Basic Foundations in Nursing & Nursing Practice

Program Overview

• Overview of nursing education and foundational concepts.
  • Key materials including readings and assignments from various sources.
  • Philosophy of Nursing Program: Explanation of the core values and beliefs guiding nursing practices.
  • Program Rules and Policies: Guidelines governing student conduct and expectations.

Infection Control & Asepsis

• Infection Control

  • Focus on preventing healthcare-associated infections.
  • Topics include:
  • Hazard Communication
  • CDC Recommendations
  • OSHA Regulations
  • Standard Precautions: Procedures to minimize risk of infection in patient care.
  • Isolation Techniques: Methods to separate infectious patients to prevent disease spread.
  • Surgical Asepsis: Techniques to maintain a sterile environment during procedures.

• Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization: Importance of effective cleaning methods in healthcare settings.

  • Patient Teaching for Infection Prevention & Control: Educating patients on hygiene and infection avoidance.
  • Infection Prevention & Control in Home and Hospice: Tailored strategies for managing infections outside of traditional healthcare settings.

Dosage Calculations

• Units of Measurement/Basics: Review of math principles relevant to nursing dosage calculations.
• Key competency areas include:
  • Understanding measurements (metric and household).
  • Familiarity with weight-based dosages.
  • Dosage Calculations: Significant focus on safe medication administration procedures.

Safety in the Healthcare Environment

• Topics covered include:
  • Restraints: Ethical considerations and regulations surrounding their use.
  • Electrical Hazards: Safety protocols for avoiding electrical injuries.
  • Radiation Safety: Precautions for handling radioactive materials and equipment.
  • Mercury Spills: Procedures for cleanup and management of hazardous spills.
  • Workplace Safety: Guidelines for maintaining safety standards in healthcare environments.
  • Fire Safety: Protocols for fire prevention and response in clinical settings.
  • Accidental Poisoning: Responses and protocols for suspected poisonings in patients.
  • Disaster Planning: Preparedness for various scenarios, including terrorism.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Comprehensive topics related to:
  • Cells, Tissues, and Membranes: Basic cellular structures and functions.
  • Tumors and Cancer: Definitions, mechanisms, and implications for health.
  • Glands and Organs: Overview of major systems and their functionalities.
  • Basic Body Divisions: Description of the anatomical organization of the human body.
  • Understanding the significance of each division in health contexts.
• Body Processes: Examination of physiological mechanisms in various body systems.
  • Key focus on Electrolytes and Body Fluids: Their roles and balance in maintaining homeostasis.

Documentation and Electronic Health Records (EHR)

• Importance of accurate documentation in nursing
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR): Systems designed for digital patient record management.
  • SBAR: Provide a structured method for communication in clinical settings.
  • Definition: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation framework for effective handovers.
  • Basic Guidelines for Documentation: Standards for recording patient information clearly and accurately.
  • Methods of Recording: Different techniques for proper documentation including digital and paper systems.
  • Clinical Pathways: Utilization in patient care management and treatment tracking.
  • Long-Term Health Care Documentation: Considerations for chronic patient management documentation practices.

Basic Care

• Major components include:
  • Vital Signs: Importance of monitoring and accurately recording vital parameters.
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Skills: Skills necessary for patient day-to-day care.
  • Hygiene: Techniques for maintaining patient cleanliness and dignity.
  • Skin Care: Prevention of skin breakdown and promoting skin health.

Communication in Nursing

• Styles of Communication: Various approaches to effective interpersonal interactions in healthcare.
• Therapeutic Relationships: Building rapport and trust across the lifespan of patients.
• Communication Techniques: Tools and skills for successful interactions with patients and families.
• Block to Communication: Identifying and overcoming barriers to effective communication.
• Special Considerations: Awareness of cultural sensitivities and appropriate adaptations in communication.

Pharmacology

• Foundation of Pharmacology
  • Introduction to drug action and interactions, including factors affecting drug efficacy across different age groups.
• Medication Administration
  • Review of routes, including oral, enteral, and topical methods, emphasizing safety.
  • The **