PSY 325 Human Growth and Development

This course examines human growth and development across the lifespan with an emphasis on applications to nursing and healthcare practice. Students explore physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development from conception through end-of-life, with attention to developmental milestones, health promotion, and age-specific care needs. The course emphasizes the nurse’s role in assessing developmental status, identifying risk factors, and implementing patient-centered, developmentally appropriate interventions across diverse populations. Topics include prenatal development, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, aging, and end-of-life considerations, as well as the impact of culture, family systems, and environment on human development. Students integrate developmental theory with clinical judgment to support effective communication, patient education, and holistic care. A Christian worldview is incorporated, emphasizing the dignity of human life at every stage, compassionate care, and the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on applying developmental principles to safe, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan. (3 semester hours credit)