Bachelor of Nursing Science – Nurses Online Discussion

Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)

An undergraduate program designed to prepare competent, professional registered nurses through scientific knowledge and clinical practice.”

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Course Curriculum

Year 1

BNS 111: Anatomy & Physiology

Introduces the foundational concepts and skills of professional nursing, focusing on patient care, the nursing process, and ethical practice.

Introduction

Key definitions

Concepts and landmarks

Nomenclature in human anatomy

Cell and Tissues

Cell theory

Cell structure and organelles

Cell functions and functional specialization

Cell cycle regulation and disorders

Supporting tissue: Classification, cell types, structure, functions and disorders of fibrous tissue

Supporting tissue: Cartilage

Supporting tissue: Bone

Supporting tissue: Blood

Propulsion tissue: Classification, structure, characteristics, regeneration, distribution and functions

Nervous tissue: Structural features of neurons and neuroglial cells

Nervous tissue: Organization of peripheral nerves and ganglia

Epithelial tissue: Characteristics, structural features, classification, distribution, functions and disorders

Glands: Definition, classification and common disorders of glands

Skin

Skin structure, appendages and adaptations

Common developmental abnormalities of skin

Common conditions affecting the skin and appendages

Musculoskeletal system

Bone: Definition, structure and composition and disorders

Muscles: Classification and functions

Muscles: Muscle of upper and lower limbs

Muscles: Back and anterior abdominal wall muscles and disorders

Joints: Types, classification

Joints: Axial and appendicular skeleton and disorders

Respiratory system

Thoracic cage, thoracic wall, nasal cavity, naso-pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveolar sacs

Mechanism of respiration and ventilation

Pleura and its nerve supply

Differences between right and left lungs

Complications and common disorders of the respiratory system

Cardiovascular system

Heart and great vessels, pericardium, formation and structure of the heart, conducting system and blood supply of the heart

Developmental abnormalities and disease conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, angina, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, malformations)

Genetics

Genetic code and chromosomes

Gene expression, genetic drift and polymorphism

Multi-factorial traits, polygenic inheritance patterns, polymorphism, linkage disequilibrium

Embryology

Male and female reproductive cycles and systems; gametogenesis; gamete viability and transport

Fertilization: definition, events and results

Formation and transportation of morula

Implantation: normal and abnormal implantation

Bilaminar germ disc, gastrulation, neurulation, embryonic folding, organogenesis

Placenta and foetal membranes, umbilical cord

Common abnormalities: Tetratology and tetratogenesis

BNS 112: Foundations of Nursing

Covers the structure and function of the human body, with emphasis on cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

History and Evolution of Nursing

Historical Perspectives

Evolution of Nursing as a Professional Discipline

Influences of human developments on nursing

Global perspectives

The Discipline of Nursing

Major Concepts and Principles

Important definitions (Nurse, Health, Holism, Holistic Health, Holistic Nursing Care)

Specialisations of nursing, Goals of Nursing

Functions/Roles of a nurse in the healthcare team

Qualities of a Professional nurse

Patterns of knowing in nursing

Patterns of educational preparation in nursing

Professional Development of the Nurse in Uganda

Therapeutic Interactions

Key terms

Nurse-patient relationships

The Communication Process

Levels, modes and types of Communication

Techniques of Therapeutic Communication

Barriers to Therapeutic Communication

Nursing Organizations and Associations

Definition of key terms

Importance of nursing organizations, associations and unions

Roles of organizations influencing nursing globally and regionally

Roles and functions of national and regional nursing organizations

Nursing Partners: MOH, MOE&S, UNMC, UNANM, ICN, ICM, CWF, WHO, ECSACON

Positioning Nursing as a Professional Discipline

Definition of key terms: profession, discipline, professional practice, professional discipline

Characteristics of professional disciplines and professional nurses

Categorization of professions (Flexner, Bixler, Pavalko)

Differentiating professions from occupations

Philosophies of Nursing

Definition of key terms; Beliefs, values and philosophies

Philosophy of Nursing in Uganda

Philosophy of the IHSU School of Nursing

Importance of developing personal philosophies of nursing

The Individual, Health and Holism

Key terms; Health, illness and wellness

Theoretical models of health and their assumptions

Influence of holistic approach in health and health care delivery

Three levels/approaches to health maintenance

Concepts of stress, adaptation and coping in health and illness

Loss, grieving and death; Impact of illness on patients and families

Nursing's role in health promotion and illness prevention

Metaparadigm Concepts of Nursing

Key terms and concepts

How nursing's paradigms differ from other helping professions

Metaparadigm concepts: nursing, person, environment, health

Application of metaparadigm concepts in professional practice

Theory as a Basis for Professional Practice

Definition of key terms

Theory types: grand; middle range and practice theories

Selected Theorists: Early theorists, theorists from Totality, Simultaneity

Caring paradigms

Application of theory to practice and research

The Nursing Care Processes

Definition of key terms and concepts

Approaches to nursing care: nurse-centered and patient-centred

Components of the scientific nursing process

Advantages and disadvantages of nursing process

Utilization of the nursing process

BNS 113: Health Assessment

Key concepts and the nursing process

Definition of concepts

Health assessment in general nursing practice

Types of health assessments

Nursing process and its components

Generic and comprehensive health assessment tools

Therapeutic communication

Symptom analysis

Interviewing skills and health history

Purposes, process and principles of interviewing

Format used to obtain a health history

Investigations during the health history

Recording a client's health history

Identify own strengths and weaknesses via observations; Clinical assessment weaknesses of self/peer analysis

Practice interviewing a client/peer and take his/her health history

Assessment of the mental status

Review of mental functioning and changes with age

Assessment of appearance and behavior

Evaluation of mood

Assessment of thought process and perceptions

Evaluation of cognitive function and Documentation of specific findings

Physical Examination Technique

Appropriate use and technique of inspection, percussion, palpation and auscultation

Equipments needed to perform a physical examination

Procedure and sequence for performing a general assessment of a client

Documentation of findings

Systemic Physical Examination

Review of anatomy and physiology: skin, appendages, head (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, pharynx)

Age related changes and differences in assessment

Assessment of the eyes and ears

Assessment of nose, mouth and pharynx

Assessment of thorax and lungs

Assessment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system

Assessment of axilla and genitalia

Assessment of the abdomen, anus and rectum

Assessment of cranial nerves and the spinal nervous system

Documentation of findings

Assessment of special populations

Assessment of pregnant woman

Assessment of pediatric patient

Assessment of mentally ill patient

Assessment of elderly patient

Assessment findings of clinical importance in various population groups

Laboratory and diagnostic studies

Full Blood Count: Purpose and normal values

Blood slide for malaria parasites

HB estimation

Blood sugar

Bleeding and clotting time

Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, ESR

Urinalysis

Acid alcohol Fast Bacilli, AAFBs

Stool Analysis

Packed Cell Volume, PCV

Blood Grouping and Cross Matching

Culture and Sensitivity tests

Serological tests and HIV test

X-Ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Electro Cardiograph, ECG

Ultrasound Scan, U/S

Electrolyte levels

Hormone levels

Renal function tests

Liver function tests

BNS 114: Biochemistry

Cells and Tissues

Cell chemistry; Introduction to basic inorganic and organic chemistry

Macromolecules: Structure and Function

Biological membranes: Structure and Function

Genes and gene expression; mechanisms of cell division

Basic enzymology

Basic immunology

Blood and Body fluids

Biochemistry of blood and body fluids

Plasma proteins: Structure and Function

Blood gases

Blood coagulation

Common disorders in blood and body fluids

Cardiovascular and Respiratory system

Muscle biochemistry

Acid Base balance

Structural barriers; Chemical barriers

Common biochemical abnormalities in cell and tissue functioning

BNS 115: Computer Skills

Detailed course content for Computer Skills (BNS 115) is not specifically outlined in Chapter IV of the provided “Minimum Standards for Courses of Study for the Bachelor of Nursing Science Program” document. General topics would likely include

Introduction to Computers & Operating Systems

Word Processing Software

Spreadsheet Software

Presentation Software

Internet and Email Usage

Basic Database Management

Introduction to Health Informatics

Utilizing Online Health Resources

Data Security and Privacy in Healthcare

BNS 116: Communication Skills

Introduction to Communication

Definition of communication and the communication cycle

Importance of Communication in healthcare

Levels and types of communication

Effective Communication and skills

Factors hindering and overcoming barriers to communication

Public Communication and Speaking skills

Introduction to Public communication

Oral Presentations: Planning, preparation (introduction, visual aids, conclusion, body), delivery

Types of speeches: Introduction, Informative, Argumentative, Persuasive, Special occasions

Study and Listening skills

Knowing the academic environment; Introduction to Problem based learning (PBL)

Planning work, organizing and budgeting time and other resources

Storing, retrieving, analysing and comparing study materials

Active listening; Understanding lectures and practical sessions

Recognising change of topic and focus; tutorial discussions

Examination and writing

Preparations for examinations; Understanding examination rubrics

Preparing and writing examinations and assignments; Interpretation of questions

Thinking critically; Writing clear and precise reports and academic essays

Selecting and organizing relevant details logically, evidence based writing

Drafting and editing documents; Use of appropriate language

Record keeping

Interviewing

Definition of important terms; The interview environment

Techniques for effective interviewing

Communication skills for patients' culture during interview

Guidance and Counselling

Distinction between guidance and counselling; Principles of guidance and counselling

The Counselling process

Counselling as a management method in health care: types, approaches, process

Ethics in counselling; Principles of Counselling

Attitudes in Counselling; Counselling skills; Qualities of a Counsellor

Counselling for Special clients

Individual and group counselling

Couple and relationships counselling; Family and marital conflict cases

Crisis counselling

HIV/AIDS Counselling

BNS 121: Pharmacology I (General Pharmacology)

Definition of key terms

Drug effect, efficacy, idiosyncrasy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics

Classification of drugs

Basic principles of drug action

Drug-Body interactions

Mechanism of action

Absorption and distribution; Metabolism and Excretion

Adverse effects of drugs

Routes of Administration

Antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic Agents

Penicillins

Aminoglycosides

Tetracyclines

Sulphonamides

Cephalosporins

Quinolones

Antitubercular agents

Antimalarials

Antihelminthic agents

Antifungal agents

Protozoal agents

Classification of anticancer drugs

Prescriptions

Terminologies; abbreviations

Writing proper prescriptions; interpretation

Ordering, Storage and Administration

Ordering of drugs; Storage of drugs

Administration of drugs: Calculating dosages, routes, techniques

Regulation

Uganda Pharmacy and Drug Act

National Drugs Authority

Rational drug use

Classification of drugs and mode of action

Parasympathomimetic and sympathomimetic agents and antagonists

Muscarinic and antimuscarin-like agents

Ganglion blocking agents

Drugs acting on Central nervous System

CNS stimulants: picrotoxin, theophylline, theobromine, caffeine, nicotine

CNS depressants: mode of action (hypnotic and sedatives, general anaesthetic agents, Local anaesthetic agents, smooth muscle relaxants: alcohols, skeletal muscle relaxants; neuro-muscular junction blockers)

Analgesic agents: narcotic and non-narcotic agents

Drugs acting on the cardiovascular system

Glycosides

Antiarrhythmic agents

Vasodilators

β adrenergic blocking agents

Calcium channel blockers

Centrally acting antihypertensives

Drugs acting on the digestive system

Anti-ulcer drugs

Laxatives and purgatives

Anti-diarrhoeal agents

Emetics and anti-emeticss

Anti-helminthics

Drugs acting on reproductive and urinary systems

Diuretics

Sex hormones

Contraceptives

Oxytocic tocolytics

BNS 122: Microbiology

Introduction to Microbiology

Classification and taxonomy of bacteria, viruses and fungi

Characteristics of microbes

Microbial physiology and genetics

Control of microbial growth

Microbial pathogenicity and epidemiology

Microbial ecology and interaction with man

Major human infections

Diagnostic procedures in bacteriology; Culture of microorganisms

Sterilization, disinfection and use of antimicrobial agents

Bacterial resistance, synergism and sensitivity testing

Use of equipment; Collection and preliminary processing/transport of specimens

Prevention of communicable diseases; Community Microbiology

Effect of physical and chemical agents on microorganisms

Kinetics of cell inactivation

Ionizing Radiations; Gases

Antimicrobial effects of moist heat

Ultraviolet radiations

Antimicrobial effects of chemical agents

Pharmaceutical Applications of microbiological techniques

Measurement of antimicrobial activity

Properties of microorganisms

Bacteria: Gram-positive cocci; Gram-negative cocci; Gram-positive rods; Gram-negative rods; Acid-fast organisms

Antimicrobial Agents: Anti bacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents; Drug combinations

Immunotherapy and Clinical immunology

Immune system in health: host defense, innate immunity, specific immunity

Organisation of the lymphoid system; Human leucocyte antigens

Immunodeficiency-congenital and acquired

Hypersensitivity diseases: Type I, II and III reactions

Principles of immunosuppressive therapy

Vaccine production: production of monoclonal antibodies and anti-sera production

BNS 123: Pathophysiology

BNS 124: Professional Nursing Issues

BNS 125: Advanced Nursing Skills

BNS 126: HIV/AIDS and Palliative Care

BNS 127: Health Psychology

BNS 128: Sociology of Health

Year 2

BNS 211: Medical / Surgical Nursing I

BNS 212: Child Health

BNS 213: Reproductive Health

BNS 214: Midwifery (Normal)

BNS 215: Traditional and Complementary Therapies

BNS 216: Pharmacology II (CNS, Therapeutics, Toxicology)

BNS 221: Medical / Surgical Nursing II

BNS 222: Nursing Research I

BNS 223: Epidemiology

BNS 224: Biostatistics and Demography

BNS 225: Women’s Health Care and Gynecology

BNS 226: Nursing Informatics

BNS 227: Abnormal Midwifery

Year 3

BNS 311: Mental Health Nursing

BNS 312: Nursing Education

BNS 313: Nursing Research II

BNS 314: Midwifery Domiciliary

BNS 315: Specialized Care Nursing

• BNS 316: Child Health II

BNS 321: Community Health Nursing

BNS 322: Principles of Management & Health Economics

BNS 323: Gender and Health

BNS 324: Entrepreneurship

BNS 325: Communicable Diseases

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