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 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). 

Program Options and Tracks of Study

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

  1. Pre-licensure option (i.e. Traditional/eLine/eLine military tracks) for the individual who wishes to earn the BSN degree while preparing to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
  2. RN-BSN option for individuals who have completed an associated degree or diploma program in nursing, already possess an RN license, and wish to build upon previous education and earn their BSN degree. This track is offered online.

Student Learning Outcomes

The expected outcomes of the pre-licensure and RN-degree-completion tracks of the BSN are as follows:

Graduates of this program will:

1. Incorporate the philosophy, “Caring is the Essence of Nursing” into nursing practice.

2. 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.

3. Communicate and collaborate purposefully, using creative approaches that acknowledge interdependent roles and relationships.

4. Demonstrate leadership through the application and utilization of theories for the improvement and enhancement of care and health status.

5. Display critical thinking and independent decision-making that utilize and apply theory and research in practice.

6. Show awareness of political, ethical, and social issues; accountability for professional practice and commitment for continuing professional development.

7. Accept nursing leadership roles that respond to a changing society and health care delivery system.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Please visit the TAMUCC CONHS Nursing Education website (https://www.tamucc.edu/nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-education/index.php) for details and updates.

Program Completion Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

Immunization Requirements

Students will be considered out of compliance if they fail to update the required immunizations or other necessary items in the CONHS-designated database by the specified deadlines during their clinical courses. Moreover, clinical facilities may have additional requirements that students must fulfill. Students who do not comply may be subject to disenrollment from their 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.)
  1. Results of tuberculosis PPD screening are required annually.
  1. 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.                                                                                                         
  2. All Students are required to complete a criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing before acceptance into the program.

Insurance Requirements

  1. 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 CONHS Student Handbook: https://www.tamucc.edu/nursing-and-health-sciences/handbook/index.php )
  2. Medical insurance coverage is strongly recommended. The University and affiliating clinical agencies accept no responsibility for medical care sought due to accidents/incidents that occur during the course of nursing instruction or clinical assignments (See CONHS Student Handbook: https://www.tamucc.edu/nursing-and-health-sciences/handbook/index.php )
  1. Students whose regular rotation is interrupted due to personal or academic reasons must consult their academic advisor for the next steps.

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 less than C (i.e. D, F, or W*) in a nursing course, that course must be repeated. Such a course may be repeated only once.
  3. A student who has earned a grade of less than C (i.e., D, F, or W*) in two nursing courses or twice in the same nursing course will be dismissed from the nursing program.
  4. A grade of D, F, W*, or I* in a nursing course may prevent student’s progressing to subsequent courses that require it as a prerequisite.
  5. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS), including its administration and faculty, reserves the right to dismiss students without prior warning for unsafe and/ or unprofessional behavior. Nursing students are expected to uphold the ethical standards set by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. As personal integrity is reflected in professional judgments, any deviation from these standards may lead to dismissal from the program. See CONHS Student Handbook for further examples and to review the Academic Honesty and Professional Integrity Policy.
  6. Students must adhere to the standards for minimal performance and progression established by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. See more in the catalog section on Academic Policies and Regulations (https://catalog.tamucc.edu/undergraduate/general-academic-policies-regulations/ ).
  7. Compliance with immunizations, BLS CPR, and Hospital Orientation regulations is essential for students to progress through the program. (See CONHS Student Handbook for consequences for noncompliance to these policies.)
  8. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum Program. For details, refer to “Core Curriculum Program” in this catalog. Transfer students can find information on fulfilling requirements under “General Education Requirement” in the “Undergraduate Programs” section of this catalog. Additionally, students must take the required support courses.

Grades - What They Mean

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.

Please visit the TAMUCC CONHS Nursing Education website (https://www.tamucc.edu/nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-education/index.php) for more details and updates.

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 1406Introductory Physiological Chemistry4
or CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
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.

*

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 1406Introductory Physiological Chemistry 34
or CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
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. 

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 1406
Introductory Physiological Chemistry
or 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 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.