DNSHC Fundamentals of Nursing
Course Syllabus
| Course Title | Fundamentals of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 4 semester credit hours |
| Clock Hours | 30 hours lecture; 60 hours lab, 120 hours clinical |
| Required Text | Burton, M., Smith, D., & Ludwig, L. J. Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills (3rd. ed.). Philadelphia, PA. FA Davis Company. |
| Prerequisites | Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Nursing Concept |
| Course Description | This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of nursing principles and skills and starts development of clinical skills needed to provide care to clients.
Students study the nursing practice concepts used as an interdisciplinary approach to provide care to adult and elderly clients. The Nursing Process, which is a problem-solving method used by the Practical/Vocational nurse, is introduced to assist in the adaptation of care plans and implementation of planned care in the clinical setting. The course presents principles of health promotion, maintenance and restoration across the lifespan. Laboratory and clinical experiences reinforce theory concepts |
| Course Objectives | Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Apply fundamentals of nursing to provide care to client with alterations in health and wellness. 2. Use the nursing process to provide evidence-based, safe, and culturally sensitive care to clients across the lifespan. 3. Discuss methods used by the Practical/Vocational Nurse to meet the physical and mental status needs and preferences of culturally, ethnically and socially diverse patients and their families. 4. Demonstrate methods of communicating effectively with patients, their family members, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. 5. Apply principles of nursing care to assist in the planning, delivery, and coordination of patient-centered care to assigned patients in a timely manner. 6. Summarize principles of health promotion, maintenance and restoration of wellness across the lifespan. 7. Practice practical/vocational nursing skills in the lab and during clinical experiences. 8. Provide care to one or two clients with simple alterations in health and wellness status. |
| Teaching Methods | This course will be a combination of lecture, simulation, demonstration, research, and student participation. The laboratory time will require hands on experiences, small group discussions, simulations, and examination of newly acquired skills. |
| Course Resources | School learning system, PowerPoint Presentations, Skill Videos, Handouts, laboratory manikins, research materials including electronic resources. |
| Course Requirements | Students are expected to:
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Attendance Policy
Students are to notify the instructor or the Program Director prior to the beginning of class if they are going to be absent or tardy. All absent time, including late arrivals and early departures, regardless of reason, is recorded and becomes a part of the student record. Absences exceeding 10% of total class time may result in termination from the program.
Grading Policy
Method of evaluation is based on the combined scores from homework assignments, quizzes, projects, skills performance, class participation, midcourse exams, independent study projects, and final examinations. All scores earned are converted to a percentage of the total score possible within each course.
All assigned course work is due the day defined by the instructor. Make up assignments are evaluated as noted below:
- All assignments, including quizzes and examinations will be reduced by 10% per class if not submitted or taken on assigned or scheduled day. Exams and quizzes must be taken within the prescribed time during the day to avoid late penalty of 1 day. The exam must be made up within one (1) calendar week of the original due date as scheduled by the instructor.
- Any extensions past the one (1) calendar week will be at the discretion of the instructor and Program Director.
- Students absent the day of the final examination must make prior arrangements with the instructor for an alternative testing date. With proper documentation of circumstances beyond a student’s control, the score reduction may be waived due to jury duty, military obligations, death of an immediate family member or birth of a son or daughter.
Grading Scale
| Grade | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 93%-100% | Exceptionally Competent |
| B | 85%-92% | Highly Competent |
| Grade | Percentage | Description |
| C | 77%-84% | Fully Competent |
| Failure | Below 77% | Not Competent |
Methods of Evaluation
Assessment is based on the allocation of course requirements as follows:
| Assessment | Percentage |
| Quizzes | 5% |
| Homework and Presentations | 15% |
| Exams | 20% |
| Midterm Exam | 15% |
| Lab Practical Exam | 15% |
| Final Exam | 15% |
| Clinical Performance | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Course Schedule
The course schedule is subject to change. All changes will be announced in class and posted on the Learning Management System.