Geropharmacology - PN 617 Upgrading Practical Nursing Program: Distance Module Course Outline COURSE IMPLEMENTATION DATE: November 2005 OUTLINE EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2008 COURSE OUTLINE REVIEW DATE: March 2013 GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: This self-paced distance course is intended to introduce the Licensed Practical Nurse to Geropharmacology and the safe use of drugs with the older adult in a variety of settings, who may have mental and/or physical disabilities, and who require medication administration. Program Information: This upgrading course is designed with a series of Learning Activities that guide you through the theory and skills that are necessary to gain a fundamental grasp of geropharmacology. You obtain information through readings, observations, and experiences concerning safe drug use and the older adult. Delivery: This course is distance delivery. Hours for this course: 45 hours Typical Structure of Instructional Hours: Instructional Activity Duration Lecture Hours Seminars / Tutorials Laboratory / Studio Hours Practicum / Field Experience Hours 15 Other Contact Hours (Preceptorship) 30 Total 45 Practicum Hours (if applicable): Type of Practicum Duration On-the-job Experience N/A Formal Work Experience N/A Other (Preceptorship) 30 Total 30 1
Course Outline Author or Contact: Cheryl Mackie, RN, BN, MHScN Signature APPROVAL SIGNATURES: Department Head Darrell Bethune E-mail: bethune@cotr.bc.ca Dean of Instruction Gary Johnson E-mail: johnson@cotr.bc.ca Department Head Signature Dean of Instruction Signature EDCO Valid from: September 2008 August 2013 Education Council Approval Date COURSE PRE-REQUISITES AND TRANSFER CREDIT Prerequisites: Basic Pharmacology (PN 604) or equivalent training and experience, proof of licensure with CLPNBC or letter from CLPNBC stating eligibility for licensure. Proof of either of these documents must be included with your application form for admission into the course. Corequisites: None Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Credit can be awarded for this course through PLA Yes No Transfer Credit: For transfer information within British Columbia, Alberta and other institutions, please visit http://www.cotr.bc.ca/transfer Students should also contact an academic advisor at the institution where they want transfer credit. Prior Course Number: PVHE 617 Date changed: 2008 10/2/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\pn617.docx 2
Textbooks and Required Resources: Textbook selection varies by instructor and may change from year to year. At the Course Outline Effective Date the following textbooks were in use: Any Drug Guide for Nurses (current within the last 5 yrs) Any Basic Pharmacology for Nursing Text (current within the last 5 yrs) Any Gerontological Nursing Text (current within the last 5 years Standards of Practice for LPN's in BC Understanding the Role of the LPN located on CLPNBC webcite. Please see instructor s Syllabus for a complete list of the current required textbooks. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the successful completion of this course, you should be able to: understand how the aging process alters an individual s use of, and response to medications appreciate the problems of overuse and misuse of medications by older adults research and review medication safety considerations in the administration of medication relate issues of drug interactions, polypharmacy and food/drug effects to medication situations commonly encountered by older adults ensure the safe use of narcotics with the older adult administer prn medications in a safe and competent manner, and properly document the process communicate essential information about client medications to other members of the health team instruct clients about medications, in a manner appropriate to their needs and abilities understand the issues that older adults face when making choices about medications, and advocate to reduce geropharmacological risks apply physiological background knowledge for the administration of intramuscular injections to clients across the lifespan COURSE TOPICS: Age Related Changes Influencing Drug Actions Overuse of Medications in the Elderly Population Safe Medication Administration with the Older Adult Understanding Common Drug Interactions with the Older Adult Narcotics and the Older Adult PRN Medications Communication and Teaching Responsibilities for Safe Medication Use The LPN s Advocacy Role in the Safe Use of Medications Intramuscular Injections. See instructor s syllabus for the detailed outline of weekly readings, activities and assignments. 10/2/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\pn617.docx 3
ESSENTIAL SKILLS DEVELOPED IN THIS COURSE: Students can expect to develop the following skills in this course: Skills for Busy Students Manage study time effectively Develop problem-solving and memory skills Writing Skills Identify a purpose and audience for writing Apply pre-writing strategies and develop a draft Use correct punctuation and grammar Research Skills Understand what constitutes plagiarism in academic writing EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT Module Learning Activity Written Assignment Final Quiz Assignments Total % Of total Grade 40% 40% 20% 100% Please see the instructor syllabus for specific classroom policies related to this course, such as details of evaluation, penalties for late assignments, and use of electronic aids. Note: Students must pass the practicum to be successful in this course. EXAM POLICY Students must attend all required scheduled exams that make up a final grade at the appointed time and place. Individual instructors may accommodate for illness or personal crisis. Additional accommodation will not be made unless a written request is sent to and approved by the appropriate Department Head prior to the scheduled exam. Any student who misses a scheduled exam without approval will be given a grade of 0 for the exam. 10/2/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\pn617.docx 4
COURSE GRADE Course grades are assigned as follows: Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ F Mark (Percent) 95 94-90 89-85 84-80 79-75 74-70 69-65 < 65 A minimum grade of 80% must be achieved to pass this course. ACADEMIC POLICIES See www.cotr.bc.ca/policies for general college policies related to course activities, including grade appeals, cheating and plagiarism. COURSE CHANGES: Information contained in course outlines is correct at the time of publication. Content of the courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment, and marketing needs. The instructor will endeavour to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses. 10/2/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\pn617.docx 5