1st Trimester
Anatomy and Physiology
This course is designed to introduce the student to principles of body structure and contribute to the understanding of the functions of the human body.
Intravenous Therapy
This course covers the concepts of limited intravenous therapy. It prepares the practical nurse student to initiate and maintain IV sites and fluids as designated by the Missouri State Board of Nursing guidelines.
Human Growth and Development
Human growth and development encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and psychomotor development of the human being from conception to death.
Administration of Medications
This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of drugs and their actions in the body. Emphasis is placed on the systems of measurement used in calculating dosages and conversion between these systems.
Fundamentals of Nursing
The Fundamentals of Nursing course is a comprehensive course designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills essential to meet the basic needs of any client. This course will embody all related subjects in teaching the student the principles and rationales underlying the nursing care to be given, so that the student will be able to develop skills in nursing judgment. The nursing process format will be utilized so that the student can develop a systematic and organized method of providing nursing care individualized to each client. This course will provide didactic content and laboratory demonstration practice and return demonstration.
Nutrition
This course is designed to help practical nursing students to carry out their role in meeting the patient's nutritional needs. It provides current, concise, basic principles of nutrition, and their application in all nutritional areas.
Personal and Vocational Concepts
This course is designed to introduce the student to the role of a practical nurse in various clinical settings. It includes the ethical and legal responsibilities as related to practical nursing. Nursing trends and the history of nursing are also covered.
2nd Trimester
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
The medical-surgical course will be taught using a holistic approach to client care integrating concepts of therapeutic communication, diet and drug therapy, rehabilitation principles - medical treatment and nursing care utilizing the nursing process. Also included in this course is the intravenous therapy component which must be successfully completed for state licensure. This course will include both classroom and clinical components. The student will be required to utilize basic information and nursing skills acquired in the pre-clinical section of the program and build upon these skills to provide safe, intelligent nursing care to the medical-surgical client.
Geriatric Nursing
This course focuses upon evaluating the individual's adaptation to the aging process. Changes in metabolism and mobility are presented. Physiological, psychosocial and spiritual changes are identified and the application of theory in practice is stressed. Clinical experience includes a long term care facility.
Nursing of Children
This course includes a review of the basic knowledge of normal childhood, growth, development and behavioral patterns in the healthy child as well as the ill child. Congenital and/or acquired conditions of illness of children will be explored. Symptoms, nursing care, treatment and prognosis for each condition are considered at the appropriate age level. Factors affecting personality development will also be incorporated.
3rd Trimester
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
An advanced medical-surgical course will be taught using a holistic approach to client care integrating concepts of therapeutic communication, diet and drug therapy, rehabilitation principles - medical treatment and nursing care process. The principles and practice of intravenous therapy will also be integrated. This course will include both classroom and clinical components. The student will be required to utilize basic information and nursing skills acquired in the pre-clinical section of the program and build upon these skills to provide safe, intelligent nursing care to the medical-surgical client.
Maternal - Newborn Nursing
Maternal - newborn nursing is a study of the childbirth processes including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. The major focus of this course of study is preparation for parenthood, normal process of childbirth, and newborn care. Further emphasis is placed on assessment and nursing care for abnormal maternal and infant condition.
Behavioral Health Nursing
Concepts of maintenance of good mental health as well as information relating to the assessment of major mental problems will be included in this course. Methods of treatment including psychotherapeutic techniques and pharmacological therapy will be included.
Nursing Leadership
This course will provide information on leadership principles and management skills. The overall objective is to assist the practical nurse student in developing the skills necessary to function as a unit charge nurse.