In order to develop an experiential understanding of concepts included in this course, students are provided with learning activities in which they need to actively engage. Learning activities are designed to help students experience many of the values and beliefs stated in the program philosophy, hence, experiencing the concept of praxis.
The teacher's responsibility in this course is to guide and facilitate. The student's responsibility is to use resources and to actively engage in dialogue and the process of learning. A seminar format provides opportunity for participants to share experiences and insights with others through active dialogue.
In this course, the profession of nursing and the nursing curriculum (philosophy and concepts) are the focus of discussion. An outline of concepts and essential content is presented below.
Course concepts are explored with the students from two perspectives: self as learner and self as nurse. From the perspective of self as learner, students explore learning and praxis. From the perspective of self as nurse, students explore the concepts of nursing, social construction of nursing, and professionalism and health care system. The concepts of caring, health promotion and commitment are explored from both perspectives.
Nursing
Social construction of nursing
- historical perspective
- socialization
- societal views and expectations
- “image”
Health Care System (introduction)
- relevant Federal and Provincial legislation. e.g. Canadian Charter of Rights
- role of nurses and other health care workers
- current trends and issues (introduction)
Caring
- multiple meanings
Health Promotion
Professionalism
- Professional Organizations
- CRNBC
- Examples of national and international organizations
- BCNU
- standards of practice
- legal issues
- ethics
- Ethical conduct, code of ethics
- client rights
- Ethical conduct, code of ethics
- documentation (professional issues)
- confidentiality
- evidence-based practice
- professional resources e.g. libraries, journals, CRNBC, CNA
Learning
- critical thinking, critical reflection, critical writing
- self as learner
- learning styles
- readiness to learn
Program Philosophy
- Praxis
Theoretical Foundations
- Phenomenology
- Humanism
- Feminism (in-depth discussion)
- gender issues (introduction)
- feminist perspectives on the gendered history of nursing
- Critical Social Theory
Foundational concepts - ways of knowing
- personal meaning
- time/transitions
- culture/context
- Informatics
The four foundational concepts are discussed separately and in relation to the other concepts in this course integrating the meta-concepts, health promotion and caring
In this course students have opportunities to:
- develop an awareness of the profession of nursing, in particular the culture of the nursing profession, the transitions that have occurred in nursing, the historical roots and traditions of the profession, the profession’s influence on present day nursing and to envision how the nursing profession may be actualized in the future. Attention is paid to the gendered history of nursing. In this sense, students develop an appreciation of the scope and context of contemporary nursing practice.
- develop an awareness of the philosophy, beliefs and values upon which the Collaborative Nursing Program in BC is based.
Course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College Curriculum Development and Approval policy. There will be a minimum of three assessments which will typically include exams, quizzes, papers and/or student presentations. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. Respect for individual choice and an openness to negotiation guides decisions about methods of evaluation.
This is a graded course.
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
- Planned Praxis Experience
- Personal experience
- A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
- Other Resources
- Selected readings from books and professional journals and documents
- Health professionals
- Selected audiovisual and computer resources
- Guest speakers