Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents

Catalog description

Common health problems and nursing intervention for children and adolescents. NURS 306 Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents (3) NURS 306 focuses on common health problems and nursing intervention for children and adolescents. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to formulate nursing actions that are based on scientific principles and concepts from contributing disciplines in caring for children and adolescents to maximize client care outcomes; develop interpersonal skills in responding in a humanistic manner to the unique needs of children, adolescents, and their families; recognize pathophysiological and pharmacological aspects related to the nursing care of the adult medical surgical client; assess the health needs of diverse populations of children and adolescents based on an understanding of the developmental, psychosocial, environmental, and cultural variables with an emphasis on health promotion; evaluate nursing care in a variety of settings to meet the health needs of children of various ages; utilize assessment data and technology to plan, implement, and evaluate interventions specific to the health care needs relevant to the characteristics of the child and adolescent client in interaction with the personal and suprapersonal environments; evaluate nursing care in a variety of settings to meet the health needs of children of various ages and promote healthy lifestyles; collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other health professions to promote the well being of children and adolescents in a variety of settings including the community; relate relevant research findings to child health nursing practice; practice legal, ethical and professional accountability in the delivery of child health care; participate in activities that advance personal and professional development, cultural competency, and the professional specialty of pediatric nursing and promote factors that create a culture of safety and caring for children and adolescents. Teaching strategies include lecture, discussion, audiovisuals, hands-on clinical care, laboratory simulation experiences. Emphasis is placed on delivery of safe and competent nursing care. Clinical sections of 8-10 students spend 45 hours caring for child/adolescent clients in a variety of settings (clinics, day care centers, elementary schools, and hospitals). Enrollment is approximately 120 nursing students (split between UP and HMC) and the course is offered each spring semester of the junior year.