Courses

Course offerings reflect the 2023-2024. One unit of credit equals four semester hours.

Prelicensure Option Courses | Degree-Completion Option for RNs Courses | Public Health

Prelicensure Option Courses

.75 credit/3 semester hours

Focuses on use of theories, principles and processes to develop skills in interviewing, history taking and physical examination. Relevance of assessment for decision making in the practice of professional nursing is examined. A systematic approach for health assessment of diverse patients across the life span is emphasized. Ethical issues of privacy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivity are addressed. Includes laboratory experience. Lab fees apply.

.50 credit/2 semester hours

Focuses on the conceptual basis for professional nursing. Emphasizes the role of the baccalaureate nurse as a leader, an ethical practitioner and a member of a profession. Introduces frameworks for critical thinking and decision making. Students are introduced to the department’s systems framework and have opportunities to discuss the mission, standards and program outcomes.

Prerequisite: Admission to baccalaureate nursing program.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes that are foundational for professional nursing practice. Within a systems framework, basic health needs, safety, comfort, pharmacology and ethical practice are discussed. Basic skills for select nursing interventions are emphasized. Provider of care role, including beginning decision-making and clinical judgment skills, is fostered with experiences in skills laboratory and supervised clinical practicum in varied clinical settings. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisite: admission to the clinical nursing sequence. Pre- or corequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303 and NRS 321.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes for adult populations experiencing common health problems within priority areas of care. Emphasis is on nursing care of the older adult. A systems framework is used to discuss clinical prevention and patient-centered care for select chronic care issues, including end of life. Introduces methods for evidence based decision making to support role of provider of care. Beginning leadership skills and ethical practice in promoting optimal care outcomes in acute and community-based systems are fostered. Includes supervised laboratory experiences and clinical practicum. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisite: NRS 308. Pre- or corequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303, NRS 321.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes for care of adults from diverse populations experiencing select acute, chronic and complex health problems. A systems framework facilitates integration of knowledge from previous nursing and science courses. The roles of provider and designer of nursing care are developed. Application of evidence-based methods for use in decision-making support basic leadership skills and ethical practice in promoting optimal outcomes. Includes a supervised clinical practicum in a variety of settings. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303, NRS 308, NRS 309 and NRS 321.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes related to care of the child from infancy through adolescence within the context of family. Using a systems framework, delivery of family-focused nursing care emphasizes clinical prevention, health promotion and health restoration. Influences of genetics, environment and social policies on family and child health nursing role are considered. Provider, designer and manager of care roles are developed. Basic leadership skills and ethical practice are fostered in a supervised clinical practicum in a variety of settings. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisites: NRS 315, NRS 322, NRS 408 and NRS 410.

.75 credit/3 semester hours

This course is the first of two courses with integrated content of pathophysiology and pharmacology. Focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and pharmacotherapy of common disease processes across the life span. Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are used to discuss major drug classifications, including indications, actions, interactions and side effects. A case study model is used to integrate pathophysiology and pharmacology using current evidence for clinical application. The content will be aligned with the associated clinical courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to baccalaureate nursing program.

.75 credit/3 semester hours

This course is the second of two courses with integrated content of pathophysiology and pharmacology. Focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and pharmacotherapy of more complicated disease processes across the life span. Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are used to discuss major drug classifications, including indications, actions, interactions and side effects. A case study model is used to integrate pathophysiology and pharmacology using current evidence for clinical application. The content will be aligned with the associated clinical courses.

Prerequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303, NRS 308, NRS 309 and NRS 321.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes for organizational leadership and management in professional nursing practice. Provides an overview of organizational systems, health care policies and influence of global health care systems on health care in the United States. The role of the baccalaureate nurse in planning, promoting and evaluating health care quality, safety and effectiveness is examined. Addresses concepts of advocacy, change, finance, delegation, teamwork, conflict, information management and interprofessional practice.

Prerequisites: NRS 315, NRS 322, NRS 408 and NRS 410.

.50 credit/2 semester hours

Focuses on the theories, processes and relationships among policy, finance and legislation as they relate to professional nursing practice. This course will describe the policy-making process, how health care is financed and the impact that legislation has on the health care system as well as nursing practice. The role of advocacy and the importance of political engagement will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: NRS 315, NRS 322, NRS 408 and NRS 410.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes related to mental health from early to older adulthood. Using a systems framework, patient-centered care for diverse populations with acute or chronic mental health problems is examined. Professional and legal issues for care of vulnerable populations are examined. Provider and designer of care roles in ethical practice are developed. Basic leadership skills are demonstrated through effective communication, selfawareness, group and team participation, and management of care outcomes in a supervised clinical practicum. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303, NRS 308, NRS 309 and NRS 321.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes related to reproductive health from early to older adulthood within the context of family. Using a systems framework, family-focused patient-centered care addresses perinatal, women’s and men’s health. Clinical prevention, genomics and end-of-life issues are examined. Provider, designer and manager-of-care roles in ethical practice with vulnerable populations are developed. Basic leadership skills are demonstrated through values clarification and conflict management in family-centered clinical decision making and management of care outcomes in a supervised clinical practicum in a variety of settings. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisites: NRS 315, NRS 322, NRS 408 and NRS 410.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories and principles for use of research and evidence-based processes in professional nursing practice. Skills in search strategies and critical appraisal are emphasized. The relationship between evidence-based practice and information technology in quality care outcomes is analyzed.

Prerequisites: NRS 300, NRS 303, NRS 308, NRS 309 and NRS 321.

1.25 credit/5 semester hours

Focuses on synthesis of theories, principles and processes in nursing roles of provider and designer/manager/coordinator of care in complex health care systems. Care for diverse groups of patients with multisystem health problems is addressed. Emphasis is on increasing autonomy and collaborative leadership in inter-professional teams, ethical practice and achievement of safe and quality care outcomes. Includes practice in a supervised clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: NRS 403, NRS 407, NRS 316 and NRS 409.

1.25 credit/5 semester hours

Focuses on synthesis of theories, principles and processes in the nursing roles of provider and designer/manager/ coordinator of care for diverse groups in community systems. Epidemiology, environment, global health and public/social policy are emphasized. Clinical prevention and population health interventions within inter-professional teams support development of increased autonomy, collaborative leadership and ethical practice. Includes practice in a supervised clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: NRS 403, NRS 407, NRS 315 and NRS 409.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on ongoing development of self as a member of the profession of nursing. Issues related to the ethical and legal role of the baccalaureate-prepared professional nurse in the changing health care system are discussed. Emphasis is on accountability for professional and personal behaviors.

Prerequisites: NRS 316, 403, 407 and 409.

.50 or 1.00 credit/2 or 4 semester hours

Topics vary from term to term based upon departmental interests and expertise.

Prerequisite: Approval of the executive director.

.25 or .50 credit/1 or 2 semester hours

This course focuses on clinical thinking and test-taking skills essential for the NCLEX-RN examination. A case study approach is used, followed by practice examinations. Stress management and test-taking strategies are emphasized. Repeatable for credit.

.50 credit/2 semester hours

Focuses on the intraoperative phase of operating room nursing. This course includes the study of the roles and responsibilities of the perioperative nurse and the patient experiences within the surgical environment. Skills in sterile technique, basic instrumentation and maintenance of safety within the surgical arena are emphasized.

Prerequisites: NRS 315 and NRS 410.

.50 credit/2 semester hours

This course is the practicum component associated with NRS 456. Focuses on the intra-operative phase of operating room nursing. This course includes the study of the roles and responsibilities of the perioperative nurse and the patient experiences within the surgical environment. Skills in sterile technique, basic instrumentation, and maintenance of safety within the surgical arena are emphasized.

Prerequisite: NRS 456.

.50 or 1.00 credit/2 or 4 semester hours

Provides for special clinical experiences in the last term of the program. This course does not count toward the major, but may be used as elective credit. Lab fees apply.

Prerequisite: Approval of the executive director.

.50 or 1.00 credit/2 or 4 semester hours

An individualized course designed for nursing majors wishing to pursue an intensive program of reading or research. Format to be determined by the nature of the topic, student ability and the instructor.

Prerequisite: Approval of the executive director.

.50 credit/2 semester hours

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in a field of nursing, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous coursework taken within the nursing major, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor, the director of the Honors Program and executive director required prior to registration.

RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Courses

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on the frameworks, dimensions and themes of professional nursing practice. Designed for the registered nurse who is pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree, this course will enable the student to broaden his/her own perspective of the professional nursing role and communicate that role to other members of the health care team.

Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN degree-completion option or the RN-MSN entry option.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and pharmacotherapy of select exemplars of major disease processes across the life span. Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are used to discuss major drug classifications associated with the exemplars. Current evidence for clinical application in the workplace is integrated throughout the course. Designed for the registered nurse pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN degree-completion program.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on theories, principles and processes for organizational leadership and management in professional nursing practice. Provides an overview of organizational systems, health care policies and influence of global health care systems on health care in the United States. The role of the baccalaureate nurse in planning, promoting and evaluating health care quality, safety and effectiveness is examined. Addresses concepts of advocacy, change, finance, delegation, teamwork, conflict, information management and interprofessional practice. Designed for the registered nurse pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN degree-completion program.

1.25 credit/5 semester hours

Focuses on synthesis of theories, principles and processes of nursing care for diverse groups in community systems. Epidemiology, environment, global health and public/social policy are emphasized. Clinical prevention and population health interventions within interprofessional teams support development of increased autonomy, collaborative leadership and ethical practice. Designed for the registered nurse pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Includes a clinical component.

Prerequisites: NRS 406 and admission to RN-BSN degree completion program.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on continued student development as a member of the profession of nursing. Includes content of ethical decision making, ethical practice and the legal role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse in the changing health care system. Designed for the registered nurse pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN degree completion program.

1.25 credit/5 semester hours

Focuses on the synthesis of theories, principles and processes of nursing in complex health systems. Emphasis is on collaborative leadership in inter-professional teams, ethical practice and achievement of safe and quality care outcomes. Designed for the registered nurse pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Includes a clinical component.

Prerequisites: NRS 406 and admission to RN-BS degree-completion option.

1.00 credit/4 semester hours

Focuses on the collection, appraisal and dissemination of evidence-based strategies for professional nursing practice. Skills in search strategies, critical appraisal and levels of evidence are examined. Technology to assist critical thinking and presentation in the areas of clinical practice, leadership and scholarship is utilized and evaluated.

Prerequisites: admission to RN-BSN degree completion option, MTH 345 or MTH 346 or PSY 355 or equivalent.

Focus is on how healthcare is organized and financed. The role and scope of regulatory agencies are discussed. Students will examine the legislative process and how healthcare policy is developed, changed, and influenced by the professional nurse. Advocacy for vulnerable populations and social justice are also explored.

Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN degree completion option.

Public Health

This course is designed to provide an introduction to public health concepts including health promotion and disease prevention. Students will examine historical and contemporary public health case studies to understand the systems, professions, tools, and skills associated with public health. Through case responses, students will practice public healthspecific communication skills including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology.

This course will introduce principles of the study of disease from a public health perspective, including basic pathophysiology and the study of distribution of disease and epidemics in human populations. Through lectures, tabletop, and field exercises, students will learn fundamental concepts of epidemiology and will be introduced to resources and methods for learning about human health and disease.

This course will introduce students to the concept of social determinants of health, including factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to health care. In this course, we will explore the concept through the lens of systems thinking, a practice that takes a comprehensive approach to complex events or phenomena to reveal interrelationships rather than linear cause-effect chains, and look at longer-term processes of change rather than simply snapshots in time.

Human activity has had an impact on the health of people, animals and environments throughout history. This course uses cross-disciplinary frameworks to examine critical issues in public health that can be traced to the impact of modern life.

This course will present introductory principles and practices related to public health on a global basis. In this course we will analyze various public health aspects of global health, including: public health problems (chronic disease, infectious disease, injury, disability, malnutrition, etc.) affecting foreign countries, prevention and control efforts in foreign countries, United States involvement in global health problems, economic and social impact of global health problems, structure and function of health care systems, and the future of global health.

Historical and contemporary case studies of social movement(s) will be examined to demonstrate the inter-relatedness of social justice, science/medicine, culture, politics, geography and the public’s health.

This course will review principles and practices related to the cause, prevention, and control of disease and injury in the human population. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the distribution of diseases, epidemiology methods, risk assessment, and the application of epidemiology data to disease prevention and control.

This course introduces the history, mission, vision and core functions of public health from a regional, national and global perspective. The Ecological Model of Health serves as the conceptual framework to explore the social, political, economic, medical, legal and ethical factors that create disparities and guides public health practice across populations and environments.

This course will introduce principles of population health, which is concerned with both the measurement of health outcomes and disparities in the pattern of determinants of health. In this course we will focus on the interrelated conditions and factors that influence the health of populations over the life course, identify systematic variations in their patterns of occurrence, and apply the resulting knowledge to discuss approaches to improve the health and well-being of those populations.

.75 credit

This course provides an introduction to the structures, institutions and processes of the U.S. government at the federal and state levels, their interrelationships, and roles in shaping public health policy.

Baccalaureate Project in Public Health represents the students’ culminating experience, providing them with opportunity to demonstrate through individual or group effort, attainment of the program’s overarching curriculum goals. Students complete a cumulative project on a topic that reflects two or more of the curricular themes and their significance to the selected topic. Project topics and groups will be selected by the students and a project strategic plan will be developed using the Public Health Toolbox. Students will be required to present their work to an audience of faculty, public health professionals, and peers.

12 field experiences in schools and community health. Field observation, participation, and evaluation of community health education or safety programs in agencies relevant to student interests.

.75 credit

This course prepares students to understand concepts and methods of social and behavioral sciences relevant to the assessment of public health and design of strategies and interventions at a population level.

1.00 credit

This course introduces philosophies, principles and methods for promoting health, and addresses the development of effective health promotion and health education programs. Health educator competencies and program tools will be applied to course content.

.50 credit

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of Public Health, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous coursework taken within the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the director of the Honors Program required prior to registration.

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