Nursing (NURS)

NURS 0015  Nursing Lab Safety Seminar  
0 Semester Credit Hours  
NURS 3150  Professional Nursing Issues I  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)  

Concentrates on legal and ethical issues affecting the nurse as an individual and a professional, and health care delivery to clients, groups and aggregates. Consideration is given to self-discovery, personal assertiveness, role conflict, negotiation and collective bargaining. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking strategies during classroom discussions and presentations.

Prerequisite: NURS 3318, 3342, 3435 and 3614.

NURS 3318  Nurse as therapeutic Communicator  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Emphasis is on caring communication as an essential dimension of professional nursing. Theories are presented to explain the dynamic relationship between human behavior, health, and illness, and the impact of interpersonal relationship skills to effect positive changes in individuals and their families. Nurse communication in the role of educator will be introduced as part of the teaching/learning course content.

NURS 3342  Use of Pharmacology Principles  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

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. Nursing implications relative to the utilization of drug therapy are examined. Dosage calculations are evaluated for competency.  (Is a pre-requisite for admission into the nursing program.)

Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, 2402 and NURS 4322*.
* May be taken concurrently.

NURS 3435  Health Assessment  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 4 Lab Hours)  

Focuses on health assessment skills and application of the nursing process in selected pathophysiological disorders through analysis and synthesis of information obtained from subjective and objective data collection methodologies. Specified frameworks are utilized for data categorization and processing. The data are used to make judgments about health status or determine care needs for a given individual. Students are assigned to a weekly two-hour lab to practice under supervision and demonstrate health assessment skills.

Co-requisite: NURS 0015.  
NURS 3548  Nursing Care of Children and their Families  
5 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

Applying a family-centered approach, this course focuses on health promotion, acute and chronic health conditions, and rehabilitative needs of children. Emphasis is placed on developmental, physiological, psycho-social, cultural, and spiritual care of the child within the family unit. Using the nursing process, strategies are formulated for promoting and maintaining optimal functioning of the child-family unit and for enhancing the strengths of the family unit. Clinical activities emphasize the application of theory to practice in a variety of acute care settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 3318, 3342, 3435 and 3614.

Co-requisite: NURS 0015.  
NURS 3550  Nursing Care of Parents/newborns  
5 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

A study of the theoretical and empirical basis for nursing care of childbearing families using both nursing and developmental theories. Biopsychosocial factors such as legal/ethical and cultural considerations related to pregnancy, birth and newborn periods are included. A historical overview of obstetrical advances and parent-child nursing will be presented. Practice in providing nursing care to families during each phase of the childbearing cycle will occur in selected local hospitals and clinics. The nursing process is used with emphasis on the theoretical and empirical basis of practice.

Prerequisite: NURS 3318, 3614, 3342 and 3435.

NURS 3614  Fundamentals of Nursing Care  
6 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

is developed for the incoming nursing student and introduces them to nursing practice and philosophies that underpin clinical practice. Fundamental nursing skills are an integral part of the nursing experience and include, but are not limited to, patient safety, with a focus on techniques related to environmental concerns, positioning and transporting, asepsis and sterile technique, medication administration, and selected intrusive therapies. The critical thinking process, art of caring, and nursing theories upon which clinical practice is based will be integrated throughout the course to provide and manage safe, holistic care practices. The campus laboratory and clinical settings will afford practical experiences that include simulation and direct patient care interventions. These experiences facilitate learner application and integration of the principles and skills taught in the theory portion of this class. Students are expected to demonstrate beginning competency in application of the nursing process.

Prerequisite: NURS 4322.

Co-requisite: NURS 0015, NURS 3318, NURS 3435.  
NURS 3628  Nursing Care of Adults I  
6 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Introduces the student to the use of the nursing process in the care of adults with chronic or non-complex illness. Uses a systems approach to discuss the effects of illness on individual and family, and to examine the disruption of growth and development patterns across the lifespan from young adult to senior years. The course includes clinical laboratory to allow the student the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice in diverse adult populations.

Prerequisite: NURS 3318, 3435, 3614 and 3342.

Co-requisite: NURS 0015.  
NURS 4150  Professional Nursing Issues II  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)  

Concentrates on economic and political issues affecting the nurse as an individual and a professional, and health care delivery to clients, groups and aggregates. Consideration is given to self-discovery, personal assertiveness, role conflict, negotiation and collective bargaining. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking strategies during classroom discussions and presentations.

Prerequisite: NURS 3150, 3318, 3435 and 3614.

NURS 4250  Professional Nursing Issues  
2 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours)  

Concentrates on legal, ethical, economic and political issues affecting the nurse as an individual and a professional, and health care delivery to clients, groups and aggregates. Consideration is given to self-discovery, personal assertiveness, role conflict, negotiation and collective bargaining. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking strategies during classroom discussions and presentations.

NURS 4318  Nurse as Research Consumer  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Study of theory and research as a base for nursing practice. Critically analyzes published research studies with regard to implications for clinical practice. The course is planned for collaborative peer examination of the research process through critique of nursing studies.

Prerequisite: MATH 1442, 1342 or 2342.

NURS 4320  Principles and Concepts of Patient Education - RN/BSN  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Provides opportunities for students to apply principles of teaching and learning with clients, families and identified groups. Special emphasis is placed on patient teaching within a rapidly changing health care environment. Students will examine learning readiness and intervene with groups and families from diverse backgrounds and educational preparation.

NURS 4322  Health Alterations  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Relates manifestations of disease, risk factors for disease, and the principles of pathology underlying illness and injury to therapeutic nursing interventions and outcomes.  (Is a prerequisite for admission into the nursing program.)

Prerequisite: BIOL 2401 and 2402.

NURS 4324  Nurse as Caregiver - RN/BSN  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Emphasis is on socialization into professional nursing. Theories are presented to explain the relationship between human behavior, health and illness and the impact of interpersonal relationship skills to effect positive changes in individuals. Application of caring theories as a basis for decision-making in nursing practice with clients and families is the focus of clinical activities.

NURS 4365  Care of the Individual within a Family -RN/BSN  
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Utilizes a health patterns framework with systematic nursing inquiry to examine the impact of illness on families. In addition, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention activities are emphasized as they relate to individuals, families, and aggregates. Data from individual and family assessment is used to judge and design interventions and evaluate client(s) outcomes.

NURS 4370  Nurse Coordinating Care  
3 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 1 Lab Hour)  

This class provides a theoretical and experiential approach to identifying the coordinating role of the professional nurse within health care and its delivery. Current theories of management, leadership, and change are examined and related to nursing practice. Critical thinking is required in case analysis and student assessments of their own thinking, ideas and use of intellect.

NURS 4380  Nursing Honors  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

Provides superior nursing students who have demonstrated ability to function independently an opportunity to design and implement a creative learning experience in an area of interest.

NURS 4390  Dimensions in Nursing  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Focuses on literature study and in-depth knowledge of selected topics relevant to the nurse as a professional provider of care or coordinator of care. Variable content is directed by faculty specialties.

NURS 4396  DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY  
1-3 Semester Credit Hours  

The College offers courses in directed independent study.

NURS 4470  Professional Transitions  
4 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

This capstone course focuses on the role of the developing professional nurse's ability to use evidence-based practice and quality standards to deliver safe holistic care to culturally diverse and complex clients and families. Emphasis is on the transition of the student nurse into a professional role which includes the ability to apply concepts related to leadership, interprofessional teamwork, informatics, and patient-centered care. Strategies for successful completion of the graduate licensure exam will be included.

NURS 4471  Leadership/management - RN/BSN  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Uses a systems framework and critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the professional nurse within health care delivery. Current theories of management, leadership and change are examined and related to nursing practice. Focuses on synthesis of this knowledge to develop innova­tive and creative approaches to nursing practice. Applies theoretical and empirical concepts through experi­ences gained in local health care institutions.

Prerequisite: NURS 4318 and 4324.

NURS 4560  Nursing Care of Community - RN/BSN  
5 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 6 Lab Hours)  

Explores community health nursing, focusing on historical development, philosophy, health care systems, epidemiology, and individuals, families, and specific aggregate groups. Applies theoretical and empirical knowledge in using the nursing process in community settings to promote, maintain and restore health. Focuses on transcultural nursing concepts, rural and home health care delivery. Progressively more independent behaviors are expected of students in community health practice. Diverse roles of the community and public health nurse are examined and a community assessment is completed using research and data processing skills.

Prerequisite: NURS 4318 and 4324.

NURS 4564  Nursing Care of Psychiatric Clients  
5 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 2 Lab Hours)  

Focus is on the nurse as a provider of care to individuals, families and groups experiencing psychiatric-mental health problems. Theoretical foundations for the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing will be studied. Application of nursing process to promote, maintain or restore mental health of individuals, families and groups. During the clinical experience, students will demonstrate theory-based practice and collaboration with interdisciplinary team participants.

Prerequisite: NURS 3550 and 3628.

Co-requisite: NURS 0015.  
NURS 4628  Nursing Care of Adults II  
6 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Presents to the senior student critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for care of adults with acute or complex illness and/or injury. The effects of acute illness are examined in relation to the individual's developmental stage, culture, and gender. Building on Nursing Care of Adults I, a systems approach is used to analyze and intervene in alterations to the health of the individual and family. The course includes clinical laboratory to allow the student the opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts and clinical practice in diverse populations.

Prerequisite: NURS 3550* and 3628.
* May be taken concurrently.

NURS 4660  Nursing Care of Community Health Clients  
6 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Explores Community Health Nursing, focusing on historical development, philosophy, health care systems, epidemiology, and specific target groups. Primary, secondary and tertiary preven­tion activities are emphasized as they relate to individuals, families, and aggregates. Applies theoretical and empirical knowledge in using the nursing process in community settings to promote, maintain and restore health. Focuses on transcultural nursing concepts, rural and home health care delivery. Progressively more independent behaviors are expected of students in community health practice. Diverse roles of the community and public health nurse are examined and a community assessment is completed using research and data processing skills.

Prerequisite: NURS 3614, 3318 and 3435.