Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Conduct an evidence-based assessment, using age, and developmentally and culturally appropriate communication skills by:

• Comparing (monitoring) a variety of data, accurately interpreting obvious deviations from expected patterns in increasing complex acute conditions; and applying to specific patient situations (e.g. comorbidities, complications, high-risk pregnancies, acute psychosis, life threatening situations, end of life, diverse health beliefs).
• Identifying potential problems and rapidly changing physiologic and behavioral situations.
• Distinguishing pathophysiological changes and symptoms experienced by the patient which are associated with life threatening or end-of-life process.
• Regularly monitoring patient’s level of comfort and ability to manage symptoms and symptom distress.
• Assessing patient and family’s response during patient's illness and/or end-of-life situation.
• Formulating impact of individual development, as well as family development and dynamics on physiologic and behavioral status.

2. Develop and use evidence-based, individualized, developmentally appropriate interventions that are dynamic and based on changing needs of patient and family.

3. Collaborate with healthcare team members to provide comfort and symptom management.

4. Develop discharge plans in collaboration with patient, family, healthcare team members, and service providing agencies.

5. Reflect on experiences in caring for patients with acute conditions.

Discussion groups

Required Readings
Clinical evaluation
Project/Papers
Multiple choice exams
Lab performance evaluation

Clinical performance evaluation

Papers/Project Rubrics
Multiple choice exams
Lab performance evaluation

Themes, Concepts & Issues:

Clinical Judgment Model

Care coordination

Communication

Symptom Management

Advocacy

Teaching

Evidence-based best practices

Skills: This is not an exhaustive list but is a minimum skill set to be completed anytime throughout  NRS 221, NRS 222 or NRS 224

Intravenous Therapy and Regulation: Central lines

Central Line Intermittent IV Therapy via Secondary Infusion (piggyback)

PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump

 Central Venous Access Devices

 Peripheral IV Direct Medications (IV push)

TPN administration and maintenance

Blood Administration

Chest Tube Maintenance

Telemetry: Cardiac Dysrhythmias  

Tracheostomy Care

Tracheostomy Suctioning

Post Mortem Care

Epidural maintenance (classroom theory)

Ventilator/ETT (classroom theory)

Code Roles

Code

Chronic Pain Advanced Interventions

Advanced Wound Care