This course is the second in a two-course series using a systems approach as it relates to various medical surgical disease processes. Specific body systems and the disease processes associated will be covered in the areas of etiology, diagnosis, signs, and symptoms, treatment, and nursing considerations. Emphasis will be on prioritization, decision making, time management and critical thinking appropriate to the LPN’s scope of practice. The role transition from student to entry level licensed practical nurse as an integral member of the healthcare team is also included. Concepts related to scope of practice, legal issues, licensure, leadership and management principles, employment, and career development are explored. Skills needed for entry into the workforce such as resume writing and interviewing skills are reviewed to prepare students for their graduate role. Students will have the ability to apply theoretical concepts of the course to implement safe patient care throughout the clinical portion of the course.
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Relate knowledge from previous coursework to the care of adult medical surgical patients in an acute care facility experiencing alterations in health.
- Discuss various disease processes and how they affect different body systems.
- Identify and plan individual nursing care for adult medical surgical patients based on the nursing process.
- Discuss the psychosocial aspects and physiological responses that affect a patient’s response to illness.
- Describe scope of practice and licensure application process for the LPN graduate.
- Identify the management/ leadership and delegation skills appropriate to the LPN graduate.
- Discuss the elements of successful role transition and employment.
- Apply knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nutrition, as well as evidence-based practice, to the care of adult clients with medical surgical health alterations.