University of Scranton

Nursing 241

Perspectives in Professional Nursing

Course Description:

Perspectives in professional nursing explores concepts incorporated in the philosophy, organizing framework and curriculum structures of the nursing program. Integration of the health patterns and nursing process in the delivery of professional nursing care is introduced. Pertinent issues impacting on the nursing profession are addressed. This course is designated as writing intensive.

 Placement: Sophomore sequence

 Prerequisite: Registered nurse students only

 Credit: Three credits

 Time Allotment: One three hour period
 

Objectives

1. Describe the underlying concepts of the philosophy of the baccalaureate nursing program.

 2. Define health in relation to adaptation with implications for the individual.

 3. Describe nursing theory and its application to practice.

 4. Discuss the typology of health patterns as described by Gordon.

 5. Critically analyze health care issues in terms of their impact on nursing practice.

 6. Discuss the role of consumers as active participants in the health care delivery system.

 7. Describe the nature, characteristics, and development of professional nursing.

 8. Identify personal goals within the profession of nursing.

 9. Analyze the legal and ethical ramifications of issues in professional nursing practice.

 10. Describe the purpose and functions of professional nursing organizations.

 11. Explain the purpose of professional nursing literature and the importance of research.

 12. Develop strategies to address issues in contemporary nursing practice.

13. Develop written and verbal skills in articulating one's viewpoints about critical issues in nursing.

 Fall 1998 Class Schedule
 

Assignments

 Theory Paper      Action Project          Reaction Paper
 

Useful Links

 American Nurses Association

 National Library of Medicine

 Pennsylvania State Nurses Association

 Elected Government Officials

Political Action Links and Other Nursing Resources