Master Resource Outline

 

Course Title: NRSG 603: Advanced Pharmacology I

Credits: 2 (2 didactic)

Semester Offered: Summer, Spring, and Fall

Degree: DNP, MN

 

AACN Core Competencies for Advanced-level Nursing Education: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9

MRJCON DNP & MN Program Learning Outcome: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9

MRJCON NM Option Learning Outcomes: Integrate foundational knowledge from the basic and applied sciences into clinical, evidenced-based midwifery practice.

 

Course Description:

This graduate nursing course provides an understanding of the science of therapeutics and principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

 

Catalog Description:

This graduate nursing course provides an understanding of the science of therapeutics and principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

 

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completing this course the student will be able to:

  1. Apply principles of pharmacodynamics to the cellular mechanism of drug action and physiologic outcomes of common classifications of pharmaceutical agents.
  2. Apply principles of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of common classifications of pharmacologic agents.
  3. Use principles of pharmacologic reasoning to determine the rationale for the management of medication for patients with simple and complex health problems.

 

Exemplars of Course Learning Outcomes:                      

  1. Short Answer Questions – students provide 2-4 sentence responses to open-ended questions posed as brief case vignettes. (CLO 1, 2, 3)
  2. Prescription Writing Assignment – students write prescriptions for a variety of medications (oral, inhaled, topical, etc.) based on given patient characteristics. (CLO 3)
  3. Quizzes – students answer multiple choice questions that require application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics concepts in conjunction with evidence-based medication guidelines. (CLO 1, 2, 3)

 

AACN Competencies [AACN Essentials, 2021]

This course introduces:

1.1 Demonstrates an understanding of the discipline of nursing’s distinct perspective and where shared perspectives exist with other disciplines. (1.1f, 1.1g, 1.1e)

1.2 Apply theory and research-based knowledge from nursing, the arts, humanities, and other sciences (1.2f, 1.2g, 1.2h)

1.3 Demonstrate clinical judgment founded on a broad knowledge base (1.3d, 1.3f)

2.3 Integrate assessment skills in practice (2.3h)

2.4 Diagnose actual or potential health problems and needs (2.4f, 2.4g)

2.5 Develop a plan of care (2.5j)

4.1 Advance the scholarship of nursing (4.1h, 4.1i)

4.2 Integrate best evidence into nursing practice (4.2f)

5.2 Contribute to a culture of patient safety (5.2h)

7.2 Incorporate consideration of cost-effectiveness of care (7.2g)

8.2 Use information and communication technology to gather data, create information, and generate knowledge (8.2f, 8.2h, 8.2j)

9.4 Comply with laws, policies, and regulations (9.4f)

 

Curricular Threads addressed in this course:

  • Equity and Inclusion
  • Diversity
  • Communication
  • Ethics
  • Clinical Judgment
  • Mental Health

 

Recommended Content:

  • Professional and Regulatory issues of prescribing medication
  • Pharmacology (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of common categories of medications. Examples include but are not limited to:
    • Vaccines
    • Gastrointestinal medications
    • Medications related to mental health
    • Antimicrobials
    • Pain medications
    • Bone Health
    • Alternative therapy
  • Impact of Substance Use
  • Considerations for special populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and transgender patients

 

Recommended Clinical Experiences/Sites: N/A

 

Approved by GAAC: 11/3/2023; 4/5/2024

Approved by Faculty: 11/13/2023; 5/8/2024