Nursing-I II HEC PNC UHS Course Outline The Fundamentals of Nursing curriculum is a foundational component of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, aimed at equipping nursing students with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for effective nursing practice. Comprising two courses, Fundamentals of Nursing I and II, this curriculum addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of patient care, nursing processes, and professional responsibilities.
Course Overview
Fundamentals of Nursing I
Course Structure
- Credit Hours: 4 (2 Theory, 2 Skills Lab)
- Category: Discipline Specific Foundation Courses
- Duration: First semester of the BScN program
Course Description
Fundamentals of Nursing I introduces students to the nursing profession, emphasizing its historical development, definitions, roles, and accountability. The course covers the conceptual basis of nursing practice, including human needs, homeostasis, health alterations, and nursing interventions. Additionally, it explores the structure of the healthcare system and the roles of international health organizations.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical development of healthcare and nursing.
- Discuss contributions of early nursing leaders to the profession.
- Compare requirements and advantages of different nursing educational programs.
- Analyze definitions of nursing provided by various scholars.
- Describe the roles of a professional nurse.
- Understand the relationship among human needs, homeostasis, and nursing interventions.
- Explain the Code of Ethics and Standards of Nursing Practice.
- Discuss the purposes and activities of the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses.
FON I Theory Portion
Unit I: History of Health Care and Nursing
- Overview of ancient cultures and their healthcare practices.
- Examination of nursing in Islam and its foundational principles.
- Exploration of significant historical nursing figures and their contributions.
- Analysis of nursing definitions from various scholars, including WHO’s definition.
- Discussion of nursing education in Pakistan and its evolution.
Unit II: Roles of the Nurse in Health Care
- Exploration of the professional characteristics of nursing.
- Discussion of various roles, including communicator, teacher, and counselor.
Unit III: Goals of Nursing and Related Concepts
- Definition of basic human needs and their relevance to nursing practice.
- Discussion of the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Unit IV: Communication
- Importance of effective communication in nursing.
- Identification of barriers to communication and strategies for overcoming them.
Unit V: Nursing Skills (Vital Signs)
- Understanding the significance of vital signs in patient assessment.
- Techniques for measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Unit VI: Skin Management
- Definition and prevention of decubitus ulcers (bed sores).
- Nursing interventions to manage skin integrity.
Unit VII: Concept of Safety: Risk Management
- Definition and importance of safety in nursing.
- Identification of hazards and strategies for minimizing risks in the healthcare environment.
Unit VIII: Concept of Teaching Learning
- Assessing patient learning needs and developing educational plans.
- Implementation of health teaching strategies.
Unit IX: Oxygenation: Respiratory Function & Cardiovascular System
- Factors affecting oxygenation and common manifestations of respiratory and cardiovascular alterations.
- Nursing measures to ensure patient airway and manage respiratory issues.
Unit X: Activity and Exercise Pattern
- Importance of mobility and the effects of immobility on health.
- Application of nursing process for patients with mobility issues.
Unit XI: Process of Hospitalization
- Understanding admission, transfer, and discharge processes in healthcare settings.
- Nursing responsibilities during each phase of hospitalization.
FON I Skills Lab Procedures
- CPR Certifications BLS
- Bed preparation (occupied and unoccupied)
- Patient bathing techniques
- Vital signs measurement (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure)
- Mouth care for unconscious patients
- Height and weight measurement
- Patient admission and discharge processes
- Use of safety measures in patient care (e.g., side rails, restraints)
Clinical Objectives of Fundamental of Nursing I
- Identify the roles and functions of healthcare team members.
- Describe the functions of various hospital departments.
- Collect patient data through interviews.
- Observe patient care coordination among healthcare team members.
- Document variations in vital signs and develop nursing care plans.
Fundamentals of Nursing II
Course Structure
- Credit Hours: 4 (2 Theory, 1 Clinical, 1 Skills Lab)
- Category: Discipline Specific Foundation Courses
- Duration: Second semester of the BScN program
Course Description
Fundamentals of Nursing II builds on the knowledge acquired in the first course, focusing on advanced nursing practices. This course emphasizes identifying patient needs, enhancing communication skills, and utilizing the nursing process effectively. Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns (FHPs) will guide assessments and care planning.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify prescribed standards of nursing care.
- Understand the importance of evaluation in nursing practice.
- Recognize sources contributing to personal and professional growth.
- Use the nursing process to deliver safe nursing care.
- Apply knowledge from various sciences to nursing practice.
- Implement critical thinking in nursing interventions.
- Perform essential nursing skills accurately and safely.
FON II Topics
Unit I: Nursing Process
- Description of the assessment phase of the nursing process.
- Skills required for effective nursing assessments.
- Understanding nursing diagnoses and their formulation.
Unit II: Concept of Value Belief
- Exploring the significance of values and beliefs in nursing practice.
- Identifying conflicts and resolutions related to values.
Unit III: Self Concept and Self Perception
- Discussing how self-perception develops and its impact on nursing care.
- Identifying manifestations of altered self-concept.
Unit IV: Concept of Pain
- Understanding pain physiology and management strategies.
- Differentiating between acute and chronic pain.
Unit V: Concept of Nutrition
- Overview of essential nutrients and their role in health.
- Nursing interventions for patients with altered nutritional status.
Unit VI: Concept of Elimination
- Discussing common issues related to elimination.
- Nursing interventions for urinary and fecal elimination problems.
Unit VII: Concept of Sleep
- Importance of sleep and factors affecting sleep patterns.
- Nursing strategies to promote better sleep in patients.
Unit VIII: Human Responses to Illness
- Exploring coping mechanisms in response to stress and illness.
- Nursing interventions for patients experiencing stress.
Unit IX: Concept of Sexuality
- Understanding sexual health and its implications across the lifespan.
- Nursing approaches to addressing sexual health concerns.
Unit X: Concept of Loss & Grieving
- Discussing the psychological processes associated with grief and loss.
- Nursing strategies to support patients and families during bereavement.
FON II Skills Lab Procedures
- Application of hot and cold compresses.
- Bandaging techniques and wound care.
- Nebulization and steam therapy.
- Care for drainage systems (e.g., catheters).
- Sitz baths for patients.
Clinical Objectives of Fundamental of Nursing II
- Identify healthcare team roles and functions.
- Understand the structure and operations of healthcare facilities.
- Employ therapeutic communication techniques.
- Document patient assessments and nursing interventions effectively.
- Apply critical thinking to nursing practice.
Conclusion
The Fundamentals of Nursing curriculum is vital in preparing nursing students for their professional roles. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this curriculum equips students to provide high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings. Through a structured approach to learning, students gain insights into the historical context of nursing, the intricacies of the nursing process, and the essential skills required for effective nursing practice. Ultimately, the knowledge and skills acquired in these courses lay a solid foundation for future nursing responsibilities and the delivery of holistic, patient-centered care.