Practical Nursing

Courses

PNR104: Basic Skills, Quality & Safety in Nursing Practice

Credits 6
This course introduces concepts related to patient safety, entry level nursing skills, and quality care in today’s healthcare settings. Methods to improve patient outcomes with a focus on continuous quality improvement will prepare the nursing student for practice in an interdisciplinary team environment. The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs), Core Measures, Critical Values and Never Events will be introduced and introduction to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) initiatives. A focus on patient satisfaction and case management is discussed throughout the course. The nursing process is introduced within this course providing the foundation for all nursing interventions. In addition, the course introduces medical terminology into the nursing curriculum. Medical Terminology provides basic review and writing medical terms. This course fosters the development of a vocabulary of common suffixes, prefixes, and word roots. Terms are introduced in the context of human anatomy and physiology to foster understanding in meaning.

PNR105: Pharmacology

Credits 5
This course introduces the concepts of pharmacology to the role of the practical nurse in using medications to maximize health and wellness. Drug classifications emphasized within the context of the nursing process using a body-systems approach. The student learns common medication actions, interventions, and adverse effects and nursing interventions. Client teaching is integrated throughout. Factors influencing the administration, use, and effectiveness of medications are explored. This course provides instruction and practice in dosage calculation.

PNR106: Foundations of Nursing

Credits 6
This course creates the foundation for future learning and the development of the requisite skills and competencies required for nursing practice as a member of the health care team. Content includes communication and interview concepts, teaching-learning principles, documentation, and physical assessment and nursing skills. Concepts of holistic care, developmental stages, culture and diversity, evidence-based practice, and the practical nurse’s role in promoting health and wellness are explored. Clinical and simulated learning assignments provide hands-on learning experiences that enable the student to develop skills for the provision of safe and effective nursing care with adult clients in a structured environment.

PNR108: Gerontological Nursing

Credits 5
This course explores the role of the nurse in helping individuals to maximize health and wellness during the natural and healthy process of aging. The student will learn normal physiologic, psychological, and social changes as well as common health alterations associated with aging. Specific health conditions discussed include altered sensory input, menopause, osteoporosis, malnutrition, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia, COPD, and CHF. End of life issues are also discussed. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to practice the delivery of nursing care to selected client situations.

PNR110: Introduction to Nursing, Beginning Concepts

Credits 3
A foundational course introducing students to nursing concepts. Tailored for those pursuing a healthcare career, it covers communication, caring interventions, documentation, diagnostic tests/specimen collection, infection control, nutrition, elimination, safety, and mobility. Ideal for beginners, it offers a solid foundation for further nursing studies and aims to inspire compassionate, evidence-based nursing care.

PNR111: Introduction to Nursing: Experiential Learning

Credits 3
This course provides hands-on learning experiences for students aspiring to enter the healthcare field. Through immersive labs, students explore essential nursing concepts, including communication, caring interventions, documentation, diagnostic tests, infection control, nutrition, elimination, safety, and mobility. This experiential course fosters practical skills and a compassionate, evidence-based approach to nursing, making it an ideal starting point for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

PNR112: Math for Medical Professionals

Credits 3
A foundational course covering basic mathematical foundations. Concepts include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratio and proportion, decimals, percents, systems of measurement, the metric system, and time and temperature. Tailored for aspiring nursing professionals, this course not only equips students with the mathematical know-how required for success in the field but also establishes a robust groundwork for ensuring safe and accurate medication administration.

PNR120: Fundamentals of Nursing: Novice Concepts

Credits 3
This course is a comprehensive introduction to fundamental nursing concepts. Students will gain essential skills in assessing and promoting health, making informed clinical decisions, understanding legal and ethical considerations, and coordinating care effectively. The course also addresses key physiological processes and nursing interventions related to gas exchange, fluids and electrolytes, tissue integrity, and elimination. This foundational knowledge equips students with the essential skills required for safe and compassionate nursing practice.

PNR121: Fundamentals of Nursing: Experiential Learning

Credits 4
This comprehensive introductory course combines laboratory work, clinical simulations, and real-world experiences to equip students with essential skills for safe and compassionate nursing practice. Students will learn health assessment, clinical decision-making, legal and ethical considerations, effective care coordination, and key nursing interventions. Hands-on learning and clinical exposure under expert guidance bridge theory to practice, making Fundamentals of Nursing Practice the essential cornerstone of nursing education, preparing students for real world application of nursing knowledge.

PNR122: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process

Credits 3
This comprehensive course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills required for safe and effective pharmacology and medication administration. Throughout this course, you will delve into the nursing process, medication orders, medication labels, dosage calculations, and various medication administration techniques. By the end of this course, you will be well- prepared to apply these concepts confidently and competently in real-world healthcare settings.

PNR130: Medical-Surgical Nursing I: Intermediate Concepts

Credits 4
As the first of three medical-surgical nursing courses, students will become adept at data collection within a wide spectrum of bodily systems, encompassing the integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, and reproductive systems. This course also introduces students to the surgical process with a focus on the critical phases of surgery and the fundamentals of intravenous fluid therapy for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. By seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, students will cultivate the proficiency required for the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

PNR131: Medical-Surgical Nursing I: Experiential Learning

Credits 4
This immersive experiential course serves as the entry point into the trilogy of medical-surgical nursing education, combining theory with hands-on application. Students will sharpen their skills in gathering data on a broad range of bodily systems, including integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, and reproductive systems. Within the course, students are introduced to the intricacies of the surgical process, highlighting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, and establishes foundational knowledge in intravenous fluid therapy to manage fluid and electrolyte balance. Through a blend of laboratory experiences, simulation exercises, and clinical practice, students will develop the comprehensive skill set necessary for providing high-quality, safe patient care.

PNR132: Pharmacology Across the Lifespan

Credits 3
This course is designed to enhance the student’s proficiency in medication management across a spectrum of health conditions. This course focuses on integrating pharmacological theory with practical nursing care, emphasizing patient safety, effective treatment, and holistic patient-centered care. Grasping these concepts is critical, as they form the foundation of exceptional nursing practice, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care and that nurses remain indispensable stewards of health in a dynamic clinical environment.

PNR133: Intravenous Therapy

Credits 2
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of intravenous therapy, focusing on its legal aspects, clinical application, and practical skills. Students will learn about the legal implications and state regulations of IV therapy, apply relevant anatomical and physiological knowledge, and master various IV techniques. The program covers peripheral IV therapy, central venous access management, and the administration of specialty infusions and blood products. Emphasis is placed on ensuring safe, effective patient care across the lifespan.

PNR134: Care of the Older Adult: Intermediate Concepts

Credits 2
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the unique health challenges and care strategies pertinent to the elderly population. It sharpens assessment skills, promotes empathetic communication, and highlights the importance of safety and preventive care. The course fosters an understanding of the multifaceted needs of aging individuals, encouraging a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life for older adults. This course prepares learners to deliver thoughtful, effective care that respects the dignity and complexity of the older adult.

PNR135: Care of the Older Adult: Experiential Learning

Credits 2
This experiential course offers hands-on exploration of the distinctive health challenges encountered by the older adult. Through practical scenarios and real-world simulations, learners will sharpen their assessment skills, practice empathetic communication, and understand the critical significance of safety and preventive care in real-time situations. The course actively immerses participants in the multifaceted needs of aging individuals, promoting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that directly enhances the quality of life for older adults. Learners will engage in direct interactions and scenarios, preparing them to provide thoughtful, effective care that honors the dignity and complexity of the older adult population.

PNR140: Medical-Surgical Nursing II: Advanced Concepts

Credits 2
As the second of three medical-surgical nursing courses, students will become adept at analyzing collected data and delineating nursing care within a wide spectrum of bodily systems, encompassing the integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematology, urinary, reproductive, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and immune systems. In this course, students build on the fundamentals of fluid and electrolyte balance and intravenous fluid therapy to analyze causes, symptoms, and treatments of imbalances. By effectively blending theoretical understanding with hands-on expertise, students will develop the competence needed to provide safe and efficient patient care.

PNR141: Medical-Surgical Nursing II: Experiential Learning

Credits 3
This immersive course marks the second chapter in the trilogy of medical-surgical nursing education, seamlessly integrating theoretical concepts with practical, hands-on application. Participants will not only enhance their proficiency in data collection but also refine their nursing care abilities across a diverse spectrum of bodily systems, encompassing integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, renal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, endocrine, and immune systems. Within this course, students build on their foundational knowledge in fluid and electrolytes, advancing their expertise in intravenous fluid therapy to adeptly manage imbalances. A fusion of engaging laboratory experiences, simulation exercises, and real-world clinical practice ensures that students cultivate a comprehensive skill set indispensable for delivering top-tier, secure patient care.

PNR142: Nursing Across the Lifespan: Advanced Concepts

Credits 4
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing care across diverse age groups. This course integrates essential theoretical concepts from Maternal-Child, Pediatrics, and Mental Health specialties, equipping practical nursing students with the knowledge and skills needed for a holistic and patient- centered approach to healthcare.

PNR143: Nursing Across the Lifespan: Experiential Learning

Credits 4
This experiential course is crafted to offer students a comprehensive understanding of nursing care across diverse age groups. Integrating essential theoretical concepts from Maternal-Child, Pediatrics, and Mental Health specialties, this hands-on experience equips practical nursing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

PNR150: Medical-Surgical III: Mastery of Concepts

Credits 4
As the third of three medical-surgical nursing courses, this advanced course deepens the students' understanding and skills in handling rapid health status changes across a wide spectrum of bodily systems. It emphasizes critical skills in clinical reasoning and evidence-based interventions. Students continue to build on their knowledge of fluid and electrolyte balance and intravenous fluid therapy to analyze causes, symptoms, and treatments of imbalances. This course will prepare students to become adept at providing comprehensive care in various healthcare settings, ensuring their readiness to identify and address changes in patient status with confidence.

PNR151: Medical-Surgical III: Experiential Learning

Credits 4
This immersive course marks the third and final chapter in the trilogy of medical-surgical nursing education, in which students will become experts at analyzing collected data and delineating nursing care within a wide spectrum of bodily systems. In this course, students demonstrate mastery in detecting and treating fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Through a seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students will acquire the competence required to deliver excellent patient care.

PNR152: Transition to Practice: Mastery of Concepts

Credits 3
In this course, students will delve into evolving practical nursing, and explore the impact on LPN practice, emphasizing critical thinking and examining decision-making across the nursing process. The course also covers ethical and legal responsibilities, effective communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork, provides insights into healthcare entities, financing, and leadership styles. Lastly, students in this course will explore shared governance principles, decision- making, and evidence-based practices for quality improvement in patient care.

PNR153: Transition to Practice: Experiential Learning

Credits 3
This course explores the evolving landscape of practical nursing, emphasizing critical thinking skills in assessing its impact on LPN practice. Topics include ethical and legal responsibilities, effective communication strategies, and fostering a safe work environment. The curriculum also covers interdisciplinary healthcare team roles, healthcare financing, and the importance of evidence-based strategies for optimal patient care and organizational processes.

PNR154: Developing Your Professional Identity

Credits 4
This comprehensive course is specifically designed for nursing students on the cusp of completing their education and stepping into the professional world as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The course provides a seamless transition from academic learning to practical nursing, focusing on three critical areas: preparation for the licensure exam, navigating the licensure application process, and transitioning effectively into the role of a licensed nurse. Throughout the course, students will engage in interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions to enhance their learning experience. Guest speakers from the nursing field will provide real-world insights and advice. The course aims to equip future LPNs with not only the knowledge to pass their licensure exam but also the practical skills and understanding necessary to thrive in their new roles.

PNR200: Mental Health Nursing

Credits 5
This course introduces the student to the use of self within the context of relationships to promote and maximize the health and wellness of clients in diverse settings. The student will explore foundational concepts of mental health such as stress, coping, developmental stage risks, anxiety, depression, common psychiatric disorders, and the interaction between physical and mental health. Emphasis is placed on communication and teaching–learning processes.

PNR201: Medical-Surgical Nursing I

Credits 6
This course explores the role of the licensed practical nurse in the promotion of health and wellness in individuals within a structured health care setting. The nursing process forms the framework for applying critical thinking and problem- solving skills to client centered nursing care involving common health problems. This holistic approach to client-centered care focuses on adults in diverse settings with primary pathology in the cardiovascular, respiratory, special senses, and integumentary systems. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide the student with opportunities to demonstrate competency in the delivery of nursing care in selected client situations.

PNR202: Intravenous Therapy

Credits 2
This course prepares the student to perform IV skills within the scope of practice for LPNs in Ohio. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide the student with opportunities to demonstrate competency in selected client situations.

PNR203: Maternal-Newborn Nursing

Credits 5
This course focuses on the provision of nursing care to childbearing mothers and newborns utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills. Care of the woman and infant during the prenatal, intrapartum, neonatal, and postpartum periods are also explored. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide the student with opportunities to demonstrate competence in caring for mothers and infants.

PNR204: Pediatric Nursing

Credits 5
This course introduces the student to the role of the nurse in promoting health and wellness in children. Growth and development, anticipatory guidance, and common health problems of children from infancy through adolescence are emphasized. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide the student with opportunities to apply concepts and skills related to nursing of children.

PNR205: Concepts of Leadership and Collaboration

Credits 3
This course introduces the student to the concepts related to collaboratively prioritizing, delivering, and coordinating care within the context of the healthcare team. Concepts of leadership, delegation, supervision, and the management of care for multiple clients within the scope of the licensed practical/vocational nurse are examined. Development of team leadership and followership skills, including communication, collaboration with other members of the health care team and delegation to unlicensed personnel is highlighted.

PNR206: Medical-Surgical Nursing II

Credits 8
This course builds upon prior learning to further develop clinical decision-making skills. Students use clinical evidence to plan care for individuals of diverse backgrounds within a structured environment. The nursing process forms the framework for prioritizing care and making basic delegation decisions. A holistic approach focuses on caring for individuals experiencing common health care problems with primary pathology in the endocrine, gastro-intestinal, genito-urinary, musculo-skeletal, and neurologic systems. Actual and simulated clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to demonstrate competency in the delivery of nursing care in selected client situations.

PNR207: Transition to PN/VN Practice - Capstone

Credits 9
This capstone course is designed to assist the student in the transition from the educational environment to the work environment. The student is provided opportunities to demonstrate competency in meeting the terminal educational outcomes of the program in actual and simulated clinical environments. Current healthcare workplace issues are examined. The course explores issues of responsibility and accountability for practice and continuing personal and professional growth and development. Role responsibilities as well as licensure application procedures are discussed relative to meeting state licensing requirements for the practical nurse. Emphasis is placed on seminars dedicated to NCLEX-PN preparation using multiple learning methods.

PNR208: Concepts of Community-Based Nursing

Credits 2
This course provides the student with an introduction to promoting health and wellness with individuals in diverse community based settings. Key concepts covered in this course include: wellness promotion, independence and interdependence, discharge planning, chronic illness, HIV, and health care delivery environments such as outpatient clinics, homes, and diagnosis- based care centers. A community project provides an opportunity to examine population groups along the age continuum in the community.