NURS 3460 Foundations of Nursing Practice
This course introduces the foundational concepts and principles essential to professional nursing practice. Using a concept-informed framework, students explore core concepts including clinical judgment, patient-centered care, safety, quality improvement, communication, professionalism, and evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating knowledge from the biological, behavioral, and nursing sciences to support holistic care across the lifespan. Nursing theory including nursing history and ethics are integrated.
Students are introduced to the role of the nurse in providing care across the continuum of health, including health promotion, acute and chronic illness, and palliative and end-of-life care.
Emphasis is placed on supporting comfort, symptom management, and quality oflife for individuals experiencing serious illness.
Guided by professional standards, students begin developing nursing judgment and professional identity while applying the nursing process as a framework for decision-making. The course fosters beginning proficiency in ethical reasoning, communication, and compassionate care, including care that supports patients and families during serious illness and end-of-life experiences.