DCTS - Nursing Foundations

Program Overview

In the Nursing Foundations program at Dauphin County Technical School students explore a variety of health professions to develop an awareness of job opportunities in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings. Students develop skills needed to perform effectively in entry-level positions and receive a solid foundation for continued studies in the fields of Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Rehabilitation Therapies, and Diagnostic Technologies to name just a few. Students learn patient care, CPR/first aid, laboratory skills and medical terminology. There is a strong emphasis placed on anatomy & physiology, clinical procedures, infection control, bedside tests (EKGs and specimen testing) and therapeutic communication skills. Students have the opportunity to choose pathways that can lead to certifications in Patient Care Technician, Healthcare Provider CPR, First Aid, CERT, OSHA Healthcare, OSHA Employability and OSHA Blood borne Pathogens. Nursing Foundations offers eleven (11) college credits in Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology I & II.

Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)

Educational & Physical Attributes	Expectations
Program Safety & Physical Considerations	Emotional & mental stability Empathy to understand the pains & suffering of others Excellent personal hygiene–hair pulled back, no artificial nails, facial piercings removed, no dangling earrings nor visible tattoos Lift heavy objects/people up to 50 lbs Not disturbed by incidences such as bodily fluids, surgeries, injections & traumatic situations Prolonged standing, bending & stooping
Essential APTITUDES for this lab – Recommended Levels	Strong science skills Complex problem solving Social perceptiveness Service orientation Critical thinking skills Good judgement & decision making skills Ability to work independently & with medical professionals Good oral & written communications skills
Reading	Explain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading text Follow a complex multi–step procedure independently Read a user’s manual independently Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts Comprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visuals Learn and apply content–specific symbols and abbreviations correctly Apply content–specific vocabulary correctly Identify and explain how different ideas connect throughout text Read and understand diagnostic and medical data to solve a problem Compare & contrast information in a text Summarize information from different written resources By the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficiently Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis & conclusions in a technical text Textbook: Nursing Assistant Care, Average grade reading level: 11.37 Simmers DHO Health Science 8th Edition, Average grade reading level: 14.75 Anatomy & Physiology The Unity of Form and Function Eighth Edition, Average grade reading level: 15.57 (Optional for seniors)
Writing	Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well–chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, and quotations Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a whole Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing Produce clear & coherent writing Develop and strengthen writing by brainstorming, revising, editing & rewriting Write with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabulary Write routinely over short/long time frames for a range of tasks, purposes & audiences Clearly convey with precision step–by–step work completed Write fast–paced, accurate medical charts Use technology to produce, publish or share writing
Math Levels	Numbers and Operations: Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimals Grade 6 – Fraction computations. Grade 7 – Fraction to decimal conversion Grade 7 – Percent and ratio problems Grade 8 – Decimal to rational number (fraction) conversion Algebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversions Measurement: Units: English and Metric – Precision: Nearest ⅛ inch Grade 6 – Unit conversion within and between measuring systems Algebraic Concepts: Grade 6 – One–step equation solutions – one variable with all non–negative components Grade 7 – Two–step equation solutions – one variable Data and Probability: Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictions
Theory Time	2.5 Hours per Day
Homework	At least 2 hours per week (reading, studying, organizing notes, assignments, skill practice)
Lab Time	2.5 Hours per Day
Tests/Grades	Weekly quizzes– worth 10% of grade Research papers Journal Medical Review 3 times/year Regular Presentations Brochures Daily Professionalism Grade Industry Certifications: OSHA 10 AHA Health Care Provider AHA Heartsaver First Aid
Program Of Study Academics and Electives Recommended	College Prep English & Math are part of the DCTS program
Study & Other Skills	Attention to detail is extremely important Excellent attendance Basic computer & keyboarding skills Demonstrate initiative, responsibility & critical thinking skills Excellent note taking listening skills Professionalism Willingness to regularly present information to the class and peers Comfortable to willing to teach others
Technology Skills/Knowledge	Navigate and use school–issued laptop Web navigation Email management Navigate learning management system and instructional technology tools Video conferencing
Certifications Offered	BSL Healthcare Providers CPR/AED American Red Cross OSHA Healthcare OSHA Blood borne Pathogens (Healthcare) Patient Care Technician (PCT) Proposed Certifications: Phlebotomy Technician Oxygen Administration EKG Technician Medication Technician
Post–Secondary Options and Continuing Ed	SOAR Articulations Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)– 6 credits Mount Aloysius College– 3 credits Peirce College– 9 credits Harcum College– 6 credits

Nursing Foundations

CIP Code

Possible Careers

Potential Certifications

Articulated Credits

Program Overview