Authors: Peggy Goulding, Ph.D. | Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

From the old standbys like cocaine and heroin to the newer club drugs like Ecstasy and GHB ... there has never been such a wide variety of drugs available for abuse, and drug abuse still takes its toll on generation after generation of Americans. This course outlines the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of drug use, abuse, and addiction; reviews the most common classes of drugs of abuse; and summarizes current approaches to treatment and prevention.

Course objectives include:

• Define and differentiate among drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction
• Identify some commonly abused drugs and their characteristic effects.
• Outline issues and concerns specific to the abuse of prescription medications.

Author: Marilyn Hanser, RN, BSN, MA

Breast cancer remains a serious and frightening disease, but now more than ever the experts are focusing on new rays of hope for prevention and successful treatment rather than rising incidence rates and newly discovered risk factors. Learn the basics of breast physiology; benign and malignant breast conditions; and the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including cross-cultural factors and patient education strategies.

Course objectives include:

• Recognize the major concepts in breast cancer prevention.
• List treatment options currently available to women with breast cancer.
• Recognize the major factors in patient education that lead to improved breast health.

Author: Marilyn Hanser, RN, BSN, MA with excerpts written by Shelda Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

Much interest has stemmed from "preventive" care measures as one way to reduce health costs and prevent major diseases. Vitamin, nutrition, and diet therapies abound. This course gives a general overview of many of the growing options for alternative healthcare. The text discusses the established role of the nurse in seeing clients holistically, and intervening in all the dimensions-physical , psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual. It also places the nurse in a unique position to give information and advice concerning these various new therapies.

Author: Angeline Bushy, PhD, RN, CNS

It is not only the final event of death the nurse must learn to deal with, it is the entire process and the complex experiences that dying individuals, their families, friends and all others involved must go through. It is far from easy and requires a fine blend of sensitivity, insight and knowledge. This course will enhance nurses in every area of expertise.

Course objectives include:

• Define and characterize end-of-life care.
• Explain the role of bereavement services in end-of-life care.

Author: Angeline Bushy, Ph.D., RN, CNS

For nurses in every specialty: the basics of caring for the client whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Emphasis is on pain management; dealing with emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual issues; and client rights.

Course objectives include:

• Define and characterize palliative care.
• Outline ways to address the emotional and spiritual concerns of the dying client.

Florida statutes now allow substitution of a course on Palliative Care for the required HIV / AIDS course or Domestic Violence course, provided that the substituted course was taken in the immediately preceding renewal period.

Authors: Angeline Bushy, PhD, RN, CNS | Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

Embracing the end of life is creating an atmosphere and purposeful preparation at the end of life that can assist the patient and family through an oftentimes, difficult process. It takes great strength and courage to face death and to begin to move through it to the other side. And it takes courage for survivors to put aside their own fears and anxieties to help their loved ones die a peaceful death. In addition to helping patients let go of this life, nurses can help them put things in order and resolve issues between family and friends. Sometimes the unfinished business is with God. With the deepest respect and attentiveness, we can learn how to nurture peace and spiritual healing in those who are making this final transition.

Course objectives include:

• Define and characterize palliative care.
• State the role of palliative care and symptom management in end of life care.
• Summarize nursing interventions that are useful in managing pain in a person having a terminal condition.
• Define strategies to communicate effectively with client and family about death and dying.
• Outline ways to address the emotional and spiritual concerns of the dying client.
• Define pain and pain tolerance.
• List factors that influence pain perception.

Author: Maryann Leslie, RN, PhD, CNP, CHES

Although the term "fibromyalgia" has appeared in literature for 90 years, the disease is often unrecognized by clinicians. It is a devastating disease, more common than rheumatoid arthritis, yet its cause remains a mystery. There is no cure for fibromyalgia; however, nurses can learn how to enhance their patients' quality of life by helping them cope with pain, manage stress and assist in exercise/physical therapy.

Course objectives include:

• List clinical features of fibromyalgia.
• Define widespread pain as it occurs in the patient with fibromyalgia.
• Differentiate between the terms trigger point and tender point.

Author: James Wittenauer, RN, BSN, MPA

Ostomies are created to treat various conditions including ulcerative colitis, cancer, and bowel obstruction. Nurses have tremendous impact on how a patient adaps to a new ostomy. This course increases knowledge regarding basic ostomy management, common surgical procedures, and assessment of the stoma. Diet and nutrition issues and psychological factors are also discussed. Selecting the right applicance and managing it correctly is crucial to successful ostomy care and patient focus.

Course objectives include:

• Name the reasons for needing an ostomy.
• Identify the most common ostomy problems and their solutions.
• Name the psychological problems that an ostomy patient may experience.

Kim Marie Falk | Shelda L. K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

We, as healthcare professionals, must do our part to provide patients with adequate pain management. This course presents material to educate the healthcare practitioner about pain; its pathophysiology, influencing factors, assessment techniques, and interventions, along with common misconceptions about pain and pain management.

Author: Peggy M. Goulding, Ph.D.

This course meets Florida's mandatory medical error prevention instruction requirements.

The goal of the enclosed course is to provide health care professionals with an overview of the problem of medical errors, factors contributing to the occurrence of these errors, and steps that can be taken by institutions and individual care providers to reduce medical errors in key care settings.

Instructional Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the motivated student should be able to:

1. Delineate factors contributing to the occurrence of medical errors
2. Outline error prone situations and vulnerabilities among special populations
3. Identify processes for improvement of patient outcome
4. Recognize caregivers' responsibilities for reporting medical errors
5. Name methods to increase public awareness of medical errors and how to prevent them

Author: Shelda Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

Sniff, sneeze, cough, wheeze ... dreaded allergies. Nearly 44 million Americans have some form of allergy. Although experts do not fully understand why some people develop allergies and others don't, they do tend to run in families. This course concentrates on common allergies. It also covers antigen-antibody reactions, sensitization, allergic reactions, preventive measures and an extensive patient education guide. Plus ... much, much more.

Course objectives include:

• Differentiate between atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Describe how antibodies are formed.
• List the general signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Authors: Mary Ann Evans, RN, BS, MS | Dr. Carolyn Mikanowicz, RN, PhD | Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

This course will focus on various types of criticism and techniques used for coping. The information will be applicable to any health professional or supervisor who feels susceptible when criticized. It applies to all areas of practice because criticism is experienced in all levels of the healthcare industry.

Course objectives include:

• Enumerate some of the myths associated with the realities of criticism.
• List three methods to cope positively with criticism.
• Name some of the various types of criticism and techniques used for coping.

Patricia Marx, RN, BSN, MS | Shelda Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN.

The goal of this course material is to educate nurses and other healthcare professionals in the nature and management of Multiple Sclerosis and demyelinating diseases. Topics include: types of MS, pathophysiology, symptomatology, pain, MS alternative treatments and more.

Authors: Shelda Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN | Joan Ratchford, RN, BSN, MSN

Although common confusion isn't well understood and may be difficult to manage. Clients with this present challenges to healthcare professionals because of their increased care needs and risk for injury.

Course objectives include:

• Define confusion — acute and chronic.
• List nursing interventions for confusion.
• Name ways to communicate with the confused patient.
• Summarize assessment of confusion.

Authors: Sharon Fish Mooney, RN, PhD | Shelda Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The purpose and goals of this course is to increase awareness of health care professionals regarding the needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, whether at home, in long–term care facilities or hospital settings.

Ohio Board of Nursing Approval for this offering expired on 07–10–2011. Check back for new Ohio Board of Nursing Approval November 2011.

Author: Shelda L. K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN | Joanne E. Souza, RN, BSN, MBA

The goal of this course is to provide information regarding current laws and rules related to the practice of nursing in Ohio. And to educate healthcare professionals regarding the complex issues involved in basic legal situations.

Upon completion of this course, the motivated learner will be able to:

1. List and describe the three sources of law in the U.S.
2. Define and compare the terms battery, malpractice and negligence.
3. Define HIPPA and it's significance to the healthcare industry.
4. Outline the standards for competent nursing practice of RNs and LPNs in Ohio.
5. Review standards for the promotion of client safety in nursing practice.
6. Identify responsibilities of licensed nurses within the scope of the nursing process.

Authors: Stephanie Amlung, RNC, Ph.D. | Carole Kenner,RNC, DNS, FAAN, RN,MN

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) are growing problems in the United States. Despite the warnings posted in bars and restaurants and the increased media attention given to the perils of alcohol use during pregnancy, the rate of drinking among women of childbearing age continues to rise. The incidence of FAS may be as high as 12,000 per year, with FAE evident in up to 36,000 infants per year. Drinking during pregnancy affects not only the mother, but also the growing fetus. Alcohol can cause physical deformities and neurobehavioral deficits in the infant and growing child. Thus, it is not surprising that FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation and the only one that is preventable. Due to the increasing numbers of infants born with FAS or FAE, health care professionals need to become more aware of FAS and how they can intervene to prevent it or at least help the family anticipate the secondary disabilities associated with it.

Authors: Peggy M. Goulding, Ph.D. | Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Emphasis is on an understanding of the life–long risk factors for the development of the disease, particularly those that reflect lifestyle choices. New treatment approaches are outlined based on medical research. Consideration is also given to the unique challenges presented by osteoporosis in men.

Author: Silvia Prodan Lange, RN, MN

Psychiatric emergency? Suicide! Violence! Panic! Be ready for these disturbed and disturbing situations. Fortunately, true psychiatric emergencies do not occur often. When they do, the health team must act to convert a dangerous or life–threatening crisis into problems to be solved.

Nurses are involved in these situations in the emergency room, general hospital, psychiatric unit and community. Although nothing can take the place of actual clinical experience for one to become more competent and confident in handling psychiatric emergencies, prior preparation can help. Nurses need an understanding of attitudes and reactions, a body of knowledge, and action approaches in order to meet the challenge of a crisis situation.

Author: Cherlene S.M. Pedrick, RN

Course objectives include:

1. State the lifetime prevalence of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
2. Name the essential features of OCD, and define obsessions and compulsions.
3. State the most recent theories about the cause of OCD.
4. List symptoms of OCD the nurse is likely to see in patients.
5. Identify the therapies most often used for treating OCD.
6. List the five medications most commonly used in treating OCD, the side effects of each, and contraindications.
7. Identify the side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's), the food and medication precautions needed during treatment with MAOI's, and the danger of combining them with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI's) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's).
8. Summarize information about behavior and cognitive therapies in a way patients can understand.
9. Identify areas in which supportive psychotherapy may be helpful in treating patients with OCD.
10. Distinguish between the symptoms of OCD in children and normal childhood rituals.
11. Outline the risks of taking anti–obsessional medications during pregnancy and breast feeding.
12. Identify comorbid diagnoses that can complicate OCD treatment.
13. Discuss ways the family may assist with the OCD patient in recovery.
14. Summarize the nurse's role in caring for the patient with OCD.

Authors: ilvia Prodan Lange, R.N., M.N. | Shelda L. K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN.

Psychiatric emergency? Suicide! Violence! Panic! Be ready for these disturbed and disturbing situations. Fortunately, true psychiatric emergencies do not occur often. When they do, the health team must act to convert a dangerous or life–threatening crisis into problems to be solved.

Healthcare professionals are involved in these situations in the emergency room, general hospital, psychiatric unit and community. Although nothing can take the place of actual clinical experience for one to become more competent and confident in handling psychiatric emergencies, prior preparation can help. Health professionals need an understanding of attitudes and reactions, a body of knowledge, and action approaches in order to meet the challenge of a crisis situation. This course presents general guidelines for addressing and treating the most frequently encountered psychiatric emergencies including suicide, violence, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Author: Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of domestic violence, including identification, screening, and referral of persons with a history of being, or at risk of becoming, victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Basic information on child abuse and elder abuse is also included.

The goal of this course is to provide basic information concerning HIV and AIDS, including modes of transmission, clinical management, infection control procedures, prevention, and much more.

Shelda L. K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of this course is designed to give nurses and other healthcare professionals an overview of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a major public health problem in the U.S. today. Topics covered include the assessment, treatment, and prevention and patient teaching strategies related to Hepatitis C.

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Outline the prevalence of HCV infection in the United States.
2. Name the primary ways that HCV is transmitted.
3. Recognize current methods for screening and diagnosis of HCV.
4. List clinical indicators of both acute and chronic HCV infection.
5. Name and define primary approaches to management and treatment of HCV.
6. Outline specific prevention strategies for various populations at risk for HCV infection.
7. Enumerate key components of the education process for patients with HCV.
8. Document selected CAM therapies available to treat Hepatitis C & reasons for their use.

Author: Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of the enclosed course is to provide basic instruction on domestic violence, including identification, screening, and referral of persons with a history of being, or at risk of becoming, victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.

Authors: Shelda L. K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN | Carolyn Hunter, RN, MA

The goal of the enclosed course is to provide basic instruction on intimate partner violence, including identification, screening, and referral of persons with a history of being, or at risk of becoming, victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence.

Patti V. Hoffman, RN, BS, MPH, CIC | Diana Harland, BS, CCRC

The goal of this course is to educate nurses and other healthcare professionals in the principles of infection control through a better understanding of epidemiology and pathogen transmission, as well as through federal regulations and recommendations. It is our goal that healthcare professionals will then recognize their responsibility to apply these scientifically-based principles to minimize the opportunity for transmission of disease, and therefore be able to make a significant impact on their community.

Author: Kimberly Cathcart , MS, RN, RRT

The purpose of this course is to familiarize you with a variety of aspects of COPD, using an integrative approach. Nurses are important facilitators in coordinating treatments and teaching the patient in areas that range from nutrition, breathing exercises, medication usage/adherence, pathophysiology of the disease process, and alternative therapy modalities. You will also briefly learn about the four major diseases involved, including A/P, etiology, and pathogenesis. A review of ABGs, V/Q ratio, clinical features and treatments of COPD will be discussed. The goal is to provide you with optimum, accurate information including a lengthy section of Bonus Information that introduces you to natural methods, home remedies, and nutrient plans to give your patient the opportunity to incorporate complementary therapies along with their medical protocol.

Marilyn Hanser, MA, RN

The goal of this course is to educate the healthcare professional on interventions related to the Christian spiritual dimension. This course will also differentiate between psychopathology and spiritual needs, focusing on cultural issues and stages unique to spiritual development.

Authors: Dr. Carolyn Mikanowicz, RN, PhD | Shelda L. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of this course is to provide health care professionals with a comprehensive overview of communication strategies that will assist in their daily work and personal environments. Various types and models of communication are discussed as well as practical strategies for improving interpersonal relationships.