Course Descriptions

This course introduces nursing students to the basics of medical terminology and provides foundational math skills and an introduction to dosage calculation for safe medication administration. Students will build a working vocabulary of the most commonly used terms in healthcare and a working knowledge of the methods of dosage calculation. Medical terms are introduced in the context of human anatomy and physiology. Total clock hours equal 15.

This course focuses on alterations in biologic processes that affect the body’s internal homeostasis. General principles of pathophysiology are emphasized including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and sequelae of various alterations of human structure and function. Knowledge from pre-requisite science courses will be integrated. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course focuses on the fundamental principles and psychomotor skills for the provision of safe, quality care for clients across the lifespan. Classroom and clinical/laboratory experiences provide a basis for beginning nursing practice. Total clock hours equal 90 (60 theory, 30 lab).

This course focuses on the nurse’s role in the health of populations and the global society. Factors impacting the health of populations including health promotion and risk reduction are introduced. Areas of study include population/community assessment, epidemiology, environment, vulnerable populations, disaster management, global health and the impact of public policy on the health of populations. The practicum incorporates concepts and theories related to the health of populations in a variety of community settings. Total clock hours equal 120 (30 theory, 90 clinical).

This course prepares students to perform comprehensive and focused physical health assessments for clients across the lifespan. This course includes assessments of health and illness parameters in clients using developmentally and culturally responsive approaches. Learning experiences occur in the classroom and clinical/laboratory. Total clock hours equal 60 (30 theory, 30 lab).

Professional Development I-IV is a series of four courses that explore professional nursing.  This course explores the history of the profession, the roles of the baccalaureate nurse, and legal/ethical issues. Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course focuses on the basic drug classifications, concepts and principles of pharmacology with special consideration for the nursing role in developing a comprehensive approach to the clinical application of drug therapy through the use of the nursing process. Total clock hours equal 30.

This course expands on the basic principles and content presented in Pharmacology I. Drugs specific to disease processes and the nurse’s role in safe medication administration and therapy are included. Total clock hours equal 30.

This combined theory and practicum course expands upon foundational concepts and the nursing process to guide the care of adult medical-surgical clients. Disease management and health promotion strategies for commonly occurring conditions are explored. The practicum focuses on an introduction to nursing care in the acute care environment and application of safety principles and therapeutic interventions. Total clock hours equal 180 (45 theory, 135 clinical).

This combined theory and practicum course focuses on the care of clients with mental health alterations across the lifespan. The theory component is organized around the major categories of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). Health promotion, disease management and the nursing process provide the framework. Emphasis is on establishing and maintaining therapeutic nurse-client relationships and promoting the dignity of each individual. Total clock hours equal 75 (30 theory, 45 clinical).

This course utilizes the basic elements of the research process as a foundation for understanding the role of evidence-based practice, and quality improvement in clinical decision making. Total clock hours equal 45.

Professional Development I-IV is a series of four courses that explore professional nursing.  This course explores conflict resolution, the profession's inherent values, and the interprofessional team. Total clock hours equal 30.

This combined theory and practicum course utilizes a family-centered approach to the care of women, newborns and children. Emphasis is placed on childbearing, normal growth and development, common pediatric disorders, family dynamics, and women’s health care. The practicum focuses on the nursing care of clients in pediatric and obstetrical settings. Total clock hours equal 150 (60 theory, 90 clinical).

Professional Development I-IV is a series of four courses that explore professional nursing. This course explores theories and models of change, and healthcare environments. Total clock hours equal 30.

This combined theory and practicum course expands upon previously introduced concepts and utilizes the nursing process to manage the care of adult clients experiencing complex conditions.  The practicum focuses on the management of nursing care in the acute care environment. Principles of management, collaboration, and delegation are introduced. Total clock hours equal 180 (45 theory, 135 clinical).

Professional Development I-IV is a series of four courses that explore professional nursing.  This course explores leadership styles and theories, contemporary issues in nursing, and plans for personal and professional development. Total clock hours equal 30.

This combined theory and practicum course provides the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills into the role of the baccalaureate generalist nurse. The theory component prepares students for membership in the nursing profession. The practicum is a clinical immersion experience providing opportunities to further develop clinical reasoning, management and evaluation skills. Principles of management, collaboration and delegation are utilized. Total clock hours equal 150 (15 theory, 180 clinical).

Guided study or research on some aspect of nursing. Pre-requisite: Dean and Instructor Approval

This course explores the relationship between the environment and how it affects physical well-being. Students will explore the history of and current issues surrounding environmental health with a particular focus on the nursing role. Health promotion and risk reduction strategies are applied to areas including air, water, food, agriculture, chemical use, climate change and the built environment. Focus on vulnerable populations through the examination of environmental justice is included. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course is designed to introduce students to the role of the forensic nurse. Students will expand their awareness and appreciation of the multifaceted role of the registered nurse in forensic practice. Students will explore select contemporary issues that impact the forensic nursing specialty: trauma-informed care, sexual assault and preservation of biological evidence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course focuses on conversational Spanish, medical terminology in Spanish, and reading Spanish. This course will provide the student with basic knowledge that will allow communication with clients who speak/read/write Spanish.  This is a fast-paced course and will require practice of the language outside of the classroom in order to master the material presented. Note: this course does not prepare you to be a medical interpreter nor prepare you to become certified as a medical interpreter. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course is designed to introduce students to palliative care and end of life transitions.  The unique role of the nurse will be explored. Communication skills with the patient, family and interdisciplinary team will be identified. Evidence-based pain and symptom management along with pharmacological interventions will be reviewed.  Loss, grief and bereavement will be discussed. Students will develop an awareness of their own perspective on grief and loss and identify healthy coping strategies. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course provides an overview of nursing informatics and data management for advanced nursing roles. Technology-based health applications which support decision-making in all roles and settings will be emphasized.  Examination of the technological, utility, and leadership competencies in nursing informatics will be included.  Students will incorporate applicable theories and examine current trends and issues in using, designing, and managing health care information systems.  Students will apply knowledge to analyze the design and implementation of health care information systems. Total clock hours equal 30.

The student will gain an understanding of the principles of healthcare economics, finance, and payment methods.  The relationship between policy and health economics will be explored.  Students will learn to advocate and affect change in systems while collaborating with stakeholders in order to influence policy at the institution, state, federal, or global level.  Students will gain an understanding of the fiscal and ethical context in which they are practicing.  Students will learn how advocacy, finance, and policy are linked to improve the health of a population. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course focuses on the translation of scientific knowledge using an evidence-based practice (EBP) process model. The student will design an evidence-based project to improve patient, administrative, or education outcomes.  Prerequisites: Undergraduate or graduate statistics course. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course is used to meet individual needs related to the required program of study. It provides guided study on selected topics and/or areas of nursing. Student learning objectives and activities are mutually developed between the student and faculty member. Prerequisite: Faculty permission.

This course focuses on comprehensive health assessment including clinical significance and diagnostic reasoning.  Variations and deviations from normal health assessment parameters will be discussed.  Identification of risk factors and strategies for promoting health will be incorporated.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Undergraduate Health Assessment course or equivalent. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course focuses on the application of advanced health assessment skills and development of diagnostic reasoning for the nurse practitioner. Total clock hours equal 90 (30 lab, 60 practicum).

This course focuses on health maintenance and management of common self-limiting and acute health conditions in adolescents, women, men and older adults. Students will examine health changes with adolescent, women, men and older adult populations and will develop the theoretical and experiential base to conduct health maintenance activities in these populations. Students are prepared in the area of diagnoses and management of acute and common self-limiting health conditions in a primary care setting. Total clock hours equal 45.

This course offers clinical experience with adolescent, adult, and older adult patients in the primary care setting. Students have the opportunity to apply previous knowledge learned in didactic to the clinical area, explore practice patterns of nurse practitioners and/or physician preceptors, understand their role as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and begin to implement plans of care. Clinical sites are in primary care settings and provide student practice opportunities with patients. Students are focused on health maintenance and the management of common acute and chronic conditions with adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. All clinical practice is faculty supervised and performance based to ensure that students demonstrate competency in practice. Total clock hours equal 180. 

Students will gain an understanding of methods for community-level and global health initiatives. A basis for the inquiry and skills needed to design, implement and evaluate health interventions at the community and global level will be acquired. There will be an emphasis on the use of evidence-based theoretical frameworks and participatory approaches to address synergistic conditions and social determinants that can negatively impact health outcomes. Total clock hours equal 15. 

The course provides the advanced practice nursing student with the theoretical base necessary to examine the needs of older adults and frail elderly and to plan interventions.  Students explore the management of transitions across the continuum of care.  Students discuss and integrate the interdisciplinary care functions of the advanced practice nurse.  The complex interplay of the political, economic, legal, environmental, and ethical factors that influence health delivery to older adults is examined. Total clock hours equal 15. 

Precepted clinical experience designed by the student, faculty, and preceptor, based on the student’s substantive area of clinical interest and the specialty elective course the student selects (i.e. (1) specialty care such as oncology or endocrinology, (2) older adult/frail elderly or (3) community/global health).  At course enrollment, the student, faculty, and preceptor will complete a clinical plan which will be signed at the onset and completion of the course. Total contact hours equal 60 hours practicum. 

This course allows the students to examine health maintenance and management of common acute and chronic conditions affecting children’s health. The student will develop the theoretical and experiential base to conduct health promotion and maintenance activities. Students are prepared to diagnose and manage children’s health conditions in the primary care setting. Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course focuses on health maintenance and management of chronic health conditions in adolescents, women, men and older adults.  Students will examine health changes with adolescent, women, men and older adult populations and will develop the theoretical and experiential base to conduct health maintenance activities in these populations. Students are prepared in the area of diagnoses and management of chronic conditions in a primary care setting. Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course offers clinical experience with patients across the lifespan, with a particular interest in women’s health and pediatrics. Students have the opportunity to apply theory in the clinical arena, analyze practice patterns of nurse practitioners and/or physician preceptors, function as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and implement plans of care. Clinical sites will be in primary care, pediatric, or women’s health, providing the student practice opportunities with patients. Students will focus on health maintenance, management of selected common acute conditions, stable chronic disease states and acute changes within these chronic states. All clinical practice is faculty supervised and performance based to ensure that students demonstrate competency in practice. Total clock hours equal 180.

This course synthesizes all previous material from Primary Care I and II and builds on this content to focus on complex health care conditions across the lifespan and the management of individuals with co-morbidities/concurrent health conditions and health needs of underserved populations. Students are prepared in the area of diagnoses and management of acute, common self-limiting, chronic, co-morbid, complex conditions across the lifespan and health needs of underserved populations.  Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course covers intra-organizational content in the areas of organizational management and organizational structure (human resources, internal policy and procedure). The health care delivery system and its environment are also addressed along with issues such as ethics, legal and regulatory and economic concepts. Specific attention is given to the application of these concepts specifically as students encounter learning situations regarding the above concepts. This course is intended to serve as a companion course to NU 7210, Executive Nurse Practicum I. Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course provides clinical practicum experiences that allow students opportunity to apply selected theoretical and executive management concepts with a focus on intra-organizational issues. Major theoretical concept areas are applied including organizational structure, economic factors, human resources, ethics and legal/regulatory concerns. Clinical supervision is provided by college faculty and selected preceptors who are nurse executives. Discussions with faculty provide opportunity for integration of the executive role, understanding of professional issues and discussion of problem-solving processes. This course is intended to serve as a companion course to NU 7200, Executive Nurse Seminar I. Total clock hours equal 60 hours.

This course covers extra-organizational content in the areas of organizational management and organizational structure (human resources, internal policy and procedure). The health care delivery system and its environment are also addressed along with issues such as ethics, legal/regulatory and economic concepts. Specific attention is given to the application of these concepts as students encounter learning situations regarding the above concepts. This course is intended be the second in a two-course sequence (NU7200 and NU 7220) and to serve as a companion course to NU 7230, Executive Practicum II. Total clock hours equal 30. 

This course provides clinical practicum experiences that allow students opportunity to apply theoretical and executive management concepts with a focus on extra-organizational issues. All major theoretical concept areas are applied including organizational structure, economic factors, human resources, ethics and legal/regulatory concerns. Clinical supervision is provided by college faculty and selected preceptors who are nurse executives. Clinical conferences with faculty provide opportunity for integration of the executive role, understanding of professional issues and discussion of problem-solving processes. This course is intended to be the second in a two-course sequence (NU 7210 and NU 7230) and to serve as a companion course to NU 7220, Executive Nurse Seminar II. Total clock hours equal 180.

This course focuses on the incorporation of previous knowledge and integration of nurse practitioner role behaviors in primary care practice. The student should integrate the knowledge from previous clinical and academic experiences to care for persons with chronic and acute conditions throughout the lifespan. Health maintenance recommendations should be included in all practice domains. All clinical practice is faculty supervised and performance based to ensure that students demonstrate competency in practice. Seminars with faculty provide opportunities to integrate the nurse practitioner role, to discuss professional issues and the process of effective change within the health care system. Total clock hours equal 240. 

This course is designed to increase students’ awareness of organizational processes and practices including leadership, management, motivation, morale group dynamics, interpersonal communications, conflict and group problem solving. This course provides conceptual insights and behavioral skills needed for successful leadership of continuous improvement in individual, team and organizational performance. The course also highlights unique ethical, technological, regulatory and practical considerations for leadership within healthcare organizations. Total clock hours equal 45. 

Health Systems surveys the major components and organizational interrelationships of the United States health service system. Students examine the various health care organizations (HCOs), personnel issues, delivery systems, policy, and payment mechanisms. This course introduces students to the public policy and business practice issues associated with access, cost and quality. Total clock hours equal 45.