Course Description, Objectives and Format

Return to main “Foundations of Nursology” Course

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to introduce learners of nursology to the history and contemporary status of the discipline of nursology, with emphasis on the philosophic, conceptual, and theoretical knowledge of the discipline and the value and approaches to nursology theory-guided practice, quality improvement projects, and research. Depending on program level, learners will use, translate, and/or develop new knowledge in coming to know and engage individuals, families, and communities in the praxis of nursology and wellbecoming, as well as coming to know healthcare systems. Note that learners include those who traditionally are referred to as students and instructors.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, all learners will be able to:

  1. Analyze the historical and contemporary focus and structure of nursology knowledge.
  2. Apply frameworks for analysis and evaluation of nursology philosophies, conceptual models, and theories.
  3. Evaluate the ethical context of diverse nursology philosophies, conceptual models, and/or theories.
  4. Apply appropriate nursology philosophies, conceptual models, and theories to guide the nursology practice, quality improvement, and research to individuals, families, communities, or systems.
  5. Discuss the contributions of one or more selected nursology philosophies, conceptual models, and theories to advancement of nursology practice, education, administration, and scholarly inquiry.

Note that course objectives may be at a higher level or may be more specific to advanced practice nursology for graduate level learners, with application not only to practice but also to quality improvement projects and nursological research.

SUGGESTED METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

  • Discussion, individual and group learning activities, including storytelling of own and known others’ experiences, role playing, simulation, case studies, and presentations.

COURSE DELIVERY METHODS

  • The course may be delivered in-person or virtually. If virtual delivery, synchronous and/or asynchronous approaches may be used.  
  • We encourage both synchronous and asynchronous group discussions or presentations to enhance scholarly inquiry.