NURS 303

I.    Course Title: Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice                       

II.    Course Prefix/Number: NURS 303

III.    Credit Hours: 3 credits
    
IV.  Prerequisites: Admission to ABSN Program

V.    Course Description:

Students explore the curriculum framework and foundational concepts for practice as a generalist in the nursing profession. The student explores the roles of provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care. The nursing process is introduced as the model for critical thinking in evidence-based practice. The student considers the impact of nursing history, nursing theory, professional values, and human diversity on practice. The student develops therapeutic communication, interviewing, and documentation skills.

VI.    Course Objectives:

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

1. Describe the components of the curriculum framework as they relate to the generalist nursing roles of provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care.
2. Develop an awareness of both patients’ and healthcare professionals’ diverse cultural/spiritual beliefs and values and how those beliefs and values impact healthcare.
3. Explain use of the nursing process as the model for critical thinking in delivery of evidence-based patient-centered nursing care.
4. Discuss the impact of nursing history, nursing theory, and contemporary issues in healthcare on current nursing practice.
5. Develop therapeutic communication, interviewing, and documentation skills necessary for professional practice.
6. Explore strategies for success in the program and articulate the value of lifelong learning to foster professional growth and development.  

XI.    Date of Syllabus Approval: 10/17/14