Curriculum and program review - Essay Example

Having in mind the general goals and objectives in the Associate Degree Nursing program at North Central State College, on completion of this program, the graduate (RN) should have developed skills needed to be able to assist individual participation in health promotion, maintenance and restoration throughout the lifespan. As a provider and manager of care and member of the discipline of nursing, a RN should be able to demonstrate critical thinking. Furthermore, a RN should integrate the knowledge acquired in the nursing process to meet the needs of individuals and of groups that have similar health problems in a variety of settings.

Maybe the most important goals include the RNs being able to safely perform technical procedures using judgment based on the previously acquired knowledge of biopsychosocial principles. Moreover, since establishing therapeutic relationships with clients and families is an integral part of nursing care, this is also an important objective of this program. However, besides the relationships with clients, being a member of the health care team, a RN should also obtain cooperative relationships with co-workers and assume responsibility for their own progress and learning that is ongoing in this profession.

Finally, a RN should incorporate knowledge of ethical and legal responsibilities and be aware of individual limitations in nursing practice. Goals and objectives of the Associate Degree Nursing Program are more or less the same in other colleges besides the North Central State College. However, there are some additional ones that are relevant and will be enlisted further in the text. “Upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the graduate, recognizing humans as unique individuals of worth, will be able to in a “caring” manner: implement individualized nursing care according to the client’s cultural background; apply basic knowledge of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; apply basic knowledge of Erikson’s Stage of Growth and Development; utilize principles of nutrition in health and disease; utilize principles of pharmacology, understand rationale, and administer medications safely; utilize teaching principles to provide education to client, community and family; recognize and comprehend all information regarding clients is confidential and students are held accountable for knowing Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.

” (Southeastern Illinois College) Furthermore, in Chaffey College, besides being able to nourish the client’s physical health, a nurse’s goal should also be to “Utilize the nursing process to provide care for the client and his family that recognizes threats to normal physiological, psychological, developmental, spiritual and sociocultural needs.” (Chaffey College) However, “To provide an environment that promotes tolerance for diverse cultures, beliefs and opinions” (Nursing Student Handbook, 2010, p. 4) is a goal that hasn’t been listed in neither of these colleges, except the Goodwin College.

Equality of all races when it comes to providing help related to health should be an imperative. Every client should receive equal amount of attention and have the right to be treated with care and respect. According to the Behrend College, “The associate degree in Nursing is a concentrated two-year program… and after earning an associate degree students are eligible to take the national examination for licensure (NCLEX) as registered nurses.”