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NSC219Health Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Foundation of Professional Nursing

This course introduces students to the foundational aspects of professional nursing practice. It explores the historical development of nursing, the concepts underpinning the profession, and the factors influencing health and the human environment. Students will examine the nurse's roles as a teacher, counsellor, caregiver, manager, and researcher. The course also covers physical assessment, diagnostic measures, and the integrated approach to health, wellness, and illness, equipping students with essential skills for various healthcare settings.

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90h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Nursing HistoryNursing ConceptsHealth EnvironmentNursing FundamentalsProfessional Nursing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Historical Development of Nursing

2

Concepts of Nursing

3

Nursing as Art and Science

4

Nursing as a Profession

5

Role of the Nurse

6

Nursing Care Delivery

7

Nursing and Society

8

Health and Illness Concepts

9

Human Needs

10

Health Promotion

11

Vital Signs

12

History Taking

13

Physical Examination

14

Diagnostic Measures

15

Patient Safety and Comfort

Total Topics15 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (5 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Discussion Forum Participation

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

Laboratory Practicals

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Registered Nurse

Apply your skills in this growing field

Nurse Practitioner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Nurse Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Nurse

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HospitalsClinicsCommunity Health CentersLong-Term Care FacilitiesPublic Health Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 1: Historical Development of Nursing I

4 study hours
  • Read about the significance of studying nursing history.
  • Identify key events in the pre-Nightingale era.
  • Discuss the roles of religious leaders and nurses in ancient cultures.
Week
2

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 1: Historical Development of Nursing I

4 study hours
  • Examine Florence Nightingale's impact on nursing.
  • Analyze her beliefs about nursing and their relevance today.
  • Discuss the establishment of the Nightingale Training School.
Week
3

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 2: Historical Development of Nursing II

4 study hours
  • Compare nursing developments in the USA and Nigeria.
  • Discuss the influence of religion and British colonial administration on nursing in Nigeria.
  • Explain the factors that facilitated nursing education in Nigerian universities.
Week
4

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 2: Historical Development of Nursing II

4 study hours
  • Discuss the impact of globalization on nursing.
  • Summarize the roles of international nursing organizations.
  • Examine the influence of the West African College of Nursing.
Week
5

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 3: Concepts of Nursing

4 study hours
  • Define the concept of nursing.
  • Compare and contrast the concepts of nursing by Florence Nightingale and Virginia Henderson.
  • Identify the common focus of nursing activity in different concepts.
Week
6

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 3: Concepts of Nursing

4 study hours
  • Examine the concepts of nursing by Hildegard Peplau, Myra Levine, Dorothea Orem, and Callista Roy.
  • Identify the linking ideas between different nurse leaders.
  • Discuss how a concept of nursing guides nursing activities and model development.
Week
7

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 4: Nursing as an Art and a Science

4 study hours
  • Define art and science in general usage.
  • Describe the historical development of art and science in nursing.
  • Discuss the application of art and science in nursing content and process.
Week
8

Module 1: Nature of Nursing I

4h

Unit 5: Nursing as a Profession

4 study hours
  • Define 'profession'.
  • Enumerate the characteristics of a professional discipline.
  • Discuss how nursing is progressing towards professional status.
Week
9

Module 2: Nature of Nursing II

4h

Unit 1: The Role of the Nurse

4 study hours
  • Identify the polyvalent role of a nurse in a changing society.
  • Describe the changing roles of nurses and their effects on healthcare delivery.
  • Discuss the managerial process required by a nurse manager.
Week
10

Module 2: Nature of Nursing II

4h

Unit 2: Nursing Care Deliver

4 study hours
  • Define 'nursing care delivery'.
  • List the major categories used in determining nursing care delivery systems.
  • Describe the four common nursing care delivery systems.
Week
11

Module 2: Nature of Nursing II

4h

Unit 3: Nursing and Society

4 study hours
  • Examine the societal changes and nursing practice.
  • Discuss the current societal trends and their influence on nursing practice.
  • Identify the place of nursing in society.
Week
12

Module 2: Nature of Nursing II

4h

Unit 4: Nursing and Human Environment

4 study hours
  • Define 'environment'.
  • Describe the components of the environment.
  • Describe at least two ways by which the environment could affect human health.
Week
13

Module 2: Nature of Nursing II

4h

Unit 4: Nursing and Human Environment

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Complete assignments and prepare for final examination.
  • Focus on key concepts and areas of difficulty.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key events in nursing history (Units 1-2) to understand the profession's evolution.

2

Develop concept maps linking nursing concepts (Unit 3) to practical applications in patient care.

3

Practice applying ethical principles (Unit 5) to case studies involving complex patient scenarios.

4

Review the different nursing care delivery models (Module 2) and their advantages/disadvantages.

5

Focus on mastering the techniques for assessing vital signs (Module 4) and interpreting abnormal findings.

6

Create mnemonics to remember the steps involved in physical examination (Unit 3, Module 4).

7

Practice identifying different types of diagnostic measures (Unit 4, Module 4) and their purposes.

8

Review the principles of infection control (Unit 5, Module 4) and their application in healthcare settings.

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