concurrent: BIO 111, BIO 210, NUR 115
SOC101 Intro to Sociology (4 credits theory)
This course provides an introduction to Sociology. During the quarter, we will make use of various sociological perspectives to examine social processes, institutions, and social problems. We will learn of the ways in which Sociology can help us make sense of our world and the social problems we face. We especially hope that after this course, you can apply your “Sociological Imagination” to better understand the ways in which social forces shape all of our lives.
Prerequisite: None
NUR215 Community Nursing (2 credits theory)
This course focuses on the role of the nurse in promoting and preserving the health of the community. The various roles addressed include: advocate, collaborator, counselor, direct care provider, educator and manager. Factors affecting community health are discussed, including those related to cost of medical care, culture of groups, age, epidemiology, the environment, communicable disease, and clients with special needs in the community.
Prerequisites: NUR115, NUR 135 or NUR 225
NUR210 Maternity Nursing ( 3 credits theory, 2 credits clinical)
This course focuses on the health of the woman and her family during the reproductive years. Childbearing issues and concerns, including neonatal care, are the primary focus; but the promotion of wellness and the management of common women’s health problems are also addressed. Clinical experience allows the use of nursing interventions, caring behaviors, and critical thinking to meet the needs of the client.
Clinical experience days: Mondays 7am to 1pm, Tuesdays 12 to 6pm or Fridays 7am to 1pm or Saturdays or Sundays 3pm to 9 pm. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700 Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisites: NUR125, NUR220 or NUR225, BIO210
Concurrent: BIO112, NUR 211
NUR211 Nursing of Children (5 credits theory)
This course provides a longitudinal view of the child as an individual on a continuum of development from birth through adolescence, as a member of a cultural family unit and a community. The common health problems that occur at certain ages are discussed, as are more serious health problems of infancy, childhood and adolescence. The emphasis is on the nurse’s role in health promotion, restoration, and maintenance with the family as the focus of care. Clinical experiences are provided in appropriate settings.
Clinical contact days: Mondays, Fridays or Saturdays 7am to 1pm: Fridays 5 to 9pm or Saturdays 7am to 3pm. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours 66
Prerequisites: NUR125, NUR220 or NUR225, BIO210
Concurrent: BIO 112, NUR 210
ENG201 English Composition II (5 credits theory)
Within the course, students will learn all the strategies and techniques of individual research. They will begin with picking out the topic according to their interest and formulating the key research question and/or the problem to resolve. Strategies for generating ideas such as, brainstorming, free writing, journalist questions, mapping, reading to help students narrow down the topic and identify the purpose for the research. Students will learn the strategies for revising the paper and refining the working research thesis into the thesis statement. Students will learn how to use and quote sources.
Prerequisite: ENG101
NUR230 Nursing of Adults III (3 credits theory, 7 credits clinical)
This course is divided into three parts and focuses on nursing management of 1) clients with acute/critical care requirements, 2) groups of clients whose care is provided by the nurse working with others and 3) the skills and organization required in the role of a staff nurse. Clinical experience in an acute care setting (ER, ICU, etc) affords the student opportunity to assist in providing care that is critical or emergency in nature in a specialized unit. A second experience assigns the student to a preceptor to learn the requirements of the role of the staff nurse and the third, places the student in the leader role on a patient care unit. Content focuses on the needs of the client in acute care settings and behaviors the nurse utilizes as a leader. Preceptors will assist students to learn the role of the nurse in caring for groups of patients and leading others. Seminars allow the students to share experiences in an organized manner.
Clinical experience days: to be arranged. Faculty contact: D. Casey 440 449-1700. Agency contact hours will vary as arranged.
Prerequisites: NUR210, NUR211, NUR220 or NUR225
Concurrent: NUR215, NUR250
NUR250 Nursing Trends and Issues (3 credits theory)
This course discusses the complex, serious issues currently facing the U.S. health system including patient safety and quality care with its high cost, the nursing shortage, advancing technology, changing legal and ethical concerns, changing nursing education trends, threats of major terrorist attacks, a diverse multi-cultural society, and the result and effects and opportunities available to nurses now and in the future.
Concurrent: NUR230