A description is provided of "Fundamentals of Nursing," a two-year college course designed to introduce nursing students to the basic principles of patient care. First, information is presented on the place of the course in the nursing curriculum, in-class time allotments, and course prerequisites. A section on course content includes a statement of major course goals, a list of unit titles, and presentations of short- and long-range course objectives. Materials of instruction used in the course are outlined prior to descriptions of each of the following eight units: management of the environment, body mechanics, vital signs, care of the mouth, care of the skin, oral medication, parenteral medication, and bowel elimination. Each unit description identifies goals, objectives, required readings, and required audiovisuals. Finally, a section on evaluation presents the grading system for the course, procedures for course revision, and estimates of student attrition and student success in passing the state boards. (LAL)