Expanded Nursing Uganda Explanation
Definitions: Profession, Discipline should be understood beyond a short definition. Link the concept to patient history, focused assessment, common risks, nursing priorities, documentation and evaluation of outcomes.
Contents — 16 sections (tap to expand)
01 BNS 112: Foundations of Nursing
An introduction to the core concepts, theories, and philosophies that define professional nursing practice, from its historical evolution to the application of the nursing process.
02 Course Content
Explore the detailed topics covered in Foundations of Nursing.
03 History and Evolution of Nursing
- Historical Perspectives
- Evolution as a Profession
- Influences of Human Development
- Global Perspectives
04 The Discipline of Nursing
- Major Concepts & Principles
- Important Definitions
- Specialisations & Goals
- Roles of a Nurse
- Qualities of a Professional Nurse
- Patterns of Knowing
- Educational Preparation
- Professional Development
05 Therapeutic Interactions
- Key Terms
- Nurse-Patient Relationships
- The Communication Process
- Techniques of Communication
- Barriers to Communication
06 Nursing Organizations and Associations
- Importance of Organizations
- Global & Regional Roles
- National Roles
- Nursing Partners (MOH, WHO, etc.)
07 Positioning Nursing as a Professional Discipline
- Definitions: Profession, Discipline
- Characteristics of Professions
- Categorization of Professions
- Differentiating from Occupations
08 Philosophies of Nursing
- Beliefs, Values & Philosophies
- Philosophy of Nursing in Uganda
- Developing Personal Philosophies
09 The Individual, Health and Holism
- Health, Illness & Wellness Models
- Holistic Approach
- Stress, Adaptation & Coping
- Loss, Grieving & Death
- Role in Health Promotion
10 Metaparadigm Concepts of Nursing
- Key Concepts
- Metaparadigm: Nursing, Person, Environment, Health
- Application in Practice
11 Theory as a Basis for Professional Practice
- Theory Types
- Selected Theorists
- Caring Paradigms
- Application to Practice & Research
12 The Nursing Care Processes
- Approaches to Nursing Care
- Components of the Nursing Process
- Advantages & Disadvantages
- Utilization of the Process
A selection of key texts and resources cited in this course unit.
- DeLaune, S.C., & Ladner, P.K., (2010). Fundamentals of Nursing : Delmar
- Parker, M. (2005). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice : F.A. Davis Company
- Ellis, J., & Hartley, C. (2007). Nursing in Today's World : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Barnard, A., & Locsin, R.C. (2008) Technology and Nursing Practice: issues, concepts ; Palgrave
- Boykin, A., & Schoenhofer, S. (2000). Nursing as caring : Jones & Ballet
- Griffith, R., & Tengnah, C. (2010). Law and Professional Issues in Nursing : Learning Matters.
13 Nursing Uganda Clinical Lens
Use Historical Perspectives as a practical nursing topic, not only a memorized definition. Turn the topic into practical nursing knowledge: meaning, assessment, care priorities, teaching and evaluation.
- What to understand first: define historical perspectives, identify the normal or expected pattern, then explain what changes when the patient is unwell.
- Why it matters in care: the nurse must recognize risk early, explain findings clearly, document accurately and know when to escalate.
- How to revise it: connect each point to assessment, nursing diagnosis or care problem, intervention, rationale and evaluation.
14 Assessment Guide
- Key definitions, patient history, focused observations and risk factors.
- Findings that are normal, abnormal or urgent.
- Resources, referral needs and documentation requirements.
15 Nursing Priorities, Rationales and Outcomes
- Protect safety, comfort, dignity and infection prevention.
- Provide clear care, education and escalation when needed.
- Evaluate response and record what changed.
The rationale for these priorities is patient safety: nursing actions should prevent deterioration, reduce discomfort, support recovery and create clear evidence for the next caregiver.
- Expected outcome: The topic is understood in a way that supports safe nursing judgement and revision.
16 Patient Teaching and Revision Check
- Explain historical perspectives in simple language the patient or caregiver can repeat back.
- Teach warning signs, medicine or follow-up instructions, hygiene or lifestyle points where relevant.
- For exams, prepare a short answer using: definition, causes or risk factors, signs, assessment, management, complications and prevention.
- For ward practice, document baseline findings, actions taken, patient response and the plan for review.
Related Video Lectures
Watch nursing lecture videos on YouTube for this topic. Opens in a new tab.
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