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 prerequisite 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. NU3150/3151 is a prerequisite. 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 (4) 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 (4) 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. NU3470/3471 is a prerequisite. Total clock hours equal 150 (60 theory, 90 clinical).

Professional Development I-IV is a series of four (4) 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 (4) 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 195 (15 theory, 180 clinical).

Guided study or research on some aspect of nursing. Prerequisite: 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.