Minimum Course Hours: 45

Course Description

Learners explore pathophysiology as it relates to the aging process and selected chronic illnesses, including mental health conditions. The main focus is on the care of older adults experiencing health challenges. Learners also explore Indigenous health, cultural diversity in healing practices, and evidence-informed research and practice.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 1 courses and Consolidated Practice Experience 1

Corequisites: Professional Communication 2; Integrated Nursing Practice 2; Professional Practice 2; Health Promotion 2; Pharmacology 2

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Discuss the current British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) LPN Professional Standards, Practice Standards, and Entry-Level Competencies that are relevant to providing care for older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 1.1 Examine how standards, scope, and employer policies inform nursing management for variations in health in older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 1.2 Discuss the complexities of providing nursing care to clients who are not able to give consent.
   • 1.3 Explain how evidence-informed practice influences the nursing care of older adults.
2. Explain the physiology of pain.
   • 2.1 Differentiate between acute and chronic pain.
   • 2.2 Identify the types of pain.
   • 2.3 Describe the gate control theory of pain.
   • 2.4 Identify factors influencing the client’s pain experience.
   • 2.5 Describe the nursing management of pain.
3. Explain the pathophysiology of common chronic illnesses related to the aging process.^[1]
   • 3.1 Identify factors that contribute to common health challenges affecting older adults.
   • 3.2 Identify altered presentations of illnesses in older adults.
   • 3.3 Describe the nursing management of illnesses associated with aging.
4. Describe what is meant by a chronic mental illness and the differences between mental illness, mental health, and mental wellness.
   • 4.1 Identify common mental health conditions and mental illnesses experienced by older adults.
   • 4.2 Differentiate between the nursing management in the typical aging process and nursing management of older adults with mental illness.
5. Explore holistic and traditional Indigenous healing practices in the management of chronic illnesses, including mental health conditions.
   • 5.1 Discuss examples of holistic and traditional healing practices.
   • 5.2 Explain the influence of culture, cultural diversity, and cultural safety on health and healing.

Course Concepts

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

• Relevant BCCNM Professional Standards and Practice Standards
• Physiological changes in the older adult contributing to disease and illness
• Pain and pain management
• Recognition and presentation of common diseases and illnesses in older adults
• Nursing management of disease and illness for the older adult according to body systems
• Mental health conditions in older adults, including dementia, delirium, and depression
• Nursing management:
  • Assessment: holistic assessment and data collection, including lab values and diagnostics
  • Pharmacology
  • Identification of real and potential problems
  • Nursing diagnoses
  • Planning of specific nursing interventions
  • Implementing culturally competent care
  • Evaluation of care
  • Collaborating with other members of the health care team
  • Health promotion and client teaching
• Therapeutic interventions and treatments
• Cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racism, particularly Indigenous-specific anti-racism
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Traditional healing practices (e.g., acupuncture, smudging, sweat lodge ceremony, Reiki)
• Introduction to diagnostics
• Evidence-informed research and practice