This course, designed for the Practical Nursing student, presents current knowledge on the care of childbearing families. This course is organized for clarity into time periods in the childbearing cycle (prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and the newborn). Family education and psychosocial considerations are stressed since community dilemmas, such as, poverty, substance abuse, disease, and human abuse seem to characterize the 1990's and impact on a family unit. Nursing roles and interventions that can be effective and contribute to successful outcomes are emphasized. The family experience with childbearing as they grow and develop normally as well as during periods of stress from illness is also explored during this course. Concepts from leading developmental theorists are reviewed as independent nursing judgments and modifications of nursing care can be made at various stages of growth and development. Along with the theory component, the clinical and community experiences offered during this course prepare the students to identify and meet the needs of the childbearing family in all aspects of the Obstetric Unit and the Pediatric Department.

This course, designed for the Practical Nursing student, introduces basic concepts related to the adult client throughout that portion of the life cycle. This course familiarizes the Practical nursing student with the sociocultural, biological, economic and environmental variations that affect concepts of health, illness, and wellness. Public Health concerns, such as, substance abuse, impaired professionals, emergency nursing care, and the administration of the first aid are addressed. Emphasis is placed on the care of the adult client in the acute care setting. Nursing care of the client experiencing pain, surgical procedures, dermatological conditions, burns, and oncological conditions are addressed. The body's immune system and alterations, with emphasis on specific disease processes, such as HIV and HBV are investigated. Basic intravenous therapy, fluids and electrolytes as well acid-base imbalance concepts are covered. A simulated laboratory practice session in venipuncture and intravenous therapy is provided. Specific medications and drug therapy are integrated into the instructional plan as they relate to specific conditions and disease processes.