STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

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

 • Describe the nursing profession

 • Demonstrate a beginning understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse

 • Engage in reflective practice through service learning

 • Demonstrate a beginning understanding of the culture of safety and quality improvement in healthcare

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Introduction

 A. Overview of Nursing Profession (summary of history and context)

 B. Current Issues and Trends (work environment, shortages, diversity, employment)

 II. Professional Roles and Responsibilities

 A. Practice Settings

 B. Nursing Education

 C. Practice Standards

 III. Attributes of the Professional Nurse – heart and soul of nursing

 A. Introduction to Caring Science

 i. Human Technology Interface

 ii. The Art and Science of Caring

 iii. Nursing Informatics and Technology

 B. Communication (SBAR; Emotional Intelligence)

 C. Personal and Professional Integrity (Intimacy of the Nurse/Patient Relationship)

 D. Patient Centered Care (Advocacy)

 E. Interpersonal Abilities – The Compassionate Clinician

 IV. Nursing Responsibilities for the Local and Global Community

 A. Service Learning/ Giving Back

 B. Political Involvement – Nursing’s Voice

 C. Belonging to the Profession

 V. Improving Quality and Safety

 A. Culture of Safety and Improving Quality (transparency, blame-free accountability, root cause analysis)

 B. Evidence Based Practice

 C. Responsibilities

 i. Nurse

 ii. Team

 iii. System

 D. Nurse Sensitive Indicators