Nursing

In this course the dynamic health care delivery system is explored in relationship to the practice of nursing. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for decision making. Medical terminology is introduced as the basis for health care communication. Test-taking skills and study habits are reinforced. Demonstration of math competency will be required in the course. Application may be made at the end of this course for formal admission into the upper-division nursing courses. Must be taken immediately prior to Level I nursing courses.

NURS 305 — Fundamentals of Nursing I. 4 hours.

Foundational nursing knowledge and interventions are introduced in the classroom, practiced in the laboratory, and utilized in the clinical setting. The nursing process and its application to a plan of care will be initiated. Health assessment skills will be utilized in combination with beginning nursing skills in the practicum setting. Prerequisites: NURS 200 and admission to nursing program.

NURS 306 — Health Assessment. 3 hours.

This course will build on the knowledge attained in the foundational science courses with emphasis on the well individual. Content includes assessment of major body systems across the life span. Time will be spent in the Learning Resource Center perfecting assessment skills. The course will culminate with the student performing a complete history and physical. Prerequisites: NURS 200 and admission to nursing program.

NURS 315 — Fundamentals of Nursing II. 4 hours.

This course will build on the content presented in Fundamentals of Nursing I. Clinical skills are expanded and refined in the Learning Resource Center along with an off-campus clinical site. A plan of care will be developed for selected individuals utilizing beginning clinical judgment and the nursing process. Prerequisites: all Level I nursing courses.

NURS 326 — Pharmacology for Nurses I. 2 hours.

Provides a foundation of pharmacological concepts and principles. Assessment and evaluation of medication administration along with symptom evaluation and the diagnostics related to drug therapy for the long term client. Prerequisite: admission to nursing program or permission of the instructor.

NURS 327 — Pharmacology for Nurses II. 2 hours.

Assessment and evaluation of medication administration along with symptom evaluation and the diagnostics related to drug therapy for the acute client. Prerequisite: NURS 326.

NURS 340 — Transcultural Family Nursing. 3 hours.

Transcultural Family Nursing focuses on developing insights into the healthy family in a diverse cultural venue. An emphasis is on transcultural nursing and its contribution to holistic healthcare for the family. Theories related to both the family and transcultural nursing will be explored with emphasis on family structure, roles, and functioning due to developmental and situational stressors including illness. The nursing process is applied for healthy and culturally diverse families. Prerequisites: acceptance into the nursing program and NURS 200.

NURS 342 — Mental Health Nursing. 4 hours.

This course presents the theoretical and clinical foundation of ethical and professional nursing care to individuals and small groups experiencing acute and chronic behavioral problems. The needs of individuals with mental illness as they impact the family and the community will be discussed. Students will apply the principals of therapeutic communication and the nursing process in this diverse setting. Selected therapeutic groups will be observed and group assignments completed. Prerequisites: all Level I nursing courses.

NURS 378 — Childbearing Family Health. 4 hours.

The theoretical foundation of nursing care for the childbearing family during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal periods is the focus of this course. Women's health issues and genetic considerations are addressed as they relate to the childbearing family. Community resources appropriate for the childbearing family are explored. Nursing research, cultural, sociopolitical, and legal aspects applicable to the childbearing family are studied. Students will spend time in the clinical setting observing and providing care for the childbearing family. Prerequisites: all Level I nursing courses.

NURS 388 — Gerontology and Palliative Care. 2 hours.

This course will focus on nursing care of the geriatric patient. Current theories of aging, health promotion, and maintenance for geriatric patients, and management of common geriatric health problems will be emphasized. Palliative care across the lifespan will also be studies, including ethical, legal, and sociocultural concerns. The role of the professional nurse will be explored. Prerequisites: all Level I nursing courses.

NURS 405 — Adult Health Nursing. 8 hours.

The theoretical foundation of nursing care to adults with acute and chronic illnesses and the application of that theory are the focus of this course. Medical, surgical, nutritional, and alternative treatment modalities are explored. Students use the nursing process as they provide care to clients in health care facilities, such as medical and surgical hospital units, surgery, and post-anesthesia. Students are encouraged to exhibit ethical, moral, spiritual, and professional behaviors. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.

NURS 415 — Child Health Nursing. 4 hours.

The theoretical foundation of nursing care of children and adolescents is the focus of this course. The family is addressed as the central unit for providing nursing care of the acute and chronically ill child and adolescent. Health and wellness as related to the developmental levels is explored. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in the care of children and adolescents. Development of clinical reasoning is emphasized in this course. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.

NURS 435 — Community Health and Population-Focused Care. 2 hours.

Focus of this course is the theoretical foundation of the nurse's role in the health and well-being at a local and national level. Health promotion, health prevention, and health maintenance are assessed and evaluated in relation to sociopolitical forces and the health care delivery system. The effects of the environment on health are analyzed, and modification of risk factor in aggregates is explored, along with principles of epidemiology. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.

NURS 440 — Senior Synthesis I. ½ hour.

This seminar integrates the application and analysis of scenarios utilizing nursing concepts and principles presented in Adult Health, Child Health, and Community. Also included within the seminar are current issues impacting nursing today. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.

NURS 441 — Advanced Adult Health. 8 hours.

The theoretical foundation of nursing care to individuals who are experiencing complex multi-system dysfunction is the focus of this capstone course. The weekly practicum will apply the nursing process to co-morbid, high-risk, or critically ill patients. An emphasis upon professional role development and providing comprehensive care for a patient group is made in final preparation for entry into professional nursing. Prerequisites: all Level III nursing courses.

NURS 450 — The Global Community. 2 hours.

This course presents the role of the nurse in preserving and promoting health in diverse Global communities. Students will discuss health promotion, health prevention, and health maintenance of the global communities. Populations are assessed and evaluated in relation to health care access and sociopolitical forces. The effects of the global environment on health are analyzed and modification of risk factors in aggregates is explored, along with principles of epidemiology. Students will apply theory during a practicum in such places as community clinics. Prerequisites: all Level III nursing courses.

NURS 455 — Leadership in Nursing. 3 hours.

This course studies leadership theory, organizational structure of present health care systems, and the requisite professional nurse leadership behaviors and knowledge base. NCLEX preparation for entry into practice is guided through an online review of nursing theory. Successful completion of the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) predictor test is required for graduation approval. Prerequisites: all Level III nursing courses.

NURS 465 — Senior Synthesis II. ½ hour.

This seminar integrates the application and analysis of scenarios utilizing nursing concepts and principles presented in Advanced Adult Health, Leadership, and Global Community. Nursing issues confronting the new graduate nurse will also be examined. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.

NURS 466 — Nursing Research. 3 hours.

This course focuses on research as a team process. Students will discuss the ethical, moral, legal, and professional concerns pertinent to the research process. Emphasis is on the importance of life-long learning as a foundation for evidence-based nursing practice and research utilization. Students will critique selected research articles. Prerequisites: all Level II nursing courses.