13 clock hours (weeks 8-14)

This course fosters the development of leadership qualities in the practical nursing student including decision making, time management, delegating authority and reinforcement of the nursing process. Leadership skills that assist in functioning as a viable member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team with an emphasis on effective communication skills and holistic care of the patient are incorporated. The course includes observation of a practical nurse functioning as a charge nurse in the medical surgical and/or long-term care setting and will emphasize the importance of professional growth and development, the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Discussion regarding the important role nursing theory has played in the development of the profession will be explored.