The following course goals will be met using a variety of instructional tools such as web sites, blogs, wikis, data bases, videos, written materials, PowerPoint, role play and hands on experience in a nursing lab.
Differentiate Spinal Cord Injuries – We’ll examine the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia; identify common emotional and psychiatric challenges associated with SCI, discuss substance abuse issues and identify common sexual concerns.
Organize Activities of Daily Living – Participants will learn how to transfer a person from bed to chair and vise versa, give a bed bath and assist with clothing application. We’ll also discuss how to manage showering and common clothing adaptations.
Assess Physical Integrity – We’ll discuss maintenance of healthy skin, mobility aids, standing frames and prevention and treatment of contractures. We’ll practice how to do range of motion exercises. We’ll also discuss antibiotic resistance, medical hand washing, wound management and dressing changes.
Explain Nutritional Support – We’ll identify the nutritional and fluid needs of a person with SCI.
Recommend Bowel Care – We’ll identify common bowel care regimes and learn the proper techniques for giving suppositories and digital stimulation.
Evaluate Bladder Care – We’ll learn about the different types of urinary catheters, how to insert them, care for them and clean them. You will also learn how to recognize common complications associate with catheters and how they should be managed.
Demonstrate Pharmacological Awareness –We’ll look at commonly used over the counter and prescription medications as well as alternative therapies.
Evaluate Respiratory Status – We’ll discuss common respiratory conditions, phrenic pacers, pneumobelts and respirators. We’ll learn about how to prevent respiratory infections, recognize signs of respiratory distress and know when to initiate life saving measures. You will also learn how to perform tracheostomy care and suctioning.
Managing Autonomic Dysreflexia – We’ll learn about what autonomic dysreflexia is, what it’s common causes are, and how to troubleshoot an episode of it. We'll also learn how to take vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure.