Nov 04, 2026  
Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027

NUR 185 Fundamental Concepts of Psychosocial Needs and Communication

Credits: (1)
Students apply the nursing process concepts of assessment, diagnosing, planning, intervention, and evaluation in the area of psychosocial needs. They learn open-ended data-gathering and relationship development techniques that meet patients’ psychosocial needs. At the same time the students are meeting their own professional need of compiling a broad, accurate database. Further application of the nursing process in the area of psychosocial needs aids in the identification of direct and indirect expressions of feelings. Thus the student develops supportive communication skills that insure patient-centered care for a diverse population even when involved with difficult situations and or difficult patients. Students explore the nature and goals of the professional relationship and learn communication techniques to use when interacting with members of the health care team. Time required for completion of this course is dependent on the individual learner; however, it is expected that students will spend at least 45 hours in study and classroom activity. Prerequisite(s): Matriculation in Nursing.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize and demonstrate basic channels and tools used for communication with patients and members of the health care team.
  2. Use listening, observation and feeling-oriented supportive techniques to assess content of patient’s communication and address patient’s psychosocial needs.
  3. Use nursing diagnoses to therapeutically define psychosocial needs for a diverse group of patients.
  4. Intervene in difficult situations and with patients who are using dysfunctional coping patterns.
  5. Provide healthy psychosocial responses for patients and self.
  6. Develop an awareness of professional identity and responsibility.