Course Catalog

Med-Surg 365 | All Modules

On-Demand Program

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This on-demand program provides a comprehensive update on key topics in evidence-based medical-surgical nursing practice. The course is designed to meet two goals:

1. To enhance practice in medical-surgical nursing.
2. To support nurses in pursuing national certification.

COURSE FORMAT

Med-Surg 365 is presented in an on-demand format tailored to suit adult learners with busy professional schedules.

1. Register at any time and get 365 days from the date of enrollment to finish.
2. Set your own schedule and learn at your own pace.
3. Consult with a nurse mentor.
4. Teaching methods include video lectures, handouts, practice tests and reflective learning exercises.
5. Supplementary resources help you prepare for the certification exam.

MEET THE NURSE MENTOR

You are not alone. Your nurse mentor is an experienced nurse educator who will encourage you throughout the course, respond to questions and assignments, and monitor your progress toward completion.

Shirley Kopf-Klakken, MSN, RN

Professional Development Specialist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle

TARGET AUDIENCE

Registered nurses, including experienced medical-surgical nurses, nurse educators, ambulatory care and specialty care nurses, nurses in transition to new units and work settings and nurses re-entering the nursing profession.

OBJECTIVES FOR LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this program, you will be better prepared to:

1. Discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing process and patient education related to common medical-surgical diagnoses.
2. Apply evidence-based strategies to nursing assessment and interventions.
3. Discuss strategies that enhance patient safety.
4. Describe specific, measurable changes in which lecture content can be applied to nursing practice.

FEATURED TOPICS

To register for only one or a few modules, click on the topic:

1. Finding Joy & Meaning in Healthcare Amid Crisis
2. Fluid, Electrolytes and Acid/Base Balance
3. Renal System
4. Wound Care
5. Infection Prevention and Control
6. Sepsis Management
7. Respiratory Disorders
8. Orthopedic Topics
9. Cardiovascular Impairment
10. Caring for the Older Adult
11. Legal and Ethical Issues
12. Neurological Disorders
13. Hematologic Disorders
14. Mental Health
15. Acute Pain Management
16. Gastrointestinal Disorders
17. Endocrine Disorders

Med-Surg 365 | Acute Pain Management

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module explains that pain management begins with a very good assessment of psychological as well as physiological expressions of pain. This enlightening lecture will discuss the principles of pain management with regards to different pain mechanisms, appropriate assessment tools, and multimodal nursing interventions for alleviating acute post-op pain.

Speaker

Kimberly K. Hayes, MSN, BSN, RN-BC, CPAN

Clinical Nurse Educator, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Acknowledge the difference between acute and chronic pain.
2. Differentiate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain mechanisms.
3. Support individualized and accurate pain assessment.
4. Support the utilization of appropriate pain assessment tools.
5. Recognize the use of multimodal, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological interventions as necessary components in the pain management nursing plan of care.

Med-Surg 365 | Cardiovascular Impairments

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module reviews the epidemiology, pathology, risk factors, clinical findings, and nursing management strategies for the most common cardiovascular diseases. Learn to expertly assess your patients for cardiovascular impairments and prevent adverse outcomes.

Speaker

Laurie Soine, PhD, ACNP, ARNP

Nurse Practitioner, Cardiology, UW Medicine/UW Medical Center; Teaching Associate, Dept. of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UW School of Medicine; Commissioner, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, WA State DOH

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Explain the benefits and strategies for cardiovascular assessment.
2. Describe the epidemiology, pathology, risk factors, clinical findings and nursing management strategies for the following disease processes: Hypertension, Coronary heart disease, Heart failure, Aortic dissection.

Med-Surg 365 | Caring for the Older Adult

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module provides valuable tools for assessing and monitoring older patients under your nursing care, including tips on how to help an acutely ill patient with dementia feel at ease in the hospital setting.

Speaker

Barbara Albertson, MN, RN-BC

Clinical Nurse Educator, UW Medicine/UW Medical Center

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Describe how acute illness may present differently in an older versus younger adult.
2. Describe age-related changes that may increase the incidence of adverse drug effects.
3. Identify nursing interventions to enhance care of the acutely ill patient with dementia.

Med-Surg 365 | Endocrine Disorders

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module provides a review of the endocrine system, the control center for the body. In this module, find out how complications of endocrine disorders affect overall health and the nursing interventions you can use to improve outcomes for the growing population of patients with diabetes.

Speaker

Heather Lien, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDE, CDTC 

Diabetes/Med-Surg Clinical Nurse Specialist, UW Medicine/University of Washington Medical Center

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Understand diabetes pathophysiology.
2. Explain diabetes acute and chronic complications.
3. Explain the rationale for using basal and prandial insulin.
4. List signs and symptoms of hyper/hypothyroidism.
5. Discuss signs and symptoms of hypo/hyperperfusion of the adrenal gland.

Med-Surg 365 | Finding Joy and Meaning in Healthcare Amid Crisis

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module inspires us to find meaning, self-compassion, and insight into our contributions to the field of nursing.

Speaker

Cheri Constantino-Shor, MSN, RN, CRNI, CMSRN

Clinical Nurse Specialist: Behavioral Health and Workplace Violence Prevention, UW Medicine/UW Medical Center-Montlake Campus, Seattle

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Inspired to think about their journey and contribution to the field of nursing.
2. Able to list one way to cultivate self-compassion and find meaning in the changing landscape of healthcare.

Med-Surg 365 | Fluid, Electrolytes and Acid/Base Balance

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module provides an in-depth overview of the physiologic principles of fluid, electrolyte, and acid/base balance, and clues us into key nursing considerations in discovering and correcting imbalances.

Speaker

Christine Henshaw, EdD, RN-BC

Professional Development Specialist, Virginia Mason, Seattle

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Describe the physiology of fluid and electrolyte balance.
2. Plan care for patients with common fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
3. Correctly interpret ABG results and plan care for patients with acid-base imbalance.

Med-Surg 365 | Gastrointestinal Disorders

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module gives us a better understanding of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including their causes, management, and corrective procedures.

Speaker

Paula Cox-North, PhD, ARNP 

Nurse Practitioner, The Liver Clinic, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center; Lecturer, University of Washington School of Nursing

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Discuss the pathophysiology and management of a client with GI bleeding.
2. Discuss patient education needs of a client with inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Counsel a client on the risk factors/prevention for viral hepatitis.

Med-Surg 365 | Hematological Disorders

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module tackles the complex system of how new blood cells are created and distributed throughout the body, and the various ways in which hematologic disorders may disrupt that process. Understanding the physiology will help you to identify the best nursing interventions when caring for a patient with a hematologic disorder.

Speaker

Lenise Taylor, RN, MN, AOCNS, BMTCN

Hematologic Malignancies Clinical Nurse Specialist, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Discuss major ‘cytopenias’.
2. Describe hematologic malignancies.
3. Identify appropriate nursing interventions when caring for a patient with a hematologic disorder.

Med-Surg 365 | Infection Prevention and Control

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module explores nursing interventions to help us prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections.

Speaker

Vanessa Makarewicz, MN, RN-BC

Infection Control Operations Manager, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center; Affiliate Instructor, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Identify the leading causes of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) in United States hospitals.
2. Critically analyze certain nursing interventions that will help prevent HAIs.
3. Explain and demonstrate proper donning and doffing techniques.
4. Identify and describe the pathophysiology of MRSA and explain the theory behind methicillin resistance.

Med-Surg 365 | Legal and Ethical Issues

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module explains how, by understanding basic healthcare law and your scope of practice, you can find peace of mind when faced with complicated legal and ethical situations.

Speaker

Patsy Treece, MN, RN

Critical Care Research Nurse; Ethics Committee Member, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Describe what a tort is.
2. Describe a scenario in which a nurse could be charged with battery.
3. List two sets of documents they need to understand in order to protect their licenses.

Med-Surg 365 | Mental Health

On-Demand Program

Course Description

This module explains that patients with mental health conditions can be found on any unit of any hospital. In this compassionate and informative module, learn how to provide the most effective care for these patients by using therapeutic communication strategies that build trust and rapport.

Speaker

Timothy Meeks, MN, RN-BC

Clinical Nurse Educator for Behavioral Health, Clinical Education, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Discuss the scope of mental illness in the U.S.
2. Describe how stigma and fear affect the health of patients with psychiatric diagnoses.
3. List two strategies to use when communicating with patients.
4. List two strategies to avoid when communicating with patients.
5. Analyze how trauma is related to mental illness.