SYLLABUS - NURS101H
The Nursing Profession in Today's Society

Fall Session 2001

Faculty: Lesley Lewis, RN, Ph.D.
Office: Champlain College Office/ SSFC - RM 384
Telephone: 748-1099/749-5520
E-Mail: llewis@trentu.ca

Course Description:
This course will introduce the student to the political, social and economic contest of health care as it relates to nursing. Within this context, the historical development of the profession will be discussed, and the development of nursing theory and research. The Canadian health care system as well as current policies and issues will be examined. Students will be introduced to the legal and ethical parameters of professional practice. The current activities of professional nursing organizations will be analyzed as examples of social and political action. Students will be encouraged to attend local professional events, and increase their awareness of health issues in the media.

Dates: Fridays; September 14 - December 8, 2001 - Exam in week of December 11.
Location: Sir Sandford Fleming College; Room TBD

Learning Outcomes:
By the completion of this course, the student will:

1. Understand the historical trends directing nursing practice today
2. Understand the multifaceted roles of nurses in today's society
3. Appreciate her/his professional responsibilities in relation to ethical/legal standards
4. Understand the role of nursing associations and organizations

Teaching Methodologies:

Lecture, small groups, seminar

Required Textbooks:
Kerr, J. & McPhail. J. (Eds.) (1999) Canadian nursing: Issues and perspectives (3rd. Ed.) Toronto: Mosby.

Course Pack: Readings and lecture notes provided for the course.

Recommended Textbooks:

Buresh, B. & Gordon, S. (2000). From silence to voice: What nurses know and must communicate to the public. Ottawa: Canadian Nurses Association

Decter, M. (2000). Four strong winds: Navigating the global challenges to health care. Toronto: Stoddart.

Donner, G. & Wheeler, M. (1998). Taking control of your career and your future: For nurses by nurses. Ottawa: Canadian Nurses Association

Keatings, M. & Smith, O. (2000). Ethical and legal issues in Canadian Nursing. (2nd. Edition) Toronto: Saunders.

McPherson, K. (1996). Bedside matters: The transformation of Canadian nursing 1900-1990. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Picard, A. (2000). Critical care: Canadian nurses speak for change. Toronto: Harper Collins.

Methods of evaluation:

1. Internet Assignment - Nursing Associations 30%
2. Written Assignment - Professional Issue 30%
3. Exam - multiple choice and short answer 40%
4. Class participation and preparation.

Assignment #1 - Nursing Associations- (may be done in pairs)

1. Locate the websites of the following professional organizations:

• Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
• Canadian Nurses Association
• Ontario Nurses Association
• College of Nurses of Ontario
• Sigma Theta Tau International
• International Council of Nurses
• One other nursing association

2. Choose one site for further analysis (may be decided in class).
3. Identify the mandate, mission statement and goals of the organization.
4. Identify one issue that the organization is currently addressing, and describe how they are addressing it. What is the issue's significance to the profession?
5. Identify how the organization benefits nursing students, and suggest implications for your own professional identity or development.
6. Be prepared to share your ideas with your class.
7. Paper should be approximately 4-5 pages long, typed, and following APA format.
8. Grading will be based on clarity of presentation, application of APA format, creativity in application of issues to professional development, and scholarly writing style.

Assignment #2 - Professional Issue

1 Throughout the course, read the paper or listen to the news. (Preferably not the Peterborough Examiner) OR Attend a meeting addressing health care issues, OR Find a nursing article discussing a Canadian health care concern for nursing or health care OR Interview a nurse leader or individual in a leadership role in health care
2 Choose a current issue in health care and choose a position on the issue.
3 Find at least three sources of information to support that position.
4 What is the issue? What are the arguments presented? Support your position using reference sources.
5 Write it up in a 6 page paper, typed and following APA format.
6 Be prepared to discuss your issue with the class.
7 Grading will be based on clarity of presentation, application of APA format, creativity in application of issues to professional development, and scholarly writing style.

Topic Outline and Readings

September 14

Introduction & History of Nursing
Readings:
1. Buresh, B. & Gordon, S. (2000) Chapter 1 - Ending the Silence
2. Kerr & MacPhail (1999). Chapter 1 - Early Nursing in Canada:1600 - 1760: A Legacy for the Future
3. Picard (2000). Preface & Chapter 1 - A Nursing Pioneer

September 21

No class - Complete readings from week before.

September 28

Professional Image of Nursing
Readings:
1 MacPhail in Kerr & MacPhail. (1999). Chapter 5 - The Professional Image: Impact and Strategies for Change

Assignment:
Watch a TV show or video in which a nurse plays a major character. Analyse the depiction of the nurse within the media presentation, using the handout provided in class.

October 5 & 12

Relationship between Nursing Theory, Practice and Research
Readings:
1 Allen in Kerr & MacPhail (1999). Chapter 8 - Knowledge Development in Nursing
2 Johnson & Webber (2001). Chapter 3 - Exploring the Relationships among Knowledge, Theory, Research and Practice.
3 Johnson & Webber (2001). Chapter 5 - Support Theories Influencing Theory and Knowledge Development in Nursing

October 12 - Assignment #1 due

October 19

Health Care Delivery Systems
Readings:
1 Potter & Perry (2000). Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing. Chapter 2 - The Canadian Health Care System
2 Kerr in Kerr & MacPhail (1999). Chapter 17 - The Organization and Financing of Health Care: Issues for Nursing

November 2

Nursing Organizations

Readings:
1. What is the College of Nurses of Ontario? - Fact Sheet - CNO
2. What is Nursing? - Fact Sheet - CNO
3. MacPhail in Kerr & MacPhail (1999). Chapter 4 - The Role of the Canadian Nurses Association in the Development of Nursing in Canada
4 MacPhail in Kerr & MacPhail (1999). Chapter 21 - Emergence of Nursing Unions as a Social Force in Canada

November 9

Legal Issues in Nursing
Readings:
1 Kerr in Kerr & MacPhail (1996) Chapter 19 - The Practicing Nurse and the Law

November 16

Ethical Issues in Nursing
Readings:
1 MacPhail in Kerr & MacPhail (1996). Chapter 20 - Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Nursing Practice
2 Canadian Nurses Association: Code of Ethics
3 Ethical Framework for Nurses in Ontario - CNO

November 23

Professional and Self-Regulation
Readings:
1 Keatings & Smith, (2000) Chapter 3 - Regulation of the Nursing Profession in Canada
2 Regulated Health Professions Act - Fact Sheet - CNO
3 Standards of Nursing Documentation - CNO

November 30 - Assignment #2 due

Political, economic and social forces affecting health care delivery
1. Sandelowski, M. (2001). Looking to care or caring to look? - In Nursing Issues in the 21st Century. (E.C. Hein, Ed.); Philadelphia: Lippincott. Pp.279-290.
Student presentations

December 8 -

Trends and Issues for nursing in the 21st Century
Student presentations
Course evaluation and review