10-543-134Paramedic to Nursing Skills
Course Information
Description
This course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of nursing process to clients and families across the lifespan. Emphasis placed on assessment, relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Provide wound care
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    adapt procedures to reflect variations across the lifespan
    use aseptic technique
    verify medical order
    assemble necessary supplies
    explain procedure to client
    obtain culture specimen according to designated procedure/checklist
    cleanse or irrigate wound according to designated procedure/checklist
    assess tissue condition and drainage
    apply a variety of dressings according to designated procedure/checklist
    recognize and report significant deviations in wounds
    document actions and observations

  2. Maintain enteral tubes (feeding, irrigation, suction)
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    modify procedures to reflect variations across the lifespan
    maintain aseptic technique
    select appropriate equipment
    explain procedure to client
    determine appropriate placement
    implement measure to prevent displacement of tube
    follow medical orders and designated procedures/checklists: feedings/irrigation/suction
    document actions and observations
    recognize and report significant deviations from norms

  3. Administer medications via the enteral route (oral/tube/rectal)
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    modify procedure to reflect variations across the lifespan
    follow aseptic technique
    verify medical orders
    identify the client
    check for client allergies
    verify the correct drug including expiration date
    verify the correct route
    verify the correct time
    verify the correct dose
    verify all information three times
    explain to client
    follow designated procedures/checklists: oral/tube/rectal
    document actions and observations
    calculate correct amount to administer
    identify the classifications and actions of medications
    identify when, how and to whom medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with pharmaceutical therapies
    identify considerations and implications of using medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  4. Promote independence through rehabilitation/restorative care
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    assist client with range of motion exercises
    promote client independence during activities of daily living (ADL)
    assist with restorative therapies

  5. Demonstrate reporting and documentation of client data
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    measure intake and output
    measure temperature, pulse, and respiration
    measure weight and height
    recognize normal and abnormal blood pressure readings
    identify normal and abnormal vital signs
    document client data
    prioritize the reporting of data
    document signs of client discomfort

  6. Facilitate alternative methods of elimination (urinary and bowel)
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    modify assessment techniques to reflect variations across the lifespan
    maintain aseptic technique
    verify physician's orders
    select appropriate equipment for enema, ostomy care, specimen collection, and catheterization
    explain procedure to client
    perform intervention according to designated procedure/checklist
    document actions and observations
    recognize and report significant deviations from norms

  7. Apply basic pharmacology principles to medication management
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    discuss the processes of pharmacokinetics
    use multiple professional resources to identify pertinent medication information
    describe the processes of pharmacodynamics
    consider pharmacodynamic differences across the life span
    use correct medical terminology
    differentiate among prescription medications, over the counter medications, herbals, and dietary supplements

  8. Perform a basic head to toe assessment
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    maintain client privacy
    obtain client vital signs
    recognize patient discomfort signs
    assess client neurological system
    assess client respiratory system
    assess client cardiac and peripheral vascular systems
    assess client abdomen
    assess client musculoskeletal system
    assess client integumentary system
    assess client gastrointestinal system
    assess client urinary system
    assess client reproductive system

  9. Perform tracheostomy care and suctioning procedures (oral, nasal, pharyngeal, and tracheostomy)
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    maintain adequate oxygenation
    verify that there is a backup tracheostomy kit available
    maintain aseptic technique
    explain procedure to client
    follow designated procedure/checklist
    document actions and observations
    recognize and report significant deviations from norms