Course Overview
Foundations of Nursing Practice establishes the fundamental principles, knowledge, and skills essential to professional nursing. This course introduces the history and evolution of nursing, professional standards, ethical frameworks, and the nursing process. Students explore Florence Nightingale's legacy, the ANA Code of Ethics, and learn to apply the ADPIE (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) model to patient care. Essential topics include scope of practice, delegation, patient safety principles, and professional accountability.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the historical development of nursing and its impact on modern professional practice
- Apply the ANA Code of Ethics to clinical decision-making and patient care scenarios
- Demonstrate competency in the five-step nursing process (ADPIE) with diverse patient populations
- Understand scope of practice, boundaries, and appropriate delegation in nursing roles
- Implement patient safety protocols and quality improvement principles in healthcare settings
- Evaluate professional accountability and develop a foundation for lifelong learning in nursing
Lecture Topics
- Week 1: History of Nursing - Florence Nightingale to Modern Practice
- Week 2: Nursing as a Profession - Theory, Art, and Science
- Week 2: Professional Organizations and Standards of Care
- Week 3: The ANA Code of Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making
- Week 3: Patient Rights and Legal Responsibilities of Nurses
- Week 4: The Nursing Process Part 1 - Assessment and Diagnosis
- Week 5: The Nursing Process Part 2 - Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Week 5: Scope of Practice and Delegation Models in Nursing
- Week 6: Patient Safety Fundamentals and Adverse Event Prevention
- Week 6: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment in Nursing
- Week 7: Therapeutic Communication and Patient-Centered Care
- Week 8: Professional Development and Continuing Education
Course Quiz
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Flashcards
Resources
American Nurses Association Code of Ethics
Official standards for ethical nursing practice with nine provisions addressing core values and professional obligations.
RequiredNursing Theory Textbook: Fundamentals of Nursing (Potter & Perry)
Comprehensive overview of nursing foundations, ADPIE process, and professional standards with case studies.
RequiredTED Talk: What Makes a Good Nurse? (Amy Edmondson)
Expert perspective on psychological safety, team dynamics, and modern nursing leadership trends.
FreeState Board of Nursing Practice Act and Rules
Your state's specific scope of practice regulations, delegation rules, and licensure requirements.
Free