Course Descriptions
NURS 109 PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN NURSING
This is the first nursing theory course that explores the development of professional nursing and introduces students to selected concepts and theories. The values, principles and standards of professional practice are introduced as a framework for professional development and students are introduced to the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Major contemporary nursing issues are explored within historic, economic, philosophical and political contexts. In addition to the classroom experience students will be introduced to experiential learning through simulation (3 credits).
NURS 110 INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL NURSING CONCEPTS
This course introduces students to the profession of nursing. Emphasis is placed on the core values and beliefs that are central to nursing including integrity, caring presence, ethical behaviors, self-development, and professional identity. Focus is placed on concepts necessary to provide safe, quality patient-centered care (1 credit).
Freshman Level Course
There are no prerequisites for this course
NURS 119 HEALTH PROMOTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
This course addresses theories, advances in technology and current research related to the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and the maintenance of health for individuals, families and communities across the lifespan. The focus is on strategies to enhance wellness (3 credits).
NURS 208 INTRODUCTION TO PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This course introduces the student to altered processes of human physiology. An emphasis is placed on exploring changes of biological process of the body and the effects on homeostasis. Alterations of health problems are studied along with the associated clinical manifestations and treatments. Manifestations of disease, risk factors for disease and the principles of pathology underlying illness and injury to therapeutic nursing interventions and outcomes will be discussed (2 credits).
Co-requisites: NURS 219
NURS 209 THEORETICAL AND RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
This course focuses on the development of a theoretically-based research approach to health care and the practice of nursing is the focus of discussion. The research process and major theoretical frameworks from nursing and related disciplines are explored (3 credits).
NURS 210 INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY
This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, including: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication interactions and potential adverse medication reactions. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications and nursing care related to the safe administration of medication to clients (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 208
NURS 219 GENERAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course is designed to introduce students to the critical elements necessary in performing a comprehensive health assessment. Techniques necessary to obtain a health history and perform a physical examination are the focus of this course. Emphasis is on differentiating between normal and abnormal findings. Experiential learning occurs in the college’s Simulation Laboratory and assists the student in developing the necessary skills required for performing both a comprehensive health history and physical examination (3 credits).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109 and 110
NURS 220 GENERAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course provides the framework for preparing students to perform comprehensive health assessments on adult clients. Emphasis is placed on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. This course will focus on concepts such as patient-centered care, caring presence, safety, communication, and professionalism (3 credits).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109 and 110
Co-requisites: NURS 219C
NURS 220C GENERAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT LAB
This course provides the framework for preparing students to perform comprehensive health assessments on adult clients. Emphasis is placed on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. This course will focus on concepts such as patient-centered care, caring presence, safety, communication, and professionalism (1 credit).
Co-requisites: NURS 219
NURS 229 CONCEPTS OF BASIC NURSING CARE
This course focuses the students on concepts related to the basic needs of patients across the lifespan in various non-acute health care settings where direct basic nursing care is delivered. Course content is applied in a variety of experiential learning contexts. This is the first nursing practice experience where past relevant knowledge and new theoretical content associated with basic human needs is applied (4 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 109, NURS 219, and CHEM 109
Co-requisites: BIOL 211 and PSYC 326
NURS 230 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE
This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse in micro- and macro-systems, as well as the concepts of the profession related to patient centered care. Emphasis is placed on the role of caring presence in providing patient centered care in which the theoretical foundation for the nursing process is emphasized. An introduction to the nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 219, 219L, 208, and CHEM 109
Co-requisites: NURS 210, BIOL 211, 211L, and 229C
NURS 230C FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE CLINICAL
This clinical course builds on the theoretical concepts introduced in Fundamentals of Nursing Practice. Simulated and clinical experiences provide students the opportunity to practice basic nursing skills and a caring presence in which the theoretical foundation for the nursing process is emphasized (2 credits).
Co-requisites: NURS 229 and PSYC 326
NURS 318 ADULT HEALTH NURSING I
This is the first of three adult nursing courses which emphasizes the application of the nursing process to health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance for adults experiencing common health problems. The focus of this course is the care of the adult client with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of clients with alterations in selected body functions including individual self-determined level of optimal functionality. Concepts of patient centered care, therapeutic communication and caring presence, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course (3 credits).
Junior Level Course
Prerequisites: NURS 229, 208, 210, and 229C
Co-requisites: NURS 334, 334C, 319C
NURS 318C ADULT HEALTH NURSING I CLINICAL
This clinical course builds on the theoretical concepts introduced in Nursing Care of the Adult I. Simulated and clinical experiences provide students the opportunity to practice nursing skills and a caring presence of individuals and families from young adulthood to older adults in which the theoretical foundation for the nursing process is emphasized (3 credits).
Junior Level Course
Co-requisites: NURS 319
NURS 319 ADULT NURSING CARE I
This is the first of two adult nursing courses that emphasize the application of the nursing process to health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance for individuals and families from young adulthood to older adults experiencing common acute and chronic health problems associated with body systems.
Theoretical knowledge and clinical skills required for the safe and appropriate delivery of nursing care is the focus of this course. This clinical course provides students with opportunities in a variety of health care environments including both out-patient and acute care settings. Perioperative nursing care is also included in this course. Classroom and experiential learning will foster the integration and application of newly acquired theoretical content and clinical skills as well as knowledge from previous courses (8 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 119, NURS 209, NURS 229, BIOL 211, and PSYC 326
Co-requisite: BIOL 333
NURS 323 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
This course is designed is to explore nursing research, theory, and evidence based practice. Emphasis is placed on research critique and theory utilization in professional nursing practice. Evidence is used to answer clinical questions relevant to nursing practice. Research utilization skills are explored with a focus on the integration of current scientific evidence, use of clinical reasoning, identification of patient preferences, within a caring presence framework (3 credits).
Junior Level Course
NURS 328 ADULT HEALTH NURSING II
This is the second of three adult nursing courses which emphasizes the application of the nursing process to health promotion, health restoration, and health maintenance for individuals and families across the lifespan with common acute and chronic health problems using a caring presence framework. Perioperative nursing care is also included in this course. Classroom and experiential learning will foster the integration and application of newly acquired theoretical content as well as knowledge from previous courses (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 319 and 319C
Co-requisite: NURS 329C and 330
NURS 328C ADULT HEALTH NURSING II CLINICAL
This is the second of three adult nursing courses which emphasizes the application of the nursing process to health promotion, health restoration, and health maintenance for individuals and families across the lifespan with common acute and chronic health problems using a caring presence framework. Perioperative nursing care is also included in this course. Classroom and experiential learning will foster the integration and application of newly acquired theoretical content as well as knowledge from previous courses (3 credits).
Co-requisite: NURS 329
NURS 329 ADULT NURSING CARE II
This is the second of two adult nursing courses which emphasizes the application of the nursing process to health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance for individuals and families from young adulthood to older adults experiencing complex acute and chronic health problems associated with body systems. Theoretical knowledge and clinical skills required for the safe and appropriate delivery of nursing care is the focus of this course.
This clinical course provides students with opportunities in a variety of acute care and selected ambulatory settings. Theoretical knowledge and nursing care of common health problems gained in the first Adult care course serves as the basis for the development of nursing care management plans for providing safe and appropriate care for patients facing acute and critical medical and surgical problems. Classroom and experiential learning will foster the integration and application of newly acquired theoretical content and clinical skills as well as knowledge from previous courses (8 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 319, BIOL 333
Co-requisite BIOL 334
NURS 330 NURSING ELECTIVE HOLISTIC HEALTH (Sample)
A critical exploration of alternative modalities of healing that transcend the boundaries of conventional physical medicine and their implications for both the great Western and Eastern traditions. The topics range from classic faith-healing to the vibrational medicine of Richard Gerber using a caring presence framework (2 credits).
Taken in Junior or Senior Year
NURS 331 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY WITH RELATED PHARMACOTHERAPIES
This course builds on the introductory courses in Pharmacology and Pathophysiology to address nursing care of patients with complex multi-system disease processes (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 208 and 210
Co-requisite NURS 329 and 329C
NURS 334 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NURSING
This course focuses on the care of clients across the lifespan experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, caring presence, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 229, 229C, 208, and 210
Co-requisite NURS 319, 319C, and 334C
NURS 334C BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NURSING CLINICAL
This course focuses on the care of clients across the lifespan experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, anger management, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course. The community as a site for care and support services is addressed (2 credits).
Co-requisite NURS 334
NURS 400 ADULT HEALTH NURSING III
This is the third of three adult nursing courses, which emphasizes the application of the nursing process on health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance for individuals and families from young adulthood to older adulthood experiencing common acute and chronic health problems associated with body systems. Critical care nursing is directed toward individuals and families whose normal functioning has been altered in both internal and external environments.
Theoretical knowledge is required for the safe and appropriate delivery of nursing care is the focus of this course along with the synthesis of nursing knowledge and advanced skill set necessary when caring for individuals who are critically ill. Emphasis is placed on the care of clients with alterations in selected body functions including individual self-determined level of optimal functionality. Concepts of patient centered care, therapeutic communication and caring presence, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout this course (2 credits).
Senior Level Course
Prerequisites: NURS 431, 431C, 433, and 433C
Co-requisite NURS 436 and 436C
NURS 400C ADULT HEALTH NURSING III CLINICAL
This clinical course builds on the theoretical concepts introduced in Nursing Care of Patients with Multi-System Disorders. Simulated and clinical experiences provide students the opportunity to practice nursing skills and a caring presence of individuals and families from young adulthood to older adults; in which the theoretical foundation for the nursing process is emphasized (2 credits).
Senior Level Course
Co-requisite NURS 400
NURS 409 PROCESS OF LEADERSHIP IN NURSING
In this senior level course, students identify their responsibility for leadership within the health care delivery system. Ideological, social, political, legal, ethical, economic, and cultural influences on the health care delivery system will be explored. Relevant theories of leadership, change, group and communication, as well as recent research will provide the background to assume professional responsibility in the delivery of health care within a multidisciplinary health team (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 329
NURS 410 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN NURSING
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to be a nursing leader who can function as a contributing member of the inter-professional team. The development of transformational leadership skills and management techniques needed to coordinate the provision of safe, quality patient-centered care are highlighted using a caring presence framework. Emphasis is placed on professional behaviors, communication that supports information exchange, collaboration and conflict negotiation, ethical comportment and the establishment and provision of evidence based practice (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 329 AND 329c
NURS 431 NURSING CARE OF THE FAMILY I – MATERNITY NURSING
This course focuses on major concepts are presented which address needs/problems of families with the focus on assisting them to maintain, restore, and promote health and well-being. Physical and psychological alterations in health, which affect families, are discussed, as they relate to childbearing concepts. Clinical practice experiences are provided in hospital and community-based facilities that reflects the content area. Four hours theory and twelve hours of experiential learning field experience for 7 weeks (4 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 329, BIOL 204, BIOL 334
NURS 433 NURSING CARE OF THE FAMILY II – PEDIATRIC NURSING
This course focuses on major concepts are presented which address needs/problems and development of children and their families with the focus on assisting them to maintain, restore and promote health and well-being. Physical and psychological alterations in health, which affect children and their families, are discussed, as they relate to child rearing concepts. Clinical practice experiences are provided in hospital and community based facilities that reflect the content area. Four hours of theory and twelve hours of experiential field experience for 7 weeks (4 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 329, BIOL 204, BIOL 334
NURS 434 NURSING CARE OF THE COMMUNITY I – PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
This course focuses on major concepts are presented which address needs/problems of families with the focus on assisting them to maintain, restore and promote mental health and well-being. Psychological alterations in health, which affect families, are discussed. Clinical practice experiences are provided in mental health nursing across the life span in hospitals and the community. Four hours of theory and 12 hours of experiential field time for 5 weeks (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 431, NURS 433, NURS 409
NURS 436 NURSING CARE OF THE COMMUNITY II – COMMUNITY NURSING
A population focus is used to target the specific needs of aggregates. The role of the nurse in caring for a community is explored as it builds upon prior individual and family experiences. Clinical experiences will be provided in a variety of community-based facilities. Four hours theory and twelve hours clinical for 5 weeks (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 431, NURS 433, NURS 409
NURS 444 THE MANAGEMENT OF CARE/CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE
This course allows students in a seminar format to analyze, discuss, and develop collaborative plans of care which reflect patients’ needs through such strategies as case studies. Case stuies will reflect the needs of patients across the lifespan and require management of both chronic and acute problems as they apply to patients in a variety of health care settings including acute care, ambulatory care and home care environments. Emphasis is placed on a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to the management of health care needs.
A concentrated 120 hour experience which emphasizes transition from the student role to the graduate role is an integral component of this course. The settings which are used provide a realistic environment to: apply knowledge, integrate relevant nursing research, evaluate one’s own impact on the collaborative process, and initiate a plan for self-growth. Weekly seminars allow for sharing of clinical experiences and discussion of the management of both plans of care and possible barriers to meeting student learning objectives.
Prerequisites: NURS 431, NURS 433, and NURS 409.Co-requisites: NURS 434 and NURS 436
NURS 451 NURSING CARE OF THE CHILDBEARING FAMILY
This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of women and newborns. Emphasis is placed on normal and high-risk pregnancies, growth and development, family dynamics and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients, caring presence in the management from pregnancy to birth, and application of theoretical concepts and critical thinking related to women and newborns (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 329, 329c and 330
Co-requisites: NURS 431C and PSYC 326
NURS 451C NURSING CARE OF THE CHILDBEARING FAMILY CLINICAL
This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of women and newborns. Emphasis is placed on normal and high-risk pregnancies, growth and development, family dynamics and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients, and caring presence in the management from pregnancy to birth. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to women and newborns in the clinical settings (2 credits).
Co-requisites: NURS 431
NURS 453 NURSING CARE OF THE CHILDREARING FAMILY
This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of children with a focus on utilizing a caring presence. Emphasis is placed on fostering normal growth and development, family dynamics, developmentally appropriate communication theory, common pediatric health alterations and the promotion of healthy behaviors in children and families (2 credits).
Senior Level Course
Prerequisites: NURS 330, 329, and 329C
Co-requisites: PSYC 326 and NURS 433C
NURS 453C NURSING CARE OF THE CHILDREARING FAMILY CLINICAL
This course incorporates the theoretical concepts introduced in Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family. Experiential learning experiences provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate a caring presence, apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to children (2 credits).
Co-requisites: NURS 433
NURS 455 SENIOR SEMINAR
This course reviews contemporary issues in professional practice, including social, political, organizational, and professional issues. The politics of health care is discussed within the context of the health care delivery system. Current issues are critically analyzed in relation to their influence on the nursing profession and nursing practice. Students will analyze, plan, discuss and develop collaborative plans of care for patients initially through case studies and then while delivering care to patients at clinical sites. Emphasis is placed on a caring, collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to the management of health care needs. The understanding of the role of leadership in the profession of nursing will be enhanced.
Prerequisites: NURS 436, 436C, 400, and 400C
Co-requisites: NURS 444C
NURS 455C SENIOR SEMINAR PRACTICUM
The purpose of this course is to provide the student the opportunity to function as a contributing member of the inter-professional team and collectively apply the knowledge and practice the skills acquired in previous courses. Students will be given the opportunity to provide care to a caseload of patients that is safe, evidence-based, patient-centered, and focused on promoting positive patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on demonstration of caring professional behaviors, communication that supports information exchange, collaboration and conflict mediation, ethical comportment and the ability to effectively use leadership skills.
A concentrated 120-hour clinical experience, which emphasizes the transition from the role of nursing student to that of graduate professional nurse is an integral part of this course. Healthcare settings used for this experience provide an opportunity for students to apply knowledge, integrate relevant nursing research, collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, evaluate one’s development in this transitional process, and initiate a plan for self-growth in real time. Students’ experience may consist of a one to one preceptorship experience or a small group model experience to satisfy the 120-hour requirement. In addition, students will have the opportunity to prepare for employment as a professional nurse, appreciate the importance of lifelong learning, and prepare for the NCLEX licensing exam.
Co-requisites: NURS 444
NURS 456 NURSING CARE OF THE COMMUNITY
This course is intended to introduce students to nursing care of individuals, families, aggregates, communities, and populations. Principles and practices of community health are discussed. Emphasis is placed on assessing factors that influence the health of populations and the use of evidence-based practices in the delivery of spiritually, caring presence and culturally appropriate health promotion and disease prevention interventions (2 credits).
Senior Level Course
Prerequisites: NURS 431 and 433
Co-requisites: NURS 436C
NURS 456C NURSING CARE OF THE COMMUNITY CLINICAL
This course builds on the theoretical concepts introduced in Nursing Care of the Community. Clinical experiences provide students the opportunity to assess the community needs, address identified problems, and provide health related interventions and information to clients, families, aggregates, and populations. Emphasis is placed on assessing factors that influence the health of populations and the use of evidence-based practices in the delivery of spiritually, caring presence and culturally appropriate health promotion and disease prevention interventions (2 credits).
Co-requisites: NURS 436
NURS 470 INDEPENDENT STUDY
This is an elective course which allows for the pursuit of a special topic or project within diverse community settings under the guidance of a faculty member. This opportunity combines the research process with an opportunity to integrate previous learning and apply it to the study of some elective area of interest in nursing. This course is available for honor students or by special permission of the Dean of Nursing (1-3 credits).