Practical Nursing

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Courses - January 2023

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Concepts 1: Assessment
PNUR1128

Description:

The student will gain the necessary knowledge and anticipatory judgment to perform assessments, promote health and wellbeing. The student will recognize health as a holistic experience determined by the complex interaction of psychosocial, economic and environmental factors and the individual. Gordon’s functional health patterns will provide the framework for discussing health, its promotion and planning care. Concepts in human physiology will be integrated as part of nursing assessments.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Human Physiology
PNUR1143

Description: In this course, the student will examine the normal anatomy and physiology of the human body system. The student will establish a solid foundation for more detailed study of pathology and disease.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics 1
PNUR1153

Description:

The student will prepare for safe administration of medication. The necessary terminology, dosage calculations and the rights for medication administration will be employed. Introductory concepts in pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics will also be examined.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Nursing 1
PNUR1157

Description:

The student will begin to develop the necessary attitudes, skills and abilities required for professionalism in nursing, therapeutic relationships and caring in person-centred practice. The role of the Practical Nurse will be defined with the introduction of Professional Nursing Organizations and corresponding accountabilities and responsibilities.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Adult Development and Aging
PNUR1165

Description: The course is designed to introduce students to gerontology with a purposeful, integrated focus on the older adult from a holistic perspective. The student will identify and recognize normal aging changes, developmental tasks, geriatric conditions and syndromes, communication strategies, and assessment skills in the care of the older adult and their caregivers. Promotion and maintenance of health will be discussed and explored with respect to issues impacting nursing care.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Information and Communication Technologies
PNUR1175

Description:

This online course will provide a foundation for using electronic media in health care and as a nursing professional. The student will discover the basic functions of electronic media as well as the more complex professional, legal, and ethical aspects of electronic communication. Concepts in Health Informatics and Health Literacy will be examined.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Lab and Practice 1
PNUR1180

Description:

The student will apply theory to practice while developing clinical skills required to assist with activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating) and physical assessment including interviewing. The student will be expected to establish and maintain a safe environment for themselves and their clients and reflect on their professional development. There will be opportunity to demonstrate newly learned skills in simulated and real-life settings.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement 1 (Practical Nursing)
FPLT1220

Description: In this practicum the student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and judgment while providing care in the medical or long-term care setting. The focus is person-centred care for patients with less acute conditions and predictable outcomes. The student will utilize reflective practice to consider their personal development of professional role and responsibilities.
  • Hours: 132
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320 AND PNUR1128 AND PNUR1143 OR PNUR1195 AND PNUR1153 AND PNUR1157 AND PNUR1180
  • CoRequisites:

Indigenous Ways of Knowing
INDS2000

Description: Students will examine Indigenous health and wellbeing through the lenses of health equity, Indigenous social determinants of health, and Indigenous perspectives on health and wellness. The implications of major historical and current events and Indigenous self-determination will be explored. Approaches to culturally safe nursing practice and understanding the person’s story will be addressed through engagement in learning about colonialism, racism, Truth and Reconciliation, trauma informed care, strength-based approaches to healing and nursing responsibilities related to healthy public policy.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1157
  • CoRequisites:

Campus Clinical 2
PNUR1200

Description: With a focus on the application of client-centred care, students will integrate previous learning to further develop and refine knowledge, skills and abilities in simulated and small group experiences. Students will demonstrate effective clinical judgment through effective noticing, interpreting and responding to client care needs while gaining a broader appreciation of the role of the practical nurse and interprofessional team.
  • Hours: 24
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320 AND OHS8320 AND PNUR1128 OR PNUR1240 AND PNUR1143 OR PNUR1195 AND PNUR1153 AND PNUR1157 AND PNUR1180 OR PNUR1185
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Lab 2
PNUR1220

Description: In this lab students will develop the skills necessary to safely administer parenteral and non-parenteral medications; demonstrate surgical technique and infection control and added precautions. Technical skills will be developed through a process of application of theory to practice, self-reflection and feedback.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1128 OR PNUR1240 AND PNUR1143 OR PNUR1195 AND PNUR1153 AND PNUR1180 OR PNUR1185
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Concepts 2
PNUR1228

Description:

Nursing theory and evidence-informed practices will be utilized to plan person-centred care for individuals requiring rehabilitation (restorative care). The student will also identify the needs of individuals and their families requiring end-of-life care.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1128 OR PNUR1240 AND PNUR1143 OR PNUR1195 AND PNUR1153 AND PNUR1157 AND PNUR1180 OR PNUR1185
  • CoRequisites:

Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 2
PNUR1243

Description:

Building on the concepts of Human Physiology, the student will explore more in-depth physiology and pathophysiology of the immune, respiratory and nervous systems. The acute and chronic implication of wound healing, diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders will also be identified. Pharmacotherapeutics will be integrated to coincide with the health challenge being discussed.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1143 OR PNUR1195 AND PNUR1153 AND PNUR1165
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Nursing 2
PNUR1257

Description: Building on previous learning in Professional Nursing 1, the student will examine the dynamics and function of the interprofessional team and the impact of diversity on person-centred care. Personal and group reflection will be utilized to evaluate team effectiveness. The student will also critique nursing research to verify evidence-informed practice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1157
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement 2 (Practical Nursing)
FPLT2360

Description: In this practicum the student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and judgment while providing care in the acute care environment. The student will also continue to expand their role within the Interprofessional team.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT1040 OR FPLT1045 OR FPLT1220 AND PNUR1220 OR PNUR1275 OR PNUR1277 AND PNUR1228 AND PNUR1243 AND PNUR1257
  • CoRequisites:

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
HEAL1895

Description: GPA Basics is an innovative, 4-module dementia-care curriculum based on a person-centred approach to care. The curriculum is evidence-based, interactive, and practical. The program guides participants to fully understand responsive behaviours, in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting. GPA Basics also includes respectful self-protective and gentle redirection techniques for use when catastrophic behaviours do occur.
  • Hours: 8
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Concepts 3: Acute Care
PNUR2325

Description:

The student will explore the theoretical concepts and nursing strategies for clients experiencing acute health challenges. Skills in care planning and utilization of research and best-practices will be further developed.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1228 AND PNUR1243
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Concepts for Family
PNUR2335

Description: Student will explore the role of the practical nurse in promoting family-centred care in hospitals and communities, incorporating theories of physical growth and development from the infant to middle adult. Understanding the patient/family story will be central to nursing assessments and care planning. Population risk factors and health promotion strategies will also be incorporated. The physiological and emotional changes experienced with pregnancy, birth and postpartum will be examined with a view to health promotion in prenatal, antenatal and postnatal care. Nursing care of children and adolescents will be addressed.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1228 AND PNUR1257
  • CoRequisites:

Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 3
PNUR2340

Description: The student will analyze the physiology and pathophysiology of acute health conditions and disorders including those involving cardiovascular, fluid and electrolyte, gastrointestinal and renal and urinary issues. Genetics and common childhood disorders will also be examined. Pharmacotherapeutics will be integrated to coincide with the health challenge being discussed.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1243
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Nursing 3: Foundations for Community Practice
PNUR2350

Description:

The student will be able to extrapolate the essential components of ethical decision making population health and community nursing to develop strategies for enhancing individual and community capacity. The student will also explore concepts in mental health promotion and recovery.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR1257
  • CoRequisites:

Campus Clinical 3
PNUR2370

Description: With a focus on maternal-infant and pediatric care, students will expand their nursing skills in life-like situations while caring for simulated individuals and their families. Students will explore the actions necessary and resources available to plan safe and effective care transitions in community-based nursing. Students will also examine factors impacting health for various populations and in virtual community settings.
  • Hours: 39
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT1040 OR FPLT1045 OR FPLT1220 AND PNUR1200 OR PNUR1210 OR PNUR1285 AND PNUR1220 OR PNUR1275 OR PNUR1277 AND PNUR1228 AND PNUR1243 AND PNUR1257
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Lab 3
PNUR2380

Description:

This lab will provide the opportunity to relate theoretical concepts to further develop clinical skills necessary for acute care with a focus on maintenance and regulation of body fluids. In simulated care environments, technical skills will be developed, demonstrated and assessed.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT1040 OR FPLT1045 OR FPLT1220 AND PNUR1220 OR PNUR1275 OR PNUR1277 AND PNUR1228 AND PNUR1243
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement 3 (Practical Nursing)
FPLT2480

Description: This practicum will allow the student to amalgamate nursing knowledge and abilities while participating as contributing members of the health care team. Under skilled preceptors, the student will demonstrate comprehensive client care and develop leadership while transitioning to a graduate practical nurse and beginning practitioner.
  • Hours: 400
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR2325 AND PNUR2330 OR PNUR2335 AND PNUR2340 AND PNUR2350 AND PNUR2380
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Nursing 4: Leadership
PNUR2455

Description:

The student will develop essential skills for successful nurse leaders and managers such as effective coaching, delegating, change management, quality assurance, and more. Political influences affecting today’s health care system and organizations will also be analyzed. The student will demonstrate preparedness for the transition to the role of graduate nurse.

  • Hours: 40
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR2350
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Gerontology
PNUR2460

Description: This course is designed to expand the student's previous learning in gerontology with a purposeful, integrated focus on the older adult from a holistic perspective. The student will distinguish and appraise leadership, communication and assessment skills in the care of the older adult with complex geriatric conditions. Issues impacting nursing care, including co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and psychological, social and environmental risks that challenge nursing care delivery and influence interventions will be analyzed and integrated across care settings.
  • Hours: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR2320 OR PNUR2325 AND PNUR2330 OR PNUR2335 AND PNUR2340 AND PNUR2350
  • CoRequisites:

Campus Clinical: Consolidation
PNUR2495

Description: Through campus clinical experiences, students will analyze their practice-readiness in complex situations such as crisis management, mental health conditions and end-of-life care. Students will be challenged to justify care decisions and further develop team and leadership abilities in collaborative learning environments. Evaluation of individual and team effectiveness on the provision of care will also be articulated.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites: PNUR2320 OR PNUR2325 AND PNUR2330 OR PNUR2335 AND PNUR2340 AND PNUR2350 AND PNUR2380
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Communicate therapeutically with clients and members of the health care team.
  2. Assess clients across the life span, in a systematic and holistic manner.
  3. Plan safe and competent nursing care, based upon a thorough analysis of available data and evidence-informed practice guidelines.
  4. Select and perform nursing interventions using clinical judgment, in collaboration with the client and, where appropriate, the health care team, that promote health and well-being, prevent disease and injury, maintain and/or restore health, promote rehabilitation, and/or provide palliation.
  5. Evaluate the outcomes resulting from all interventions in the nurse-client interaction and modify the plan of care as required.
  6. Act equitably and justly with clients and members of the health care team.
  7. Adapt to a variety of health care settings, using different leadership skills and styles as appropriate to each setting.
  8. Contribute to creating a healthy and safe work environment in a variety of health care settings.
  9. Practise in a self-regulated, professional and ethical manner, complying with relevant legislation and with the standards of both the regulatory body and the practice setting to provide safe and competent client care.