PNM300 - Pharmacology for the Practical Nurse

Subject Title
Pharmacology for the Practical Nurse

Subject Description
This subject builds on knowledge from previous courses, such as math, skills lab, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to develop understanding of the therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs on the body.  This subject examines pharmacological concepts and nursing practices required to safely care for clients in need of pharmacological treatments. General principles of pharmacology, drug actions at the physiological level, common drug classifications, pharmacotherapeutics, principles of medication preparation and administration related to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) competencies are studied. Topics studied will focus on the implications for, and application to, the role of the Registered Practical Nurse.

Credit Status
Successful completion of this required subject provides one credit towards the Practical Nursing Diploma.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

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

1. Describe terms, concepts and basic processes associated with drug therapy.
2. Describe characteristics of major drug groups and selected individual drugs in terms of mechanism of action, indications for use, contraindications to use, expected therapeutic effects, common and serious adverse effects, principles of safe medication practice and essential client teaching.
3. Identify the client’s legal rights and responsibilities and the importance to obtain the client’s consent, maintaining client’s privacy and confidentiality, dignity, and self-determination as part of client care and medication administration.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving using pharmacology knowledge related to the assessment of clients, implementation, and evaluation of care for clients. 
5. Examine the determinants of health, cultural and ethical aspects of drug therapy, including drug misuse across the life span of clients.
6. Demonstrate the utilization of the nursing process during medication administration including risk management and prevention of medication errors and when providing client health teaching.
7. Demonstrate clinical judgments that are consistent with client’s health needs and priorities for drug therapy, assessments for adverse reactions and interactions and the potential risk for client safety.
8. Demonstrate accurate, clear, and concise communication of medication administration and the appropriate client assessment receiving drug therapy.

CNO Entry to Practice Competencies

This course meets the following CNO Entry to Practice Competencies:
2.   Practices autonomously within legislated scope of practice.
5.   Practices within own level of competence.
7.   Provides client care in a non-judgmental manner.
18.  Recognizes, responds and reports own and others near misses, errors and adverse events.
22.   Demonstrates respect for the values, opinions, needs and beliefs of others.
23.   Applies ethical frameworks and reasoning to identify and respond to situations involving moral and ethical conflict, dilemma, or distress.
25.   Preserves the dignity of clients in all personal and professional contexts.
26.   Advocates for equitable access, treatment, and allocation of resources, particularly for vulnerable and/or diverse clients and populations.
27.   Advocates for clients or their representatives especially when they are unable to advocate for themselves
29.   Practices according to legislation, practice standards, ethics, and organizational policies.
33.   Protects clients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality and privacy in all personal and professional contexts.
35.   Documents according to established legislation, practice standards, ethics, and organizational policies.
36.  Obtains informed consent to support the client's informed decision-making.
52.  Engages in quality improvement and risk management to promote a quality practice environment.
55.  Assesses implications of own decisions.
56.  Uses critical thinking, critical inquiry, and clinical judgment for decision-making.
61.  Demonstrates knowledge of nursing theory, pharmacology, health sciences, humanities, and ethics.
62. Applies knowledge of pharmacology and principles of safe
68.   Articulates own role based on legislated scope of practice, individual competence and care context including employer policies.
70.   Advocates for the use of Indigenous health knowledge and healing practices in collaboration with the client.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.