CBUNA CURN study plan
CBUNA CURN · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Urologic Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
Label the upper and lower urinary tract on a blank diagram from memory, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and the male and female sphincter mechanisms
Explain glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and secretion, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway in writing without notes
Define at least 40 urologic terms (dysuria, hematuria, nocturia, retention, incontinence types, urosepsis, hydronephrosis) and use each correctly in a sentence
Describe normal urine output, specific gravity, and osmolality ranges and state what deviations suggest
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn anatomy diagram plus a 40-term glossary with definitions you wrote yourself, self-quizzed to 90% accuracy
Benign and Malignant Urologic Conditions
Compare benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer by presentation, diagnostic findings, and initial management
Differentiate renal calculi, bladder cancer, and urinary tract infection by hallmark signs and first-line workup
Outline staging and treatment options for the four most common urologic malignancies (prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular)
Identify which urologic presentations are emergent (obstructive uropathy, Fournier gangrene, testicular torsion, gross hematuria with clots) and state the immediate action for each
Your checkpoint
A comparison table covering at least 10 benign and malignant conditions with columns for presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and nursing priorities
Infection Prevention, Asepsis, and Catheter Care
Sequence the steps of urinary catheter insertion for male and female patients, including aseptic technique and securing the device
Explain the evidence-based indications for indwelling catheters and list alternatives to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Describe daily catheter care, closed drainage maintenance, and specimen collection technique that avoids contamination
State the criteria for catheter removal and the nurse's role in prompting early discontinuation
Your checkpoint
A written procedure checklist for catheter insertion and maintenance with at least 15 steps, each paired with the rationale for why it prevents infection
Urologic Procedures and Diagnostic Testing
Explain patient preparation, normal values, and nursing implications for urinalysis, urine culture, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and prostate-specific antigen
Describe the nurse's role during cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, and renal ultrasound, including consent, positioning, and post-procedure monitoring
Interpret a set of basic arterial blood gas and electrolyte values in the context of renal function
Distinguish which diagnostic findings require urgent provider notification
Your checkpoint
A lab and diagnostics reference sheet with at least 12 tests, normal ranges, and the action to take on abnormal results, scored at 85% or higher on a self-made quiz
Medications, Irrigation, and Instillation Therapy & Patient Assessment, Documentation, and Communication
Classify urologic medications by purpose (anticholinergics, alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic instillations) and state key side effects and monitoring
Demonstrate the steps of bladder irrigation and intravesical instillation, including safe handling of hazardous agents
Write a complete, timely nursing note and a structured handoff for a patient with a urologic complaint using a recognized communication framework
Identify barriers to communication (hearing loss, language, anxiety about incontinence) and select an appropriate adaptation for each
Your checkpoint
Two model documents: a medication safety card for 10 urologic drugs and a sample SOAP-style note plus handoff script for a postoperative urologic patient
Urinary Diversion, Stoma, and Continence Care
Compare ileal conduit, cutaneous ureterostomy, continent pouch, and orthotopic neobladder by anatomy, expected output, and self-care requirements
Describe stoma and peristomal skin assessment, pouching system selection, and management of common complications such as leakage and denuded skin
Differentiate stress, urge, overflow, and functional incontinence and match each to first-line behavioral and containment strategies
Explain clean intermittent self-catheterization teaching steps and the schedule for a patient with neurogenic bladder
Your checkpoint
A stoma and continence care guide covering all four diversion types and all four incontinence types, with a troubleshooting section for at least five common problems
Patient Education, Self-Care, and Psychosocial Support
Design a teaching plan for a patient learning catheter care or stoma management that accounts for health literacy and readiness to learn
Identify psychosocial concerns common after urologic surgery or diagnosis (body image, sexual function, depression, caregiver strain) and name a referral or resource for each
Apply teach-back to confirm patient understanding of at least three self-care skills
Describe how to involve family or caregivers in discharge planning without undermining patient autonomy
Your checkpoint
A written patient education plan with measurable learning objectives, a teach-back checklist, and a resource list of at least six support services
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Scope of Role & Urologic Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
Define the scope of the urology nurse role, including delegation boundaries and when to escalate to a provider
Apply an ethical decision-making framework to two urologic scenarios involving consent, privacy, or end-of-life care
Review the highest-yield anatomy and physiology facts from week 1 and correct any gaps found on a practice assessment
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice test and analyze every missed item by domain
Your checkpoint
A timed 100-question mixed practice test with a written error analysis listing cause of each miss and a remediation action, targeting 80% or higher
Milestones
Week 2: Explain the difference between BPH and prostate cancer and name the immediate action for two urologic emergencies without notes
Week 4: Score 85% or higher on the lab and diagnostics self-quiz and correctly state normal ranges for urinalysis, creatinine, and PSA
Week 6: Teach back the self-care routine for one diversion type and one incontinence type to a study partner or recorded self-review
Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on the timed mixed practice test with a completed error analysis for every missed question