Care of Individuals and Families with Complex Needs

Outcome-based clinical nursing care for individuals (adults and children) and families with complex (multifaceted biological, psychological, and social) health care needs is the focus of this course. Specific emphasis will be placed on the critical assessment of patients across the lifespan and the complex context within which care is provided. Therapeutic strategies and state of the art technology to restore, maintain, and promote health or facilitate a peaceful death drawn from basic and clinical sciences, evidence based research, and other relevant sources (patient, family, cultural mores, etc) will be stressed. These same sources will be used to develop and evaluate the effectives of nursing interventions. Theories, concepts, and practices related to lifespan development, genetics, family care, racial-ethnic and cultural issues serve as foundational material for evaluating the success of clinical outcomes. Provision of just and equitable care regardless of personal or social circumstance will be emphasized. Selected clinical experiences aimed at mastering critical reasoning, communication, collaboration and necessary clinical skills will be provided. Clinical experiences will occur across the life span and within diverse contexts and will emphasize the delivery of holistic nursing care to individuals and families with complex health care needs.   5 weeks.