Course Descriptions

NUR 095 Clinical Skills Update

A mandatory 30 hour non-credit unit course for nursing students who

have interrupted their nursing study. Instruction will be provided in the lab

and clinical area.

(0,1) (non-credit units) Intersession, Summer

 

NUR 100 Health Assessment

This course will enable students to acquire skill in obtaining a health history

and in performing physical examinations. Emphasis will be on identification

of normal physical characteristics, common variations, and beginning skills

in detecting deviations from normal. This class is also offered via the Internet.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 170, or permission of department

Corequisite(s): NUR 108, NUR 114

(1,3) 2 credits Fall, Summer

 

NUR 108 Concepts & Practice of Nursing I

This course introduces the student to universal requisites, scientific

principles, and nursing skills necessary to meet the needs common

to all patients within a multicultural society. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit

Theory is used as a framework. Additionally, Maslow’s Basic Human

Needs, Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development, principles of

communication, and the development of the role of the nurse are stressed

throughout the course. Opportunities for application of these nursing

principles and nursing skills are provided in the College Laboratories and

in various health care and community settings.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 170, BIO 171 or permission of department

Corequisite(s): NUR 100

(2,2,9) 6 credits Fall

 

NUR 109 Concepts & Practice of Nursing II

This course introduces students to the care of individuals throughout the

life span, using Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory as a framework.

The course emphasizes developmental requisites common to the child

bearing family, children, middle and older adults. Students will gain skill

in using the nursing process and become increasingly independent in the

provision of care.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 108

(3,9) 6 credits Spring

 

NUR 110 Foundations of Nursing I

In Foundations of Nursing I students begin their professional socialization

into the discipline of nursing. Foundations of Nursing I introduces basic

underpinnings of nursing practice. It provides an overview of nursing as

a discipline and addresses such topics as historical roots, the domains

of nursing, and the care/cure paradigm, and social and educational

perspectives of nursing.

(1,0) 1 Credit Fall

 

NUR 111 Foundations of Nursing II

In Foundations of Nursing II students will continue to build on ideas

introduced in Foundations of Nursing I in order to establish their identity

with the nursing profession. The profession of nursing will be explored

from a variety of viewpoints. Concepts of professionalism, roles, and

attributes needed to practice nursing competently will be explored. A

personal philosophy of nursing and nursing practice will be developed.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 110

(1,0) 1 credit Spring

 

NUR 114 Clinical and Theoretical Foundations of

Baccalaureate Nursing Practice

This course introduces the baccalaureate nursing student to the universal

requisites, scientific principles, and nursing skills necessary to meet the

needs of all individuals within a multicultural society. This course provides

the foundation for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on

wellness, physiological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors

which contribute to the well-being of the individual. Multiple theories

including Orem, Watson, Maslow, and Erickson are introduced throughout

the course as a framework for presentation of the essential components of

generalist baccalaureate nursing practice. The concepts of nursing process

and clinical decision making are explored. Communication is emphasized

as an essential aspect of the professional role with the professional nurse

always being aware of patient’s rights and the issues of privacy.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 170, BIO 171

Corequisite(s): NUR 100

(2,2,12) 7 credits

 

NUR 211 Clinical Pharmacology for Nursing

This course presents an introduction to basic Pharmacology and its

application to patient care and patient education. Fundamental principles

of drug actions, untoward reactions, clinical applications of specific

drugs in each classification and the role of the nurse in achieving the

desired outcomes of therapy are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 170/171

Open to students who have completed the prerequisite(s) or to graduate nurses.

(3,0) 3 credits Fall, Spring, Summer

 

NUR 212 Concepts & Practice of Nursing III

This course begins the focused study of persons who are experiencing

deficits in health-related self-care needs. The emphasis is assessment

of and therapeutic interventions for acute and chronic health problems.

Included is the impact of health deviation on universal basic needs

and developmental needs of patients/clients. Students are provided

opportunities to care for patients with moderate to severe limitations in

ability for self-care via guided learning experiences in general hospitals

and community agencies.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 109

(4,9) 7 credits Fall

 

NUR 214 Concepts & Practice of Nursing IV

This course continues the focused study of persons who are experiencing

deficits in health-related self-care needs. The emphasis is assessment

of and therapeutic interventions for acute and chronic health problems.

Included is the impact of health deviation on universal basic needs

and developmental needs of patients/clients. Students are provided

opportunities to care for patients with moderate to severe limitations in

ability for self-care via guided learning experiences in general hospitals

and community agencies.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 212

(4,9) 7 credits Spring

 

NUR 215W Developing Nurse’s Ways of Knowing

This course focuses on nurse’s ways of knowing, particularly theoretical

ways of knowing, the development of nursing intuition and the development

of fundamental computer skills as it related to the practice of nursing.

Opportunities to expand ways of knowing will be provided through course

content. Critical thinking skills in nursing as a foundation for sound clinical

decision-making skills will be the highlighted in this course.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 111

(3,0) 3 credits Spring, Fall

 

NUR 216 The Art of Nursing

This course will introduce the student to the concept of Nursing as

an Art. Modern definitions of Nursing define it as a science and an art

that focuses on quality of life as defined by persons and families. It is a

discipline focused on assisting individuals, families and communities in

attaining, re-attaining and maintaining optimum health and functioning.

The course will explore current theories on caring and nursing as an

art. The Art of Nursing and the Science of Nursing will be compared

and contrasted. The specific attributes of each will be identified with an

attempt at illuminating the potential strengths and limitations of each. A

comparison of Florence Nightingales Theory of Nursing and Orem’s Self

Care Deficit Theory will be included.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 111

(2,0) 2 credits Spring, Fall

 

NUR 217 Care of Individuals Experiencing Acute

Health Challenges

Advances in science and technology have dramatically increased life

expectancy. Although a great emphasis has been placed on health

promotion and maintenance, individuals are still faced with the possibility of

sudden and acute health challenges. These challenges may at times even

become life threatening. This course will focus on the experiences of those

individuals faced with acute health challenges and how these challenges

affect them and their families’ daily lives. The course will examine essential

concepts and issues related to acute health challenges from different

viewpoints; including that of the client, the family, community groups, the

health care provider and the health care system. Common reoccurring

acute health challenges will be presented within the context of quality of

life, fear, powerlessness, uncertainty, hope, care-giving and spirituality.

Opportunities in clinical practice will be provided in a variety of environments

including acute care, critical care, and community based agencies.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 114

(3,0,9) 6 credits Spring

 

NUR 225 Transition into Nursing Practice

This course offers an opportunity for additional clinical experiences for

the student in the final semester of the nursing curriculum. For 90 hours,

the student will practice side by side with a Registered nurse in one of our

affiliated agencies. A clinical instructor will be available for guidance and

consultation. The goals of the course are to provide the soon-to-graduate

student with increased opportunities to gain confidence in his/her skills,

to increase socialization into the profession, and to improve his/her ability

to function as a nurse in the workplace.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 212

Corequisite(s): NUR 214

(0,6) 2 credits Spring, Summer

 

NUR 232 Nursing Seminar

This seminar explores the major concerns and issues involved in current

nursing practice. Relevant aspects of nursing history are reviewed. Topics

discussed include: the distribution of nursing and other services required

to meet society’s changing health needs, legal responsibilities and ethical

considerations inherent in nursing care, and an exploration of the health care

delivery system. Recommended to be taken with NUR 212 and NUR 214.

(2,0) 2 credits Fall, Spring,

Summer

 

NUR 240 Nursing Beyond Borders

This three credit elective course will provide an overview of topics related

to global health in today’s world. Topics will include essential concepts

relating to providing compassionate care to clients from different cultures,

health care access from a global perspective, prevention of disease and

maintenance of health.

Prerequisite(s): A 100 level health profession clinical course

(3,0) 3 credits

 

NUR 301 Care of Individuals in the Community

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in the community. Topics

will include health-illness prevention, epidemiology, environmental

health issues, cultural influences and levels of prevention. Communitybased

needs of specific client populations will also be examined. Clinical

activities will be included in a variety of settings. This course is for RN

Completion Students.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 306

(2,0,6) 4 credits Fall, Spring

 

NUR 302 Pathophysiology

In this course, the student will review the normal body structure and

function and study the physiologic deviations that contribute to disease or

that occur as a result of disease. This course examines the compensatory

physiological processes that are the body’s response to those deviations

or alterations. A focus on specific body systems and how physiological

changes produce the signs and symptoms of common health problems

throughout the lifespan will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 114

(3,0) 3 credits Fall

 

NUR 305 Health Promotion and Patient Education

This course combines the critical review of health promotion strategies

and the framework for designing successful patient teaching tools.

Students will be introduced to the major concepts of health promotion

and the issues that impact upon health and wellness. In order to better

understand the global impact of health upon our society, students will

research various agencies that support health promotion and review their

health care agendas. The second component of the course will be an

introduction to the role of the nurse as an educator and the identification

of barriers to learning will be explored. Methods to develop effective

evidenced based teaching plans will also be covered.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 114

(3,0) 3 credits Fall, Spring, Summer

 

NUR 306 Care of Individuals Experiencing Chronic

Health Challenges

Advances in science and technology have dramatically increased life

expectancy and the number of clients living with chronic disease. This course

will focus on the experiences of those individuals living with chronic health

challenges and how these challenges affect their daily lives. The course will

examine essential concepts and issues related to chronic health challenges

from different viewpoints; including that of the client, the family, community

groups, the health care provider and the health care system. Common

reoccurring chronic health deviations will be presented within the context of

quality of life, uncertainty, hope, care-giving, and spirituality. Opportunities in

clinical practice will be provided in a variety of environments including acute

care, long term and community based agencies.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 307

(3,0,9 ) 6 credits Spring

 

NUR 307 Nursing Care of Children and the Childbearing

Family

This course builds on the concepts of previous courses with emphasis

on the application of the nursing process and the development of

critical thinking skills in focusing on health during the childbearing years,

antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and the health of infants and

children through adolescence. Students will explore the concepts of

health promotion, disease prevention, evidence-based health practice,

and alterations in health related to patients and families. Emphasis is on

common health issues related to maternal-newborn and pediatric specific

content. Nursing management and planning will include concepts from

culturally diverse settings.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 217

(3,9) 6 credits Fall

 

NUR 401 Modes of Inquiry

This course introduces the student to a comprehensive overview of

the nursing research process. Research methods, including qualitative

and quantitative approaches, will be examined. Knowledge and skills

essential for understanding, interpreting, analyzing, and applying nursing

research to clinical practice will be stressed.

Prerequisite(s): Any 300 level Nursing course

Corequisite(s): MTH 110

(3,0) 3 credits Fall, Spring

 

NUR 404 Nurse as Advocate and Change Agent

This course will enable students to synthesize new knowledge and develop

a personal perspective on their future professional career in nursing. The

current health care environment demands a nursing workforce that is

theoretically sound, clinically adept, and politically aware. Topics to be

discussed and explored include patient advocacy, political awareness

and influence, power and oppression, institutional policy/personal goals,

risk management, utilization and audit, and quality assurance. Additional

topics may be added in response to new or emerging trends in nursing

and health care.

Prerequisite(s): NUR 401

(3,0) 3 credits Fall

 

NUR 405 Nursing Practicum: Special Topics

This course will allow the senior nursing student, under direct supervision

of an experienced clinician, to integrate and apply knowledge from all

previous courses to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care of multiple

patients in an area of special interest. A one hour weekly dialogue and

reflection will allow students to synthesize and further construct the

knowledge and understanding needed to function effectively in today’s

healthcare environment. Additional opportunities in clinical practice as

well as the identification of a healthcare management problem will be the

core content of this course. The student will be required to work his/her

preceptor’s schedule. This course is for Generic BS Students

Prerequisite(s): NUR 402, NUR 404 Spring

(1,24) 9 credits

 

NUR 406 Senior Leadership Practicum

This clinical preceptor course will provide a capstone leadership

experience for licensed registered nurses enrolled in our Baccalaureate

completion track in Nursing. Students will spend a total of 120 hours

working side by side an experienced clinician functioning in a leadership

role. Students will identify an area of interest and appropriate goals and

objectives for the learning experience. The course will connect theory to

practice allowing students to make the connection between the concepts

of nurse as changed agent and nursing leadership. The course will

include one hour of dialogue and reflection weekly. This course is for RN

Completion Students

Prerequisite(s): NUR 404 Spring

(1,8) 5 credits