NURS 3565 – Adult/Older Adult Health I at Saint Louis University is an undergraduate nursing course that focuses on the comprehensive study of adult and older adult health. This course equips students with essential knowledge and skills to provide holistic care to individuals in these age groups. The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics to ensure a thorough understanding of healthcare practices and principles in the context of adult and older adult populations.
Course Topics:
- Health Assessment: Students will learn comprehensive health assessment techniques specific to adults and older adults. This includes physical, psychological, and social assessments to form a holistic view of the patient.
- Common Health Conditions: The course delves into prevalent health conditions affecting adults and older adults, exploring their pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and evidence-based nursing interventions.
- Pharmacological Interventions: Students will gain proficiency in understanding and administering medications commonly prescribed to adult and older adult populations. Emphasis is placed on safe medication administration and monitoring.
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: The importance of evidence-based practice is highlighted throughout the course, guiding students in integrating research findings into their nursing care to enhance patient outcomes.
- Therapeutic Communication: Effective communication strategies with adult and older adult patients are explored, considering the unique challenges and nuances in delivering patient-centered care to diverse populations.
- Ethical Considerations in Nursing: The course addresses ethical dilemmas and considerations specific to adult and older adult healthcare, fostering ethical decision-making and reflective practice.
- Clinical Practicum: Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings through clinical practicum experiences. This hands-on component allows for the development and refinement of clinical skills under the guidance of experienced nursing professionals.
NURS 3565 is tailored for nursing students aiming to specialize in adult and older adult health. It serves as a foundational course, laying the groundwork for subsequent courses and clinical experiences in the nursing curriculum. The emphasis on evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and hands-on clinical exposure equips students with the competencies necessary for providing high-quality nursing care to adult and older adult populations.
