4.00 Credits
Focuses on the health care needs of the developing family. This course introduces the student to pediatric nursing knowledge integrating information from biological, social and behavorial sciences in the delivery of family-centered care. Fundamental nursing skills are further developed to assist families to promote, maintain and restore health integrity of pediatric clients by utilizing evidence based practice, technology and resources for the achievement of quality patient outcomes. Integrated in the course are the physiologic, psychosocial, and cultural-spiritual needs of the developing family in an ever-changing health care environment. The nursing process is used to promote health, prevent abuse, and meet the needs of the child from birth to adolescence. Therapeutic communication is used to promote adaptation and maximize human potential. Emphasis is on teaching-learning interventions appropriate for the developmental and chronological age of the child. Ethical-legal principles and the role of the professional nurse are incorporated within the ever-changing health care delivery system. During concurrent clinical laboratory experience, the student will provide health care using holistic concepts to meet the needs of selected patients in the hospital or appropriate community settings to enable the student to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. The student will continue to develop attitudes, values, and personal qualities that reflect a commitment to life-long learning, which in turn fosters transitioning into the role of the professional nurse.