Nursing (NURS) 522
Status:
Open
Delivery mode:
Paced study. Delivered via Brightspace.
Credits:
3
Area of study:
Health
Precluded:
None
Faculty:
Overview
In NURS 522, you will learn to provide primary health care related to sexual and reproductive health to adult patients. Low-risk prenatal and postpartum care is covered. You will become proficient in wellness counseling related to sexual and reproductive health. You will also develop skill in the prevention and management of acute and chronic conditions related to preconception, perinatal care, sexual health and the various stages of reproductive life. You will consider community implications and trends and issues related to the health of adult patients of all sexual and gender orientations and explore relevant evidence-based health care resources.
Additional materials provided with earlier courses will be accessed as appropriate.
NURS 522 consists of the following 4 units:
Unit 1: Cultural humility, diversity, equity and reproductive choice
In Unit 1, students explore components of culturally sensitive care to diverse populations in the Canadian mosaic. Diversity, equity and cultural humility are studied in relation to the determinants of health, and in relation to specific populations and social context. Students will explore strategies to promote and respect individual’s choices across the spectrum of reproductive care.
Unit 2: Nurse Practitioner Practice and Perinatal Care
In Unit 2, students learn to identify and utilize preventative screening and risk identification for pregnant women. Students will focus on providing evidence-based prenatal care for low-risk patients. They will learn to recognize acute illness in the pregnant woman, associated chronic conditions during pregnancy, urgent and emergent obstetrical emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions. Students also learn when to refer clients to other health professionals or other appropriate resources. Post-partum care is also reviewed including newborn assessment, breastfeeding issues, and other pregnancy related issues relevant to the family. Students are NOT expected to be able to attend normal deliveries by completing this course nor are they expected to attend deliveries in their practicum experience.
Unit 3: Reproductive Health for Men and Women
In this unit, students explore health issues specific to men, specific to women, and reproductive issues experienced by both genders. Students will learn to provide comprehensive assessment, diagnoses, treatment, counseling, and follow-up for these health concerns, explore when to refer to other professionals, and finally, how to document and monitor these conditions. Health promotion and disease and illness prevention is highlighted.
Unit 4: Issues in sexual and reproductive health
In this unit, students learn about issues that affect the health of women, men and sexual minorities and covers 2SLLGBTQ+ and transgender sexual health issues, intimate partner violence, and sexual assult. The focus remains on cultural safety, inclusion and diversity with a framework of health promotion and illness prevention.
Learning outcomes
This course will address the reproductive and sexual health needs for adult clients. Topics such as cultural safety, care of gender diverse clients, intimate partner violence and sexual assault are also discussed in this course.
Objectives
After completing this course, students should be able to:
Use critical thinking to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources to identify client needs and inform assessment and diagnosis.
Conduct an assessment that is relevant to the client’s presentation to inform diagnostic decisions.
Integrate critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to formulate differential and final diagnoses.
Use clinical reasoning to create a shared management plan based on diagnoses and the client’s preferences and goals.
Provide counselling interventions as indicated by the management plan
Apply harm-reduction strategies and culturally safe, evidence-informed practices to support clients and their families.
Identify and utilize evidence-based recommendations for health promotion, screening and management of reproductive-related health care issues.
Recognize obstetrical emergencies and articulate appropriate interventions.
Evaluation
The assessment structure for NURS 522 is based on the following course activities, with the percentage weighting of each activity as indicated. The final grade for the course is a composite mark based on performance on these course activities.
| Activity | Weight |
|---|---|
| TEAMS Session attendance | Pass/Fail |
| Problem-Based Learning Exercises | 10% |
| TEAMS Case Study Presentation | 15% |
| Exam 1 | 25% |
| Written Case Study Assignment | 25% |
| Exam 2 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Problem-Based Learning (10%)
Students will participate in case study exercises in problem-based learning activities within each unit. Postings must include the use of quality academic resources such as original journal content, evidence based clinical practice guidelines and other documents that guide practice.
Assignment 1:TEAMS Case Study Presentation (15%)
Students will present a case linked to a relevant course topic in a live TEAMS session and respond to questions.
Assignment 2: Written Case Study (25%)
In Assignment 2, students analyze a case study that presents a reproductive health concern appropriate for a nurse practitioner to assess, treat, and follow up.
Exam 1 (25%)
The midterm examination consists of multiple choice questions on Units 1 and 2.
Exam 2 (25%)
The final examination consists of multiple choice questions and tests content of Units 3 and 4.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Alexander, I., Fogel, C., Kostas-Polson, E., Cappiello, J., & Hubbard, H. (2023).Women's Health Care in Advanced Practice Nursing. 3rd ed. Springer Publishing. ISBN-10 V 0826167217
Online Materials
- Introduction: Provides essential information about the course materials, the design of the course, and the procedures you should follow to complete the course successfully
- Schedule: Outlines the timing of course activities
- Units: Contains the 4units that make up the course
- Assessment: Outlines the assignments/evaluation procedures of the course
- Reference: Listing of required readings and websites resources included in the units
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 3, May 8, 2024
Updated August 7, 2025