Course Description

This course introduces you to the role of professional nurses in today’s complex health care system.  We begin with the historical development of the nursing profession and the major institutions where nurses have provided care.  Building on this historical understanding, students gain an overview of the current nursing practice and the U.S. health care system. You will learn about educational preparation required for practice and credentialing of professional nurses. Passionate nurse experts will introduce you to a wide variety of nursing specialties and roles caring for patients, families and populations in homes, clinics, and in hospitals. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Identify the origins and some of the milestones in the history of professional                                 nursing.
2. Identify the major health care agencies that utilize the services of professional nurses.
3. Identify the different educational preparation and credentials found among nurses and other health professionals
4. Discuss the development of select clinical nursing sub-specialties in the nursing profession and how they function today.
5. Identify and discuss the merits of the nursing organizations that represent professional nurses.
6. Discuss nursing’s professional code of ethics and some of the ethical and legal issues faced by current nurses.
7. Discuss the role of professional nurses within a culturally diverse patient population.
8. Identify the role of the federal government and private industry in shaping the health care system.