Sociology is the study of the interaction of individual with society and with each other. Nurses taking this course are instructed on how to recognize the stresses of an illness or hospitalization on a family unit. Practical application of the material helps to prepare nurses to handle conflicting situations they may encounter while caring for patients and to recognize when to ask for the help of a social services professional to assist in counseling the family.
Microbiology is focused on educating nurses on medically significant microorganisms. An understanding of how microorganisms interact with the host they are present in and the response of the host helps the nurse to recognize illnesses and assist doctors in treatment. Some colleges such as Red River College provide the information for this course online. Students are still required to pay for the credit and purchase the required text but they can complete work and tests online.
Vascular access courses focus on training nurses on how to support the vascular function of the patient. The vascular access course work is for nurses who have completed a bachelor's degree in nursing and are continuing on to attain a master's degree in the field of nursing or for those nurses who need to complete continuing education requirements. Nurses will complete clinical studies in a simulation lab to allow them to practice the techniques that are discussed in the classroom.
Assessing the patients overall health is an important part of the nursing profession. Health assessment courses train nurses on what to look for in the health of a patient. Nurses are taught to look at the medical health of the patient and also consider the mental health as well. The holistic method of health assessment teaches nurses to consider the support structure that is in place as well. Nurses enrolled in the class complete clinical routines where they have the opportunity to perform health assessments on patients while being monitored by their professor or a nurse manager.