Focuses of the course include acute care skills, strategies to manage stress, alternative health techniques and therapeutic group processes. This practicum has two distinct components. In the nursing skills laboratory component, students learn the cognitive and affective processes and the psychomotor skills which are foundational to nursing practice. In the practice component, students apply concepts and skills in the delivery of health care to elderly home residents. Through interactions with children and older adults, students develop health and developmental assessment skills and the nursing intervention skills of teaching and therapeutic communication.
Emphasis is on holistic developmental assessment of individuals in a family and community context.
Sites include day care centers, head start programs, schools and retirement communities. Students apply concepts, principles, theories and skills in the nursing care of adults or children experiencing moderate to severe challenges to health. In hospital settings, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical skills gaining beginning practice in planning and facilitating nursing care for clients and their families. This practicum emphasizes application of family assessment skills to evaluate structure, function, resources, needs and coping abilities of families experiencing illness. Practicum seminars address family health issues.