Semester 4

1. Pharmacology II

Course Description: Pharmacology II builds upon the foundational concepts learned in Pharmacology I, focusing on advanced drug classes, their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and nursing implications. The course emphasizes safe and effective medication administration in complex clinical scenarios, preparing students for the challenges of patient care.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of advanced drug classes.
• Recognize the therapeutic effects, side effects, and contraindications of commonly used medications in various clinical settings.
• Apply pharmacological principles to manage complex patient care scenarios.
• Integrate pharmacology with nursing practice to ensure safe medication administration and patient education.

Course Components:

• Advanced Drug Classes: Study of antihypertensives, anticoagulants, chemotherapy agents, and more.
• Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics: In-depth understanding of drug interactions, metabolism, and elimination.
• Clinical Pharmacology: Application of pharmacological principles in the treatment of chronic and acute conditions.
• Patient Education and Safety: Techniques for educating patients on medication adherence, side effects, and interactions.
• Practical Sessions: Case studies, dosage calculations, and simulations of complex drug administration.

2. Pathology II & Genetics

Course Description: Pathology II & Genetics provides students with an advanced understanding of disease processes, focusing on the pathological changes in various body systems and the role of genetics in health and disease. The course integrates pathology and genetics with clinical nursing practice, preparing students to assess and manage patients with complex health conditions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the pathological basis of diseases affecting major body systems.
• Recognize the role of genetics in the development of inherited and acquired diseases.
• Apply pathological and genetic knowledge to nursing assessments and patient care.
• Integrate genetics into nursing practice to provide personalized care and patient education.

Course Components:

• Systemic Pathology: Examination of pathological changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and other systems.
• Genetics: Introduction to genetic principles, inheritance patterns, and genetic counseling.
• Clinical Applications: Integration of pathology and genetics in diagnosing and managing diseases.
• Patient Care: Approaches to personalized care based on genetic and pathological findings.
• Practical Sessions: Analysis of case studies, examination of pathological specimens, and genetic counseling simulations.

3. Adult Health Nursing II with Integrated Pathophysiology including Geriatric Nursing

Course Description: Adult Health Nursing II focuses on the advanced nursing care of adults with complex medical and surgical conditions, with a special emphasis on the geriatric population. The course integrates pathophysiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of disease processes, enabling students to apply the nursing process effectively in caring for elderly patients.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying complex health conditions in adults and the elderly.
• Apply the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for adults with chronic and acute conditions.
• Develop specialized skills for caring for geriatric patients, addressing their unique health challenges.
• Integrate evidence-based practices in managing the health and well-being of older adults.

Course Components:

• Complex Medical-Surgical Conditions: Study of advanced conditions affecting the cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems.
• Geriatric Nursing: Principles of geriatric care, including management of chronic diseases, mobility issues, and cognitive decline.
• Pathophysiology: In-depth exploration of disease processes and their impact on the body's functions.
• Nursing Process: Application in managing complex patient care scenarios, including care planning and evaluation.
• Practical Sessions: Simulation-based training on geriatric care, advanced wound management, and emergency response in elderly patients.

4. Professionalism, Professional Values & Ethics including Bioethics

Course Description: This course explores the core values, ethics, and professionalism essential to nursing practice. Students will learn about the principles of bioethics, the importance of ethical decision-making, and the professional responsibilities of a nurse in various healthcare settings. The course emphasizes the integration of ethical principles into everyday nursing practice to promote patient advocacy and professional integrity.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles of professionalism and ethical behavior in nursing.
• Recognize and apply bioethical principles in clinical decision-making.
• Develop a strong foundation in professional values and responsibilities, including patient advocacy and confidentiality.
• Integrate ethical principles into nursing practice to enhance patient care and professional relationships.

Course Components:

• Professionalism in Nursing: Exploration of professional roles, responsibilities, and behaviors in nursing practice.
• Ethical Theories and Principles: Study of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in healthcare.
• Bioethics: Application of ethical principles to real-world clinical scenarios, including end-of-life care, informed consent, and patient rights.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: Examination of legal responsibilities, ethical dilemmas, and the role of nursing in healthcare ethics committees.
• Practical Sessions: Case studies, role-playing exercises, and discussions on ethical decision-making in nursing.