Course Description:

The first Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum is designed to facilitate the acquisition of diagnostic decision-making skills necessary to practice as a nurse practitioner in an adult-gerontology acute care setting caring for patients over the continuum of wellness through acute care.  The practicum is accomplished in acute care units and specialty clinics and focuses on the medical diagnosis, management and evaluation of emancipated minors, young adults, adults, elderly and the frail elderly. This adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner practicum is foundational to the synthesis practicum (spring semester) as the student learns diagnostic reasoning and the accurate and efficient performance and presentation of a complete medical history and physical.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the practicum, the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner student should be able to:

1.         Accurately perform a complete history and physical (H&P).

2.         Present a concise, accurate and comprehensive patient H&P.

3.         Select and interpret clinical diagnostic tests appropriate to the patient’s

             disease/condition.

4.         Demonstrate diagnostic reasoning in developing a differential diagnosis for common

            presenting symptoms.

5.       Diagnose common medical conditions. 

6.       Develop appropriate management strategies and interventions for selected

          medical/surgical disorders.