Course Descriptions
Accelerated Nursing
NURS 110A 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).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
NURS 208A 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).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
NURS 210A 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: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
NURS 220A 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, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
NURS 220AC 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).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A; NURS 230A and 230AC
NURS 230A 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: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230AC
NURS 230AC 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).
Prerequisites: BIOL 109, 109L, and 109R; BIOL 110 and 110L; BIOL 211 and 211L; CHEM 109 and 109L
Corequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A
NURS 318A 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 (4 credits).
Junior Level Course
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and NURS 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
NURS 318AC 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 (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318A; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
NURS 323A 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
NURS 328A 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 (4 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisite: NURS 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 328AC 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 (2 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisites: NURS 328A; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 330A 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 331A; NURS 400A; NURS 410A; NURS 455A and 455AC
NURS 331A 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 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 330A; NURS 400A; NURS 410A; NURS 455A and 455AC
NURS 334A 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 (2.5 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisite: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
NURS 334AC 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 (1.5 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A; NURS 456A and 456AC
NURS 400A 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 (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; ; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 330A; NURS 331A; NURS 410A; NURS 455A and 455AC
NURS 410A 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 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; ; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 330A; NURS 331A; NURS 400A; NURS 455A and 455AC
NURS 451A 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 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 451AC 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A; NURS 453A and 453AC
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 453A 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453AC
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 453AC 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A and 456AC
Corequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A
Pre or Corequisite: PSYC 326A
NURS 455A 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 (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 330A; NURS 331A; NURS 400A; NURS 410A; NURS 455AC
NURS 455AC 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 (3 credits).
Prerequisites: NURS 328A and 328AC; NURS 451A and 451AC; NURS 453A and 453AC; PSYC 326A
Corequisites: NURS 330A; NURS 331A; NURS 400A; NURS 410A; NURS 455A
NURS 456A 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456AC
NURS 456AC 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).
Prerequisites: NURS 110A; NURS 208A; NURS 210A; NURS 220A and 220AC; NURS 230A and 230AC
Corequisites: NURS 318A and 318AC; NURS 323A; NURS 334A and 334AC; NURS 456A
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).