Minimum Course Hours: 120

Course Description

Learners integrate theory from Level 1 and 2 courses into practice with older adults, including those with chronic illnesses in complex care settings and/or mental health conditions. Learners practise comprehensive health assessments, nursing care, care planning, medication administration, and basic wound and foot care. Learners are introduced to cultural safety and cultural humility as well as organization and leadership in nursing practice. Learners also explore the impact of professional and practice standards on nursing care and relational practice.

Prerequisites: Professional Communication 2; Professional Practice 2; Variations in Health 2; Health Promotion 2; Pharmacology 2; Integrated Nursing Practice 2

Corequisites: None

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course and with faculty guidance and input from the interprofessional health care team, the learner will be able to:

1. Practise within relevant legislation; the current British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) LPN Professional Standards, Practice Standards, and Entry-Level Competencies; and facility-specific policy and procedures for providing care for older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 1.1 Ensure consent is obtained before providing safe, competent, and ethical care.
   • 1.2 Access appropriate resources, policies, and procedures as required.
   • 1.3 Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for one’s own decisions and actions.
2. Employ competence in clinical skills for nursing practice in complex care settings.
   • 2.1 Practise consistent client-specific decision making that considers client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources.
   • 2.2 Use critical thinking, clinical judgment, and knowledge of holistic assessment to plan, develop nursing diagnoses, implement, and evaluate care of older adults with a variety of health challenges, with guidance as required.
   • 2.3 Apply knowledge of pharmacology and principles of safe medication practice.
   • 2.4 Demonstrate effective time management skills by setting priorities and organizing workload.
3. Demonstrate a collaborative approach with other members of the health care team, as well as clients and families, to meet the collective needs of older adults, including those with chronic illness and/or mental health conditions.
   • 3.1 Collaborate with faculty to provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers in complex care settings.
   • 3.2 Engage in continuous learning to build one’s professional and personal competence.
   • 3.3 Contribute assessments and information to care-planning sessions.
   • 3.4 Communicate changes in the client’s health status to the appropriate health care team members.
4. Reflect on the practical nurse’s role as advocate for the health and wellness needs of older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 4.1 Advocate for change reflecting evidence‐informed practice.
   • 4.2 Share new learning with peers and other health care team members.
5. Initiate, maintain, and conclude the therapeutic relationship when caring for older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 5.1 Demonstrate various communication strategies in communicating with clients with cognitive, sensory, and/or mental health disorders.
   • 5.2 Provide clear information to clients about the care or service to be provided.
   • 5.3 Respond to questions and concerns in a calm and caring manner.
   • 5.4 Maintain appropriate interpersonal and professional boundaries.
6. Deliver person‐centred care that demonstrates cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racism.
   • 6.1 Communicate both verbally and in writing in an objective and non-stigmatizing manner.
   • 6.2 Interact in a manner that respects the rights, needs, interests, and preferences of clients.
   • 6.3 Evaluate how one’s own values, biases, and assumptions about clients and other members of the health care team have or may impact interactions and care in clinical settings.

Course Concepts

Course outcomes will be met through examination and exploration of the following:

• Legislation specific to the older adult
• Leadership
• Professional practice and communication
• Communication with older adults with cognitive challenges
• Interprofessional approach to practice
• Comprehensive assessment of the older adult, including mental health assessment
• Medication administration to at least six clients on at least two occasions
• Chronic wound care
• Basic foot assessment and care
• Self‐reflective approach to practice and lifelong learning
• Cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racism, particularly Indigenous-specific anti-racism
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion