This lab course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of certain key concepts and principles fundamental to the practice of nursing, along with the ethical and legal responsibilities of the nurse as a health care provider. Emphasis on the wellness-illness continuum will lay the foundation for future study. The student is introduced to the nursing process as a systematic method of problem solving in which effective communi- cation and interpersonal relationships are central components. Basic needs relative to hygiene; activity; rest and sleep; comfort; safety; nutrition; and fluid and electrolytes; urinary and bowel elimination; and oxygenation are necessary to meet the needs of the moderately ill, hospitalized patient. The content includes consideration of growth and development, socio-economic, ethnocultural, spiritual needs, community health concepts, nutrition, professional role and function, health counseling, current issues in nursing, end of life care, HIV , and domestic violence. Instruction includes the development of critical thinking skills. The student will be introduced to drug standards and legislation, the major classification of drugs and the general actions of selected drugs. The clinical application of drugs is also empha - sized to rational and optimal patient care. Serious attention is given to the mathematical knowledge and skills, which are essential to safe nursing practice. Supervised practice and planned hospital experience will pr