Academic Calendar

PBNS – Post-Basic Nursing Studies

PBNS 401
Foundations of Perioperative Nursing Practice
2 Credits          Weekly (2-0-0)

Theory and practice governing perioperative nursing as set out by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR), and the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) provide the foundation for the examination of the fundamental concepts of perioperative nursing in this course. The various roles of the perioperative nurse and the surgical team are explored. Anatomy and terminology specific to the perioperative nursing is reviewed. The patient as a unique individual is examined in relation to the perioperative experience.

PBNS 402
Concepts of anesthesia within perioperative nursing
2 Credits          Weekly (2-0-0)

Principles of safe practice when assisting with administration of anaesthesia and associated pharmacology are examined. Physiologic maintenance and monitoring are explored as well as management of perioperative complications.

PBNS 403
Perioperative nursing in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative environment
4 Credits          Weekly (4-0-0)

Care of the patient in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery are examined in detail. Topics include: preparing a safe surgical environment; surgical instrumentation and equipment; surgical asepsis and sterile techniques; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care; the roles of the scrub and circulating nurse; and surgical site management.

PBNS 404
Fundamentals of Perioperative Techniques
2 Credits          Weekly (0-4-0)

Within a simulated perioperative setting students integrate theoretical concepts and apply evidence-informed perioperative principles and techniques. Students practice skills related to the scrub and circulating nurse based on Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) practice standards and the Practical Nurses Standards of practice and competencies for perioperative nursing care. Students incorporate concepts of leadership to effectively work in a complex inter-professional perioperative team.

Prerequisites: PBNS 401, PBNS 402, PBNS 403.

PBNS 405
Perioperative Clinical Preceptorship
8 Credits          Total (12-0-380)

Under the supervision of a preceptor, the student provides direct patient care in the perioperative setting. Students are exposed to a variety of surgical experiences. Students are expected to scrub and circulate on a variety of surgical procedures within various specialties. The surgical specialties offered will be dependent on the placement location. Students gain experience and confidence to function independently providing safe and effective patient care. Concepts of nursing leadership within the operating theatre are integrated and applied within the clinical setting. The importance of evidence-based practice and use of research in the perioperative setting are emphasized.

Prerequisites: PBNS 404.

PBNS 465
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Disorders
3 Credits          Total (45-0-0)

Students acquire specific knowledge related to the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of cardiac disorders. Health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, and sequelae are examined. Atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, angina, heart failure, valve dysfunction, cardiomyopathies, vascular disease, and congenital abnormalities are examined as they apply to individuals, families, communities, and populations.

PBNS 466
Focused Assessment of Cardiac Function
3 Credits          Total (45-0-0)

Students develop the skills necessary to assess the patient with cardiac disease. History and physical examination, along with laboratory assessment and diagnostics are examined in depth. Students apply theory to understand physical assessment and laboratory findings as related to the pathophysiology. Introductory rhythm analysis and 12-lead electrocardiography along with indications and appropriate nursing interventions for specific diagnostic procedures are examined. Specific diagnostic procedures such as chest x-ray, echocardiography (transesophageal and transthoracic), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiovascular computerized tomography (CT), electrophysiological studies/ablation angiography, ambulatory electrocardiography, exercise stress testing, coronary angiography are are discussed.

PBNS 467
Management of Cardiac Disorders
3 Credits          Total (45-0-0)

The focus of the course is the patient journey from acute episodes to chronic conditions including rehabilitation and palliation. Students analyze medical, nursing and pharmacological management of the patient with cardiac disease. Principles of pharmacology related to common cardiac medications are applied through case studies. Communication and interprofessional collaboration that promote effective patient teaching and thus optimize care of the individual, families, and groups are emphasized. Case studies are utilized to discuss legal and ethical issues related to cardiac care.

Prerequisites: PBNS 465 and PBNS 466.

PBNS 468
Care of Cardiac Surgical Patient
4 Credits          Total (60-0-0)

Students investigate cardiac surgical techniques such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular surgery, transplantation, and correction of congenital defects. Pre-operative assessment, intra-operative techniques, post-operative care and rehabilitation are examined. Patient teaching and legal/ethical aspects of cardiac care are applied through case scenarios. The student must be a registered nurse to participate in this course.

Prerequisites: PBNS 465 and PBNS 466.

PBNS 469
Advanced Management of Cardiac Disorders
4 Credits          Total (60-0-0)

Students build upon the foundational knowledge of cardiac sciences to explore advanced nursing concepts related to rhythm analysis, 12-lead electrocardiography, and pacemaker techniques. Sensitivity to cultural diversity, religious beliefs and spirituality are discussed and integrated into the care of the cardiac population. Current trends in research are discussed. The student must be a registered nurse to participate in this course.

Prerequisites: PBNS 467.