Module 1: Foundations of Professional Medical-Surgical Nursing

This module introduces the foundational ethical, legal, and public health responsibilities of nurses. A cornerstone part of being a nurse is communication. This module explores communication in its various forms and across levels. An emphasis is placed on ethical and culturally-appropriate communication. The module explores professional conduct, patient rights, and the prevention of infection in healthcare settings.

Image source: "IMG_6685" by Hagerstown Community College licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0  

1. Specify the ethical and legal boundaries of the student nurse as presented in the Code of Ethics and the Nurse Practice Act.
2. Detail responsibility and requirements for self-determination in healthcare provision.
3. Detail responsibility for maintaining client confidentiality.
4. Identify the main domains of the Social Determinants of Health and describe how they affect health outcomes across adult populations.
5. Apply evidenced-based practice techniques to facilitate effective client communication.
6. Describe the differences between therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication. 
7. Apply ethically and culturally-appropriate communication skills to nursing practice.
8. Describe risk factors for infection and identify practices reducing infection transmission.
9. Identify industry standards for transmission-based procedures.

To achieve these objectives: 

1. Read the Module 1 Introduction.
2. Read Chapter 1. Foundations of Professional Medical-Surgical Nursing in Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management for Practical Nursing I
3. Complete the short answer reflection assignment and discussion question. 

Note the check boxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual. 

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.