School of Health and
Community Services
Health Challenges Across The Lifespan
2013-2014
Program
Year
Semester
2
Practical Nursing
4
Course code:
NURS 4506
Con. Ed. code:
Course hours:
GPA weighting:
5
Prerequisite:
5
PATH 3505 NURS 3515
NURS 3516 NURS 3517
Corequisite:
NURS 4508
Prepared by:
Karen Sutton & Debbie Rautins
Laptop course: yes
no
Authorized by (Dean):
Date:
Professor contact information:
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
OFFICE LOCATION
Karen Sutton
Karen.sutton@durhamcollege.ca
905 721.2000 x5388
SW204A
905
.
x
905
.
x
905
.
x
905
.
x
905
.
x
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 1 of 12
Course Description:
This course focuses on Health Challenges Across the Lifespan. These challenges include acute, chronic
and terminal conditions which affect individuals from birth to death. The nursing process will be used in
learning the content of the course, as well as integrating prior learning. Evidence informed practice and
decision making are critical components. Practice settings used in the co-requisite practicum course will
include acute care surgical and medical areas.
Rationale:
Health Challenges Across the Lifespan prepares the student for clinical practice by relating theory to the
nursing care of individuals and families in the acute, chronic and community settings. The student
requires knowledge of various disorders and disease states, assessments, interventions and health
teaching in order to care for the clients competently.
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Specific Outcomes
Essential Employability Outcomes
Students receiving a credit for this course will have
demonstrated their ability to:
Students receiving a credit for this course will have
demonstrated their ability to:
1. Assess pain and collaborate with client and the
interdisciplinary health care team to provide
appropriate pain relief strategies.
6. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly
in the written, spoken, and visual form that
fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the
audience.
2. Develop a plan of care for selected surgical and
non-surgical conditions using the nursing process.
3. Identify major health problems across the
lifespan.
4. Apply principles of assessment, collaborative
care, and nursing management of the patient with
health challenges across the lifespan.
5. Provide appropriate health teaching strategies
that will enhance the client’s learning.
7. Respond to written, spoke, or visual messages
in a manner that ensures effective
communication.
8. Apply a systematic approach to solve
problems.
9. Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and
solve problems.
10. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant
information from a variety of sources.
11. Show respect for the diverse opinions, values,
belief systems, and contributions of others.
12. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways
that contribute to effective working
relationships and the achievement of goals.
13. Takes responsibility for one’s own actions,
decisions, and consequences.
Entry to Practice Competencies
2,4,5,6,12,15,26,30,40,50,54
Course Learning Outcomes contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes.
For a complete list of Vocational/Program learning outcomes and Essential Employability Skills
please refer to the current program guide.
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 2 of 12
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
1
Intended Learning
Introduction to the course:

Review the course outline

Discuss concepts of acute, chronic and terminal illness

Discuss Client-Centered Care (BPG)

Discuss Facilitated Client Centered Learning (BPG)

Discuss Strategies to Support Self-Management in
Chronic Condition: Collaboration with Clients (BPG)

Identify group members for NCP

Review team assignment
Resources and
References
DC connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
Intended Learning Activities
5
3,6,8,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Study
Interactive exercises
5
1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,
11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
PowerPoint
Course Outline
RNAO BPG:
1. Client Centered Care
2. Facilitated Client
Centered Learning
3. Strategies to Support
Self- Management in
Chronic Conditions
Interactive exercise
Assignment instruction
and rubric
2
Pain Management:

Review RNAO BPG Pain Assessment Tools and
Techniques:

Acute Pain Management

Chronic Pain Management

Palliative Pain Management

Review of AMA Paediatric Analgesic Needs
DC connect
PowerPoint
Chapter 10
RNAO BPG:
1. Assessment and
Management of Pain
Review Pharmacology
notes
Case study handouts and
interactive exercise
Paediatric Journal Article
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 3 of 12
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
3
Intended Learning
Care of the Surgical Client:

Care of the Preoperative Surgical Client

Care of the Postoperative Surgical client

Assessment, Interventions, Prevention of Post-operative
complications
Resources and
References
DC Connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
5
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
9,10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussions
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
PowerPoint
Intended Learning Activities
Chapters 20 ,21, 22
Case study handouts and
interactive activities
4
Problems of Oxygenation and Ventilation:

Review RNAO BPG Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD)

COPD psychological considerations

Review RBAO BPG Adult Asthma Care

Review RNAO BPG Promoting Asthma Control in
Children
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapters 31,
RNAO BPG:
1 .Adult Asthma Care
2. COPD
3. Asthma Control in
Children
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
COPD Psychological
Considerations Journal
Article
Interactive exercise
handout
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 4 of 12
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
5
Intended Learning
Problems of Oxygenation and Ventilation Continued:

Discuss Acute Respiratory Infection in Infants (RSV)

TB

Pneumothorax
Resources and
References
DC Connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
5
1,2,3,4,56,7,8,9
10,11,12,13,
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
9,10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
9,10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
PowerPoint
Intended Learning Activities
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Test 1
20%
Nursing Care Plan
20%
Chapters 30
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
6
7
Problems of Urinary Function:

Urinary Tract Infection

Acute Pyelonephritis

Glomerulonephritis

Renal Calculi

Chronic Kidney Disease

Urinary Diversions
Cancer:

Nursing Assessment and care of the client receiving
treatment for cancer
Interactive exercise
handout
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapters 47, 48, 49
Review Pathophysiology
notes
Interactive exercise
handout
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapters 13, 18
Review Pathophysiology
notes
Movie-WITT
Interactive exercise
handout
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 5 of 12
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
8
9
Intended Learning
Care of the client with Problems of Oxygenation and
Perfusion:

Cardiovascular disorders in children

CAD

Hypertension

Stable & Unstable Angina
Care of the client with Problems of Oxygenation and
Perfusion Continued:

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Congestive Heart Failure
Resources and
References
DC Connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
5
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
11,12,13,
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
PowerPoint
Intended Learning Activities
Problems related to Regulatory Mechanisms:

Review RNAO BPG for the Subcutaneous
Administration of Insulin with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus

Acute complications of Diabetes

Disorders of the thyroid
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Test 2
20%
Chapters 35, 36, 37
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
Case study handout &
interactive exercise
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapters 35, 36, 37
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
10
Assessment
Case study and interactive
handout
DC Connect
PowerPoint
5
Chapters 51, 52
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
Case study and interactive
handout
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 6 of 12
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
11
12
13
Intended Learning
Problems of Ingestion, Digestions, Absorption and
Elimination:
Upper GI:

Nausea and Vomiting

GERD

Hiatal Hernia

Gastritis

UGI Bleed

Peptic Ulcer Disease
Lower GI:

Acute Abdominal Pain

Inflammatory Disorders

Diverticulitis
Problems of Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption and
Elimination (Continued):
Liver Disorders:

Cirrhosis

Hepatitis
Pancreatic Disorders:

Pancreatitis
Biliary Tract:

Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis
Problems related to Movement and Coordination
(Neurological):

Stroke

Delirium, Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Chronic Intracranial Problems:

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s

Epilepsy
Resources and
References
DC Connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
5
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
5
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
11,12,13
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
PowerPoint
Intended Learning Activities
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Test 3
20%
Chapters 44, 45
Review Pathophysiology &
Pharmacology notes
Interactive exercise
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapter 46
Review Pathophysiology
notes
Case study handout
DC Connect
PowerPoint
Chapters 59, 60, 61, 62
Review Pathophysiology
and Pharmacology notes
Interactive exercise
handout
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 7 of 12
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
14
15
Intended Learning
Problems related to Movement and Coordination
(Musculoskeletal):

Soft Tissue Injury

Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fractures

Tractions

Musculoskeletal Disorders In Children

Orthopedic Complications
Resources and
References
DC Connect
Est.
Class
Hours
Learning
Outcomes
References
5
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10,11,12,13
PowerPoint
Intended Learning Activities
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Final Exam
20%
Lecture
Guided discussion
Case Studies
Interactive exercises
Chapters 65, 66, 67
Exam Week
Course outlines are planning guidelines; actual delivery of content may vary with circumstances. Students will be notified in writing of changes that
involve the addition or deletion of learning outcomes or evaluation, prior to changes being implemented as specified in the Course Outlines Policy
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/about-us/corporate-links/governance/policies.
Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 8 of 12
Evaluation Criteria:
(A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found in your Student Handbook.)
Test 1- Week 5 covering materials from weeks 1-4
20%
Test 2- Week 9 covering materials from weeks 5-8
20%
Test 3- Week 13 covering materials from week 9-12
20%
Nursing Care Plan Project- Due week 7
20%
Final Exam – Exam week
20%
Total
100%
Notes:
1. All tests will be written in the Test Centre, in a different hour then class, unless otherwise
directed. The tests and final exam are closed book. The tests and exam may include questions
based on student preparation, readings from the text, articles or handouts, in-class work, and
PowerPoint’s.
2. All students who miss a quiz(s) or test(s) during a semester in all courses will make-up the
missed quiz(s) or test(s) at a scheduled pre-determined time booked in the Test Centre during
Week 7 and 14. Specific dates will be announced at the beginning of each semester. There will
only be one opportunity to complete accumulated missed tests. A student who is absent for a
missed test in the pre-determined time will receive a grade of zero for the test(s).
3. Turnitin- Your Nursing Care Plan must be submitted to Turnitin before you submit your copy. It is
highly recommended that you complete your use profile and register in advance. This will give
you time to seek assistance if you have any trouble with the registration process. If the paper is
not submitted to Turnitin prior to the due date, the paper will receive a grade of zero.
Required Text(s) and Supplies:
Lewis, S., Heitkemper, M., Dirksen, S. & O’Brien, P. (2014). Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada (3rd ed.).
(Barry, M., Goldsworthy, S. & Goodridge, D. (Eds.). Toronto: Elsevier. ISBN: 978-1-926648-70-5
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 9 of 12
Policies and Expectations for the Learning Environment:
General Policies and Expectations:
General College policies related to
General Program policies related to

Acceptable Computer Use

Attendance

Academic Policies


Academic Honesty
Absence related to tests or assignment due
dates

Student Code of Conduct

Excused absences

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
can be found on-line at
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academicpolicies

Writing tests and assignments

Classroom management can be found in the
Program Guide. These guides are available
on the main Durham College website
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/ .
Course Specific Policies and Expectations:
1. It is recommended that the student attend all classes. It is advised that all appointments be made
outside of class time. The student is requested to inform the professor of absences by e-mail before
class. Consistent, punctual attendance has been linked to student success and is highly recommended. If
the student is absent from class, it is her/his responsibility to learn what was missed prior to the next
class. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, whether they attend or not. If a student
misses a class, it is her/his responsibility to contact another student and obtain what has been missed
e.g. class assignments, handouts, notes or changes in schedule. Handouts will not be available in
subsequent classes. Attendance will be monitored.
2. This course requires self-motivated study beyond the hours for formal instruction. Students are
expected to complete at least the same number of hours, on their own, completing homework,
researching and reading as hours indicated on the timetable. Each week the learner prep will be outlined
on the course DC Connect page. It is expected the student will complete the prep before class and will
bring it to class. The student should check for new material which may be added to the DC Connect
periodically. Textbooks should be brought to all classes.
3. Nursing is a professional program and as such the nursing student is expected to demonstrate
professional behaviour in this class and to be respectful of other student’s learning. Students who are
disrespectful of others’ learning e.g. talking, late to class, disruptive, coming and going from class etc.
may be asked to leave the classroom and to make an appointment and meet with the professor before
returning to class.
4. The professor is available via e-mail – DC Connect, voice mail or in Office SW 204 A. If sending an email, only messages from the student’s Durham College e-mail address will be read or responded to be
the professor. The voice mail and e-mail messages are checked q 24 hr. except on weekends. Students
are expected to check their e-mail messages daily [weekdays]. Office hours are posted on the DC
Connect course page.
5. All cell phones and pagers must be silenced during class time. Any use of a cell phone must be outside
the classroom. Taking any kind of picture, audio recording or using any electronic device in the
classroom, at any time without the consent of the professor is prohibited.
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 10 of 12
6. Providing students with feedback on their progress on an ongoing basis is highly valued by the
Practical Nursing team. The program offers multiple formal and informal student feedback opportunities
including: group work, written paper(s), in-class assignments and activities, peer feedback, feedback for
course in the Health Care Learning Centre, tests, exams and weekly practicum feedback. Students can
familiarize themselves with the grading criteria for each of their courses through their course outline. It is
strongly suggested that students pick up their marked assignments in order to use the feedback to
improve their work. Students may connect with a professor by e-mail, phone, or set up an appointment if
they require additional feedback on their progress.
Please refer to the Practical Nursing Program Guide and Durham College Policies and Procedures for a
full description of students’ responsibilities.
NOTE: As a DC Connect course, basic computer skills and equipment are required. If necessary,
students should check with the Commons IT Support Help Desk in the Learning Commons to see if their
home computer has the capacity to manage this course. Computers are available in the Learning
Commons if home access is not available.
The following skills are necessary for facilitation DC Connect course work:
•
•
•
•
•
Basic Computing Skills:
Basic keyboarding and mousing skills
Basic word processing skills
Experience browsing the Web
Experience sending and receiving e-mail
It is strongly recommended the student who does not have basic computer skills, seek help from the
Commons IT Support Help Desk and the Learner Support Centre as soon as possible.
If students are communicating electronically with the professor, they are expected to use DC Connect.
The course DC Connect page will contain Learner Prep for each week and many references and
important course information. The DC Connect page should be accessed DAILY to look for changes or
updates.
Note about student tracking in DC Connect:
DC Connect or the course web site automatically records all student activities, including the:
•
•
•
•
First and last access to the course
Pages accessed
Number of quizzes completed
Number of conferencing messages read and posted
This information will be used as a means of evaluating student participation. Students can view this
information on their own by clicking on the My Progress icon.
If the College computers are “down or not working” resulting in the inability to meet a required deadline,
the student must obtain written, dated documentation of the problem from the Commons IT Support Help
Desk, to give to the professor. This must be done within 24 hours of the deadline.
The Commons IT Support Help Desk can be reached at 905-721-3333 or at ITsupport@dc-uoit.ca
Information about the Help Desk hours can be found on My Campus.
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 11 of 12
Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment &
Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process a student can use to gain college
credit(s) for learning and skills acquired through previous life and work experiences. Candidates who
successfully meet the course learning outcomes of a specific course may be granted credit based on the
successful assessment of their prior learning. The type of assessment method (s) used will be determined
by subject matter experts. Grades received for the PLAR challenge will be included in the calculation of a
student’s grade point average.
Candidate eligibility is outlined in
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/assets/Section~specific/Continuing~Education/documents/plar.pdf
Yes
No
(Candidate eligibility is outlined in the
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/assets/Section~specific/Continuing~Education/documents/plar.pdf)
General Course Outline Notes:
1.
Students should use the course outline as a learning tool to guide their achievement of the learning
outcomes for this course. Specific questions should be directed to their individual professor.
2.
The college considers the electronic format (i.e. MyCampus, DC Mail or DC Connect) as the primary
channel of communication. Students should check the sources regularly for current course information.
3.
Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.
4.
Course outlines should be retained for future needs (i.e. university credits, transfer of credits etc.)
5.
A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at http://durhamcollege.ca/gradeappeal.
6.
Faculty are committed to ensuring accessible learning for all students. Students with permanent
disabilities who require academic accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code
should register with the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) to initiate in-class
accommodations. The CSD is located in room SW116, Oshawa Campus (or room 180, Whitby
Campus). Call 905-721-3123.
Durham College is committed to the fundamental values of preserving academic integrity. Durham College
and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism.
Students agree that by taking this course all assignments could be subject to submission either by
themselves or by the faculty member for a review of textual similarity to Turnitin.com. Further information
about Turnitin can be found on the Turnitin.com Web site.
7.
Outline Template v11.2013
Durham College Course Outline –Course Code – 2013-2014
Page 12 of 12