Alternative Learning Experience for NUR 417:

Emergency Department
St. Mary’s Health Care
Location: 1st floor of the Hauenstein Building

Course Objectives:

1. Applying theories of health promotion, risk reduction, and disease management to

care of self and to care of patients.
2. Using data and information, including nursing research, best evidence and a wide
range of resources to implement the individualized plan of care.
3. Applying knowledge of ethical/legal and professional principles to nursing
practice.
4. Applying concepts related to patient centered holistic care in caring for
adults/older adults and families.
5. Expanding communication skills to use with families and other groups.
6. Participating as a team member with a clinical group applying group dynamics
principles.
7. Demonstrating effective use of technology and standardized practices that support
safety and quality for care of adults/older adults and families.
8. Demonstrating beginning responsibility for own nursing practice.
9. Integrating concepts of care into care of families in the community.

Specific Objectives for the ED alternative learning experience:

 Observe the role of the nurse in the emergency room and the concept of triage.
 Observe treatment modalities implemented by health care personnel.
 State factors affecting the outcome of emergency care (lifestyles, socioeconomics,
culture).
 Identify the emergency nursing care rendered to patients with changes in body system
functions including respiratory, cardiac, psychosocial status.

Requirements: General:

 Dress: Uniform and name tag – same as clinical.

 Be punctual and prepared. Read and review your textbooks.
 Present yourself to the charge person and introduce yourself as a GVSU nursing
student.
 Introduce yourself to the preceptor who has been assigned to you.
 Maintain confidentiality and follow all guidelines for safe handling of hazardous
waste and sharps.
 Look for opportunities. Review available resources when you have downtime.
 Be flexible.
 You may NOT pass any meds. No exceptions.
 You may NOT perform any procedure you have not been checked off in the lab.
ED Paperwork Assignment

 Discuss with your preceptor your personal goals and objectives for the day.
 Assist your preceptor with the care of the multi-patient assignment.
 When possible, take a hands-on approach.
 Document in Cerner, when appropriate, with the assistance of your preceptor.
 Select an appropriate nursing diagnosis, NIC, and NOC for one patient.
 Choose one of the patients that you care for during the experience and answer the
questions below.

Alternative Experience Questions for ED

Student:_______________________ Preceptor:_______________________

1. Explain the pathophysiology of the major medical diagnosis and related factors.
Is this condition chronic or acute? What are the causes, signs/symptoms, and
complications of this diagnosis?

2. What are the important laboratory values for this patient?

3. List at least 5 nursing diagnoses for the patient.

4. Develop a nursing care plan (NANDA/NIC/NOC) for the priority nursing

diagnosis.

5. List the medical treatment for this individual (medications, IVs, oxygen, etc.).

6. What psychological, cultural, spiritual, family, and social issues are relevant for
this patient?

7. What referrals were made (or could be made) for this patient and family?