Course Descriptions and Course Prerequisites
Required Semester I Courses
N.300 Health Assessment :: 2 semester hrs
In this didactic course, beginning nursing students are introduced to the physical, psychological, developmental, socio-cultural, and spiritual aspects of holistic assessment theory. Students gain the knowledge necessary for effective interviewing and performance of physical assessment techniques. Co-requisite: N. 300L
N.300Lab Health Assessment Lab :: 1 semester hr
In this lab course, the skills required to perform a systematic assessment will be evaluated in a simulated environment. Pre-/Co-requisite: N. 300
N.305 Professional Development I :: 2 semester hrs
This didactic course is intended to introduce students to the profession of nursing. There will be an emphasis on partnership, communication, critical thinking, nursing roles, and professional ethics and values. The vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum model of the baccalaureate nursing program will be discussed. The student’s learning styles and personal values will be explored. Other topics introduced include culture, health and illness, health care systems, and nursing research as basis of practice. Prerequisite: None
N.315 Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice :: 3 semester hours
This didactic course will provide study of the alterations in normal physiology. A conceptual approach will be used to study the effects of the disease process on human body systems. The course will provide the foundation for the practice of nursing in the clinical setting. Prerequisite: None
N.325 Pharmacology in Nursing :: 3 semester hours
This didactic course will provide the student with general principles of drug action and nursing responsibility and accountability in the administration of drugs. Content presented will include the legal and ethical aspects of drug administration. The nurse’s role as teacher will be emphasized. Pre-/Co-requisite: N315
N.330 Basic Concepts and Skills in Nursing :: 1.5 semester hrs
This didactic course provides the theoretical background regarding the basic nursing interventions necessary for the support of the acute and chronically ill client. Critical concepts addressed in this course are safety, communication, asepsis, and nursing process. Pre-requisites: N.300
N.330LAB Basic Concepts and Skills in Nursing Lab :: 0.5 semester hrs
In this lab course, basic nursing skills necessary for the support of the acute and chronically ill client are developed. Time is spent in the Nursing Skills Laboratory to learn and practice essential nursing skills. Pre-requisites: N.300; Pre-/Co-requisite: N.330
N.330Clin Basic Concepts and Skills in Nursing Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
In this clinical course, students have the opportunity to learn and practice essential nursing skills in the Nursing Skills Laboratory and to provide direct nursing care for clients with acute and chronic alterations in health in a variety of clinical settings. The clinical focus is on nursing interventions to promote and restore health and the development of decision making skills. Pre-requisites: N.300, N300Lab; Pre-/Co-requisite: N.305, N.315, N.325, N330
Required Semesters II and III Courses
N.355 Issues in Aging :: 2 semester hrs
Hybrid format
This didactic course will address issues and developmental theories related to the elderly population of the United States. Emphasis will be on a realistic approach to assessing and meeting the needs of the older client. Myths and stereotypes of the elderly, health care trends, utilization of resources by the elderly, and trends in gerontologic nursing will be explored. Students will study the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual changes that occur as part of the normal aging process. Pre-requisites: N.300, and N.315 or N.325 or N.330
N.360 Caring for Clients with Alterations in Mental Health :: 3 semester hrs
This didactic course builds on theories of human behavior and their application to caring for clients and families with common alterations in mental health functioning. Nursing care will be provided integrating communication skills, the nursing process, and therapeutic use of self. Emphasis is placed on promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimum psychological functioning resulting in a stable client system. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330
N.360Clin Caring for Clients with Alterations in Mental Health Clinical :: 2 Semester hrs
In this clinical course, students will utilize current treatment approaches in psychiatric/mental health nursing by participating in therapeutic milieus and multi-disciplinary team activities. Clinical experiences will be in a variety of mental health settings. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, N.330, N330Clin; Pre-/Co-requisite: N.360
N.370 Caring for Adults with Alterations in Health :: 3 semester hrs
This didactic course will expand the students’ knowledge of nursing care required to meet the needs of clients with major alterations in health and to perform in the role of the professional nurse as a member of a multidisciplinary team, client advocate, counselor/teacher change agent, care giver, and collaborator/coordinator. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330
N.370Clin Caring for Adults with Alterations in Health Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
In this clinical course, students will have opportunities to meet the needs of clients with major alterations in health through engagement in clinical experiences in a variety of acute care settings. The student will be provided opportunities to perform in the roles of client advocate, counselor/teacher change agent, care giver, and collaborator/coordinator. Students will have opportunities to refine their application of the nursing process and communication skills. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, N.330, N330Clin; Pre-/Co-requisite: N 370
N.405 Professional Development II :: 2 semester hrs
This didactic course expands on professional development content as introduced in N.305. Students will clarify personal and societal values as they relate to ethical, legal, political, and spiritual issues within nursing practice. They will utilize an ethical decision-making process to resolve ethical dilemmas confronting nurses. Through study of specific cultural groups, students will identify issues in transcultural nursing. Theories of nursing, utilization of nursing research, partnership, and concepts of learning will be included. Pre-requisite: N.305
N.407 Life Transitions :: 2 semester hrs
This course will explore the experience of individuals and families as they undergo health transitions. Students will be introduced to theories of life transition; chronic illness, coping, sexuality, loss and grieving. Health transitions related to chronic illness, sexuality, and death and dying will be explored. Learning activities will assist students to develop greater self-awareness and empathy, as well as improved communication skills related to issues addressed in this course. Pre-requisites: Any one of N.360, N.370, N.410, or N.420
N.410 Care of the Childbearing Family :: 3 semester hrs
This didactic course will provide the student with the basic knowledge of family-centered maternity care focusing on the needs of the client system during the childbearing process. Primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention are emphasized for the promotion and maintenance of health with both normal and selected high-risk clients. The nursing process, evidence based practice, and legal/ethical issues are integrated throughout the course. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330
N.410Clin Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
In this clinical course, students will have the opportunity to provide family-centered maternity care in acute care setting and outpatient clinic settings. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, N.330, N330Clin; Pre-/Co-requisite: N 410
N.420 Caring for Children and Families :: 3 semester hrs
This didactic course prepares the student to meet the nursing needs of children and families. Principles of growth and development are applied to the nursing care of children from infancy through adolescence. Stressors that result in alterations in health are discussed. Concepts explored include family theory, communication, safety, teaching, comfort, mobility and legal. ethical, and professional standards. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330
N.420Clin Caring for Children and Families Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
In this clinical course, students will have the opportunity to apply communication skills, critical thinking, the nursing process, knowledge of growth and development, and teaching and learning principles in meeting the nursing needs of children and their families in both acute care and community settings. Pre-requisites: N.305, N.315, N.325, N.330, N330Clin; Pre-/Co-requisite: N420
N.455 Nursing Research: Evidence-Based Practice :: 3 semester hrs
Hybrid format
This didactic course provides students with an introduction to research concepts and methods commonly used in nursing research. Students will identify and apply steps of the research process. They will also critique the quality of research studies by applying research concepts. Students will learn what constitutes evidence–based practice and how to use nursing research in professional nursing practice. Finally, students will specify how they can facilitate the use of evidence-based practice in clinical settings. Pre-requisites: N.405 and any two of N.360, N.370, N.410, or N.420
Required Semester IV Courses
N.460 Community-Centered Care :: 2 semester hrs
This didactic course provides students with knowledge regarding the integration and application of community health concepts for nursing care of client systems in a community setting. Primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention are emphasized for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimum health of client systems. The roles of the nurse as caregiver, change agent, client advocate, counselor/teacher, and collaborator/coordinator are reinforced. The nurse’s role as a member of the multidisciplinary team will also be explored. Students will consider the political, ethical, economical, and cultural issues related to health care as they affect the client system. Pre-requisites: N.360, N.370, N.407, N.410, N.420, and N.455
N.460Clin Community-Centered Care Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
This clinical course provides an opportunity for the integration and application of community health concepts for nursing care of client systems in a variety of community agencies. Pre-requisites: N.360, N.370, N.407, N.410, N.420, and N.45; Pre-/Co-requisite:: N460
N.470 Caring for the Critically Ill Client :: 2 semester hrs
This didactic course will provide the theoretical background needed to care for clients with critical illness and their families. The primary focus will be on the application of the nursing process to clients with multi-system involvement in the critical care setting. Communication, teaching, legal, ethical issues, and critical thinking as they pertain to the critically ill client will be stressed. Pre-requisites: N.360, N.370, N.407, N.410, N.420 and N.455
N.470Clin Caring for the Critically Ill Client Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
This clinical course will provide students with the opportunity to provide care for clients with critical illness in a variety of critical care settings. Pre-requisites: N.360, N.370, N.407, N.410, N.420 and N.455 Pre-/Co-requisite: N.470
N.480 Nursing Leadership :: 2 semester hrs
This didactic course addresses theoretical concepts on nursing leadership and management. Opportunities for students to learn and apply concepts related to nursing leadership, delegation, development of interdisciplinary partnerships, and the roles and functions of the nurse manager are provided. Pre-requisites: N.360, N.370, N.407, N.410, N.420, and N.455
N.480Clin Nursing Leadership Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
This clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply concepts related to nursing leadership, delegation, development of interdisciplinary partnerships, and the roles and functions of the nurse manager. A variety of clinical settings will be used for student clinical practice. Pre-requisites: N.360, N360Clin, N.370, N370Clin, N.407, N.410Clin, N.420Clin, and N.455; Pre-/Co-requisite: N.480
N.490 Capstone – Transition into Professional Nursing Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
Pass/Fail
This is a clinical course with a goal of integrating professional development and clinical skills under the direction of a professional nurse preceptor. Students will practice with a preceptor in a setting of their choosing. Clinical faculty members are assigned to students throughout the course for consultation with preceptors. A project and final seminar will be used to evaluate the students’ experiences. Pre-requisites: All required nursing courses
Electives
A variety of nursing electives will be offered, which will provide the student with opportunities for expanded experiences in nursing specialties and for personal and professional growth.
N.311 Women’s Health Care Issues :: 2 semester hrs
This elective didactic course will focus on a holistic approach to common health concerns of women. Emphasis will be on health promotion, the nurse’s role in primary prevention, and treatment alternatives. Students will explore strategies to educate women to effectively interact with a changing health care system. The impact of media in popular culture on women and their health will also be explored. Pre-requisite: None
N.327 Holistic Health for Nurses :: 2 semester hrs
This elective didactic course explores the nurse’s journey to holistic health. The concepts of holism, healing and the nurse as healer will be discussed. Students will assess their current health status and health practices. They will examine the integration of daily self-care and complementary and alternative therapies in order to establish and maintain a healthy life style. A variety of complementary and alternative healing modalities will be presented. Pre-requisite: None
N.331 Caring for Clients at Camp :: 1 semester hr
This elective didactic course provides an opportunity for the student to acquire knowledge and skills needed to provide health care for clients in the camp setting. The role of the nurse in providing primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention is emphasized. Nursing process, principles of growth and development, nutrition, and legal issues are integrated throughout the course. Pre-requisite: N.300, N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330. Co-requisite: N332
N.332 Camp Practicum :: 1 semester hr
Clinical experiences will be in a residential camp setting and are limited to students who have completed first semester courses and are concurrently taking N.331. The student will participate in pre-camp planning sessions, camp activities, and post-camp evaluation in this elective clinical course. Pre-requisite: N.300, N.305, N.315, N.325, N.330, and either N.360 and N.370 or N.410 and N.420; Co-requisite: N.331
N.337 The Nurse’s Role in Cardiac Monitoring :: 2 semester hrs
This elective didactic course will explore the role of the nurse in the care of clients with cardiac arrhythmias. A brief overview of cardiac anatomy and physiology will be included to provide a solid basis for electrocardiography, arrhythmia identification, common treatments, and nursing implications, along with primary, secondary, and tertiary care of the client with cardiac arrhythmias. Antiarrhythmic medications and the related nursing implications will also be covered. Clinical case studies will be used to enhance learning. Pre-requisite: N.300, N.305, N.315, N.325, and N.330
N. 357 Global Issues and Community Health :: 1 Semester hr
This elective didactic course provides students with the opportunity to explore the impact of international policy on the health and well being of individuals and their communities in under resourced countries. Additionally, the course provides opportunity to explore the role of cultural beliefs, social justice and health seeking behaviors in vulnerable populations. Co-requisite: N. 357Clin
N. 357Clin Global Issues and Community Health Clinical :: 1 Semester hr
Students that participate in this elective clinical course will be involved in an international immersion experience in which they will live and work in a culture different from their own. This elective is developed to provide a learning experience through a service learning project with a focus on family and community health. Active clinical participation in thoughtfully organized hands-on service experiences that meet community needs will be provided. Pre- or Co-requisite: N. 357
N. 359 Palliative Care :: 2 Semester hrs
This elective didactic course is designed to provide the nurse generalist with an entry level understanding of palliative care and hospice nursing. The primary focus of this course is to achieve an understanding of specific end-of-life issues from the perspective of patients and their families. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to investigate the management of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs of patients, particularly those with incurable progressive illness. Students will have the opportunity to explore ways to achieve the best possible quality of life through relief of suffering, control of symptoms, and restoration of functional capacity, while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs, and practices. Prerequisite: None
N.371 Caring for Trauma Clients :: 2 semester hrs
This elective didactic course prepares the student to meet the needs of the trauma client with multiple body system involvement. The continuum of trauma care to include primary, secondary, and tertiary care will be studied. The special needs that will encompass the five variables insuring holistic care of the trauma client and their families will be identified. The student will study trauma in a variety of settings. Care of both the adult and the pediatric client will be discussed. The different roles of trauma health care providers will be addressed: care giver, counselor/teacher, collaborator/coordinator, and change agent. Client assessment, communication skills, teaching needs, and the nursing process will be stressed. Pre-requisite: N.370 or N.420
N.372Clin Perioperative Nursing Clinical :: 2 semester hrs
This elective clinical course is designed to assist the student in the delivery of quality nursing care to adult surgical clients. Using the variables of health as a basis for content, the preoperative and intraoperative phases of the surgical experience will be studied. Opportunities will be provided for students to increase their skills in application of the nursing process. Pre-requisite: N.370Clin or N.410Clin or N.420Clin
