School of Science and Technology

Department of Nurse Education

P.O. Box 175, Port of Spain,
Trinidad, W.I.

Course Outline

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

- NURS103 Foundations of Nursing II. South Campus

- SEMESTER III 2021), Mon& Tues- class 1. Wed and Thurs- Class 11. 3pm – 5.30pm

- Course Description

This course is designed to continue to build on the work from the first section of NURS101.
During this semester the student nurse will have the opportunity to practice clinical skills in the Nursing
lab and spend 2 weeks in Clinical Placements in different community settings in Trinidad. Areas of
critical thinking, problem solving, making nursing judgments and use of the nursing process in nursing
care will be explored. It is of paramount importance that students understand the concepts
underpinning the Nursing Process as it the tool that is utilized in performing patient care. Additionally,
this model will continue to form the basis for future developments of nursing care for clients, both in the
primary care setting as well as in tertiary care settings. Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of
his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding”. I pray that throughout this course, you will seek the
guidance of God so that you will glean wisdom from the very source. May God bless you as you strive for
excellence.

- The course was organized to be taught face-to-face however due to Covid 19, it will be taught
online.

* Please retain this course outline as a reference for your future studies.

INSTRUCTORS INFORMATION
- Tara Sookoo Bisnath RN, LM, BScN, MEd.
- Office hours: Mon.- Wed and Friday- 9am-1pm
- Communication Policy – Whats app or mobile in emergency(739-7964)
- Email: [email protected]

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PURPOSE OF THE COURSE/COURSE RATIONALE
- To fulfil a basic requirement of all nursing students in preparation for clinical practice
- To understand the importance of data collection and observation in planning care
- To determine the rationale for interventional strategies used
- To assist the student to make intelligent and appropriate decisions
- To enable the student to meet the international standards of performing nursing duties
- To ensure that clients and family receive optimum care and attention
- To assist the students to use critical thinking skills at all levels of nursing practice
- To boost students knowledge base and confidence
- To help bridge nursing theory with practice

INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING

Umbrella Declaration:
The University of the Southern Caribbean is a faith- based institution where the Seventh-Day Adventist
understanding of the Holy Scriptures of the Christian Bible informs our worldview and provides the
context for our pursuit of knowledge.

General Course Reference

In this course, as we study about critical thinking approaches to solving actual and potential health
problems. It will also include nursing process and a review of theories that impact patient care. While we
willingly acknowledge God ultimately as healer, we are cognisant that he uses humans as vehicles to
provide the care during times of illness that will facilitate healing and recovery

Specific Course Content

This course content opens the door for Student Nurses to develop critical thinking abilities when
applying models and theories and knowledge about the healing wonder and greatness of God’s effort to
connect and empathize with fallen humankind.

Teaching Method
In our professional delivery of this course, as teachers we have the opportunity to model the Master
Teacher – Jesus – and serve our students with loving kindness, grace and patience.

LETTER TO THE STUDENT (optional)

Dear Students,

During this semester, you will be taught strategies and interventions for administering nursing care. This
includes critical thinking and the Nursing process, which are necessary for effective decision making
when performing care for clients. The information may be unfamiliar and challenging at times but will
help mould you into the type of nurse that can adapt to changes and challenges in this ever changing
world.

With the right attitude and a determined spirit you will understand, enjoy and succeed in every area of
this course.

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I now take this opportunity to welcome you to NURS 103, Foundations of Nursing 11 and look forward
to us working together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

Thank You

Ms. Tara Sookoo Bisnath

(Lecturer)

GOALS/AIMS
Aims

 This course seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and administer
effective nursing care in a professional manner.
 Students will be able to gather necessary data from all sources, set goals and make intelligent
interventions to meet goals on time.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (Modules/Unit Learning Outcomes)

At the end of this course, the student will able to:
1. Describe critical thinking and its importance to nursing practice.
2. Describe characteristics of a critical thinker and how it is applied to nursing.
3. Describe the components of a critical thinking model for clinical decision-making.
4. Discuss critical thinking skills used in nursing practice
5. Discuss how reflection can improve the knowledge of nursing and make links to practice.
6. Discuss the relationship of the Nursing process to critical thinking.
7. Describe the 5 steps of the nursing process.
8. Discuss all types of nursing assessment.
9. List the steps in formulating nursing diagnosis.
10. Discuss the process of priority setting.
11. List the 2 types of goals and state the difference between both.
12. Select nursing actions appropriate to alleviate various problems identified in assessment.
13. Formulate care plans to treat different problems identified through nursing process.
14. Discuss the benefits of nursing theory to nursing practice.
15. Define the terms, concept, theory, nursing models.
16. Explore Roper, Orem, and Newman nursing models.

TEACHING STRATEGIES
Lectures
Tutorials
Group discussions
Student Presentations

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RESOURCES
Textbook(s)
Potter & Perry. Basic Nursing Essentials for Practice (Look for latest ed.) Mosby.
 Internet and other electronic resources

Course Assessments
Evaluation Date Due
Attendance 5%
Data base forms/ identify types of data 10% To be announced
Group work (care plan) 20% Presentation 21 &
22nd June. 2021
Comprehensive Journals – 1 10% 25th May. 2021

Mid-Semester quiz 25% June 8th . 2021

Final assessment 30% 7th July. 2021
Total 100%

Topics Learning Assignment/Activity Due Date

Outcome Integrating faith &Learning
Reference

WEEK #1 Session 1
17/05/21 Introduction to 1,2,3 Assignment: What is Proverbs 15:14.The heart of
course. critical thinking? What is him that hath
Introduction to intuitive thinking? What understanding seeketh
critical thinking is concept mapping? knowledge: but the
In nursing. mouth of fools feedeth on
foolishness

Sess. #2
18/05/21 Topic: critical 3, 4,5 Read and make notes on 2 Timothy 2:7
thinking. Orem’s, Roper and Think over what I say, for the
Reflection on Newman Model of Lord will give you
learning nursing understanding
Levels and JOURNAL ON CRITICAL
competencies THINKING
Critical Thinking

WEEK #2 Session 1

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 24/5/21 Nursing Models, 4.5.6.7. Journal-24/5/2021
theories. Orems Critical thinking journal.
Model

WEEK #2 Session 2
25/05/21 Roper model 5,6,7 Read up on the nursing Proverbs 14:15
and Newman process- Assessment The simple believes everything,
Model of but the prudent gives thought
nursing to his steps.

WEEK # 3 Session 1
31/05/21 Overiew of 7,8. 9 Use data base form to Proverbs 19:2
Nursing Process. assess 1 person with It is not good to have zeal
Discussion on health problems. without knowledge, nor to be
assessment Download and print hasty and miss the way
Performing NANDA diagnosis
Assessment:
Understand
Subjective and
objective data

WEEK #3 Session # 2
1/06/21 Diagnosis: 7 Setting Goals and Jeremiah 30:17
Discuss NANDA formulating diagnosis. 'For I will restore you to health
Diagnosis and Diagnosis from NANDA And I will heal you of your
formulating wounds,' declares the LORD,
diagnosis 'Because they have called you
an outcast, saying: "It is Zion;
no one cares for her."
Week #4
7/06/21 Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek the lost,
Session 1 and I will bring back the
Discussion of 8,9 Read and make notes on strayed, and I will bind up the
8/06/21 setting goals. implementation and injured, and I will strengthen
Session 2 Setting goals evaluation the weak, and the fat and the
and formulating strong I will destroy. I will feed
nursing them in justice.
diagnosis
WEEK #5 Session 1
14/6/21 Discussion on 9,10 Romans 15:1
Session 1 Implementation We then that are strong ought
and evaluation. to bear the infirmities of the
weak, and not to please
ourselves.
Session 2 13,14, Formulating care plans Matthew 25:44
15/06/21 Application of Group Work Then they also will answer,

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 Nursing Process saying, ‘Lord, when did we see
in Nursing you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or naked or sick or in
prison, and did not minister to
you?’
WEEK #6
21/06/21 Discussion on care plans 3 John 1:2
Session 1 Completion of 15,16 presented. Beloved, I pray that all may go
lectures on well with you and that you may
Nursing Process be in good health, as it goes
well with your soul.
22/06/21 Group work 13 Psalm 30:2
presentations O Lord my God, I cried to you
for help, and you have healed
me.
WEEK #7
28/06/21 GROUP 13 Proverbs 14:15
PRESENTATION The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought
to his steps.
29/06/21 GROUP Question and answer
PRESENTATIONS Segment

7/07/221 FINAL FINAL ASSESSMENT

COURSE CALENDER______________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Standard)
University Policies:

Attendance
Studenst are required to attend ALL schedule classes for the semester. Punctuality to classes is
expected.

Academic Dishonesty
All cases of dishonesty or suspected dishonesty will be dealt with as outlined in the USC Handbook.
Cases involving suspected dishonesty would be forwarded to the office of the V.P. for Student
Development, for placement in the student’s file.
All cases of dishonesty or suspected dishonesty will be dealt with as outlined in the USC Handbook.
Cases involving suspected dishonesty would be forwarded to the Office of the V.P. for Student
Development for placement in the student’s file.

GRADING SYSTEM (Standard)

Description of the grading system of the university

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 Letter % Grade
Grad Value Pt. Definition Description
e per
Credit
1. Excellent mastery of course content, evidence of
A 100-90 4.0 extensive background reading. 2. Excellent
performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
Excellent expression, oral or written. 3. Excellent performance
in analysis, synthesis and critical expression, oral or
A- 85-89 3.67 written. 4. Student works independently or in groups
as is required with unusual effectiveness
1. Very good mastery of course content, evidence of
B+ 80-84 3.33 substantial background reading. 2. Student
Very performance indicates a high degree of originality,
B 75-79 3.0 Good creativity and problem-solving skills. 3. Very good
performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
B- 70-74 2.67 expression, oral or written. 4. Student works very
well independently or in groups as is required.
1. Acceptable mastery of course content, evidence of
C+ 65-69 2.33 some background reading. 2. Students demonstrate
some degree of originality, creativity and problem-
Satisfactory solving skills. 3. Acceptable performance in analysis,
synthesis and critical expression, oral or written. 4.
C 60-64 2.0 Student works independently or in groups at an
acceptable level
1. Unacceptable mastery of course content, very little
evidence of background reading. 2. Students
Unsatisfactory demonstrate little degree of originality, creativity and
problem-solving skills. 3. Unacceptable performance
C- 55-59 1.67
in analysis, synthesis and critical expression, oral or
written. 4. Students display unacceptable level of
proficiency in working independently or in groups.
1. Deficient in mastery of course content, no
evidence of background reading. 2. Originality,
Deficient creativity and problem solving skills absent from
performance. 3. Deficient performance in analysis,
D 50-54 1.33
synthesis and critical expression, oral or written. 4.
Deficient in ability to work independently and in
groups.
1. No comprehension or grasp of course content, no
F 0 – 49 0.0 evidence of background reading. 2. Originality,
creativity and problem solving skills totally absent
Unacceptable from performance. 3. Unacceptable performance in
analysis, synthesis and critical expression, oral or
written. 4. Displays neither aptitude nor ability to

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 work independently or in groups.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE

It is necessary that you own the recommended textbook and use it wisely.You can also use
Library services and other available resources to obtain relevant information on the Nursing
Process and Critical Thinking. Prepare for each class and review all work done each day. You are
free to visit my office for clarification of any concerns. Ask the Lord to guide and give you
understanding. Use your time wisely.

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