COURSE SYLLABUS – Fall 2007

Course: Nursing Trends and Issues (NUR 2333)

Catalog Description: NUR 2333 – Nursing Trends and Issues. (Prerequisite: All first year courses; Co-requisite: NUR 2339) This course explores the development of self as a member of the nursing profession. Management aspects are addressed along with discussion of historical influences and trends in health care. The Nurse Practice Act is explored as the ethical and legal framework for the practice of nursing care.(3)

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student will:

1. Apply the principles of management in provision of nursing care.

2. Relate critical decision making as a competency in the use of power to influence change.

3. Make decisions which reflect the use of an ethical/legal framework.

a. Utilize problem-solving in managing client care.

b. Formulate a plan for conflict resolution.

4. Utilize communication skills to relate current information to peers in a collegial manner.

5. Relate caring for and caring about behaviors to self and colleagues in preparation for a career in nursing.

6. Relate current health care trends and issues to the practice of nursing.

a. Analyze the current social and political forces impacting nursing.

b. Investigate ways to become a client advocate.

7. Explore methods of continuing education.

Teaching Strategies: Power point presentations on the NE web page, videos, computer-assisted instruction, case studies, chapter and power point objectives and textbook assignments.

Textbooks:

Whitehead, D., Weiss, S.,Tappen, R. (2007). Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 4th ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.

Evaluation Methods/Course Requirements:

Students may not progress to NUR 2449, NUR 2443 without successful completion of this course.
The course grade is earned by the accumulation of points. A total of 100 points can be earned.

Grades are 90-100 = A

80-89 = B

75-79 = C

70-74 = D

Below 70 = F

Three (3) Arnett Development Corporation tests are to be completed in this course. Failure to complete the exams during the semester will result in an “Incomplete” grade in the course. The exams are taken on line during the testing windows indicated. Students may take the exams in the NEMCC A.D.N. computer laboratory, at home, or at any Internet accessible computer.

The exams are:

· Critical Thinking Level Examination

· Management

· Medical-Surgical Nursing I

· Four points will be awarded for the completion of each exam during the designated window period. A total of 12 points can be earned toward the student's course grade.

Exams – Four exams will be given during the semester. Each of the four exams (final exam is number 4 exam) will have 21 questions. Each correct answer will count as one point. The total number of points for each exam will be added together. The total number of points that can be earned for the four exams are 84. The content for the exams will come from the assigned chapter(s), video(s), powerpoint presentations; and chapter and lecture objectives.

A.D.N. Competencies Objectives-Objectives for A.D.N. Competencies is out on the web. Completion of the objectives can be worth 4 points. Objectives will be evaluated by thoroughness and correctness.

Videos- There is a total of 12 videos/DVDs. Viewing of the videos/DVDs is required. They are available in the NE library and must be viewed in the library. A sign in and out sheet is provided for students to sign indicating that the student viewed the video. The sign in and out sheet will be use as evidence of this requirement. Failure to view the videos will result in an “Incomplete” grade in the course.

Example Grade:

Points earned

v Exam one 20

v Exam two 18

v Exam three 20

v Exam four (final) 17

v A.D.N. Competencies 4

v Arnette exam taken within the designated window .........12

COURSE SYLLABUS – Fall 2007

Total Points 91(A)