NURSING PRINCIPLES

This course introduces the student to care across the life span and along the health-illness continuum through understanding of the etiology of illness, the body's response to illness, and common methods of disease prevention.  The focus of the course is on understanding the nursing process as it relates to acquiring skills to meet simple nursing needs of adult clients.  Students learn to apply knowledge of asepsis and universal precautions, body mechanics basic nutrition and diet therapy, fluid and electrolyte balance, documentation basic assessment skills, and CPR.  Basic psychological and social concepts as well as fundamental concepts of ethics and legal responsibilities involved in nursing are introduced.  Interpersonal relationships and communication  kills are stressed along with aspects of personal and vocational growth.  The current health care delivery system as it relates to values, influences, changes, and challenges in the areas of  personal and community health is discussed, along with the role of the practical nurse in the delivery of care.