Undergraduate Catalog: Nursing Courses

NURS 250 Introduction to Professional Concepts (3)
An introduction and exploration of core concepts relevant to the discipline of nursing and healthcare delivery in diverse and global environments. Nursing history, theory, and roles of the professional nurse are presented. Pharmacology principles are introduced with an emphasis on drug calculations. The nursing process is a major focus, laying the foundation to cultivate critical thinking and problem solving methods in the delivery of professional nursing care. Prerequisite: all cognate courses except Math 216, sophomore status in Nursing major. 

NURS 251 Health and Wellness (2)
The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of factors that influence health status. Recommendations related to diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management along with traditional and complementary and alternative therapies used to promote health and prevent disease are discussed. Also explored are the clinical applications to nursing practice of disease prevention and health promotion. Prerequisite: all cognate coursesexcept Math 216, sophomore status in Nursing major.

NURS 252 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (6)
Introduces the student to the knowledge and skills specific to nursing. Theory emphasizes the holistic, adaptive, and unique characteristics of all persons. Basic skills are developed in the on-campus laboratory and applied in clinical settings. The student is introduced to patterns of health and illness and to the nursing process. Students apply this knowledge in the care of selected clients. Prerequisites: all cognate courses except Math 216, sophomore status in Nursing major, NURS 250, 251.

NURS 253 Health Assessment (3)
Builds upon existing skills of interviewing and assessment and upon knowledge of physiology. Application to the health assessment of a client throughout the life span. Skills are developed in performing physical examinations and in obtaining health histories. Prerequisites: all cognate courses except Math 216, sophomore status in Nursing major, NURS 250, 251. 

NURS 350 Medical Surgical Nursing I (7)
The first in a series of three courses with a focus on the dysfunction of systems as related to Gordon’s Health Patterns. Pathophysiology, related pharmacology, and the nursing process as related to the dysfunction of oxygenation, circulation, metabolism, and elimination are presented. Perioperative care is also included. Clinical experiences provide opportunities to implement the nursing process in caring for clients experiencing acute and chronic health problems related to these patterns. Prerequisites: junior status in Nursing major, NURS 250, 251, 252, 253.

NURS 351 Medical Surgical Nursing II (7)
The second of three courses with a focus on the dysfunction of body systems as related to Gordon’s Health Patterns. Pathophysiology, related pharmacology, and the nursing process as related to the dysfunction of cognition, perception, and mobility are presented. Clinical experiences provide opportunities to implement the nursing process in caring for clients experiencing acute and chronic health problems related to these patterns. Prerequisites: junior status in Nursing major, NURS 250, 251, 252, 253, 350.

NURS 352 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (4)
Application of the nursing process in caring for the emotionally disturbed client. Emphasizes professional responsibility for advocacy and education. Clinical experiences with clients across the life span in acute care facilities and in the community. Prerequisites: junior status in Nursing major, NURS 250, 251, 252, 253, 350.

NURS 450 Nursing Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families (7)
Application of the nursing process with childbearing and childrearing families. Nursing diagnosis is stressed, based on assessment of health patterns. Clinical applications in acute care, long term care and community health care facilities. Prerequisites: senior status in Nursing major, NURS 350, 351, 352.

NURS 451 Introduction to Nursing Research (3)
Introduction to the application of research principles within the clinical practice of nursing. Emphasis is on personal commitment to the use of research in practice. Prerequisites: MATH 216, NURS 350, 351, 352.

NURS 452 Nursing Care of the Community Client (3)
 Application of the nursing process with the community client, with emphasis on the epidemiological approach to the identification of community problems. Includes clinical practice in community settings. Prerequisites: senior status in Nursing major, NURS 350, 351, 352.

NURS 453 Professional Preparation (2.5)
 Preparation for the professional registered nurse role with emphasis on test-taking skills and the NCLEX licensure examination. Prerequisites: senior status in Nursing major, NURS 350, 351, 352, 450, 451, 452.

NURS 455 Medical Surgical Nursing III (5)
The final of three courses with a focus on complex, multi-system dysfunction as related to Gordon’s Health Patterns. Pathophysiology, related pharmacology, nursing process, and special topics are presented. Clinical experiences allow for implementation of the nursing process in caring for clients with complex, multi-system acute and chronic health problems. Prerequisites: senior status in Nursing major, NURS 350, 351, 352, 450, 451, 452.

NURS 456 Internship (2.5)
This course is designed to facilitate professional development and/or transition into practice. Experiences provide for continuous clinical exposure that will assist the student in further development of the nursing generalist role and/or build upon previously attained nursing knowledge and skills. Opportunities for leadership and management development, as well as decision making are encouraged through participation in the delivery of health services and nursing care. Prerequisites: senior status in Nursing major, NURS 350, 351, 352, 450, 451, 452.

-- Updated May 3, 2013

Nursing  Program