The characteristics of microorganisms and their relation to health and disease are studied.

This course will present the interrelationship of structures and functions of the human body including the study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems. The study of basic chemistry, cell structure, cell physiology, metabolism, and tissues will be included.

(Prereq. – BIO261) This course will expand on the anatomy and function of the body systems. An exploration of how hormones, genetics, stress, acid base balance, fluids and electrolytes affect each body system will be studied.

This course covers an introduction to general principles of chemistry providing an integrated approach to aspects of general, organic, and biochemistry. The course is designed to provide a background for students in nursing and other related allied health areas.

(Prereq. – ENG090 if applicable) Students taking this course will study and discuss rhetoric, style, and composition, with special emphasis on written communication skills.

This course is designed to explore the ethical and legal concepts necessary for the provision of safe quality clinical practice. The content will focus on relevant ethical theories and principles, professional standards, compliance, morality, values, established laws and regulations, the responsibility and accountability of health care professionals, and many ethical and legal issues in health care organizations.

The need for cultural awareness doesn’t just apply to one’s relationship with others; conflicting cultural perspectives often exist within the individual. Students will learn to appreciate their own heritage and understand how their heritage influences their perspectives while gaining an appreciation for the cultural heritage of those around them. Students will be challenged to think and discuss their beliefs and opinions in light of cultural influence and understand how those values affect their work ethic and working relationships. Course content will incorporate experiences similar to those that will occur in the vocation’s students have chosen to study.

Students taking this course will study constitutional principles, institutions, functions, and processes as they relate to government in the United States.

This course is designed to focus on the basic characteristics of human nutrition for energy, growth, and maintenance. Students will learn the functions of water, and the various micronutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Emphasis is placed on the types of foods that contain these micronutrients, their physiological functions, metabolism, and storage. Discussion will also be on the effects of nutrition on health promotion and disease management. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to weight management, techniques for measuring BMI, and the role of nutrition in growth and development.

(Prereq. – MAT090 if applicable) Students will learn algebraic problem solving, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, inequalities, and applied problem solving.

(Prereq. – MAT214) Students will be introduced to common statistical methods. The focus of the course is to increase each student’s statistical literacy. Upon completion of the course students should be able to identify and perform appropriate statistical procedures, and properly interpret the results.

This course provides students with an overview of the fundamental principles and methods of psychology. Topics for discussion include biological basis of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, learning, motivation, developmental changes, personality, social behavior, and behavioral disorders.

This course is designed to study human growth and development across the life span with emphasis upon normal growth and milestones achieved in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional systems. Professional consideration is given to understanding changes that occur at different stages of development, and how care and interaction with individuals needs to be appropriate for their stage of development.

A concise examination of the historical and philosophical foundations of the major living religions of the world. Students taking this course will also explore the lives and teachings of the founders of these major religions and the cultural factors that produced them.

This course explores a variety of contemporary social problems utilizing a sociological framework and a variety of theoretical perspectives. Both structural and cultural aspects of social problems will be examined and analyzed with specific focus on their origin, development, and proposed solutions. Students will evaluate current data and research and will have an opportunity to propose solutions to various social problems.

Students will analyze the classes of medically approved drugs, their actions, indications, side effects, and interactions.

The core of the course involves the basis for proper calculation for medication dosages. Topics include dosage calculation, how to properly interpret medication labels and identification of equipment used for dosage measurement.

Introduction to nursing and the nursing process are studied and integrated to reflect the hierarchy of basic human needs. Gordon’s functional health patterns throughout the life span are introduced. Areas of study include foundation knowledge, development theory, nursing process, therapeutic nursing interventions, concepts, skills, and physical assessment including an emphasis on the communication process as it relates to health assessment, promotion, and therapeutic nursing interventions to promote and maintain optimum health. The nursing process and critical thinking skills are applied in the delivery of care. Pharmacological concepts are introduced as they relate to healthy individuals across the life cycle. This course has a laboratory component where students learn fundamental nursing skills, and clinical and simulation opportunities for students to practice their learned nursing skills. Clinical rotations are scheduled in health care facilities.

This course will provide an introduction of medical/surgical nursing concepts with a focus on the application of the nursing process as it relates to health promotion, disease prevention and management, and care of the adult clients experiencing acute and chronic medical disorders. The emphasis is on the disease processes of the body systems, assessment, interventions, patient education, the nurse as provider and manager of care, therapeutic communication, the importance of patient-centered care, patient advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the use of evidence-based in clinical practice. Other topics include critical thinking, decision making, coordination of care, legal and ethical considerations in patient care delivery, and the cultural and psychosocial factors that can impact patient care. This course has a laboratory component where students learn medical-surgical nursing skills, and a clinical component in an acute health care facility where students practice their learned nursing skills.

This course is a continuation of the medical/surgical nursing concepts with a focus on the application of the nursing process as it relates to health promotion, disease prevention and management, and care of the adult clients experiencing complex acute and chronic medical disorders. The emphasis is on the disease processes of the body systems, assessment, interventions, patient education, the nurse as provider and manager of care, therapeutic communication, the importance of patient-centered care, patient advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the use of evidence-based in clinical practice. Other topics include critical thinking, decision making, coordination of care, legal and ethical considerations in patient care delivery, and the cultural and psychosocial factors that can impact patient care. This course has a laboratory component where students learn medical-surgical nursing skills, and a clinical component in an acute health care facility where students practice their learned nursing skills.

This course will cover mental health and care of the adult client experiencing difficulties meeting basic human needs. The emphasis is on empowering the nurse to provide therapeutic interventions to promote optimal mental health by utilizing Gordon’s functional health patterns (i.e., Roles/Relationships, Values and Beliefs, Cognitive/Perceptual, Coping/Stress, Activity/Exercise, Sleep/Rest and Nutrition). The clinical component will focus on therapeutic communication and safety interventions. Pharmacological concepts will be discussed as they relate to psychiatric conditions. The content will also include application of the nursing process as it relates to the client and community relationships. Emphasis will be on facilitating and empowering the client to seek and utilize community resources. The impact of culture, ethnicity, and spirituality on health seeking behaviors will be incorporated. Classroom theory and clinical practice integrate all 11 of Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns. This course has a clinical component in a mental health care facility where students will strengthen knowledge acquired in didactic about the provision of holistic psychiatric nursing care to individuals and families.

This course provides fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs altered by disease and/or injury. The etiology and pathogenesis of disease, clinical manifestations, diagnosis of disease, treatment plan, prevention, and evaluation are also discussed.

Emphasis is on employing the nursing process utilizing modeling and role-modeling and the appropriate level of prevention in the community focusing on individuals, families, groups and communities. The Community and Public Health Nursing course is designed to facilitate the conceptualizing of family, population groups, and community as units of care. The course focuses on risk reduction, health maintenance, and promotion of high-level wellness to individuals, families, and groups of all ages throughout the health continuum. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful
completion of this course.

This course is structured to provide students with an overview of nursing informatics; concepts of computers and the internet; principles and practices related to the evaluation of health care software applications; and a review of the health care information systems. In addition, attention will be given to the ethical issues related to the use of technology in health care; trends in health care technology; and the role of the nurse informatics in developing and evaluating health care applications and systems. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful completion of this course.

This course focuses on the application of the nursing process to provide holistic nursing care to pediatric clients with acute and chronic disorders and diseases affecting the different systems of the body in acute pediatric care settings. The emphasis will be on providing patient-centered care, disease process, signs and symptoms, appropriate treatment, clear documentation, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary interaction, prioritization, delegation, decision-making, time management, and critical thinking. Further emphasis is on maintaining the dignity of the child and promoting healthy growth and development. Students will also examine the role and the importance of the family to the care of the pediatric patient. This course has a laboratory component where students learn pediatric nursing skills, and a clinical component in an acute health care facility where students practice their learned nursing skills.

This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in caring for geriatric clients with chronic or acute disorders and diseases affecting the different systems of the body in acute and long-term care settings. The emphasis will be on providing patient-centered care, disease process, signs and symptoms, appropriate treatment, clear documentation, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary interaction, prioritization, delegation, decision-making, time management, and critical thinking. The concepts of restorative and rehabilitative care focusing on the geriatric patient will also be discussed.

This course introduces students to the concepts of global health systems and their effects on the various aspects of health care delivery advancement in a global environment. Essential topics will be on global burden of disease, societal determinants of health, health disparities in the United States and worldwide, the impacts of politics and economics on global health, facets of the global health care delivery system, the ethical, cultural, and human right concerns in global health, and the many different stakeholders involved in improving the overall health of individuals and populations. In addition, the role of the nurse in health promotion, disease prevention, and management will be discussed.

This course focuses on the provision of nursing care to the childbearing family, the newborn, high-risk pregnancy, and the high-risk newborn. The course content will focus on the utilization of the nursing process and sound clinical reasoning to develop plan of care specific to the needs of the patient during the trimesters of pregnancy, and the neonatal period. The emphasis will also be on the cultural, psychosocial, political, financial, and legal/ethical aspects of pregnancy and newborn care.

(Prereq. – MAT419) This course introduces nursing students to the fundamentals and principles of the research process and how it applies to professional nursing. The importance of searching relevant literature, understanding research methods, reviewing research, understanding, and evaluating research findings related to the practice of nursing is emphasized in this course. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful completion of this course.

This course is structured to provide students with an overview of epidemiology for nursing from a local to global perspective. Concepts of culture, ethics, legal, genetics, and the environment are included. Nursing in pandemics and emergency preparedness is examined. Epidemiology of chronic diseases and emerging infections will be addressed. Students are presented with epidemiologic models and study designs to assess the health of populations to prevent or control health problems. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful completion of this course.

This course explores the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the science of nursing. The content will include the historical perspectives, contributions of nursing theorists, and current concepts associated with nursing. The nursing theories will be analyzed and evaluated for their contributions and applicability to the art and science of nursing. In addition, the background of the nursing theorists will be looked at, and as well as how their life experiences, beliefs, and education influenced the resulting theories. Discussion will also be on how nurses can use the guidance of nursing theories to provide holistic nursing care.

(Prereqs. – none for RN to BSN Students; Prereqs for traditional BSN students: BIO261, BIO262, PSY200, NUR301; and co-req: NUR303) The health assessment course is intended to help students develop essential knowledge and skills they need to conduct complete physical assessments of patients throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on effective communication strategies, cultural awareness, the nursing process, and health promotion and disease management. The laboratory component of this course provides students opportunities to practice the steps involved in performing a comprehensive physical assessment, taking a health history, reviewing normal and abnormal findings, client teaching, and developing plan of care.

This course is structured to provide students with an overview of health care policy, finance, and regulatory issues at the local, state, national, and global level. Concepts will be examined related to the regulatory agencies effect on patient care and scope of nursing; implications of policy and legislative processes on health care delivery and vulnerable populations; and the financial implications for health care services. Social, ethical, and political issues and policy decisions affecting health care and nursing practice will be analyzed. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful completion of this course.

(Prereq. – Must be the last NUR prefix course taken; can be taken in conjunction with one other NUR prefix course.) This senior-level nursing course focuses on leadership development professional nursing practice. Management theories and concepts are emphasized, including the identification of key organizational structures, professional communication and teamwork, conflict resolution, effective supervision, employee motivation, quality improvement, and change processes. This course also educates students on self-care techniques such as creating an effective work-life balance, resource assistance available from employers, and promoting a healthy work environment. A letter grade of a “C” is required for successful completion of this course.

This course is designed to give the student the opportunity to experience the role of the professional nurse in the clinical setting. The student will have the opportunity to integrate learning experiences acquired in laboratory, simulation, and clinical practice. The student will be assigned to a preceptor who will facilitate the transition to clinical practice.

This course is designed to help students evaluate and remediate as needed knowledge of the content that they acquire from liberal arts and nursing courses. In addition to a comprehensive review of the core nursing courses, such as fundamentals, medical/surgical, maternity/newborn, pediatric, geriatric, mental health, dosage calculation, and pharmacology, the students will explore the licensure process and the NCLEX-RN test plan.