COURSE OUTLINE

SCHOOL OF NURSING
COURSE NAME: Nursing Theory for Practical Nursing I
COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
CREDIT HOURS: 42 hours
PREREQUISITES: ANAT 1052, COMM 1007, GSSC 1057, MATH 1104, NURS 1026, NURS 1029
COREQUISITES: ANAT 1053, NURS 1030, PATH 1016, NURS 1057
PLAR ELIGIBLE: YES ( ) NO (X)
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2010
PROFESSOR: Paula Crawford-Dickinson OFFICE #: 721 by appointment
PHONE: (416)-415-5000 Ext 3510 EMAIL: pcrawfor@georgebrown.ca
PROFESSOR: Suba Sivaramalingam OFFICE #: 615 by appointment
PHONE: (416)-415-5000 Ext 3895 EMAIL: ssivaram@georgebrown.ca

NOTE TO STUDENTS: Academic Departments at George Brown College will NOT retain historical copies of
Course Outlines. We urge you to retain this Course Outline for your future reference.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

ORIGINATOR:____Paula Crawford-Dickinson/Liz Fornasier____________May 2008________________

SIGNATURE DATE

CHAIR:___________Deana Lunn____________________________________Sept 2010_______________

SIGNATURE DATE

DATE OF REVISION:____Paula Crawford-Dickinson___________________Sept 2010_______________

EQUITY STATEMENT: George Brown College values the talents and contributions of its students, staff and community partners and seeks
to create a welcoming environment where equity, diversity and safety of all groups are fundamental. Language or activities which are
inconsistent with this philosophy violate the College policy on the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment and will not be tolerated. The
commitment and cooperation of all students and staff are required to maintain this environment. Information and assistance are available
through your Chair, Student Affairs, the Student Association or the Human Rights Advisor.

George Brown College is dedicated to providing equal access to students with disabilities. If you require academic accommodations visit the
Disability Services Office or the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Office on your campus.

COURSE NAME: Nursing Theory for Practical Nurses I PAGE: 1

COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Students should obtain a copy of the Student Handbook and refer to it for additional information
regarding the grading system, withdrawals, exemptions, class assignments, missed tests and exams, supplemental
privileges, and academic dishonesty. Students are required to apply themselves diligently to the course of study, and to
prepare class and homework assignments as given. Past student performance shows a strong relationship between
regular attendance and success.

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will focus on the application of the nursing process and critical thinking concepts to identify and
plan holistic nursing care of adult clients with a variety of common medical and surgical conditions. Students
will integrate previously learned knowledge from Pathology, Anatomy and Pharmacology courses into the
nursing process. The student will develop knowledge and skill in applying the nursing process to the
development of plans of care for clients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions and integrate
concepts from the classroom to client care.

ESSENTIAL EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS:

As mandated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities essential employability skills (EES) will be
addressed throughout all programs of study. Students will have the opportunity to learn (L) specific skills, to
practice (P) these skills, and/or be evaluated (E) on the EES outcomes in a variety of courses. The EES include
communication, numeracy, critical thinking & problem solving, information management, interpersonal and
personal skills. The faculty for this course has indicated which of the EES are either Learned (L), Practiced (P) or
Evaluated (E) in this course:

Skill L P E Skill L P E
1. to communicate clearly, concisely X X X 7. to locate, select, organize X X X
and correctly in the written, spoken and document information
and visual form that fulfills the using appropriate technology
purpose and meets the needs of the and information sources
audience
2. to respond to written, spoken or X X X 8. to show respect for the X X
visual messages in a manner that diverse opinions, values,
ensures effective communication belief systems, and
contributions of others
3. to execute mathematical operations 9. to interact with others in X X X
accurately groups or teams in ways that
contribute to effective
working relationships and
the achievement of goals
4. to apply a systematic approach to X X X 10. to manage the use of time X X
solve problems and other resources to
complete projects
5. to use a variety of thinking skills to X X X 11. to take responsibility for my X X X
anticipate and solve problems. actions, decisions and
consequences
6. to analyze, evaluate, and apply X X X
relevant information from a variety
of sources

COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course the students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Apply concepts learned from courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology to
Nursing Theory.
2. Explain the nursing care of a client with common health disorders using the nursing process.
3. Analyze nursing interventions that are most appropriate for clients with specific health conditions
using critical thinking skills.
4. Integrate aspects of health and wellness into client education strategies and nursing care.
5. Integrate relevant diagnostic and laboratory tests and pharmacological treatments to the nursing care
of the client with specific health conditions.
6. Describe the role of relevant inter-professional team members in relation to nursing process.
7. Utilize appropriate medical terminology and professional language related to professional nursing
care in oral and written form.
COURSE NAME: Nursing Theory for Practical Nurses I PAGE: 3
COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
DELIVERY METHODS / LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
The instructional methods of this course are comprised of a combination of learning methodologies: small
and large group discussions, cooperative learning activities, lectures, case studies, electronic media, self
study, online discussion, written assignments and internet use.

The student should be prepared to participate and engage in discussions in class. Students may also be
required to bring complete assigned learning activities to class. All unit content may not be covered in class,
however students are responsible for learning this content and it will be tested in tests and examinations.
Completion of assigned readings on a weekly basis is important for student success in this course.

Success is enhanced by preparation for, attendance at and active participation in class. Attendance will be
taken at each class. Students are responsible for ensuring they sign the attendance at each class.

LIST OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING AIDS:

Required:
Day, R.A. et al. (2010). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of Canadian medical-surgical nursing (2nd
Canadian Ed.). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: Toronto.

RNAO (n.d.). Nursing best practice guidelines. Available to download free of charge from the RNAO
website at: http://www.rnao.org/Page.asp?PageID=1212&SiteNodeID=155&BL_ExpandID= ).

Kozier et al. (2009). Fundamentals of Canadian nursing (2nd Canadian Ed.). Pearson: Toronto.

WebCT course website for handouts, articles, and/or supplemental learning activities.

Recommended / Optional:
College of Nurses of Ontario (n.d). Compendium of standards of practice for nurses in Ontario. Available to
download free of charge from www.cno.org ).

Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary of student’s preference

Diagnostic and Laboratory Test reference textbook of student’s preference

Nursing pharmacology textbook of student’s preference

Strategies for Student Success Online : http://liad.gbrownc.on.ca/studentsuccess

WebCT Orientation: http://liad.gbrownc.on.ca/resources/fac_resource/StudentOri03/stu_res_into.htm

Note -The handbook that accompanies the text by Day et al. is intended to supplement, not replace, the
large text and is not sufficient to ensure success in this course.

TESTING POLICY:
Late Arrival:
If the student arrives late for a test:
• Students must notify the Professor as soon as they are aware that they are going to be late, via
voicemail or email
• Students will be permitted to write the test as long as no other students have completed and submitted
their test
• No additional time will be allotted for students who arrive late to a test whether in the classroom or
Testing Centre

Absence:
A student who is absent from any Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker or PSW Pathway Program
class on the day when a test is to be written must notify the Course Professor prior to the start of the class.
The student should notify the Professor by voice mail and/or e-mail.

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
Messages must include:
• The student’s full name and ID number.
• The student’s phone number and where he/she can be reached that day.
• The date and time of the call.
• The reason for the absence.
• The name of the course and section.

Deferred Tests/Exam
A deferred examination privilege may be granted for circumstances arising on compassionate grounds, such
as a death in a family, illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. The student must provide
documentation of the extenuating circumstances. The responsibility to grant deferred examination rests with
Chair or the Chair’s designate.

A student who misses a scheduled test due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, bereavement, recent
traumatic event) who has notified the Professor of his/her absence prior to the start of class, will be permitted
to write a make-up test or perform a make-up presentation at the end of the course during final exam week.
• Make up tests will be short answer or essay.
• A student must provide documentation of the extenuating circumstances (E.g. Medical certification,
death certificate) one week after the missed test.
o The appropriate medical certification must state the student’s name, the date, the
reason why the student was unable to complete the assignment. The documentation must clearly state
the physician’s name and address and physician’s signature.

Arrangements for makeup tests are as follows:

• Students will reconfirm via email on the Monday of Week 14 that they are still planning to
write the missed test during exam week.
• Students who miss a test are not permitted to attend class during take-up of the missed test
• Failure to adhere to the above criteria will result in a grade of zero for the test that was
missed.
Note: All of the above policies apply to students writing tests/exams in the Assessment Centre as well.

REVIEW OF TESTS:
Review of term tests will not occur in class and tests will not be returned to students. Students who wish to
have the opportunity to review their term test must submit a written request (i.e. email) for an appointment to
the professor within two weeks of completing the term test they wish to review. Students may only review
each test once during the semester. The professor will schedule an appointment time for the student to review
their test outside of class and small group sessions may be scheduled depending on the number of students
who submit a request. Tests will not be reviewed on a “drop-in” basis. Term test questions are not repeated
on the final exam.

ASSIGNMENT POLICY:
• Students must submit a paper copy of their assignment. Students must keep a duplicate of
assignments that are submitted, including handwritten assignments.
• Assignments must be submitted on the designated date during class time to the professor at the
beginning of class prior to lecture starting. Assignments received after designated deadline are subject to
late penalties of 5% per business day and a grade of zero will be assigned after 5 business days.
• Assignments will not be proofread by the professor prior to submission.
• In the event that multiple versions of the assignment are submitted, the first version of the assignment
submitted will be graded. There are no opportunities to resubmit an assignment after submission or after
marking.
• Assignments submitted to the drop box on the 7th floor rather than in class are subject to a late penalty
as the drop box is not emptied until 08:00 the next business day.
• Technical difficulties will not be accepted as an excuse for late submission of assignments.

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
 • Students at the College are required to use a consistent format when writing assignments for a grade.
Students in the Practical Nursing Program are required to use American Psychological Association (APA)
Format on all written assignments. Failure to use APA Format will result in a grade deduction for the
written assignment as per course outline.
• In extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control (i.e. illness, bereavement) Course
Professors may allow a student to submit an assignment after the deadline date. A student must provide
appropriate documentation of the extenuating circumstances (E.g. Medical certification, death certificate)
in order for the assignment will be evaluated.
o The appropriate medical certification must state the student’s name, the date, the reason why
the student was unable to complete the assignment. The documentation must clearly state the
physician’s name and address and physician’s signature.
• Students must provide the Course Professor with a written request (i.e. email) in advance of the
deadline date, outlining the reason/s for the extension request. Students will be asked to submit all work
completed up to that time. The Course Professor will inform the student if his/her extension request is
granted with a new due date.
• Please refer to the Practical Nursing Program Policies and Procedures for detailed policies on
assignments and George Brown College Policies on Academic Dishonesty (including plagiarism).

EVALUATION SYSTEM: All required course assignments and tests must be completed to pass the course

Assessment Tool: Description: Outcome(s) EES Date / % of

demon- demon- Week: Final
strated: strated: Grade:

Term Test #1 Multiple choice and short answer 1-7 1, 2,4-6 Week 5 15%
type questions
Online Case Study In a small online discussion group, 1-7 1, 2, 4-11 Case #1- 10%
Analysis each student will contribute to Week 6 (5% per
analysis of two assigned case case)
studies. Each case study will be Case #2-
open for a two week period. Week 11
Written Assignment Develop a concept map by applying 1-7 1, 2, 4-11 Week 9 20%
the nursing process to a case study
client.
Term Test #2 Multiple choice and short answer 1-7 1,2, 4-6 Week 11 20%
type questions
Final Exam Multiple choice and short answer 1-7 1, 2, 4-6 Week 15 35%
questions on all units
TOTAL: 100%

GRADING SYSTEM
The passing grade for this course is: C- (60%)
A+ 90-100 4.0 B+ 77-79 3.3 C+ 67-69 2.3 F Below 60 0.0
A 86-89 4.0 B 73-76 3.0 C 63-66 2.0
A- 80-85 3.7 B- 70-72 2.7 C- 60-62 1.7

Excerpt from the College Policy on Academic Dishonesty:

The minimal consequence for submitting a plagiarized, purchased, contracted, or in any manner inappropriately negotiated or
falsified assignment, test, essay, project, or any evaluated material will be a grade of zero on that material.
To view George Brown College policies please go to www.gbrownc.on.ca/policies

COURSE NAME: Nursing Theory for Practical Nurses I PAGE: 6

COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
 TOPICAL OUTLINE:
(Detailed weekly objectives will be available on WebCT. Timeline subject to change and make-up classes may be scheduled if necessary to
accommodate for holidays when the College is closed and classes are cancelled.)
Week Topic / Task Outcome(s) Content / Activities
1 Introduction and Course 1-7 Course introduction
Overview Course outline overview
Nursing Process and Review of the Nursing process
Critical Thinking Review and critical thinking skills
Introduction to Best Introduction to Best Practice
Practice Guidelines Guidelines (BPG)
Symptom Management Application of the nursing
process to the care of clients
with:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
2 Urinary Conditions 1-7 Application of the nursing
process to the care of clients
Infectious Processes with:
• Urinary Incontinence
• Urinary Retention
• Urinary Tract
Infections
• BPH
• Prostate cancer
• Post-operative care
for TURP and
prostatectomy
• Local and Systemic
Infections
• Infections related to
Specific infections/
microorganisms (C
Diff, MRSA, VRE,
ESBL, Influenza)
• Sepsis
• Isolation precautions
• Epidemic/pandemic
preparedness (i.e.
SARS, H1N1)
3 Integumentary Conditions 1-7 Application of the nursing
process to the care of clients
Degenerative with:
Neurological &Conditions • Decubitus Ulcers
• Arterial and Venous
Stasis Ulcers
• Delirium,
Depression,
Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease
COURSE NAME: Nursing Theory for Practical Nurses I
COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
Resources
Course outline
In-class exercise, case study
Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
• Ch 3- p25-26, p34-43
• Ch 4- p50-53
• Ch 11- p212
Ch 14- p301-304
Ch 16- p391
Ch 20- p496
Ch 34-p1057-1068
Ch 38- p1158-1162
Ch 70- p2369-2372
Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Practice Guideline: Prevention of
Constipation www.rnao.org
Case study
Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
Urinary Conditions:
• Ch 11- p209-212
• Ch 43-p1413-1425
• Ch 45- p1482-1500
• Ch 49-p1650-1652, 1656-1672
Infectious Processes:
• Ch 70 p2349-2368, 2377-2378
• Ch 72- p2429-2431
Required- Kozier text(2nd Ed):
• Ch 32- p877-879, 885-898,
909-924
Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Practice Guideline: Promoting
Continence Using Prompted Voiding
www.rnao.org
Recommended- CNO Practice
Standard: Infection Prevention and
Control www.cno.org
In-class exercise
Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
Wounds:
• Ch 11- p202-208
• Ch 20- p506-514
• Ch 31-p947-950
Neurological
• Ch 11- p212-215
• Ch 12 p236-242
PAGE: 7
Week Topic / Task Outcome(s) Content / Activities Resources
• Multiple Sclerosis • Ch 64- p2162-2169
3 Continued… • Ch 65 p2195-2203
cont...
Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Practice Guidelines: www.rnao.org
• Risk Assessment and
Prevention of Ulcers
• Assessment and
Management of Stage I to IV
Pressure Ulcers
• Assessment and Management of
Venous Leg Ulcers
• Caregiving Strategies for Older
Adults with Delirium, Dementia
& Depression
• Screening for Delirium,
Dementia &Depression in Older
Adult

4 Online Discussion #1 1-7 Application of the nursing In-class exercise

Opens process to the care of clients
with: Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
Degenerative • Degenerative • Ch 11- p189-198
Neurological Conditions neurological • Ch 62- p2098-2118
Continued… continued …
• TIA Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Neurological • Ischemic Stroke Practice Guidelines: www.rnao.org
Cerebrovascular • Hemorrhagic Stroke • Stroke Assessment Across the
Conditions Continuum of Care

5 Test #1- 15%
Pain
Care of the Pre/Post
Operative Client
1-7 Application of the nursing Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
process to the care of clients Pain:
with: • Ch 13- p255-288
• Pain Pre/Post-Operative Care:
• Introduction to post- • Ch 18- p451-469
operative and • Ch 20- p492-516
procedural care
Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Practice Guideline: Assessment &
Management of Pain www.rnao/org

6 Cardiovascular Conditions 1-7 Application of the nursing Case study

process to the care of clients
Online Discussion #1 with: Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
Closes • Coronary Artery Cardiovascular:
Disease • Ch 26- p740-766
• Hypertension • Ch 28- p804-851
• Angina • Ch 30- p885-904
• Myocardial • Ch 32- p957-967
Infarction
• Congestive Heart Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Failure Practice Guideline: Nursing
• Chest pain Management of Hypertension
differentiation www.rnao.org
• Care of clients in
relation to cardiac
procedures and

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
Week Topic / Task Outcome(s) Content / Activities Resources
surgery
• Vascular risk factor
reduction
7 Cardiovascular 1-7 Application of the nursing Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
continued… process to the care of clients Peripheral Vascular:
with: • Ch 31-p918-933, 935-947
Peripheral Vascular • Cardiovascular
Conditions continued …
• Thrombosis
• Peripheral Vascular
Disease (arterial and
venous origins)
• Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysms (AAA)
• Peripheral bypass and
AAA repair surgery

8 INTERSESSION WEEK (no class)

9 Written Assignment- 1-7 Application of the nursing Case study

Concept Map Due- 20% process to the care of clients
with: Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
Online Discussion #2 • Pneumonia • Ch 21- p530-551
Opens • Asthma • Ch 23- p587-612, 615, 622-627,
• COPD (emphysema, 639-640
Respiratory Conditions chronic bronchitis) • Ch 24- p647-661, 662-676
• Tuberculosis • Ch 25-p681-692, 713-727
• Pulmonary edema
• Pulmonary embolism Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
• Pneumothorax Practice Guideline: www.rnao.org
• Chest tube care • Adult Asthma Care Guidelines
• Nursing Care of Dyspnea

Recommended- RNAO Integrating

Smoking Cessation into Daily
Nursing Practice at
www.tobaccofreernao.ca

10 Diabetes 1-7 Application of the nursing Case Study

process to the care of clients
with: Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
• Type I Diabetes • Ch 18- p 457
• Type II Diabetes • Ch 41- p1296-1351
• Hypoglycemic • Ch 69-p2334-2243
reactions
• Diabetic Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Ketoacidosis Practice Guidelines: www.rnao.org
• Complications • Subcutaneous
• Care of the diabetic Administration of Insulin in
client after surgery Adults
• Client teaching • Reducing Foot
• Amputation Complications for People with
Diabetes
• Assessment and
Management of Foot Ulcers for
People with Diabetes

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
Week Topic / Task Outcome(s) Content / Activities Resources

11 Online Discussion #2 1-8 Application of the nursing Case study

Closes process to the care of clients
with:
Term Test #2 (20%) • Bariatric client care,
surgery, & complications
Bariatric Client Care (i.e. wound healing,
apnea, DM, skin,
mobility, nutrition )
Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
• Ch 18- p461
• Ch 22-p567-568
• Ch 37- p1144-1147
Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
Practice Guideline: Primary
Prevention of Childhood Obesity
www.rnao.org

12 Fluid and Electrolytes 1-7 Application of the nursing Case study

Imbalances process to the care of clients
with: Required-Day text (2nd Ed):
Renal Failure • Hyponatremia • Ch 14- p304-316
• Hypernatremia • Ch 43-p1405-1425
• Hypokalemia, • Ch 44- -p1428-1430, 1435-1474
• Hyperkalemia
• Fluid volume excess Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
• Acute renal failure Practice Guideline: Chronic Renal
• Chronic renal failure Disease www.rnao.org
• Care of clients
receiving
hemodialysis or
peritoneal dialysis
• Kidney surgery and
nephrostomy tubes

13 Orthopedic Conditions 1-7 Application of the nursing Case study

process to the care of clients
with: Required- Day text (2nd Ed):
• Rheumatoid Arthritis • Ch 11- p198-201
• Osteoarthritis • Ch 54- p1782-1802, 1806-1808
• Osteoporosis • Ch 66- p2229-2236
• Fractures • Ch 67- p2239-2266
• Traction • Ch 68- p2281-2290, 2292-2295
• Cast care • Ch 69-p2309-2336
• External fixation
• Internal fixation and Recommended- RNAO Nursing Best
other orthopedic Practice Guideline: Prevention of
surgeries Falls and Fall Injuries in the Older
• Hip and knee Adult www.rnao.org
replacements
• Compartment
syndrome
• Fat embolism
• Osteomylitis

14 Orthopedic Conditions 1-7 Continued as above… Continued as above…

Continued… Course completion if required
Preparation for Final Exam

15 Final Exam Final exam on all units

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027
Week Topic / Task Outcome(s) Content / Activities Resources
For information on withdrawing from this course without academic penalty, please refer to the College Academic Calendar:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/Admin/Registr/PSCal.aspx

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COURSE CODE: NURS 1027