NURS 254 Transition from Education to Practice
introduces nursing students to the work setting by involving them in as many situations common to everyday clinical practice as possible while providing support and guidance from a nurse preceptor and instructor. Students work on a clinical unit to provide direct care to a group of clients, and manage care given by other health care workers. In addition students are given the opportunity to observe other roles as they pertain to nursing practice (i.e hospice care case management) The course presents concepts and issues pertinent to the effective entry into nursing practice. Students are prepared to perform in their expected role, in regard to leadership, time management, and patient care management. The concepts of nursing care delivery systems, conflict management, delegation, accountability, quality assurance, employment issues, the health care delivery systems, and legal/ethical issues are also discussed. Opportunities and challenges related to lifelong learning and professional responsibilities are identified. This course is applicable toward all certificates and degrees (credit hours 5.0, lecture hours 3.0, lab hours 6.0).