In this first course leading to Registered Nursing licensure, the theoretical foundation is built by the student for application in the clinical area of adult medical-surgical nursing. The learner is studying the underlying theories and principles of fundamental nursing care, which are demonstrated in the corequisite clinical course. The learner expands on prerequisite course work to ensure a safe foundation for clinical practice. The student demonstrates critical thinking through application of the nursing process. Physical health assessment is emphasized and therapeutic communication is applied in client and family interactions.
Wellness is promoted through the client education process.
This course and its corequisite, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Care, prepares the Associate Degree Nursing student to care for adult medical-surgical clients in the acute care setting. Before application in the hospital setting, the student demonstrates competence in the Clinical Skills Laboratory with fundamental nursing skills as bathing, biopsychosocial assessment, bladder and bowel care, nasogastric intubation, sterile dressing care, and non-intravenous medication administration. The student organizes and prioritizes safe nursing care though the nursing process. Effective communication with clients and other health care staff is an essential component. This course is one of three corequisite courses that make up the second semester of the Associate Degree Nursing program.