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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
VN 100 - Introduction to Client Centered
care I-A
Term I-A is designed to provide the student with an orientation to the
institute and an introduction to the role of the student nurse in the
LVN profession. It includes a discussion of all the policies and procedures
applicable to the licensed vocational nursing program. As a fundamental course Term I-A is intended
to initiate an understanding of basic nursing skills and concepts required
to assist a client in meeting their health care needs. Concepts and skills
included are growth and development, effective communication, interpersonal
skills, physical assessment, documentation, safety, emergency procedures,
infection control, and death and dying. Medical terminology, Orem's self-care
theory and the nursing process are also introduced. An active skills lab
component is integrated within the term. Term I-A provides the framework
for development of the initial skills required for all subsequent specialty
areas of clinical nursing.
VN 105 - Introduction to Client Centered
Care I-B
Term I-B continues the fundamental concepts upon which subsequent courses
in our LVN program build. Beginning concepts of the nursing care of the surgical
client (pre and post operative), anatomy and physiology, nutrition and
pharmacology are started. Applications of pharmacology including principles
of medication actions and interactions both therapeutic and adverse and
the basis for the study of individual medication are incorporated. Calculation
of medication dosages, preparation, administration and storage is also
emphasized. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term.
VN 200A - Life Cycles/Integumentary System
Life cycles of the middle adult will introduce the LVN student to the developmental
tasks associated with the adult ages 35-65. Physical, social, and emotional
characteristics will be identified. The integumentary system will introduce
the student to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system.
The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common integumentary
disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Assessment,
emergency treatment and the complications of major burns are also identified.
The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects
for the care of the client with an integumentary disorder. Selected clinical
experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing
skills.
VN 200B - Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology
of the muscles, bones and related structures. The student will also be
introduced to the etiology of common musculoskeletal disorders/diseases,
and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related
pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed.
The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects
for the care of the client with a musculoskeletal disorder. Selected
clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing
skills.
VN 200C - Respiratory System
The respiratory system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology
of the upper and lower respiratory system. The student will also be introduced
to the etiology of common respiratory disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, oxygen
precautions/interventions and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit
emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for
the care of the client with a respiratory disorder. Selected clinical
experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 200D - Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology
of the heart and gives a detailed description of the blood and how it
circulates through the body. The differences between veins and arteries,
blood and lymph, angina and MI are delineated. The student
will also be introduced to the etiology of common cardiovascular disorders/diseases,
and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The
unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial
aspects for the care of the client with a cardiovascular disorder. Selected
clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing
skills.
VN 200E - Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system introduces the student to the anatomy
and physiology of the gastrointestinal system, accessory organs and a
description of the process of digestion. The student will also
be introduced to the etiology of common gastrointestinal disorders/diseases,
and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological
agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing
interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client
with a gastrointestinal disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow
the student to practice appropriate licensed practical nurse skills.
VN 300A - Endocrine System
The endocrine system introduces the student to the anatomy
and physiology of the endocrine system including how hormones work
on a negative feedback system and are specific to target cells/organs.
The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common endocrine
disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of
disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed.
The unit emphasizes the LVN interventions and the psychosocial aspects
for the care of the client with an endocrine disorder. Additional emphasis
is placed on the care of the diabetic client, administration of insulin
and signs of diabetic complications. Selected clinical experiences will
allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 300B - Reproductive System
The reproductive system introduces the student to the anatomy
and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems. The student
will also be introduced to the etiology of common reproductive disorders/diseases,
and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological
agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Also discussed are hormonal
changes, changes with aging, and birth control methods. The unit emphasizes
the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of
the client with a reproductive disorder. Selected clinical experiences
will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 300C - Urinary System
The urinary system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology
of the urinary system including, the process of urine formation, fluid
and electrolyte control, acid-base balance, excretion of waste products,
blood pressure regulation, red blood cell production and regulation of
calcium-phosphate metabolism. The student will also be introduced to the
etiology of common urinary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional
needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing
interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client
with a urinary disorder. Additional emphasis is placed on the
care of a renal failure client and the client receiving dialysis.
Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate
nursing skills.
VN 300D - Immunology
The immunology unit introduces the student to the main functions of immune
system: to protect the body against invading organisms, to maintain
homeostasis by removing damaged cells from the system and the serve as
a surveillance network for recognizing and guarding against the development
and growth of abnormal cells. The student will be introduced to the types
of immunity and the mechanisms of the immune response. The etiology
of common immune disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of disease are also introduced. Related pharmacological
agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit
emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for
the care of the client with an immune disorder. Selected clinical experiences
will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 300E - Oncology
The oncology unit introduces the student to the care of the client
with cancer. The student will be introduced to the etiology of
common cancers, the prevention and detection of cancer, the pathophysiology,
diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Related pharmacological agents
and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions
and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with cancer.
Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate
nursing skills.
VN 300F - Leadership/Supervision
The leadership/supervision unit will introduce the student to
styles of leadership, approaches to nursing care, characteristics
to effective leadership, developing leadership skills, the role
of the licensed vocational nurse, assertive behavior, communication skills,
mental mechanisms, and goal achievement.
VN 400A - Obstetrics
The obstetrics unit explains the physiology of conception and describes
the anatomical and physiology changes that take place during pregnancy,
labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Appropriate
diagnostic and nutritional requirements are discussed. The unit includes
fetal development, complications of pregnancy, newborn assessment
and disorders of the newborn. Special emphasis is placed on the effects
of drugs and alcohol usage during pregnancy. Nursing interventions
and the psychosocial aspects regarding the care of the client during pregnancy,
labor and delivery, and the postpartum period are discussed. Selected
clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing
skills.
VN 400B - Life Cycles/Pediatrics
The pediatric unit approaches the care of the client based on
growth and development theory. Principles of growth and development
from infancy to adolescence will be discussed. Unit content will
include signs and symptoms of child abuse, common childhood
diseases for each system, common pediatric procedures, related
pharmacology, immunizations, nutritional needs,
accident prevention, and nursing interventions. Special
emphasis is placed on the impact illness has on the child as
well as the family. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student
to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 400C - Neurosensory
System
The neurosensory system introduces the student to the anatomy
and physiology of the neuron, the brain, the cranial
nerves, the eye and the ear. The student will also
be introduced to the etiology of common neurosensory disorders/diseases,
and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological
agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing
interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client
with a neurosensory disorder. Special emphasis is placed
on the neurologic assessment and measurements. Selected clinical
experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 400D - Nursing Specialties/Rehabilitation
This unit will describe factors that influence an individual's response
to change and stress. The effective use of defense mechanisms
is identified. The student is expected to utilize effective therapeutic
communication skills and assist the client throughout the rehabilitation
process. Basic factors effecting mental health, mental health
deficits, additive personalities, alcoholism, and chemical
abuse are described. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional
needs are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the
student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
VN 400E - Senior Practicum
The senior practicum explores ethical and legal aspects, negligence,
malpractice, informed consent, the Nurse Practice Act and its
mandates. Home health, death and dying, hospice,
disaster nursing and the role of the health care team are included.
Incorporated is the role transition of the student nurse to vocational
nurse. Organizations relevant to the LVN are discussed. Selected
clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing
skills.
