Nursing BSN Course Descriptions

This course serves as an introduction to the professionalism and professional values of nursing. A historical perspective is used to provide background for subsequent study of contemporary nursing practice and research. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, and BIO 162L. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI, DSINQ. (3)

Prepares nursing students to utilize the nursing process in implementing nursing skills and nursing technologies when caring for clients across the life-span and representing a wide variety of health care concerns. Students will develop skills through discussion, observation, and practice in the laboratory setting. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 162, and admission to the accelerated B.S.N. program. Prerequisite or corequisite: NU 230. (4)

The content of this course focuses on health promotion and health education across the life-span. Utilizing health information literacy, students explore developmental changes and health and illness phenomena. Students examine models and theories that interpret health behaviors, health status, and disparities. Social, cultural, and political factors that contribute to or hinder achieving optimal health are addressed. Concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are presented, and major morbidities and mortalities are discussed. Interventions that promote healthy behaviors and prevent morbidity and mortality supported by evidence-based practice are described. The goals of Healthy People 2020 are discussed and analyzed. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, and BIO 162L. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

Prepares the student to perform a comprehensive health assessment of the adult client. The course covers communication; documentation; ethical, spiritual, and cultural considerations; and risk related to environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Includes a laboratory component. Corequisite: NU 231. (3)

This online course for RNs prepares the student to perform a comprehensive health assessment of the adult client. Communication; documentation; ethical, spiritual, and cultural considerations; and risk related to environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors are included. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, BIO 162L, and RN licensure. (3)

This online course introduces students to the major modalities of alternative/complementary/integrative medical practice. Course content focuses on developing the ability to critically analyze and evaluate dimensions of these therapies both for application in the students’ personal lives and future professional practices. The course includes the history, underlying theories, and the latest research findings on alternative/complementary/integrative approaches. The class includes the option for participation in experiential exercises in various alternative/complementary/integrative techniques. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding the efficacy of a wide range alternative/complementary/integrative therapies. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)

This course introduces basic principles and processes important for understanding the pathophysiology of common diseases and basic pharmacological principles that apply to all drugs and drug therapy across the life-span. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, and BIO 162L. (3)

Using the Chronic Care Model, this course addresses the nursing management of adults and older adults who experience symptoms of illnesses that are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. In the coordination of care, students consider the increasing diversity of the population and the social determinants of health. Relevant principles of pathophysiology, pharmacological, and nonpharmacologic interventions are integrated. Clinical experiences are in the non-acute care settings. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, and BIO 162L. Corequisites: NU 231 and NU 306. (4)

This course focuses on the nursing management of adults with minimally to moderately acute/complex health problems that require medical/surgical interventions and rehabilitation. Using the Synergy Model, students apply knowledge of pathophysiology in identifying risk factors. Clinical experiences are in acute care settings. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 231, NU 306, and NU 307. (6)

This online course explains contemporary nursing practice. Beliefs about man, society, health, and nursing are explored so that students can examine the relationship among these factors. Issues in the delivery of health care and the roles of the nurse and client within the health care system are investigated. Prerequisite: RN licensure or permission of instructor. (3)

The focus of this hybrid online course introduces students to nursing as a scholarly profession and scientific discipline. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the transition to professional nursing within the context of scholarship, evidence-based practice, and information literacy. (1)

This course is a continuation of NU 331. The focus is on the nursing care of the adult client experiencing medical/surgical illnesses/diseases. Knowledge and skills from previous and current nursing courses and concepts from basic sciences and humanities establish the foundation for this course. Students in this course will develop knowledge, skills, and competency with a foundation in evidence-based practice. Students will integrate new skills and competencies into the clinical practice settings and collaborate with interdisciplinary health care professionals in the delivery of safe and effective nursing care. Course includes lecture and clinical components. Prerequisites: NU 234, NU 331, and NU 361. Prerequisite for students in the accelerated B.S.N. program: NU 231. Prerequisite for students in the four-year B.S.N. program: NU 246. (5)

Focuses on the health and illness management of families during the childbearing phase of the life cycle. The course aims to develop knowledge and skills essential in providing holistic family-centered care to childbearing clients/families. It encompasses the entire childbearing process from preconception through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. The content progresses from normal to high-risk information within each phase of the childbearing period. Use of critical thinking and evidence-based practice are incorporated and emphasized in all aspects of practice to ensure the best possible outcome. Course includes lecture and clinical components. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 231, NU 302, NU 306, and NU 307. Corequisite: NU 308. (4)

Focuses on mental health promotion and the care of clients with acute and chronic mental illness. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are addressed. The curriculum components of the health care system, research, education, and society are addressed as these relate to mental health and mental illness. The nursing process is applied as students assess, diagnose, plan, intervene, and evaluate the care of clients experiencing mental illness. Knowledge of the nurse-patient relationship is expanded as students provide client care. Course includes lecture and clinical components. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 231, NU 302, NU 306, and NU 307. Corequisite or prerequisite: NU 308. (4)

Focuses on basic pediatric nursing care for infants through adolescents within a variety of pediatric conditions and in a variety of settings, including community and hospital nursing. The nursing process is used for caring for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents with a variety of health conditions. Emphasis is placed on nursing care of well, acute, and chronically ill children within their families. Nursing care for well children, including health promotion and disease/injury prevention, and for children with acute and/or chronic health conditions will be examined within a developmental framework. Course includes lecture and clinical components. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 231, NU 302, NU 306, and NU 307. Corequisite: NU 308. (4)

This course will provide a culturally rich and diverse global service learning experience. Students will engage in didactic and experiential learning activities as part of a structured host country placement while serving vulnerable populations. This course will enable students to collaborate with community partners to enhance generalist nursing knowledge and skills in the areas of community-focused health promotion, cultural competence, capacity building, and social justice. Prerequisites: NU 234, NU 302, and NU 331. Service Learning Designation: SL (approx. 20 hours service). (3)

This online course for RNs explores the nurse’s role in the management of therapeutic pharmacological agents in promoting wellness and/or restoring equilibrium. The collaborative and teaching roles of the nurse are addressed and specific interventions are identified for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for clients receiving pharmaceutical therapy. Knowledge and interventions needed for maximizing therapeutic effects and preventing or minimizing adverse effects of therapy is emphasized. Use of critical thinking and evidence-based practice are incorporated and emphasized in all aspects of practice to ensure the best possible outcome. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, BIO 162L, NU 362OL, and RN licensure. (3)

This online course for RNs presents content related to the pathological alterations caused by major illnesses/diseases and degenerative processes across the life-span. Emphasis is given to the physiological changes that occur as a result of these illnesses/diseases as well as the body’s ability to compensate for these changes. The effects of these physiological alterations are discussed with an emphasis on nursing implications. Evidence-based practice findings are integrated throughout. Prerequisites: BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, BIO 162L, and RN licensure. (3)

Presents public health concepts, principles, standards, theory, and intervention modalities using evidence-based nursing practice. Client advocacy is promoted and teaching is emphasized. Clinical experience is provided in distributive settings. Must be taken during the final semester. Prerequisites: all required 300-level NU courses and BIO 260. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (5)

This online course for RNs presents public health concepts, principles, standards, theory, and intervention modalities using evidence-based nursing practice. Client advocacy is promoted and teaching is emphasized. Clinical experience is provided in distributive settings. Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Prerequisites: NU 302OL, NU 361OL, NU 362OL, BIO 260, BIO 260L, and RN licensure. (5)

An introduction to the process of systematic investigation necessary for the continued development of the body of knowledge that forms the basis of nursing practice. The purpose of this course is to provide learners with the opportunity to systematically examine the research process, characteristics of practice-based research leading to the development of evidence-based nursing practice, and methodologies appropriate to the investigation of researchable nursing-practice problems. Emphasis is placed on guiding learners through the research process, facilitating the critical reading of nursing and related research, developing skill in identifying researchable problems encountered in the practice of nursing, and stimulating the intelligent application of research findings to nursing practice. Focus is given to the interrelatedness and interdependence of the parts of the research process and evidence-based practice issues. Prerequisites: MA 132 and NU 308. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

This online course for RNs is an introduction to the process of systematic investigation necessary for the continued development of the body of knowledge that forms the basis of nursing practice. The purpose of this course is to provide learners with the opportunity to systematically examine the research process, characteristics of practice-based research leading to the development of evidence-based nursing practice, and methodologies appropriate to the investigation of researchable nursing practice problems. Emphasis is placed on guiding learners through the research process, facilitating the critical reading of nursing and related research, developing skill in identifying researchable problems encountered in the practice of nursing, and stimulating the intelligent application of research findings to nursing practice. Focus is given to the interrelatedness and interdependence of the parts of the research process and evidence-based practice issues. Prerequisite: MA 132. (3)

This course focuses on the comprehensive nursing care of adults with multi-system/highly complex medical/surgical illnesses and diseases. Using the Synergy Model, students synthesize pathophysiological and pharmacological concepts to create a plan of nursing care grounded in evidence-based nursing practice, the nursing process, and social determinants of health. Clinical experiences are in acute care settings. Prerequisite: NU 308. (6)

This course facilitates students in solving clinical problems frequently encountered in practice settings. Utilizing a framework for clinical reasoning, students are challenged to identify and develop nursing interventions related to the major health problems. Prerequisites: all 200-level and 300-level nursing (NU) courses, NU 403, and NU 406. (3)

This course focuses on the professional roles of the nurse as a leader and manager in the health care environment, manager of health care clients in a variety of settings, and advocate for social and political reform. Theories of leadership, management, and organizational behavior, as well as the social, political, and economic forces related to diverse health care environments are examined. Students explore group behaviors and the use of power and influence in developing coalitions and building consensus. Must be taken in the final semester of the B.S.N. program. Prerequisites: all required 300-level NU courses. (3)

This online course for RNs focuses on the professional roles of the nurse as a leader and manager in the health care environment, manager of health care clients in a variety of settings, and advocate for social and political reform. Theories of leadership, management, and organizational behavior, as well as the social, political, and economic forces related to diverse health care environments, are examined. Students explore group behaviors and the use of power and influence in developing coalitions and building consensus. Prerequisite or corequisite: NU 400OL and RN licensure or permission of the instructor. (3)

Explores issues and trends in nursing and health care. Students analyze current evidence for discussion of issues that are related to the provision of quality health care. The course also provides the students in the last semester of the bachelor’s degree program with an opportunity to develop personal and professional strategies to make the transition from student to graduate nurse. A primary emphasis in this course is placed on personal growth and preparation for assuming the role of the professional nurse. Must be taken in the final semester of the B.S.N. program. Prerequisites: all required 300-level NU courses. Corequisite: NU 490. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

This online capstone course is offered in the last semester of the R.N.-to-B.S.N. program. The purpose of this course is to integrate and build on the students’ educational experiences and abilities to broaden their understanding of contemporary issues in nursing and health care systems. It focuses on the transition of professional nursing practice in diverse settings within the context of emerging societal issues and trends. Selected, current issues in the ever-evolving health care system and nursing are addressed in order to identify and implement strategies to promote and protect the health and well-being of all individuals in our society. Prerequisite: RN licensure or permission of instructor. (3)

This course explores issues and trends in nursing and health care. Students examine leadership principles, systems thinking, and change strategies within the practice setting and profession. The impact of health policy, professional identity, and role as a nurse leader are addressed from the micro to macro system levels. Prerequisites: all 200-level and 300-level nursing (NU) courses, NU 403, and NU 406. (3)

A student in this elective course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (1-6)

This capstone course provides students formal and informal experiential knowledge about professional nursing practice. This course emphasizes integration, reflection, and synthesis of concepts from all coursework in the program. Clinical immersion experiences are provided within a precepted environment. The didactic component allows the student to examine workforce and nursing practice issues central to the process of transitioning from the role of student to professional nurse. Prerequisites: all 200-level and 300-level nursing (NU) courses, NU 403, and NU 406. (4)

Provides an opportunity for students to experience the role of the professional nurse through supervised clinical practice with a preceptor in a selected health care agency. Must be taken during the final semester of the B.S.N. program. Prerequisites: all required 300-level NU courses. Corequisite: NU 425. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3)

Students investigate selected topics in nursing under the direction of a faculty advisor and the dean of the Malek School of Health Professions. Independent study enables students to pursue specialized interests and develop skills in critical analysis. (1-6)