Nursing (NRS)

This course introduces the student to the nursing profession. The course provides an overview of the roles and functions of the nurse, nursing process, and factors that influence health care delivery. Basic assessment skills will be taught and practiced. The complexity of the concept of health will be introduced.

This course provides a thorough grounding in research methods and statistical practices, especially as applied in the health care setting. Concepts, principles, and methods of statistics from two perspectives, descriptive and inferential, are presented. Statistical topics include describing and displaying data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, simple-linear regression, mean comparisons, analysis of variance, and chi-square. Nurses use statistical skills in developing basic proficiency in analysis of scientific literature. By the end of the course, nurses are prepared for basic analysis of data, statistical interpretation and evaluation of scientific publications and evidence.

The Nursing Practice Fundamentals course introduces foundational concepts essential to the nursing profession, including clinical reasoning encompassing the nursing process, health assessment, vital signs, medical terminology, basic nursing skills, and initial medication and dose calculations. Practical lab and clinical experiences reinforce the course learning outcomes and BSN program outcomes.

This clinical course expands on the concepts of care for patients across the lifespan experiencing acute and chronic alterations in health. Clinical experiences will include care of the pediatric patient, childbearing woman, and patient with acute and chronic mental health diagnoses. Mental health issues (including acute psychiatric disorders) across the lifespan are addressed. Development of professional role, ethical decision making, health maintenance and patient education is demonstrated through clinical experiences.

This course introduces the professional roles and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse. Students begin development of professional identity through an overview of nursing history and exploration of professional accountability. The legal and regulatory frameworks for nursing licensure and practice are introduced. The importance of clear communication and interprofessional team work to foster patient safety is emphasized.

This course introduces the student to basic adult health management. A foundation grounded in safe professional nursing practice will provide nursing students with the framework to support clinical reasoning and clinical judgement. The student will acquire basic skills needed to begin caring for clients in a variety of clinical settings. Through simulated laboratory sessions and supervised direct client care experiences, students will learn and demonstrate selected nursing practice competencies. Lab and clinical experiences support the course objectives and course learning outcomes.

The student will acquire fundamental knowledge necessary to begin providing care to patients and families across obstetric, pediatric, and mental health nursing specialties. This course equips the student with the ability to recognize and implement safe, evidence-based nursing interventions for conditions common to patients and families in these specialty areas.

This course provides an introduction into two related topics: concepts of physiological alteration in body structures / functions, and the principles of safe drug treatment. Building on knowledge of normal human physiology, students develop an understanding of deviations from the norm which threaten homeostasis, including generalized responses and those specific to individual body systems and disease states. Introductory content on the role of genetics / genomics in pathogenesis and treatment of disease is provided. Students will learn pharmacological principles such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism, and dose-response relationships to develop a sound basis for pharmacologic interventions across the lifespan. The role of the nurse in safe and effective medication administration is emphasized.

This course continues and builds upon Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Part 1, to further advance students’ understanding of disease states and human response to alterations in wellness. Students will continue exploration of drug use for disease prevention, symptom modification and treatment of disease states. Understanding the nurses’ role within the healthcare team will foster skills in safe and effective care, including administration of medications. Best practices for educating individuals and groups about diseases and medications will be explored and ethical, patient-centered care will be emphasized. Students develop appreciation for the needed lifelong learning in dynamic fields of pathophysiology and pharmacology.

This course provides an introduction to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (EBNP), emphasizing the essential understanding of nursing theory, research methodologies, database evaluation, and the application of evidence-based practices in nursing care. Students will learn to navigate and critically assess research literature and databases to identify pertinent evidence for enhancing patient care quality within a framework of compassionate nursing practice. Through this course, students will develop the competency to integrate evidence-based approaches into clinical decision-making processes, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for the adoption of evidence-based practices to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.

This course introduces nurses to leading ethical theories that form the foundation of moral judgment, aiding in the development of decision-making skills in patient care and advocacy. Additionally, attention is given to the role of spirituality in helping nurses address issues related to death and human suffering. Nurses will become familiar with the American Nurses Association (2015) Code of Ethics and ethics pertaining to transcultural nursing. Key themes of the course include an overview of Utilitarian, Kantian, and Virtue theories, with a focus on their application to nursing practice. Furthermore, students will be introduced to elements of Christian spirituality, with an ecumenical approach emphasizing the processing and discernment of appropriate responses to challenging and traumatic experiences, particularly those related to pain, suffering, and end-of-life care. Through this course, nurses will develop competencies in ethical decision-making and spiritual care, enhancing their ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and provide compassionate patient-centered care.

This course is designed to equip nurses with the skills to integrate and apply advanced pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts to diverse patient populations across the lifespan within holistic frameworks. Emphasizing essential aspects of nursing care for both acute and chronic illnesses, the course focuses on various human systems, including the cellular and immune system, integumentary, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and the HEENT (head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat). Furthermore, the course prepares nurses to integrate current concepts into their practice. By the end of the course, nurses will be prepared to systematically analyze and manage patients through holistic assessments that incorporate the sciences, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

This course is designed to prepare nurses for the design, delivery, and evaluation of care for groups, communities, and populations. It integrates crucial concepts from public health, including epidemiology, surveillance, and disaster management. Additionally, the course introduces key aspects of healthcare finance. Central to the course are themes of social justice, human rights, resource management, and cultural considerations in health and illness. By the conclusion of the course, nurses will be equipped to provide effective population-focused care, spanning from global health initiatives to bedside practice.

This course is designed to equip nurses with the skills to assess the impact of health promotion and chronic illness on patients, families, and communities. Special emphasis is placed on understanding health and development issues prevalent in pediatric and geriatric populations. Additionally, the course integrates current concepts and scientific advancements in genetics and bioethics into nursing practice. Key areas of focus include health promotion, education, illness prevention, and cultural care for individuals, families, and communities. Through this course, nurses will develop competencies in addressing the unique needs of diverse populations and promoting health and well-being across the lifespan.

This course is an introduction to the role of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice in the provision of holistic nursing care. Students will gain competency in database query and learn to assess the credibility of scientific studies. Ethical considerations and the importance of scientific integrity are integrated throughout the course. Focus is on critical evaluation and application of scientific evidence to provide the highest quality of patient centered care to individuals, families and communities.

This course prepares the nurse to lead and manage clinically excellent care of patients in the context of constant, complex change. Understanding of management and leadership theory supports exploration of personal attributes and essential expertise for nurse manager and leader success. Major themes throughout the course include change and change theory, group-based communication, conflict management, and nurse sensitive outcomes of care for groups of patients.

This course introduces nurses to leading ethical theories that form the foundation of moral judgment, aiding in the development of decision-making skills in patient care and advocacy. Additionally, attention is given to the role of spirituality in helping nurses address issues related to death and human suffering. Nurses will become familiar with the American Nurses Association (2015) Code of Ethics and ethics pertaining to transcultural nursing. Students will be introduced to elements of Christian spirituality, with an ecumenical approach emphasizing the processing and discernment of appropriate responses to challenging and traumatic experiences, particularly those related to pain, suffering, and end-of-life care.

The Population Health course prepares the nurse to be practice-ready to design, deliver and evaluate care for groups, communities and populations. Students will explain concepts of epidemiology, surveillance and disaster management utilizing real world or case study examples. Students are exposed to Population Health themes of social justice, human rights, resource management and cultural aspects of health and illness.

This course focuses on the development of a global perspective on healthcare. Students explore the SDOH by comparing healthcare systems at local, national, and international levels. Concepts include ethical, economic, and social justice concerns. Students explore global healthcare topics to identify barriers to healthcare access, and integrate the historical, social, political, and economic forces that impact healthcare.

This course aims to equip nurses for professional practice by fostering a global perspective on healthcare. Students will engage in exploring emerging trends in global healthcare topics. Through this exploration, students will identify barriers to healthcare access and analyze the historical, social, political, and economic factors influencing healthcare delivery. Additionally, students will examine professional, legal, and ethical challenges confronting the nursing profession, preparing them to navigate complex issues with integrity and competence in their future roles as healthcare professionals.

This course emphasizes leadership within diverse healthcare settings, with a specific focus on quality and safety. Students will engage with content covering regulatory requirements, the cultivation of a culture centered on safety and compassion, and the identification of tools and resources available to nurse leaders to enhance processes and systems. Best practices and strategies will be explored, utilizing an intraprofessional team approach to drive organizational change and improve outcomes across the healthcare environment. Through this course, students will develop the competencies necessary to effectively lead and promote a culture of safety and excellence within healthcare organizations.

This course deeply explores the strategic and administrative dimensions of healthcare delivery within complex organizations. Nurses will be equipped to assume leadership roles in interdisciplinary contexts, with a strong emphasis on ethical conduct. Key themes of the course include strategic planning and resource management, encompassing people, finances, information, time, and clinical outcomes management. Nurses will apply course content at an administrative level within intricate healthcare delivery settings, preparing them to navigate and lead effectively in complex healthcare environments. Through this course, nurses will develop competencies in strategic thinking, resource allocation, and ethical decision-making, enabling them to drive organizational success and promote quality patient care.

This course is designed to equip students with the competencies necessary to lead and manage patient care effectively within constantly evolving healthcare environments.

This course introduces entry-level nursing students to the principles and practices of nursing informatics. Students will explore the role of information technology in improving patient outcomes, enhancing clinical workflows, and supporting evidence-based practice. Topics include electronic health records (EHR), data management and analysis, telehealth, and the ethical and legal aspects of informatics in nursing.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of nursing informatics, focusing on the integration of information technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflows, and facilitate evidence-based practice. Students will explore various topics, including electronic health records (EHR), data management and analysis, telehealth, and the ethical and legal considerations of informatics in nursing. Through this course, students will develop competencies in leveraging technology to enhance nursing practice and promote quality patient care.

This course focuses on health promotion and illness prevention across the lifespan. Students will assess how chronic illnesses affect patients, families, and communities. The course explores the team-based role of the nurse in population-based interventions and political processes to improve health.

This course builds on the content of Medical-Surgical Nursing I. It continues to develop students' proficiency in essential nursing skills necessary for delivering safe and effective patient care throughout the lifespan. Students will conduct focused assessments encompassing all aspects of care. Additionally, students will gain practical experience in common diagnostic testing procedures, with a focus on recognizing both anticipated and unforeseen outcomes. The course also covers health alterations associated with surgical interventions. Lab and clinical experiences support the course objectives and course learning outcomes.

The student will apply content learned in Specialty Nursing Concepts I when providing care to patients and families experiencing acute and/or chronic alterations in health across obstetric, pediatric, and mental health nursing specialties. Clinical experiences support the course objectives and course learning outcomes.

This course provides the student with a comprehensive learning opportunity using a variety of learning experiences. The course promotes integration of baccalaureate learning outcomes and prepares the student for professional nursing practice.

This course extends the knowledge from Medical-Surgical Nursing I and II, concentrating on evidence-based nursing care for complex patients with multiple health conditions in higher acuity settings across the adult lifespan. Lab and clinical experiences support the course objectives and course learning outcomes.

Serving as a culmination of a student’s coursework for a BSN program, the capstone course is intended to reinforce and further develop the program level competencies. The project expects the student to integrate their learning experiences into a coherent, focused product that blends theory, practice, and experience. The capstone project is an analytical exercise that is expected to be of superior quality. <P> The learning outcomes include developing analytical skills, framing problems and recommendations, engaging students collaboratively, communicating effectively both orally (public speaking) and in writing (analytical and persuasive) for a clinical based nursing problem. After a careful and thoughtful review of the course description, course objectives, and the Nursing Program Outcomes, a clinically relevant project demonstrating Best Practices is expected. Instructor permission and manager support/permission is required prior to beginning the project. Interdisciplinary involvement is highly encouraged. <P> During Capstone I, the student will (a) select a clinically based nursing problem, (b) obtain manager support and instructor permission, (c) complete review of literature, and prepare a written proposal. The paper will include project synopsis, needs assessment, and review of literature. The paper will be presented to the appropriate staff involved in the work, e.g. nurse manager, interdisciplinary team members, and/or senior leadership prior to project implementation.

Serving as a culmination of a student’s coursework for a BSN program, the capstone course is intended to reinforce and further develop the program level competencies. The project expects the student to integrate their learning experiences into a coherent, focused product that effectively blends theory, practice, and experience. The capstone project is an analytical exercise that is expected to be of superior quality. <P> During Capstone II, the student will (a) implement the approved clinically relevant project, (b) access outcomes, (c) disseminate the findings, and (d) submit a final paper and presentation that summarizes the work from Capstone I and II. The paper will include project synopsis, needs assessment, planning implementation, and evaluation. The presentation will have the same elements and will be provided to their peers on the unit/department or to other key groups.

This course offers nursing students the opportunity to analyze and apply the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes acquired throughout the RN-BSN Completion Program to address a specific healthcare issue. Through a series of assignments, students will demonstrate their ability to synthesize and apply cumulative learning to real-world workplace challenges. Emphasizing clinical judgment and innovation, students will identify key issues and propose solutions to healthcare-related problems in an ethical and compassionate manner. By the end of the course, students will showcase their competency in addressing complex healthcare issues through the integration of academic learning and practical application.

This course prepares the graduating student to transition to nursing practice.

This capstone course integrates BSN-level program content in organizing and delivering care for patients and families experiencing complex responses to changes in health status. With a spirit of inquiry, the nurse utilizes opportunities in the chosen specialty to responsively and appropriately support patients, families, and communities across the health-illness continuum. The nurse leader student l role models anticipation and proactive management of variable patient and family responses to illness and healthcare experiences, both physical and behavioral in nature. Finally, the nurse focuses on reflective practice and evolution of fully accountable, professional nursing practice over the course of the baccalaureate curriculum.