Emphasis is on the pharmacological action of drugs on specific organ systems and the clinical use of drugs in the treatment of disease conditions. Emphasis is on critical decision-making skills in the selection of drug therapy, doses, routes of administration, and preferred therapy. Emphasis is given to the study of epistemological issues related to the evolution of theory in nursing. Varying levels and components of theories are explored. Major strategies for theory derivation are analyzed.
Students gain experience in critically examining major theoretical models.
This course examines the relationship and contribution of nursing research to the development of nursing science. The growth of research is traced over the course of the last century, with particular emphasis on the evolution which has occurred since mid-century. Student are assisted to increase their ability to critically evaluate published research and make decisions concerning its applicability to practice. Additionally, students develop a proposal for an individual or group research project which may become the foundational work for the thesis. This course examinees family theory and its application to advanced nursing practice.