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 provides an overview of concepts basic to the nursing profession such as clinical reasoning to include the nursing process, health assessment, vital signs, medical terminology, basic nursing skills, and beginning medication and dosage calculations. Lab and clinical experiences support the course objectives and student learning 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 is designed to emphasize the professional roles and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse. An overview of the history of nursing is included in this course. The student will explore the topics of leadership, professional accountability and communication in the profession of nursing. Healthcare regulations of professional licensure will be reviewed.

This course introduces the student to basic adult health management. A framework to support clinical reasoning and clinical judgement in client care will provide the student with the foundation to safely practice professional nursing. The student will learn basic skills needed to begin caring for clients in a variety of clinical settings. Selected nursing practice competencies will be developed and demonstrated in simulated laboratory settings and in direct client care under the supervision of UP faculty. Concepts related to this course include Clinical Reasoning (documentation-EMR/Nurses Notes, laboratory interpretation, medication administration of intravenous fluids), inflammation, fluid balance, acid/base, thermoregulation, oxygenation and perfusion, sensory function, metabolism.

This course builds upon fundamental nursing concepts learned in the first semester. This course prepares the nurse for delivering wellness care to childbearing families, children across the healthcare continuum, and addressing patients with mental health needs. It incorporates essential concepts including family dynamics, human development, reproduction, mood and affect, addiction, cognition, fatigue, self-concept, sexuality, stress and coping, and grief and loss.

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 to build 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 of 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 will 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 quality improvement in the provision of holistic nursing care. An overview of selected nursing theorists will demonstrate the relationship between scientific inquiry and development of nursing knowledge. Students will become familiar with the language of research, 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 as students learn sound methods to answer questions related to nursing practice. The 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 students to leading ethical theories, including Utilitarian, Kantian, and Virtue, which underpin the ANA Code of Ethics and inform moral judgment, decision-making, and advocacy. Students will explore how a Caritas approach, reflecting on one's own spirituality and connection to others, is related to: caring; compassionate service to others and opportunity to apply ethical frameworks to their personal values, healthcare scenarios, and decision-making. Students will engage in a collaborative presentation designed to inform others about aspects of patient and family cultural preferences from the lens of the Code of Ethics Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and personal attributes of every person, without prejudice.

This course prepares the nurse for designing, delivering, and evaluating care for groups, communities, and populations. The course incorporates essential concepts of epidemiology, surveillance, and disaster management from public health. Key aspects of public health care finance are introduced. Central to the course are the themes of social justice, human rights, resource management, and cultural aspects of health and illness.

The development of global perspective on healthcare is the focus of this course. Students will explore the social determinants of health including local, national, and international trends. Frameworks that emphasize ethical, economic, and social justice concerns are introduced. 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 prepares the nurse to evaluate the impact of health promotion and chronic illness on the patient, family, and community. It emphasizes essential aspects of care of illnesses within the family and community focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary care. This course emphasizes the health and development issues found across the lifespan. This course focuses on health promotion, education, illness prevention and cultural care of the individual, family, and community.

This course is designed to promote continued exposure to nursing skills required to provide safe, effective patient care across the life-span. Students will practice focused assessments that include physical, behavioral, psychological, spiritual, socioeconomic, and environmental dimensions. Common diagnostic testing procedures are included with emphasis on expected and unexpected outcomes. Alterations in health related to surgical interventions is included in this course. Skills included in this course are gastrointestinal intubation, delivery of parenteral and enteral nutrition, central venous access management, administration of blood an blood products, burn management, basic ECG interpretation, basic airway management, and infection prevention. Laboratory values and diagnostic testing is included. Therapeutic communication techniques specific to unique populations are addressed in this course.

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.

Transition to Nursing Practice is designed to provide comprehensive learning opportunities. This clinical immersion course uses advanced simulation and direct care experiences, which promote integration of baccalaureate learning outcomes, to prepare the graduate for professional nursing practice.

This course builds on Semester 1 and 2 coursework. The focuses on Evidence based Nursing care of complex patients with chronic health conditions and multiple health needs in urgent, emergent, critical care and palliative care across the adult lifespan. Students will explore and evaluate interdisciplinary interventions, supported by evidence-based practice, which are implemented to assist the client toward hemostasis, including hemodynamic monitoring, care of the ventilated client, patient advocacy, and delegation.

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.

The purpose of this course is to prepare the graduating student to transition to the profession of nursing with a focus on career development in a competitive, complex, healthcare environment. The student will have the opportunity to engage in quality improvement initiatives to support optimum patient care outcomes demonstrating the use of evidence-based practice. Students will engage in preparing a professional resume and reflect on prior learning to demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to lifelong learning. Students will apply prior coursework in preparation for the national licensure examination.

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.