112 clock hours

This introductory course covers the normal basic structure and function of the human body. Basic chemistry, medical terminology, body systems and their integration, and laboratory experiences will be incorporated into the course.

Nursing Fundamentals with Lab & Medical Terminology / 240 clock hours

This course lays the foundation for the student learner to begin to acquire the skills to adequately care for the physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs of the client based on the nursing process and evidence-based practice. The course reviews fundamental nursing principles, skills, and assessment techniques while enabling the student to begin his/her development as a practical nurse. Students will explore human growth and development throughout the life-cycle including physical, psychosocial and emotional development from newborn to the older adult. A comprehensive review of the relationship between balanced nutrition and health maintenance and prevention will be included in this course. Theory, laboratory and clinical experiences are integrated throughout the Fundamentals of Nursing course. Anticipating the holistic need and cultural diversity of the individual is included.

40 clock hours

This course is developed to equip the student with knowledge and skills that will encourage personal, as well as professional growth and success within the nursing profession. Legal and ethical standards, communication techniques, professional character traits, learning styles and personal goal setting are emphasized. Students will be introduced to techniques to assist with time management and dealing with stress in the healthcare setting. An understanding of the importance of caring for one’s self physically and emotionally, along with strategies to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, will be incorporated. An overview of the history of nursing, the nursing process and current trends in the profession will also be included, including the importance of evidence-based practice and cultural considerations.

42 clock hours

This course equips the student with a foundation in the understanding of medications and their role in the care of the client.  Educational and cultural patient care considerations are discussed.  The student is expected to meet appropriate psychomotor, cognitive, and affective competencies related to safe medication administration utilizing the nursing process and evidence-based practice.

40 clock hours (week 1)

This course is an intensive one week curriculum that includes classroom instruction and clinical skills scheduled Monday – Friday followed by the final exam on Friday. The curriculum is designed to prepare the practical nursing student to gain the knowledge and skills to perform intravenous therapy as outlined in Missouri Rule 4 CSR 2200.6040 and requires the student to perform at least one successful initiation of IV therapy with supervision of an RN who is the clinical instructor or the preceptor. Students are also required to pass a written final examination and perform several IV therapy skills to be awarded Intravenous Therapy Certification.

40 clock hours (weeks 2 – 15)

This course will build on the fundamentals of medication administration introduced in Pharmacology I. Medication administration considerations for the adult, older adult, maternal/newborn and child nursing care will be incorporated into the curriculum. Discussion regarding cultural and educational considerations is included. The student will be expected to continue to develop his/her psychomotor, cognitive, and affective competencies related to safe administration utilizing the nursing process and evidence-based practice.

100.5 clock hours (weeks 2-8)

This course provides the student with an understanding of the conception, development and delivery of a newborn. The nursing process and evidence-based practice is utilized to address the physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs of the maternal patient through these stages, as well as for the newborn. Psychosocial and multi-cultural dynamics of the family are considered. Common complications of pregnancy are also incorporated into the curriculum.

100.5 clock hours (weeks 2-8)

The focus of this course is the nursing care of the child. The understanding of the child’s normal growth and development is the foundation for further study regarding the diseases and disorders common to each age group. Basic physiological, psychosocial, emotional and cultural needs are explored utilizing the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Pharmacological nutritional, safety, and health promotion considerations are incorporated into the course.

 188.5 clock hours (weeks 9-15)

This course is designed to continue to provide development of fundamentals nursing knowledge and skills while providing holistic care to the medial surgical adult patient.  Evidence-based management of disease processes related to various body systems and patient assessment will be emphasized with the expectation of consistent use of the nursing process to address the physiological, psychosocial, emotional and cultural needs of the client.  Strategies that enhance critical thinking and problem solving activities are incorporated into the curriculum.

210 clock hours (weeks 1-7)

This course is designed to continue to provide development of fundamental nursing knowledge and skills while providing holistic care to the medical surgical patient. Evidence-based practice and management of disease processes related to various body systems and patient assessment will be emphasized with the expectation of consistent use of the nursing process addressing the physiological, psychosocial, emotional and cultural needs of the client. Included in this course is the continuation of building the fundamentals of medication administration introduced in Pharmacology I & II, medication administration considerations for the adult, older adult, maternal/newborn and child nursing care. Strategies that enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills are incorporation into the curriculum.

79 clock hours (weeks 8-14)

This course focuses on the specialized needs of the geriatric client. The physiological, psychosocial, emotional and cultural adjustments are explored as they relate to aging utilizing the nursing process and evidence-based practice. The nurse’s role as a client advocate as well as caregiver is emphasized.

103.5 clock hours (weeks 8-14)

This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to care for the client who is experiencing an alteration in mental health. The course explores the various mental disorders, associated behaviors, therapeutic interventions as well as the application of the nursing process and evidence-based practice in planning and implementing patient care. Personality dynamics, cultural diversity, behavior development and the concept that abnormal behavioral manifestations are an expression of needs are presented. The role of stress and its effect on emotional and mental balance is discussed. Clinical experience will provide the opportunity for application of the principals of care of the patient with alterations in mental health, enhancing the student’s understanding of the process of moving through the mental health-illness continuum.

13 clock hours (weeks 8-14)

This course fosters the development of leadership qualities in the practical nursing student including decision making, time management, delegating authority and reinforcement of the nursing process. Leadership skills that assist in functioning as a viable member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team with an emphasis on effective communication skills and holistic care of the patient are incorporated. The course includes observation of a practical nurse functioning as a charge nurse in the medical surgical and/or long-term care setting and will emphasize the importance of professional growth and development, the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Discussion regarding the important role nursing theory has played in the development of the profession will be explored.

16 clock hours (weeks 8-14)

This course content will focus on review of the most current nursing content, test approaches, and other topic areas designed to achieve success on the NCLEX, as well as preparation for entry level professional nursing practice.