Courses Required to be a Registered Nurse
Majors Overview January 14, 2013A registered nurse needs to be trained in various fundamental aspects of nursing such as programs in nursing for newborns, mothers and psychiatric patients. Concepts taught through classroom lectures are applied in clinical practicum programs. Courses to become a registered nurse (RN) are found in bachelor and associate degree programs in nursing.
Course in Health Promotion
Apart from the treatment of patients, a registered nurse is also expected to demonstrate expertise in the promotion of wellness through healthier living. Registered nurses can gain knowledge on disease prevention and nutrition that they can use to educate patients and their families. Such information is tailored to suit the specific needs of groups such as the permanently disabled, juveniles and the elderly.
Course in Maternity Nursing
Maternity nursing courses focus on care for the entire family during the whole childbearing period. Subject areas taught cover reproductive health and care for postpartum and pregnant patients, and women’s health. Students receive training in care for complicated and high-risk pregnancies.
Course in Medical-Surgical Nursing
Prospective registered nurses can enroll into this program to receive training in broad areas of nursing practice such as the treatment of adult patients. The curriculum focuses on the treatment of ailments in every major system of the body, including renal, musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory problems. Students are also taught procedures relating to the care of patients undergoing surgical treatment.
Course in Mental Health Nursing
Unique treatment has to be given to patients who are mentally ill or have psychiatric disorders. Students are taught in this course about the diagnosis of issues in mental health patients and development of psychotherapeutic as well as pharmacological treatment plans. Psychiatric patients are usually treated at mental health institutions, community care centers or hospitals, and classroom lectures focus on the role of nursing care in these environment.
Course Nursing Management
Registered nurses are often responsible for leadership and supervision of other medical staff. Students can use this program to hone interpersonal and leadership skills; they will also learn about resolving conflicts, balancing workload and delegating responsibility. They can also gain valuable information about the organizational structure of healthcare facilities such as hospitals among others and learn to address issues like staff and budgeting changes that can impact an organization.
Course in Nursing Pharmacology
Students enrolled in pharmacology courses can become acquainted with medications and drugs that they are likely to come across in the course of their work. These include ones used in the prevention or treatment of illness and those employed in diagnostics. Students are also taught about classifications and effects of drugs alongside administering methods.