This course further develops and strengthens core professional values by emphasizing the pursuit of practice excellence. The ANA Standards and Scope of Nursing Practice and Ethical Code for Nurses are examined as well as professional associations and practice regulating bodies.

The course explores the role of nursing theory to guide practice. The formal literature review process and the value of evidence-based practice (EBP) are introduced. E-portfolios are introduced as a method of documenting academic progress and professional development. The course provides foundational professional concepts in legal, ethical, and patient-centered care in preparation for future courses across the educational continuum and roles in advanced practice nursing.

This course has a gerontology focus that utilizes the principles and techniques of holistic nursing assessment and care planning guided by evidence-based interventions and nursing theory. How an aging population affects the health care system and nursing practice are explored. Nursing assessment incorporates review of systems, health promotion, preventative care need, and palliative care planning.

This course examines the increasing emphasis on spiritual well-being and healing environments as elements of health care. Techniques and emphases are examined from a Christian perspective.

This course focuses on the professional nurse’s role in applying the principles of leadership and management to navigate systems in health care organizations across the continuum of care. The course explores the nurse leader’s role in quality and safety, the regulatory environment, policy, and advocacy for EBP. The course provides opportunities to improve critical reasoning, interdisciplinary communication techniques, and conflict resolution. Change management and conflict resolution theories are utilized in practice situations.