NUR 251 - Fundamentals in Nursing

Credits: 4.5 - 5 units effective Spring 2027

Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the ADN program. Please see a counselor or the nursing department for any questions.
Corequisite: NUR 252

Description: This course introduces the knowledge essential for nursing practice at the foundational level of the Registered Nurse. The Nursing Process is the center of nursing care and excellence and will guide the student in basic nursing care throughout the lifespan. The course will introduce quality and safety competencies, patient-centered care, quality improvement and excellence, informatics and technology, clinical judgement, critical thinking, ethics, caring, cultural concerns and healthcare disparities. Safe medication administration and calculations, therapeutic communication and nursing as a profession will also be introduced. Students will be provided a hands-on application of knowledge in the lab and clinical setting. This course is only included in the Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) Program.

Transferable
Transferable to CSU only

General Education:
Not approved for General Education

Student Learning Outcomes:

Develop a patient-centered care plan and evidence-based teaching plan using the nursing process that will enable the older adult to meet health needs and promote health
Apply the six core Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies to patient care processes
Describe methods used to collaborate with the nursing and interprofessional team to help patients meet selected physiologic health needs.
Differentiate between normal changes of aging and disease processes

Total Course In-Class (Contact) Hours: 81 - 90 hours effective spring 2027
Course Duration (Weeks): 18
Weekly Student Hours (In-Class) Lecture Hours: 4.5 - 5 hours effective spring 2027