Nursing, BSN

Program Description

The philosophical foundations of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Baccalaureate Nursing Program are based on the belief that caring is the essence of nursing. Students are unique individuals with differing backgrounds, needs, and interests, and have the freedom and responsibility to make considered choices. Nursing faculty subscribe to the belief that professional nurses must have a solid foundation in the arts, sciences, and humanities that provides a reservoir of knowledge from which to draw when making critical clinical decisions in the roles of care provider or care coordinator (A.A.C.N., Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing, 2008). To this purpose, baccalaureate students complete 62 semester hours of pre-requisite program coursework. In addition, they complete 58 semester hours in the nursing courses. Total program hours = 120.

The Nursing Program provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through two options:

  1. Pre-licensure (Traditional/eLine/eLine military) nursing education for the individual who wishes to earn the BSN degree while preparing to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
  2. RN-BSN Completion for the RN who wishes to build upon previous education and earn a baccalaureate degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Incorporate the philosophy, “Caring is the Essence of Nursing” into nursing practice.
  • Practice nursing utilizing the nursing process and other systematic approaches derived from the sciences and liberal arts to promote optimum health for individuals, families, and communities from diverse populations.
  • Communicate and collaborate purposefully, using creative approaches that acknowledge interdependent roles and relationships.
  • Demonstrate leadership through the application and utilization of theories for the improvement and enhancement of care and health status.
  • Display critical thinking and independent decision-making that utilize and apply theory and research in practice.
  • Show awareness of political, ethical, and social issues; accountability for professional practice and commitment for continuing professional development.
  • Accept nursing leadership roles that respond to a changing society and health care delivery system.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The objectives of the program are published in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Student Handbook, which may be found at http://conhs.tamucc.edu/.

The Texas Board of Nursing requires disclosure of criminal history or disciplinary action and an FBI background check before licensure is granted. In order to promote the safety of the clients in their care and to meet the requirements of the BON and affiliated clinical agencies, students will complete the background check and be deemed eligible to take the licensing exam by the Texas Board of Nursing before acceptance to the program is granted. See the TBON web site http://www.bne.state.tx.us for the statutes and rules regulating licensure.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Pre-licensure Option

  1. For those seeking entrance into the nursing major, the admission procedure is competitive. Admission to the program is two times per year – fall and spring. Three pre-licensure track options are available – traditional, eLine, and eLine Military. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sophomores and transfer students will be accepted based on their grade point average for the last 60 credit hours. No “D” or “F” grades will be accepted for credit. Science courses may not be older than 7 years. Those students seeking admission to the nursing program must contact the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to obtain materials to complete the application process. The application process is as follows:
    1. Students must complete an online application to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences using NursingCAS (see College of Nursing and Health Sciences web page for admission deadlines application procedure http://conhs.tamucc.edu/.) If the student is not already enrolled at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the student must also apply to the University for admission. Admission to the University does not constitute admission to the nursing program.
    2. The HESI A2 with critical thinking scores must be uploaded to the NursingCAS application during the application period. (see college web page for information http://conhs.tamucc.edu
    3. The admissions committee meets to review applications and to make recommendations.
    4. Admission is dependent on a matrix including: last 60 hour GPA, science GPA, HESI A2 composite score, reading comprehension score and HESI critical thinking score. (see program web page for IDEAL scores listed under “How to be a competitive nursing applicant.”)  
    5. Notification of the results of the admission review is emailed to students. Admission to the program is conditional pending submission of the background check, proof of vaccination status, and possession of a current CPR card.
    6. Pre-nursing courses may be continued in the spring and summer semester prior to the junior year.
  2. Freshmen generally declare pre-nursing as their intended course of study. Prior to registration, students need to contact the nursing academic advisor to assist in degree planning.
  3. All pre-nursing students must complete the Core Curriculum Program (42 semester hours) and required nursing support courses prior to admission to the nursing major. Please see “Core Curriculum Program” in this catalog for information on Core Curriculum Program requirements. 
    Students should consult their academic advisor and/or faculty mentor for additional information on Core Curriculum Program and support courses, including the sequence in which the courses should be taken. To lighten the academic load, it is suggested that some of these courses be taken in the summer sessions. Science courses may not be older than 7 years for Pre-licensure BSN students.1
  4. A personal interview with the applicant may be requested.
  5. Transfer students from another nursing school who have completed nursing courses over 2 years ago must validate completed course work or repeat the course. Additionally, students should provide nursing course descriptions from the college catalog and the course syllabi (must have at least the course objectives, course outline, and a list of textbooks used) from the transferring college/school of nursing. Students should also submit a letter from the Dean or Director of the transferred nursing program indicating they are in good standing and eligible to return. Any student needing to validate courses must meet with the academic advisor who will forward materials to the Associate Dean.
  6. Students may only apply for one track into the program. The students choice must be designated on the Nursing CAS application.

RN-BSN Completion Option

  1. This option is designed for RNs who have completed one of two types of Nursing Programs:
    • Completion of a nationally accredited associate degree nursing program.
    • Completion of a nationally accredited diploma school of nursing program.
      For students who are graduates of a non-accredited program, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Nursing and Health Sciences honors the Texas Nursing Articulation Model, the first voluntary statewide model for transitioning from one level of education to another without repetition in learning. The assumptions of the model that apply to graduates from nonaccredited programs are the following: “5. Articulation without testing is an educationally and professionally sound practice based upon the accepted competencies; 6. Texas nurses seeking educational mobility demonstrate minimal competence on the basis of an official transcript(s) and a valid Texas license(s). (The Texas Nursing Articulation Model 1997-2000)
  2. A student receives 30 hours of credit from previous nursing courses, which is held in escrow until the student has successfully completed 12 hours of nursing courses.
  3. The application process is as follows:
    1. Provide evidence of current unencumbered Texas registered nurse license.
    2. Attend a personal interview if requested.
    3. Transfer credit if grade is C or better.
    4. Have a grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or better in the last 60 hours of course work.
      Students who are currently enrolled in their last semester of an associate nursing degree program may apply for admission. These students must take and pass the state board examination on the first date they are eligible.
      Associate degree students receiving conditional admission status may take up to 5 semester hours of selected nursing courses prior to full status admission. These courses include:
      NURS 4318Nurse as Research Consumer *3
      NURS 4250Professional Nursing Issues *2
      NURS 3435Health Assessment *4
      *

      Online offering

Program Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

Students will be considered out of compliance if a designated immunization or other item required to be submitted to the CONHS Castle branch database manager or other agency is not updated by the designated deadline throughout their clinical courses. Additionally, there may be further requirements from a clinical facility that students will be required to meet.  Any student who is out of compliance may be disenrolled from his/her classes. 

  1. The Texas Department of State Health Services has specific immunization requirements for students involved with direct patient contact. These requirements, as stated in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Rule 97.64, include the following:
    1. “Students cannot be provisionally enrolled without at least one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine if direct patient contact will occur during the provisional enrollment period.”
    2. “Polio vaccine is not required. Students enrolled in health-related courses are encouraged to ascertain that they are immune to poliomyelitis”
    3. “One dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required within the last ten years.”
    4. “Students who were born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles containing vaccine
    5. “Students must show, prior to patient contact acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of rubella vaccine.”
    6. “Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of mumps vaccine.”
    7. “Students shall receive a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine prior to the start of direct patient care or show serologic confirmation of immunity to hepatitis B virus.” 
    8. “Students shall receive two doses of varicella vaccine unless the first dose was received prior to thirteen years of age.”
      For additional information, please see the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, which is accessible at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/index.shtml. Please note that some hospitals have stricter requirements than the state minimum standards.
      Rule 97.65 lists the following exceptions to the immunization requirements:
      1. “Serologic confirmations of immunity to measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or varicella, are acceptable. Evidence of measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis A, or hepatitis B, or varicella illness must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.”
      2. “A parent or physician validated history of varicella disease (chickenpox) or varicella immunity is acceptable in lieu of vaccine. A written statement from a physician, or the student’s parent or guardian, or school nurse, must support histories of varicella disease.”
        (Immunizations are available for a nominal fee at Coastal Bend Wellness Center, the City of Corpus Christi Health District or Amistad Health Center.)
  2. Results of tuberculosis PPD screening are required annually.
  3. To meet CPR requirements, students will complete their HeartCode® BLS Course during the Fundamentals course lab days. Semester one students will be given more information once classes begin.                                                                                                         
  4. All Students are required to complete a criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing before acceptance into the program.
  5. Students are required to purchase professional liability coverage through the University. Fees for this coverage are included in the fees paid at the time of registration at the beginning of each academic year. (See College of Nursing & Health Sciences Student Handbook http://conhs.tamucc.edu/shb/.
  6. Medical insurance coverage is strongly recommended. The University and affiliating clinical agencies accept no responsibility for medical care sought as a result of accidents/incidents occurring during the course of nursing instruction or clinical assignments (See College of Nursing & Health Sciences Student Handbookhttp://conhs.tamucc.edu/shb/.
  7. Students forced to interrupt their regular rotation for personal or academic reasons may apply for reinstatement. Students must complete and submit the application for reinstatement. The academic advisor is available for assistance with this process. The Admissions, Progression & Academic Standards committee may admit a student conditionally if there is evidence of extenuating circumstances.

Grading Policies: Progression, Retention and Dismissal

The following requirements refer to grading policies.

  1. A scholastic grade point average of 2.25 is a minimum requirement in the upper division nursing courses designated for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A minimum grade of C is required in all courses in the nursing major.
  2. If a student earns a grade of D, F, or W in a nursing course, that course must be repeated. A course in which a grade of less than C (i.e., D, F, or W, Withdrawal) was earned may be repeated only once.
  3. A student who has earned a grade of less than C (i.e., D, F, or W, Withdrawal) in two nursing courses or who has earned a grade of less than C (D, F, or W, Withdrawal) twice in the same nursing course will be dismissed from the nursing program.
  4. Students receiving a grade of D, F, or W (Withdrawal) or I (Incomplete) in a nursing course may not progress to courses for which that course is a prerequisite.
  5. Students must meet the standards for minimal performance and progression established by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (see the catalog section on Academic Policies and Regulations).
  6. In order for students to progress through the program, they must be in compliance with immunizations/CPR and Hospital Orientation regulations. (See College of Nursing and Health Sciences Student Handbook for consequences for noncompliance to these policies.)
  7. Students must complete the Core Curriculum Program. (See “Core Curriculum Program” in this catalog). See “General Education Requirement” in the “Undergraduate Programs” section of this catalog for information on ways in which transfer students can fulfill requirements. In addition to the core curriculum requirements, students must also take the required support courses, which are listed earlier in the nursing section of this catalog.

Advising

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this catalog. However, information is subject to change without notice. Therefore, students must consult with their Nursing Program advisors each semester prior to registration. Transfer students must meet with their advisors.

Students in the nursing majors are assigned a faculty mentor. If for any reason the faculty mentor-student assignment is not effective, the student or the faculty member can request a change in assignment. Freshmen and sophomore students pursuing the pre-nursing curriculum are also assigned a nursing faculty mentor. The academic advisor for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is available for advisement. Students must make appointments for advisement.

RN-MSN Option

See the Nursing section of the Graduate catalog.

General Requirements

Pre-licensure Option

Requirements Credit Hours
Core Curriculum Program 42
First-Year Seminars (when applicable)1 0-2
Nursing Support Courses2 15
Major in Nursing (Generic) section Requirements 58
Electives (if needed to reach 120 hrs) 5
Total Credit Hours 120-122

RN-BSN Completion Option

Requirements Credit Hours
Core Curriculum Program1 42
Nursing Support Courses1,2 26
Articulation Coursework1 30
RN-BSN Courses 30
Total Credit Hours 128
1

Students must have all Core Curriculum Program and supporting courses completed before admittance into the program; this includes a completed Core Curriculum Program, prerequisites, and 30 hours of Nursing Articulation.

2

Overlap may occur between the Core Curriculum Program and Nursing Support Courses. There is a nursing elective area of the degree plan which may be utilized to ensure student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement. Students should seek advisement to confirm which courses can be utilized to meet the nursing elective block, if needed. The nursing elective block may not be utilized if student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement.

Degree Requirements

Pre-licensure Option

Full-time, First-year Students
First year seminars0-2
University Seminar I
University Seminar II
Core Curriculum Program
University Core Curriculum42
Nursing Support Courses 1
BIOL 2420Principles of Microbiology4
or BIOL 2421 Microbiology
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I (or CHEM 1406) 44
PSYC 2301General Psychology3
BIOL 2401Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 2402Anatomy and Physiology II4
NURS 4322Health Alterations (recommended)3
or BIMS 3401 Pathophysiology
PSYC 2314Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
MATH 1442Statistics for Life 24
NURS 3342Use of Pharmacology Principles3
Major in Nursing (Generic) section Requirements 3
NURS 3150Professional Nursing Issues I *1
NURS 3318Nurse as therapeutic Communicator *3
NURS 3435Health Assessment *4
NURS 3614Fundamentals of Nursing Care *6
NURS 3548Nursing Care of Children and their Families *5
NURS 3550Nursing Care of Parents/newborns *5
NURS 3628Nursing Care of Adults I *6
NURS 4318Nurse as Research Consumer *3
NURS 4564Nursing Care of Psychiatric Clients *5
NURS 4628Nursing Care of Adults II *6
NURS 4660Nursing Care of Community Health Clients *6
NURS 4370Nurse Coordinating Care *3
NURS 4470Professional Transitions *4
NURS 4150Professional Nursing Issues II *1
Total Hours132-134
1

Overlap may occur between the Core Curriculum Program and Nursing Support Courses. There is a nursing elective area of the degree plan which may be utilized to ensure student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement. Students should seek advisement to confirm which courses can be utilized to meet the nursing elective block, if needed. The nursing elective block may not be utilized if student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement.

2

MATH 1342 or MATH 2342 are acceptable from other institutions

3

The numbers of weekly lecture and laboratory hours associated with each course are designated by (lecture:lab) following the semester hours (1 lab hour = 3 contact hours.)  Additional laboratory work may be required to complete the assignments.  All courses involving labs will require appropriate fees.

4

CHEM 1406 is a transfer course.

*

Online offering

RN-BSN Completion Option

Core Curriculum Program 1
University Core Curriculum42
Nursing Support Courses 1,2
BIOL 2420Principles of Microbiology4
or BIOL 2421 Microbiology
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I (or CHEM 1406) 34
PSYC 2301General Psychology3
BIOL 2401Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 2402Anatomy and Physiology II4
PSYC 2314Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
MATH 1442Statistics for Life 44
RN-BSN Courses
NURS 3435Health Assessment *4
NURS 4250Professional Nursing Issues *2
NURS 4318Nurse as Research Consumer *3
NURS 4320Principles and Concepts of Patient Education - RN/BSN *3
NURS 4322Health Alterations *3
NURS 4324Nurse as Caregiver - RN/BSN *3
NURS 4365Care of the Individual within a Family -RN/BSN *3
NURS 4471Leadership/management - RN/BSN *4
NURS 4560Nursing Care of Community - RN/BSN *5
Total Hours98
1

Students must have all Core Curriculum Program and supporting courses completed before admittance into the program; this includes a completed Core Curriculum Program, prerequisites, and 30 hours of Nursing Articulation.

2

Overlap may occur between the Core Curriculum Program and Nursing Support Courses. There is a nursing elective area of the degree plan which may be utilized to ensure student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement. Students should seek advisement to confirm which courses can be utilized to meet the nursing elective block, if needed. The nursing elective block may not be utilized if student meets the minimum 120 Sem Hrs requirement.

3

General Chemistry I may be waived. CHEM 1406 is a transfer course.

4

MATH 1342 or MATH 2342 are acceptable from other institutions

*

Online offering

^

Blended offering

Note:

Students must have all core curriculum and supporting courses completed before admittance into the program.

Course Sequencing

Pre-licensure 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
UNIV 1101 University Seminar I 1
ENGL 1301 Writing and Rhetoric I 3
BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
MATH 1442 Statistics for Life 4
American History Core Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring
UNIV 1102 University Seminar II 1
ENGL 1302 Writing and Rhetoric II 3
BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
American History Core Requirement 3
 Hours14
Summer
Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Requirement 3
Creative Arts Core Requirement 3
 Hours6
Second Year
Fall
CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I 4
POLS 2305 U.S. Government and Politics 3
Component Area Option Core Requirement 3
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3
 Hours13
Spring
BIOL 2420 Principles of Microbiology 4
POLS 2306 State and Local Government 3
NURS 4322 Health Alterations 3
Component Area Option Core Requirement 3
 Hours13
Summer
NURS 3342 Use of Pharmacology Principles 3
 Hours3
Third Year
Fall
NURS 3614 Fundamentals of Nursing Care 6
NURS 3435 Health Assessment 4
NURS 3318 Nurse as therapeutic Communicator 3
 Hours13
Spring
NURS 3550 Nursing Care of Parents/newborns 5
NURS 3628 Nursing Care of Adults I 6
NURS 3150 Professional Nursing Issues I 1
 Hours12
Summer
NURS 4628 Nursing Care of Adults II 6
NURS 4150 Professional Nursing Issues II 1
 Hours7
Fourth Year
Fall
NURS 4318 Nurse as Research Consumer 3
NURS 4564 Nursing Care of Psychiatric Clients 5
NURS 3548 Nursing Care of Children and their Families 5
 Hours13
Spring
NURS 4660 Nursing Care of Community Health Clients 6
NURS 4370 Nurse Coordinating Care 3
NURS 4470 Professional Transitions 4
 Hours13
 Total Hours122

 RN to BSN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
Nursing Support Courses 15
 Hours15
Spring
NURS 4322 Health Alterations 3
 Hours3
Second Year
Fall
NURS 4324 Nurse as Caregiver - RN/BSN 3
NURS 3435 Health Assessment 4
NURS 4365 Care of the Individual within a Family -RN/BSN 3
 Hours10
Spring
NURS 4320 Principles and Concepts of Patient Education - RN/BSN 3
NURS 4250 Professional Nursing Issues 2
 Hours5
Summer
NURS 4318 Nurse as Research Consumer 3
NURS 4560 Nursing Care of Community - RN/BSN 5
 Hours8
Third Year
Fall
NURS 4471 Leadership/management - RN/BSN 4
 Hours4
 Total Hours45

Note: All University Core Curriculum, Nursing Support Courses, and any transfer courses are taken before starting program.

Courses

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.