Medical-surgical nursing (24cr)

Content

Type of course:
Compulsory

Level of course:
Professional studies

Objective of course:
Students outline their expertise on medical - surgical nursing area. They are able to apply their theoretical knowledge to individualized holistic care of medical-surgical patients. Students know the principles of primary nursing care, the quality assessment and development of medical - surgical nursing. They adopt a research-oriented approach towards nursing. Students recognize the objectives of nursing including health promotion, prevention of diseases and alleviation of symptoms. Students learn to manage crisis caused by acute or chronic illnesses and injuries. They learn to support the patient and their significant others in self-care during the rehabilitation phase. Students are able to provide support to the patient and the family members during terminal care and when death approaches. Students are fit for practice in multiprofessional work groups as well as in multicultural environments.

Course contents:
G216A-8 Surgical nursing, 4 cr
Management of orthopedic patients
Management of gastroenterological patients
Management of patients with vascular disorders
Management of patients undergoing chest surgery
Management of neurosurgical patients
Nursing care of patients with urinary and renal disorders

G216B-8 Medical nursing, 4 cr
Management of patients with urinary elimination disorders and kidney disorders
Management of patients with cancer / leukemia
Management of clients with respiratory problems
Management of patients with gastrointestinal problems
Management of patients with HIV / AIDS
Primary nursing
Future challenges in nursing

G216C-8 Supervised surgical training, 8 cr
G216D-8 Supervised medical training, 8 cr
The student masters the clinical methods used in medical / surgical nursing and understands their significance in the holistic, patient centered care. Students expand and deepen their view on professional theory base. Students are able to make decisions based on theoretical facts. They deepen and internalize the ethical knowledge and values in nursing care in order to be able to use them in ethical problem solving. Students are aware of the rights of a patient based on the legal guidelines and are able to work according to them. They are able to assess the quality of care as a part of the nursing team. Students understand the significance of leadership and administration in the development of nursing. They plan working hours according to surgical / medical supervisor's work schedule.

Teaching methods:
Lectures
Independent studies
Presentations
Pair / group work
Written assignments
Reflective journals
Study visits
Supervised medical-surgical trainings

Assessment methods:
Written, graded examinations
Approved clinical trainings

Prerequisites:
Previous courses in professional studies

Required reading:
Suzanne C. Smeltzer - Brenda G. Bare: Brunner-Suddarth's Medical-Surgical Nursing
Downie - Mackenzie - Williams: Pharmacology and Medicines Management for Nurses.
Robert M. Baird & Stuart E. Rosenbaum: Caring for Dying: Critical Issues at the Edge of Life. Latest edition.
James L. Hallenbeck: Palliative Care Perspectives. Latest edition.

Name of lecturers:
Ms. R. Kokko, Ms K. And, Ms P. Salokangas

Year of study:
Third and fourth academic year

Semester:
Spring, autumn

Language of instruction:
English