I. Course Title: RN Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
II. Course Number: NURS 401
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description: This course focuses on Nursing theory, philosophy and models.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Topic Outline:
- Nursing theorists in history and holistic frameworks for nursing practice.
- Nursing and other interprofessional philosophies that impact patient care.
- Developing an ethical and personal knowledge base.
- Strategies for implementing nursing care (Therapeutic relationships and communication,
teaching/learning theory, family theory and intervention).
- Selected concepts relevant to nursing practice (ethical, legal, health belief model,
wellness and national goals).
- Review BSN Essentials and impact upon nursing practice.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
The objectives and content of this course are derived from the School of Nursing’s
philosophy and conceptual framework and facilitate achievement of the School’s program
objectives, as well as the essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally,
the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to most Theorist professional
texts. Current research and advancement of theory and clinical practice determine
content.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss and evaluate nursing theories from a historical perspective and apply to the
modern art and science of nursing (E-VIII; PO-8)
- Analyze diverse philosophies that impact nursing and healthcare with exploration of
ways of knowing and approaches to problem solving (E-I; PO-1)
- Evaluate personal and ethical knowledge statement (E- VIII; PO-8)
- Discuss the Radford University School of Nursing Vision, Mission and Values and the
correlation of the BSN Essentials upon nursing practice. (E-VIII; PO-8)
- Utilize effective communication skills in collaboration with other professionals,
written documents and oral presentations(E- 1, VI, IX; PO- 1, 6, 9)
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
March 01, 2021