NURSE 101 Introduction to Nursing Credits: 2

This introductory two-hour course is designed to facilitate role socialization into professional nursing. Beginning with a brief historical overview of professional nursing, nursing is defined and the philosophical and practice standards of the profession are discussed. The student explores nursing's image and power bases in relationship to professional accountabilities and roles. The value and tenets of evidence- based care are emphasized and integrated with use of nursing process in professional, reflective decision-making. A review of educational paths in professional nursing leads the student into a comprehensive survey of the multiple roles, responsibilities, and requisite skills of the professional nurse today and in the future.

NURSE 120 Anatomy & Physiology I Credits: 4

This course examines the structure and function of the human body from the molecular to the organismal level as they interact among all body systems across the life span. Instructors also attempt to correlate course materials with the clinical aspects of the application of physiological knowledge. Co-requisite laboratory exercises provide practical application of theoretical concepts. In this first term of two-term course, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and histology are studied as well as the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.

Prerequisites: Pre-Nursing or Bachelor of Health Sciences Student.

NURSE 120 - MOTR LIFS 150LAP: Anatomy&Phys/Human Biol w/ Lab

NURSE 125 Medical Terminology Credit: 1

This course is designed to provide the student with a foundation in medical terminology and the components of health records. Course content will include how medical terms are formed; how medical terms are applied to organs, body systems and pathological conditions; how common medical abbreviations are used; and how health records are organized and compiled.

NURSE 127 Drug Calculations Credit: 1

The drug calculation course is designed to introduce the student to methods of drug dosage calculation needed for medication administration in the health care setting. This course will review basic mathematical concepts, introduce medication specific terminology, discuss interpretation of medication orders, identify key elements of the medication label and enable the student to calculate appropriate and accurate drug dosages.

NURSE 160 Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of NURSE 120. Co-requisite laboratory exercises provide practical application of theoretical concepts. Physiologic systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive are studied as well as embryology and genetics.

Prerequisites: Pre-Nursing or Bachelor of Health Sciences Student.

NURSE 220 Fundamental Concepts & Skills Credits: 6

This course focuses on fundamental concepts, skills, and techniques that provide a foundation for clinical practice. The beginning student will identify factors that may influence the human system and applies the nursing process in health care setting using basic nursing interventions.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 230 Health In Aging Credits: 2

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in promoting and maintaining the health of the older adult population. Evidence based nursing care of the older adult that includes physiological, psychological, pharmacological, and nutritional considerations as affected by theories on aging, socio-cultural influences, legal and ethical issues, and health care resources are explored. Nursing assessment, diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes specific to a diverse older adult population are discussed. Opportunities are provided for interaction with the older adult population.

Prerequisites: BSN Student.

NURSE 250 Health Assessment for Nursing Practice Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide a systematic approach to the physiological, psychological, sociocultural and developmental assessment of individuals emphasizing findings considered to be within normal limits. The health history is emphasized as a tool for assessing mental and physical status. This course is designed for pre-licensure students. This three credit hour course consists of two didactic and one credit hour of clinical/lab per week.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 252 Human Growth and Development Credits: 3

This course provides a basic introduction to the theory for human growth and development across the life span. Emphasis is placed upon the biological and the psychosocial aspects of growth and development. Content is organized in a modified chronological order dividing information into major stages of growth and development across the lifespan.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 255 Spanish for Health Care Pre-Professionals Credits: 3

This course focuses on conversational Spanish, medical terminology in Spanish and written/read Spanish. This course will provide the student with basic knowledge that will allow basic communication with clients who speak/read/write Spanish. This is a fast-paced course and will require practice of the language outside of the classroom in order to master the material presented. Recommended preparation: SPANISH 110.

NURSE 256 Pharmacology Credits: 3

This is a course in pharmacology that builds on prior knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology and pathophysiology. The major focus of the course is the basic and clinical concepts of pharmacology in evidence-based care. This course covers drug knowledge in the areas of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions and contraindications, therapeutics indications and nursing implications.

Prerequisites: NURSE 127, NURSE 220, NURSE 230 (or HLSC 230 or GECRT 111), NURSE 250, and NURSE 395.

NURSE 262 Management of Adult Health I Credits: 5

This medical-surgical course focuses on utilization of the nursing process to the specific illnesses of the adult client in the acute care setting. High volume disease processes with associated nursing care are emphasized. The effects on the individual as a holistic system are explored. Skills are developed in caring for persons with biological, psychological and social system alterations to facilitate optimal client outcomes.

Prerequisites: NURSE 127, NURSE 220, NURSE 230 (or HLSC 230 or GECRT 111), NURSE 250, and NURSE 395.

NURSE 315 Health Literacy Credit: 1

In this course participants will explore the fundamentals of health literacy and demonstrate the impact on health outcomes. Students will be introduced to tools that health care professionals can use to assess the health literacy of their patients/clients. Tools and resources to provide health information at the correct health literacy level will be presented. Students will explore interventions that can increase an individual’s health literacy.

NURSE 326 Applied Physiology Credits: 3

In this course, clinical applications to physiologic concepts are highlighted and emphasized among all body systems across the life span. Discussion will include anatomical landmarks critical to health assessment and clinical manifestations related to physiological processes. This three credit hour course consists of two credit hours of didactic and one hour of lab work that will further demonstrate these concepts through dissection, laboratory experiments, and case studies.

Prerequisites: Departmental consent.

NURSE 342 Legal & Ethical Issues Credits: 2

This course is designed to investigate medical-legal issues and explore the implications that legal intervention and interpretation as well as litigation have on the scope of nursing practice and the delivery of patient care. Ethical standards of nursing practice and diverse individual and group values are explored, and various ethical systems, concepts and principles used in ethical decision making are introduced.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student; NURSE 362.

NURSE 345 Quantitative Analysis In The Health Sciences Credits: 3

This course focuses upon the skills required for the utilization of scientific findings in evidence-based care. The conceptual basis of descriptive and the inferential statistics found in the properties of the normal distribution, comprise the core of these skills. Using the normal distribution as a structure for understanding descriptive and inferential procedures, the course presents information necessary to the selection, computation and interpretation of basic statistics relevant to evidence based-care in the health sciences. Discussions of variables, measurement and tabular and graphic presentation of data precede the development of computation skills.

Prerequisites: MATH 110 or MATH 116 or STAT 115 or MOTRMATH 110 or higher level math course; or ALEKS score of 61 or higher; or MyMathTest College Algebra Score of 70 or higher, or ACT Math sub-score of 28 or higher; or SAT Math sub-score of 660 or higher.

NURSE 360 Management of Mental Health Credits: 4

This course is designed to introduce psychiatric mental health nursing through the study of sound psychiatric nursing theory. This course will focus on the nursing process framework, and the establishment and maintenance of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Emphasis is placed on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological theory, and pharmacology. Nursing interventions will focus on all aspects of client care, communication, client/family teaching, and community resources and their practical application in a variety of clinical settings.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 362 Management of Adult Health II Credits: 5

This medical-surgical course focuses on application of the nursing process to the delivery and the management of adult clients across the care continuum. This course builds on Adult Health I content to include high risk disease processes with associated nursing care. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between the client, family, nursing, and the environment to result in optimal client outcomes.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 364 Management of Maternal & Family Health Credits: 4

This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in the adaptation of the childbearing family. Emphasis is placed on adaptation during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Key concepts to be addressed include maternal, fetal, neonatal and family adaptation throughout the maternity cycle, common alterations during the cycle and culturally sensitive, family-centered nursing care. Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology will be addressed.

Prerequisites: Accelerated or Pre-Licensure or Direct Admit Program Student.

NURSE 366 Management of Child & Adolescent Health Credits: 4

This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in the care of the pediatric client. Emphasis is placed on providing developmentally appropriate care to healthy, acutely ill and chronically ill pediatric clients holistically within the context of a family system. Key concepts to be explored include age appropriate anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology and their application to the nursing strategies of health assessment, health promotion, disease prevention, pain management, family-centered and culturally sensitive care.

Prerequisites: Accelerated or Pre-Licensure or Direct Admit Program Student.

NURSE 395 Pathophysiology Credits: 3

This course will focus on alterations in biological processes that affect the body’s internal homeostasis. A conceptual approach will be used to emphasize general principles of pathophysiology. The etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and sequelae of various alterations of human structure and function will be examined. Knowledge from the basic and clinical sciences will be integrated.

Prerequisites: BSN Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 401 Health Assessment for Clinical Practice Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide a systematic approach to the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural and developmental assessment of individuals emphasizing findings considered to be within normal limits. The health history is emphasized as a tool for assessing mental and physical status. This course is designed for students with previous health care education, including knowledge of biochemical functions of systems and concepts of normal. This course consists of guided self-study and on-site clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN or Graduate Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 403A Comparative Weight Loss I Credit: 1

This course explores the bio/psycho/social aspects of weight gain and obesity and compares common weight loss methods according to risk, benefits, and long term and short term implications. Correlations between lifestyle issues such as diet, sleep, stress, and exercise will be explored. Specific topics that will be addressed include risks of of overweight/obesity; common psychological issues for the overweight/obese; societal perceptions and barriers for overweight/obese individuals. This course consists of one hour if didactic work with one module per week for four weeks.

NURSE 403B Comparative Weight Loss II Credit: 1

This course explores the bio/psycho/social aspects of weight gain and obesity and compares common weight loss methods according to risk, benefits, and long term and short term implications. Correlations between lifestyle issues such as diet, sleep, stress, and exercise will be explored. Comparison of common medically recommended diets and diet programs and their efficacy/risks; exercise requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance. This course consists of one hour if didactic education with one module per week for four weeks.

NURSE 403C Comparative Weight Loss 3 Credit: 1

This course explores the bio/psycho/social aspects of weight gain and obesity and compares common weight loss methods according to risk, benefits, and long term and short term implications. Comparison of pharmacologic weight loss options ad their efficacy/risks; non-prescription medications/nutraceuticals for weight loss and their efficacy/risks; and bariatric surgeries and efficacy/risks. This course consists of one hour of didactic work with one module per week for four weeks.

NURSE 404 Introduction to Social Justice Credit: 1

This course is designed to increase a student’s knowledge regarding personal and social biases based on race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology, disability and how these entities contribute to social injustice. The focus of the course will center on issues involving diversity, prejudice and oppression that impacts social justice. During the course, students will be introduced to tools for developing social justice literacy in order to take action towards establishing a more just society.

NURSE 408 Gender, Health and Development in Senegal Credits: 3

This course examines women’s economic empowerment, health education initiatives, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship in West Africa and Senegal in particular. In the main city of Dakar we will visit indigenous and global nonprofits to study their policies and processes. The culture, both urban and rural, will be experienced in order to provide a unique perspective on the Senegalese and their culture.

NURSE 417 Information Systems and Technology for Improved Health Care Credits: 3

This course provides a basic introduction to health information technology across health care settings. Students will acquire an understanding of key concepts associated with health informatics and network models, systems and management strategies, health information strategic planning, clinical and public health application, data retrieval and analytics, public policy, research, and one’s professional responsibility to protect electronic health care records.

NURSE 419 Introduction to Social Epidemiology Credit: 1

This course is designed to increase a student’s knowledge of Social Epidemiology, which is the branch of epidemiology that studies the social determinants of health. Social processes will be explored that center on social networks, social support, social capital, social cohesion, and contributing ecological factors that influence health and wellness. Students will discover how social relationships and institutions, such as familial relationships, group culture, policies, and global economic forces, promote or undermine the health of populations. Students will also explore how social inequity indicators involving income, health insurance, and access to care inter-relate and often lead to negative health outcomes.

NURSE 462 Special Topics Credits: 2

This course is designed to explore current issues and trends influencing nursing practice. Economical, political, social and cultural issues are analyzed as they relate to interdisciplinary healthcare topics. Special Topics is aimed at preparing nursing students for immediate and long term milestones in their practice, which includes NCLEX licensure study, current clinical and practice issues, and exposure to advance nursing roles in practice and research.

Prerequisites: Accelerated or Pre-Licensure or Direct Admit Program Student.

NURSE 465 Management of Community and Public Health Nursing Credits: 4

This course focuses on applying the nursing process to the care of target community population and the individual. Emphasis is placed in health promotion and disease prevention. Discussion will include epidemiological, social, political, economic and cultural factors that influence the health of a population. The clinical components will consist of application of the nursing process to identify, prioritize, and meet the health needs of aggregates across the lifespan.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Program Student.

NURSE 467 Management of Critical & Emergent Care Credits: 5

This course focuses on applying the nursing process to the care of critically ill clients. Key concepts are: assimilation, integration, and prioritization of information to take decisive client-focused action. Students will manage appropriately the interface between client and technology so that a safe, respectful, and caring environment is established and maintained. Nursing knowledge of cardiovascular/hemodynamic monitoring and acute management of pulmonary, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal, shock, and traumatic emergencies is included.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated, or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 468 Effectiveness in Complex Health Systems Credits: 4

This leadership course focuses on effectiveness in complex health systems, by building upon acquired personal and interpersonal knowledge, skills and effectiveness in health outcomes. Organizational culture and systems, leadership and management theories, cultural competence, internal and external politics, and the impact of future managerial and societal paradigm changes on health care and health care delivery systems are presented. Knowledge of budgeting and health care finance, use of the legislative system, quality management, customer service, and leadership and management styles are explored.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated or Direct Admit Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 472 Clinical Internship Credits: 5

This is the final clinical application course designed to complement didactic content from the core-nursing component of the baccalaureate program. The student will integrate and apply knowledge acquired in didactic course work and from previous clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on effectiveness in personal, interpersonal, human health, and complex health systems. In collaboration with preceptors from the clinical unit, students will manage direct care for clients in health care settings.

Prerequisites: Pre-Licensure, Direct Admit, or Accelerated Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 476 Research Methods in Health Sciences Credits: 3

This course focuses upon the development of inquiry skills necessary to identify relevant research-based literature and apply findings from research to practice. Students will develop an understanding of basic research concepts and evidence based practice in addition to skills in finding, appraising, and using health related literature.

Prerequisites: NURSE 345, HLSC 345, or STAT 235.

NURSE 481 Block I: Tools for Personal Effectiveness Credits: 6

This is the first in the four-course sequence. The student will discover that the foundation for professional nursing practice is personal effectiveness. Personal effectiveness is contingent upon an understanding of the historical roots of the profession, the meaning of professionalism, image and power bases, professional standards, moral development, political role socialization and professional values. Personal effectiveness is enhanced through critical reflection of personal perspectives and biases, valuing and use of theory and research, critical thinking and decision-making, informatics' technology, the ability to manage time and stress, and the use of a career plan and informatics.

Prerequisites: ENGLISH 225.

NURSE 482 Block II: Tools for Interpersonal Effectiveness Credits: 3

This is the second in the four-course sequence. The student will discover that interpersonal effectiveness is a prerequisite to effective management of the care of humans and of teams. Interpersonal effectiveness is contingent on an understanding of professional value and caring, ethics in health care, legalities of practice, communication theories, and the dynamics of groups and teams. Interpersonal effectiveness is enhanced through the use of such skills as conflict resolution and negotiation, delegation, managing change, advocacy, team membership, group management, political awareness, technology utilization, and communication techniques. Content appropriate to these areas will be covered within this course.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 483 Block III: Effectiveness in Human Health Outcomes Credits: 6

This is the third in a four-course sequence. It builds upon the personal and interpersonal skills acquired in the first two block courses and focuses on effectiveness in human health outcomes. The student will discover that effectiveness in human health outcomes is a primary goal in the delivery of an optimum continuum of health care that encompasses health promotion, disease prevention and illness care across the lifespan. Achieving effectiveness in human health outcomes across the wellness-illness continuum and the individual-to-community continuum is contingent on acquiring an understanding of epidemiology, levels of care, communicable disease control, case management, theories applicable to aggregate populations, cultural competence, evidence-based care, and information technology.

Prerequisites: NURSE 482 (or co-requisite).

NURSE 484 Block IV: Effectiveness in Complex Health Systems Credits: 6

This is the final course in the four-course sequence. Students will build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the prior three course in order to examine the essentials of structure and designs, behavior and culture, synergy, workplace diversity, health care finance, and power and politics within complex health systems. Organizational theories, leadership, management and nursing's social responsibility in an emerging global health care environment will also be explored.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 485 Application to Practice I Credits: 3

This is the first of two clinical application courses designed to complement didactic content from the four-course block sequence (NURSE 481 - NURSE 484). Students will integrate an increasingly complex knowledge base with an emphasis on developing effectiveness: personally, interpersonally, and in the health management of populations of clients within systems of community and professional organizations and practice settings. Student cohort groups, in collaboration with personnel from health related organizations and faculty, assess population health needs, identify outcomes and develop action plans based on real need. The practice experience learning processes and outcomes will be collective and provide solutions for the health care community.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 486 Application to Practice II Credits: 3

This is the second of two Practicum application courses designed to complement didactic content from the four-course block sequence (NURSE 481 - NURSE 484) to integrate complex knowledge for personal and interpersonal development in the health management of populations of clients. Student cohort teams will apply new skills and knowledge to real issues and problems in the delivery of nursing care with an emphasis on teamwork performance and action plan implementation and outcome evaluation. The processes and outcomes of those experiences will be collaborative and provide solutions for the health care community.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 490 Special Topics Credits: 1-9

A course of study in a special area of interest in nursing under individual faculty direction.

Prerequisites: RN-BSN or Graduate Nursing Program Student.

NURSE 490AP2 Special Topics Credits: 1-9

Special Topics

Prerequisites: RN-BSN or Graduate Nursing Program Student.