Master Resource Outline

 

Course Title: NRSG 620 Advanced Pharmacology II (NP, Family)

Credits: 3 (lecture)

Semesters Offered: Fall

Prerequisites: NRSG 601, NRSG 602, NRSG 603

Degree: DNP

AACN Core Competencies for Advanced-level Nursing Education: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9

MRJCON DNP & MN Program Learning Outcome: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9

 

Course Description:

This graduate nursing course focuses on the pharmacologic effects and clinical use of selected drug classifications for the treatment and management of acute and chronic illnesses. Pharmacologic mechanisms in association with adverse effects, side effects, drug- drug interactions, drug- food interactions, contraindications and patient education will be addressed. Ethical and legal responsibilities, and rules and regulations associated with advanced practice nurse prescribers will also be addressed. This course will address pharmacologic treatment across the client lifespan based on patient-specific demographics and medical conditions.

Catalog Description:

This graduate nursing course focuses on the pharmacologic effects and clinical use of selected drug classifications for the treatment and management of acute and chronic illnesses.

 

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completing this course the student will be able to:

  1. Analyze the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, potential adverse reactions, side effects, and drug-drug interactions for specific drugs for each pathologic condition presented.
  2. Synthesize content from current peer-reviewed articles and other scientific resources to demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgement, systems thinking and accountability in designing, delivering and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.
  3. Explore application of State Board of Nursing rules & regulations as well as federal law pertaining to APRN prescriptive authority and the prescribing of drugs, including scheduled and non-scheduled medication.
  4. Awareness of appropriate state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to the prescribing of scheduled and non-scheduled medication.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of necessary laboratory monitoring, acceptable parameters, and appropriate documentation in selecting and prescribing pharmacologic agents for safe and effective care.
  6. Assess and demonstrate appropriate patient education to facilitate increased patient understanding and compliance. 

 

Exemplars of Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Short Answer Question Assignments: students provide 2-4 sentence critical thinking responses to open-ended prescribing questions posed as brief case vignettes. (CLO 1, 2, 4, 5)
  2. Quizzes: students answer multiple choice questions that require application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics concepts in conjunction with evidence-based medication guidelines. (CLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  3. Medications for Substance Use Disorder (MSUD) training and reflection: complete 8-hour training required for DEA license and provide written reflection on primary applications of this training to future clinical practice. (CLO 2, 3, 4, 5)

 

AACN Competencies [AACN Essentials, 2021]

This course introduces:

1.1 Demonstrates an understanding of the discipline of nursing's distinct perspective and where shared perspectives exist with other disciplines. (1.1f, 1.1g, 1.1e)

1.2 Apply theory and research-based knowledge from nursing, the arts, humanities, and other sciences. (1.2f, 1.2g, 1.2h)

1.3 Demonstrate clinical judgement founded on a broad knowledge base (1.3d, 1.3f)

2.3 Integrate assessment skills in practice (2.3h)

2.4 Diagnose actual or potential health problems and needs (2.4f, 2.4g)

2.5 Develop a plan of care (2.5i)

4.1 Advance the scholarship of nursing (4.1h, 4.1i)

4.2 Integrate best evidence into nursing practice (4.2f)

5.2 Contribute to a culture of patient safety (5.2h)

7.2 Incorporate consideration of cost-effectiveness of care (7.2g)

8.2 Use information and communication technology to gather data, create information, and generate knowledge (8.2f, 8.2h, 8.2i)

9.4 Comply with laws, policies, and regulations (9.4f)

 

Curricular Threads addressed in this course:

  • Diversity
  • Communication
  • Ethics
  • Clinical Judgment
  • Mental Health

 

Recommended Content:

  • Professional and Regulatory issues for prescribing medication
  • Considerations for special populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, perinatal, and gender-related health
  • Pharmacology (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and patient education for common categories of acute and chronic illness medications. Examples include, but are not limited to medications for:
    • Pain
    • Arthritis
    • Gout
    • Opioid Use Disorder
    • Contraception
    • Hormone replacement therapy
    • Urinary incontinence
    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Sleep disorders
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Schzophrenia
    • Seizure disorders
    • Dementia
    • Parkinson's
    • Headache
    • Diabetes Mellitus Types 1 and 2
    • Thyroid disorders
    • Weight loss
    • Asthma
    • COPD
    • Pneumonia
    • Hypertension
    • Dyslipidemia
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • GERD
    • Acne
    • Dermatologic conditions
    • Viral infections
    • Bacterial infections
    • Osteoporosis

 

Approved by GAAC: 2/6/12; modified 10/26/12; amended 11/5/2012; 8/19/16; 3/22/21, 4/4/25

Approved by Faculty: 4/9/12; modified 1/7/2013; 8/19/16; 5/3/21