Nursing Fundamentals

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction into basic anatomy and physiology, fundamental nursing principles, including the Nurse Practice Act, nursing process, cultural concepts, therapeutic communication, infection control, nutritional needs, developmental stages, and skills necessary for safe care. Legal, ethical and historical data and concepts are discussed. More complex nursing procedures are integrated as the semester progresses, such as fundamentals of intravenous therapy techniques, equipment precautions, complications, and nursing responsibilities. The focus is on the adult and geriatric population. Pharmacologic theory and practice are also incorporated in this course. The fundamental elements of pharmacology including basic math, systems of measurement, introduction to pharmacology, drug dosages, complex drug calculations, medication administration, insulin, and injections are taught in this course. Successful completion of this course requires an 85% or higher on math final and successful completion of a hands-on medication administration check-off.