Assessment, treatment planning, and harm reduction strategies for substance use disorders.
About this course
This course focuses on the nursing care of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. You will learn how to conduct comprehensive assessments, create effective treatment plans, and apply harm reduction strategies in various clinical settings. The curriculum covers the pharmacological aspects of addiction treatment, including the administration and monitoring of medications used to manage withdrawal and cravings.
Who takes this course
NURS 3860 is an elective course available to students in the Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (collaborative) programs. It is designed for students who wish to specialize in mental health and addiction nursing or who want to enhance their skills in managing complex patient needs.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
- NURS 1550 Psychiatric Mental Health
- NURS 2350 Medication Administration Safety
Learning outcomes
- Assess patients with substance use disorders using evidence-based screening tools.
- Develop individualized care plans that integrate harm reduction principles.
- Administer and monitor medications used in the treatment of addiction.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary treatment teams.
- Evaluate community resources and referral pathways for ongoing support.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Case study analysis | 30 |
| Practical skills assessment | 30 |
| Midterm examination | 20 |
| Final examination | 20 |