Pharmacology 2 NURS 1064

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to selected drug categories.
• Relate specific drug action(s) to human physiology and/or pathophysiology to predict therapeutic and adverse effects.
• Explain in-depth assessments required when administering medications and monitoring patients for therapeutic drug effects, adverse reactions, toxicity and drug interactions.
• Apply selected pharmacological concepts and principles to patient situations.
• Discuss a variety of legal and ethical nursing issues related to pharmacology.
• Demonstrate development of progressive on-line learning skills including effective, progressive on-line interaction and communication.

Process Threads Relevant to this Course

Professionalism

• Students develop professionalism by participating in learning partnerships with peers and nursing instructors, and they continue to use reasoning and reflection as they develop a knowledge base related to pharmacology and the role of the professional nurse. They anticipate and prepare for potential clinical decision making situations. They explore cases and respond with sound clinical judgement. Students continue to demonstrate honesty, integrity, responsibility, accountability and moral commitment consistent with the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2008) and BCIT Policy 5104: Academic Integrity and Appeals (2009).

Communication

• Professional communication in nursing establishes shared meaning and partnership to develop human being's capacities for healing and/or growth. Students in this course improve computer literacy by using Internet course materials and resources and by communicating through asynchronous discussion forums. Students thoughtfully discuss course content on-line. Students facilitate on-line group functioning to achieve course goals. Communication includes: E-mails, word-processed assignments and electronic postings reflective of a professional nurse.

Systematic Inquiry

• Systematic inquiry includes three processes: critical thinking, decision making, and research. Students use reflective questioning and feedback to help them think critically. Students discuss their own work with others and take action to improve own clinical decision making. Students continue to develop independent clinical reasoning. Students access course materials, academic literature and on-line resources for research information and course work. Students continue to challenge assumptions, consider the importance of context, and imagine alternate perspectives to further develop critical thinking and decision making ability. Clinical judgement for nursing students is a decision making process that includes critical thinking and research that allows them to make the best decision possible with the information they have at the time.

Professional Growth

• Through a process of self-inquiry and self-discovery, students focus on participating in group learning by sharing accurate, relevant information in a professional manner. Students are responsible and accountable for their learning and evaluate their performance and assess learning gaps. Through reflection on these gaps students identify their learning needs, and utilize resources to meet their learning needs. Students are aware of the need to continually update their pharmacology knowledge. Professional growth and personal growth impact each other. Students continue to develop professional growth through self-discipline, initiative and commitment to the profession. Partnerships with instructors and students, enhance professional growth.

Creative Leadership

• Students continue to develop creative leadership that enhances and supports the creative potential within group members by nourishing a common vision and focussing activity towards the common goal. Students continue to develop on-line facilitation skills within groups. They demonstrate credibility, accountability, assertiveness, problem solving, judgement and initiative within groups. They establish meaningful partnerships, challenge the status quo and incorporate nursing ethics in their learning. Students recognize the contributions of others while supporting self-direction.

Technology-in-Practice

• Students continue to develop an understanding of the impact of technology on their own learning. They use electronic media to discuss rationales and nursing responsibilities related to administration of medications and to the assessment of patients who receive medications. Students continue to develop skills in using electronic educational and research technology. As technology-in -practice evolves; students begin to analyze the impact of it on patients, health care workers and the health care system. Technology-in-practice is influenced by culture, socially accepted practices and values and it influences culture, socially accepted practices and values.

Effective as of Fall 2012