ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus

Division: Health Professions

Course: NUR 1211 Holistic Nursing I

Date: January 2008

Semester Hours: 5.0

Lecture hours per week: 3.0 hours

Other hours: 2.0 hours (0.5 seminar; 1.5 clinical) = 5.5 clock hours

including clinical, clinical conferences and discussion of

related topics per week

Prerequisite: NUR 1201, NUR 1202: (A.D.N.) BIO 1007, BIO 1009, ALH 1000; or (P.N.) ALH 1200, ALH 1002, BIO1200, PSY 1000. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of (A.D.N.) ALH 1002, BIO 1008, PSY1000 or (P.N.) PSY 1000, ENG 1001

Semester Offered: Spring

Instructor(s): Patricia Pence, Jane Battles

I. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

The focus of this course is the nursing care of patients with the most commonly experienced problems of the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine, and integumentary systems across the life span. Students are provided an opportunity to utilize critical thinking, the nursing process, nursing skills, and theoretical knowledge in a variety of health care settings.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS ADDRESSED

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able:

[Choose those goals that apply to this course. ]

To apply analytical and problem solving skills to personal, social and

professional issues and situations.

To communicate orally and in writing, socially and interpersonally.

To develop an awareness of the contributions made to civilization by

the diverse cultures of the world.

To understand and use contemporary technology effectively and to

understand its impact on the individual and society.

To work and study effectively both individually and in collaboration with

others.

To understand what it means to act ethically and responsibly as an

individual in one’s career and as a member of society.

To develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and

spiritually.

To appreciate the ongoing values of learning, self-improvement, and

career planning.

II. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED COMPETENCIES:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1.  Use the nursing process as a framework to address basic concepts of health conditions related to the listed body systems.

1.1  Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the listed body systems.

1.2  Describe the pathophysiology of selected health problems covered in this course.

1.3  Identify the signs and symptoms of the patient experiencing these selected health problems.

1.4 Compare and contrast different medical and surgical modalities used in the treatment of course specific illnesses.

1.5  Develop a nursing process paper for an individual with a health problem identified with these course specific illnesses.

1.6  Perform a head to toe assessment on an individual, identifying the signs and symptoms of course specific illnesses.

1.7  Use the nursing process to select nursing diagnoses while caring for clients with these selected health problems in the acute care setting.

1.8  Set measurable and realistic goals stemming from nursing diagnoses related to the course specific illnesses.

1.9  Select the most significant nursing interventions to achieve these goals.

1.10 Perform nursing interventions as selected and as ordered by the physician for these course specific illnesses.

1.11 Evaluate the patient’s progress after receiving the nursing care for these illnesses.

2.  Identify legal/ethical behavior and practices within profession standards.

2.1 Practice nursing in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.

3.  Demonstrate the ability to organize and provide the prescribed plan of nursing care to clients/aggregates in collaboration with other members of the health care team.

3.1  Seek opportunities that will broaden the student’s knowledge base and professional growth.

3.2 Utilize goal-oriented communication to promote teaching and learning within the Clinical and community arenas.

3.3 Demonstrate correct documentation skills in the acute care setting.

3.4 Complete a written teaching plan for a patient with a course specific health problem.

4.  Identify resources available for the client with selected health care needs related to the listed body systems.

4.1 Identify community referral agencies and services available for the client with selected health care problems for the purpose of planning the continuity of health care.

4.2  List the lifestyle factors that may contribute to course specific health problems.

4.3  List the means of preventing the course specific health problems.

5.  Describe biopsychosocial adaptation to applied therapies used for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of client(s) with selected health conditions related to the listed body systems.

5.1 Describe the biopsychosocial adaptation responses of culturally diverse, aging, and pediatric clients to these health problems.

5.2 Describe the diagnostic tests necessary in the care of these health problems, and the nursing care associated with these tests.

5.3 Demonstrate therapeutic nursing measures necessary to safely care for individuals with course specific illnesses receiving various surgical and medical interventions.

5.4 Examine the actions, uses, usual dosages, side effects, nursing implications for the most commonly used medications applicable to this course.

5.5 Examine and apply therapeutic diet modifications for selected health problems.

5.6 During one shift, provide complete nursing care for one to two patients with selected health problems.

5.7  Demonstrate the skills necessary for the assessment of the course specific body systems.

6.  Use therapeutic communication techniques to establish/maintain a nurse-client relationship in the acute care setting.

6.1 Analyze the communication techniques used with patients in the acute care setting.

III. COURSE CONTENT:

Unit 1: Care of Patients with Respiratory Problems

1.  Basic respiratory assessment and diagnostic tests

2.  URI, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, epistaxis, deviated septum/polyps, croup syndrome, acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.

3.  Lower respiratory problems: pleurisy, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, pulmonary emboli, pneumothorax, atelectasis, acute bronchitis, Legionnaire’s, RSV bronchitis.

4.  Tracheostomy care and care of a patient with chest tube drainage system.

5.  Pneumonia’s

6.  Tuberculosis

7.  COPD (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis)

8.  Cystic Fibrosis

9.  ARDS, respiratory failure

10.  Medications and medical treatment

11.  Nursing Process

12.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

Unit 2: Care of Patients with Cardiovascular Problems

1.  Basic cardiac assessment (related to vital signs) and diagnostic tests

2.  Cardiac dysrhythmias

3.  Myocardial infarction, angina, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease

4.  CHF

5.  Valvular heart disease, rheumatic fever

6.  Hypertension

7.  Arterial embolism, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers

8.  Anemias, hemophilia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia

9.  Care of patient receiving a blood transfusion

10.  Medications and medical treatment

11.  Nursing process

12.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

Unit 3: Care of Patients with Gastrointestinal Problems

1.  Abdominal assessment and diagnostic tests

2.  Disorders of the mouth (plaque, caries, candiasis, cleft palate and lip)

3.  Esophageal disorders (hiatal hernia, esophageal varices, achalasia, GERD)

4.  Common GI manifestations: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

5.  Gastroenteritis, roto viruses, pyloric stenosis, intusseption, cleft lip/palate, colic

6.  Ulcers, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, obstructions, appendicitis, peritonitis, ostomies, inflammatory bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome

7.  Herniations, hemorrhoids, helminthes

8.  Gallbladder problems

9.  Pancreatitis

10.  Liver disorders, hepatitis, cirrhosis

11.  Lead poisoning

12.  Medications and medical treatment

13.  Nursing process

14.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

Unit 4: Care of Patients with Urinary Problems

1.  Assessment of the urinary system and diagnostic tests

2.  Urinary retention, incontinence, neurogenic bladder

3.  Urinary obstruction, hydronephrosis

4.  Urinary tract infections

5.  Renal calculi, renal cysts

6.  Benign prostatic hypertrophy, TURP, prostatitis

7.  Glomerulonephritis, nephritis, nephritic syndrome

8.  Renal failure, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

9.  Medications and medical treatment

10.  Nursing process

11.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

Unit 5: Care of Patients with Endocrine Problems

1.  Assessment and diagnostic tests

2.  Diabetes Mellitus

3.  Diabetes Insipidus

4.  Hypo and hyperthyroidism

5.  Hypo and hyper parathyroidism

6.  Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome

7.  Pheochromocytoma

8.  Disorders of the pituitary gland

9.  Medications and medical treatment

10.  Nursing process

11.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

Unit 6: Care of Patients with Integumentary Problems

1.  Assessment and diagnostic tests

2.  Skin and hair disorders: pruritis, acne vulgaris, tineas, herpes, contact dermatitis, impetigo, scabies, lice warts, eczema, psoriasis, Lupus eythematous, alopecia, hirsutism, folliculitis, furuncle, carbuncle, felon, urticaria, keloids, nevi.

3.  Burns

4.  Medications and medical treatment

5.  Nursing process

6.  Pediatric, older adult and cultural considerations

IV.   INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD:

Case studies

Lecture

Tests

Written projects

Discussion/Seminars

Audio-Visual Materials

Computer Aided Instruction (CAI)

Demonstrations/Return Demonstrations

Guest Speakers

Clinical Laboratory Practice

V.   STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION:

The student must meet the objectives of the course to pass.

ATTENDANCE: Students are to attend lecture, college lab, clinical lab, and /or alternative experiences promptly as scheduled. Absenteeism and tardiness will be dealt with according to the nursing handbook policies.

Note: (from the nursing handbook) Students must inform the clinical instructor by phone if a circumstance prevents attendance in the clinical experience.

Due to the vast amount of information to be learned, not all unit objectives may be addressed in class and labs. However, since the content most likely will be tested, the student is responsible to complete those objectives. Students are responsible for all materials covered during their absence.

GRADING POLICIES

1.  78% of CLASSROOM THEORY:

Test questions may be generated from any component of this course. All tests are comprehensive.

Students are expected to take all tests on the designated days. When missing a test, the SN must notify the lecture instructor within 24 hours about a make-up test and make an appointment with the Learning Center to take the test. Failure to take the test on the designated day will result in a zero (0) for the test. These missed tests need to be completed before the next scheduled test.

Student’s grade is based on cumulative total points which are then recorded as a percentage of the total points for the course:

# of SN test points = SN percentage (course grade)

# of total test points for course

(Do not average the percentages of each test).

The grading scale is in accordance with the nursing handbook.

Grading Scale

93-100% A

86-92% B

78-85% C

70-77% D

Below 70% F

Times for test review will be announced by the lecture instructor. Test reviews will not be conducted during class time. No note taking or recording is allowed during the test review. Review is to be done within one week of the test after all SN have taken the test. When challenging answers to test questions, the SN must present written support from 3 professional sources. This must be given to the instructor for review within one week following the exam review.

2.  Passing grade (90%) on a MATH QUIZ. (See nursing handbook).

3.  A “Pass” grade on all assigned WRITTEN PAPERS (As designated by portfolio grid). All written papers are due on the 4th school day after caring for the patient. If each paper is not submitted on the designated day, it will not be accepted. The papers should be submitted at the college entrance desk or as the individual clinical instructor prefers. Any that are mailed should be mailed “certified mail” so that the student may submit the receipt as proof of mailing. The SN is ultimately responsible for papers that get lost or that pass the hands of people in between the SN and the instructor.

4.  Passing (satisfactory) evaluation of CLINICAL PERFORMANCE:

The SN will be evaluated during clinical times for progress in application of course content and all nursing skills expected at this level.

Achievement of SATISFACTORY clinical performance is:

a.  Set forth by the clinical evaluation tool and course objectives for this course.

b.  Satisfactory demonstration of the nursing process and all the nursing skills necessary to provide holistic patient care.

c.  Personal growth and development for appropriate professional nursing behavior.

d.  Submission of satisfactory written assignments.

Students must maintain satisfactory status in the clinical area as outlined on the clinical evaluation form. The student’s level of personal professionalism, ability to effectively implement the nursing process, and mature interaction with the health care team are evaluated by the clinical instructor. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their clinical instructor to periodically review their clinical progress.

Clinical Procedure Proficiency Criteria:

1.  The SN must satisfactory proficiency all the basic skills identified by the clinical instructor. The instructor assigns the procedure to the SN. The SN may clarify the procedure or any other details before beginning.

2.  During the procedure the SN may ask the instructor about the situation but not ask the instructor to give him/her the steps of the procedure.

3.  The proficiency evaluation may be discontinued at any time the SN demonstrates an inability to perform the procedure safely or adequately. If the SN is being evaluated other than the first time, the SN may receive an unsatisfactory citation.

4.  The SN must demonstrate procedures safely and satisfactorily using 100% aseptic technique and with consideration of the patient as a person rather than the object of a technique.

The SN will use proper communication skills in all nursing interactions applying cultural diversity concepts. The SN will demonstrate the nursing process in giving complete nursing care to a patient within the clinical time frame allowed. The SN will maintain legal requirements, ethical standards, and institutional policies.

The clinical instructor notes each SN’s performance. It is the SN’s responsibility to review such information periodically with the instructor.

A complete and up-to-date portfolio must be presented to the clinical instructor at the time of evaluation. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete for the nursing course.

NOTE: Failure to attain any one of the above criteria will result in failure in the course.

Evidence of unsafe, ineffective, or unreliable nursing care will result in failure of the course regardless of exam scores or written assignments.

Computer Programs:

Students will complete all computer programs listed in study guides for the course. Students will pass the computer exams with at least 80%, print out results and hand in printed results to the lecture instructor prior to the test on that unit.