This course is an orientation to Vocational Nursing and role of the Vocational Nurse within the health care team, including historical, ethical, and legal aspects. Fundamental skills and responsibilities involved in patient care, including medication administration, principles of communication, health teaching, cultural-diversity, and human sexuality are included. Emphasis is on assessment of patient needs and basic nursing interventions for adults of all ages. The study of physiological needs of the mother and newborn during the maternity cycle, concepts of child growth and development, meeting the needs of the ill child, and availability of community health services are also included. Students apply course theory in utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of adult patients of all ages with major health problems related to more complex regulatory, elimination, aeration and nutritional disorders.
Emphasis is on fulfilling all steps of the nursing process.
Principles related to legal and bio-ethical aspects, communication, health teaching, cultural diversity and human sexuality are included. Management principles, the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, professional organization, resume writing and job search are presented. Clinical experiences focus on safe and effective care of the complex, but stable hospitalized client, as well as clients seeking community based care in clinic and home health settings. There is an emphasis on organizing multiple patient assignments, including administering medications to groups of patients. Vocational Nursing 60 OR Associate Degree Nursing 20 OR equivalent courses.