Health Care & Social Services
2011 - 2012 curriculum of the Degree Programme in Nursing, Bachelor of Health Care
Professional studies
Basics of Professional Nursing
5AN001 Scientific Basis of Nursing, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students are able to use the nursing concepts and nursing research knowledge at work and in decision making. They know how to use e.g. the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing, based on the activities of daily living, as a basis for the process model of nursing and in documentation. The students understand the significance of evidence-based nursing in everyday professional practice.
Learning methods: The students´ previous knowledge as the basis for learning. Active learning methods. Use and development of metacognitive skills, increased self-regulation of learning. The ability to understand issues and their various interpretations. Learning from fact orientation to problem and situation orientation. Learning in situations of social interaction.
Literature and other material:
- Kodier, B. et al. 2004. Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts, Process and Practice.
- Other current literature.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. A material-based exam or other exam, assignments, seminar work, self-assessment.
52AN002 Helping Methods in Nursing and Professional Ethics, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know how to function in accordance with professional ethics and recognise their responsibility as developers of nursing as a member of nursing team. The students are proficient in holistic nursing and in using the helping methods such as basic care and nursing procedures. They are capable of client-centred and goal-oriented interaction with patients, families, and communities. They can observe the basic functions of a patient.
Learning methods: Mandatory attendance (100 %), group work, drama, solution-oriented methods, classroom practice.
Literature and other material: Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Continuous evaluation and a written examination.
52AN003 First Aid, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know how to provide first aid in life threatening emergency situations. They recognise a patient’s need for immediate first aid; know how to function in and how to provide first aid in various circumstances; can provide the basic resuscitation within their own competence. The students can function according to the valid operating instructions both in crisis situations under normal conditions, and in states of emergency. They are capable of assess a situation quickly and calmly and summon the appropriate help.
Learning methods: Lessons, multimedia, exercises, drama, an independent assignment. The personal learning process of the graduating students is tested, assessed and updated through control assignments. The students are motivated continuously to update their first aid knowledge and skills.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail. Mandatory attendance (100 %), The course includes an update of first aid knowledge and skills for graduating students (8 h).
52AN000 Guided Practice, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students become experienced in nursing functions related to basic care, improve their professional skills of interaction, become experienced in functioning according to the principles of aseptics, learn about the use of the nursing process method in the holistic nursing of patients, observe and acquire knowledge basis on the values, principles, and professional ethics of nursing, improve their clinical nursing skills, participate in the implementation of pharmacotherapy, improve their skills in written and oral communication as well as in documentation.
Literature and other material: Literature related to the theoretical studies. Individual learning journal (opiskelijan työkirja).
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail on the basis of self-assessment and feedback from the clinical supervisor and the teacher in charge of guided practice. A written assignment.
Foundation of Natural Sciences in Nursing
52AN004 Drug Administration, Medical Calculation and Pharmacology, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know about different medical substances and medicines and understand how they are applied appropriately in various illnesses and dysfunctions. The students can observe the desired and non-desired effects of medical treatment. They are familiar with drug administration legislation and can act accordingly. They can instruct clients/patients in the safe use of medicines. The students master medical calculations and the safe administration of medicines. Contents: drug administration legislation and other regulations, the principles of pharmacotherapy, the nurse as an implementer of pharmacotherapy, the basics of pharmacology, medical calculation.
Literature and other material: Provided at the beginning of the course. Personal documentation on medical treatments and pharmacotherapeutical skills (Lääkehoitopassi 2007)
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. An examination and examinations on medical calculation. Medical calculations must be performed without errors and without any aids.
5AN005 Aseptics, Microbiology and Pathology, 2 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the basics of aseptics, microbiology and pathology. They know the principles of aseptic working methods and are familiar with preventive measures against infectious diseases in hospitals and other healthcare units. The students can eliminate infections in various healthcare environments.
Learning methods: Active attendance, classroom practice, group work, assignments, independent studying, learning track event.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course. Topical articles of the field. Related databases, the Internet.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5.
52AN006 Anatomy and Physiology, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students master with the knowledge base of anatomy and physiology that is essential in nursing. They can make use of their knowledge in their nursing studies and increase their knowledge to meet the needs of working life.
Contents: cell, tissues, skin, blood, the functioning and structures of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems, the functioning of internal secretory glands, the structure and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the functioning of the autonomous nervous system, the structure and functioning of the musculoskeletal system, the senses and their functioning. The acid-base balance, the blood types, embryonic development, the embryonic blood circulation, advanced knowledge on reproduction, the hormonal control of pregnancy, and the functioning of the placenta.
Learning methods: Active attendance, group work, cooperative learning assignments, independent studying and web-based learning.
Literature and other material: Ross and Wilson: Anatomy and Physiology.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Assignments and examinations.
Health Promotion in Nursing
52AN007 Methods of Health Promotion, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the main concepts, methods, and levels of health promotion as well as the forms of prevention. They can use information retrieved from health-promoting strategies and health policy programs in their work towards the promotion of health. They can recognise and foresee factors affecting the health of individuals and communities. They are familiar with the factors influencing the health-related behaviour of individuals and communities. They know the functions of health education, and how to support and activate individuals and communities in advancing the promotion of health, resources and functional abilities. They support individuals and communities in the process of change in their health behaviour. The students plan, implement, and evaluate a health-counselling event for an individual or a group using the latest methods of health promotion. They work by applying the ethical principles of nursing and make use of technology in health promotion.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Assignments and health counselling events.
52AN008 Health Promotion Exercise and Nutrition, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know and understand the significance of exercise and nutrition from the point of view of an individual’s wellbeing and working ability. They understand the significance of nutrition in basic exercise and in exertion. Contents: examining and developing the condition (endurance) of the cardiovascular system, examining and developing the condition (muscular condition and mobility) of the musculoskeletal system, examining and developing coordination (skill), physical exercise and mental health, understanding the social perspective of exercise in nursing. Nutrition and weight control, and the special dietary requirements of different patients.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail. Attendance, exercises and a course assignment.
52AN009 Cooperation and Multicultural Nursing, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students can form a comprehensive picture of the main phenomena and concepts related to culture and multiculturalism. They understand the significance of a cultural background and environment for an individual’s health and wellbeing. They enhance their knowledge on the specific features of different cultures and their ability to observe them in nursing. They study the main factors of multicultural communication and interaction and learn how to apply them in their work. They learn to use various sources of information in developing their ability to work in a multicultural setting. They can function in an international work community. They are aware of group dynamics and they know the significance of cooperation to the internal functionality of a work community. They are familiar with international cooperation in the social welfare and health care.
Contents: The main concepts of culture and multiculturalism. Finland as the living and working environment. Adapting to a new country. The most important elements of intercultural communication. A foreigner as a client of the social welfare and health care system. The special features of different ethnic groups/cultures and noticing them in nursing (e.g. gypsies, Sámi, members of religious groups, Russians, Asians, Africans). Leininger’s culture care theory. A professional and culturally aware person. The multicultural work environment in Finland and abroad. Group dynamics. Cooperation in a work community. Learning in teams.
Learning methods: Lessons, exercises, independent work (assignment or planning an interaction event for immigrants), seminar/interaction event.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail.
Health Care of Children, Adolescents and Family
52AN010 Health Promotion of Children and Adolescents, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students are familiar with the factors affecting families expecting a baby, mothers who have recently given birth and newborn babies. They know about the factors affecting the growth and development of children and youths, the related development monitoring methods, the research and treatment methods used in nursing, medical treatment and pharmacotherapy. The students recognise the challenges of caring for children of different ages and are able to respond to them using the relevant methods and a family-centred, multiprofessional approach. They know how to deal with clients in issues related to sexuality. They recognise the home care clients´ special qualities and learn how to make a care and service plan. Contents: The health promotion methods for children, youths, and families; gynaecological diseases and obstetrics; paediatrics; care of children, youths, women, and families expecting a baby; the special concerns of pharmacotherapy; the special features of home care; sexual health.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Examination and assignment. Continuous evaluation. Successful completion of medical calculations.
52AN011 Nursing of Children and Adolescents, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the basics of paediatric nursing, children’s diseases, and children’s medical treatment and pharmacotherapy. They function as members of multiprofessional cooperative groups and practise nursing expertise in paediatric nursing. They also know the special features of paediatric nursing and act according to them. The students know the significance of health promotion in the nursing of children and families and apply the principles of health promotion in their work. They know the effects of sickness on children and families and recognise problems related to the nursing of children of various ages and respond to them using the methods of nursing. They understand the significance of family-centred nursing and are able to create interactive nursing relationship with children and families. They participate in the implementation of the common research and nursing methods used in nursing and learn about and implement pharmacotherapy. The students learn how to support sick children and their families in situations of crisis and bereavement.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
52AN012 Nursing of Women and Family, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students master the nursing of women and families expecting a child or giving birth, or have recently had a baby. They also know the basics of obstetrics and gynaecological diseases. They function as members of multiprofessional cooperative groups and learning nursing expertise in the nursing of women and families expecting a child. They also function according to the special features of women’s care. The students know the significance of health promotion in the nursing of women and families and apply the principles of health promotion in their work. They recognise the challenges and problems related to the nursing of women and families and responds to them using the methods of nursing. They understand the meaning of family-centred nursing and are able to create interactive nursing relationship with women and with families that are expecting children, are in the phase of giving birth, or have recently had a baby. They participate in the implementation of the common research and treatment methods used in the nursing of women and families and implement pharmacotherapy.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
52AN014 Guided practice, 12 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the basics of nursing practice in the field of nursing under study. They also know how to carry out medical treatment and pharmacotherapy in practice. They function as members of multiprofessional cooperative groups and practise nursing expertise. They practise health promotion methods in nursing. They practise the methods of family-centred nursing and are able to create interactive nursing relationship with children and families. They participate in the implementation of the research and treatment methods in this field of nursing and implement medical treatment and pharmacotherapy. The students learn how to support sick children and their families in situations of crisis and bereavement.
Literature and other material:
- Literature related to the theoretical studies.
- Individual learning journal (opiskelijan työkirja).
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail on the basis of self-assessment and feedback from the clinical supervisor and the teacher in charge of guided practice. A written assignment.
Health Care of Adults of Working Age
52AN015 Health Promotion of Adults, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the central areas of public health nursing of working-age people and know and assess the impacts of work, unemployment, the work community, and the work and living environments on people’s health, wellbeing, and ability to work. They are familiar with the contents of the Occupational Health Care Act and can apply the Act in order to function accordingly. The students know and can apply the activity supporting the ability to work and function, multiprofessionally. They can also apply evidence-based nursing in the health promotion and rehabilitation of working-age people. The students participate in the implementation of adults’ physical examinations and in health promotion through individual and group work by using the latest methods of health promotion. They are familiar with the most typical work-related diseases of working-age people and the preventive health care measures. They know the contents of occupational safety, protection, and ergonomics.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
52AN016 Nursing of adults, 8 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the central areas (in medical-surgical nursing) of the nursing of working-age people and know and evaluate the effects of work, unemployment, the work community, and the work and living environments on people’s health, wellbeing, and ability to work. They know the contents of the Occupational Health Care Act. They learn evidence-based nursing and the recommendations on good medical practice (Käypä Hoito-suositus) The students are familiar with the contents of adults’ physical examinations and the most salient methods of health promotion. They are aware of the most typical work-related diseases of working-age people and the preventive health care measures against them. They know the basics of occupational protection, safety, and ergonomics related to nursing.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
52AN017 Guided practice, 27 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students are familiar with the salient functions of nursing of working-age people. They are familiar with the contents of the Occupational Health Care Act and can apply the Act in order to function according to the practice of occupational health care and nursing. They familiarize themselves with evidence-based nursing and the recommendations on good medical practice (especially medical-surgical illnesses) in nursing practice. The students can act in a multiprofessional way in the health promotion and rehabilitation of working-age people. The students participate in the implementation of adults’ physical examinations and in health promotion through individual and group work by using the latest methods of health promotion. They are aware of the most typical visceral, surgical, and work-related diseases of working-age people and the preventive health care measures against them. They know the contents of occupational protection, safety, and ergonomics.
Literature and other material: Literature related to the theoretical studies. Individual learning journal (opiskelijan työkirja).
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail on the basis of self-assessment and feedback from the clinical supervisor and the teacher in charge of guided practice. A written assignment.
Health Care of the Elderly
52AN018 Health Promotion of the Elderly, 2 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students respect old age as a natural stage of human life. They learn the concepts related to growing old. They carry out resource-based working method in promoting functional ability and rehabilitation of the elderly. They get to know the Memorial Training- method and are able to implement preventive house call.
Literature and other material: Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
52AN019 Nursing of the Elderly and Wellness Technology, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students are capable of resource-based and analytical nursing as well as high-quality, multiprofessional, health-promoting and rehabilitating working methods. They examine client/patient care from the perspective of home care and respect their clients´/patients´ right to self-determination in home care. They can provide medical treatment and pharmacotherapy and understand the problems related to the pharmacotherapy of the elderly; in addition, they can prevent these problems. The students motivate and support the elderly to assume more responsibility for the own health and functional ability. The students take care of their own professional development in the professional nurse -client/ patient relationship. Content areas: The most common illnesses of the elderly and their medical treatment : the special features of geriatric patients in diseases related to metabolism and the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. The most typical infections, their treatment, and their prevention among the elderly. The most typical urinary and genital problems and diseases among men and women. Dementia, depression, and sleeping problems.
Literature and other material:
- Provided at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
5AN020 Guided practice, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students apply the acquired knowledge in guided practice e.g. in medical wards in hospital, wards at health centre, home nursing, day care hospital, or hospital on the wheels.
Contents: practising the health promotion methods for the elderly, practising how to measure the functional ability of the elderly, nursing that supports the elderly to cope with their situation, getting acquainted with the special concerns of pharmacotherapy from the viewpoint of the elderly, the rehabilitative nursing of dementia patients, care and service planning in home care, technology supporting home care, and hospice care.
Literature and other material:
- Literature related to the theoretical studies.
- Individual learning journal (opiskelijan työkirja).
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail on the basis of self-assessment and feedback from the clinical supervisor and the teacher in charge of guided practice. A written assignment.
Mental Health Care
52AN021 Mental Health Care and Psychiatric Nursing, 3 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students know the historical, societal, and theoretical approaches that guide psychiatric nursing. They understand the societal significance of supportive mental health work and psychiatric know-how. They understand the dynamics between psycho-social wellbeing and mental disorders for the individual and the community. They understand the significance of a professional psychiatric relationship for the healing of a human mind. The students can provide crisis care in all areas of nursing. The students grow into the professional role of a nurse and learn to use their own person as a tool in psychiatric care. The students realise the significance of individual and community-level supervision in psychiatric nursing.
Literature: Provided at the beginning of the course
Regional models of operation on the pages of service organizations, on the Internet, and from student seminars.
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale 1 - 5. Successful completion of medical and dose calculations.
5AN022 Guided Practice, 6 credits
Learning outcomes and contents of the course: The students understand the holistic patient/ client care and support by way of participating in the nursing process. In psychiatric nursing they learn to use helping methods aimed at people of varying ages at the individual and community levels (in early intervention as well as in and rehabilitative nursing). The students learn to use different techniques and tools of interviewing and interaction. They understand the significance of a professional psychiatric care relationship for the healing of a human mind. The students grow into the professional role of a nurse and learn to use their own person as a tool in psychiatric nursing. The students realise the significance of individual and community-level supervision in psychiatric nursing. The students learn self-evaluation.
Literature and other material: Literature related to the theoretical studies. Individual learning journal (opiskelijan työkirja).
Evaluation of the course: Grading scale pass/fail on the basis of self-assessment and feedback from the clinical supervisor and the teacher in charge of guided practice. A written assignment.