Nursing (Pre-licensure B.S.N. in the College of Arts and Sciences)
Faculty
Stephanie Holaday, Program Director
Maryann Valcourt, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Description
Designed for students just starting their studies in nursing, Trinity’s Pre-Licensure BSN Program combines the academic structure and clinical preparation necessary for a career in nursing. Students focus initially on liberal arts courses that provide a framework for their chosen major in nursing. The rigorous academic coursework in the nursing program then lays the foundation for a progressive mastery of the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and abilities required of a professional nurse. Toward the end of the program, students will have ample opportunities to experience firsthand the rewards of nursing in numerous, closely supervised clinical settings. The culmination of the program is the successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, after which students are qualified to practice as licensed registered nurses.
Major Requirements
I. CAS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (67 Credits)
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS (16 credits)
-
Critical reading (3 credits)
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
Strengthens the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will develop proficiency in the use of select electronic data bases, as well as techniques of professional writing.
-
Written communication (3 credits or waive by assessment placement above
ENGL 107 College Composition
ENGL 107 College Composition
Develops skills necessary for effective writing of thesis-centered essays at the college level, including analytical, critical, and argumentative essays. Research and documentation techniques included. Students in the School of Professional Studies may not take this course pass/fail. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
Prerequisites for College of Arts and Sciences: ENGL 105 with grade of ""D"" or better or placement test proficiency
Prerequisites for School of Professional Studies: ENGL 105 with a grade of C or better OR score of 9 or higher on Writing portion of Accuplacer test.
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area I
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
level)
-
Oral communication (3 credits)
COM 110 Communication for Academic Success
COM 110 Communication for Academic Success
This course is designed to help students develop the skills that are necessary for effective interpersonal and small group communication. Students will learn to participate in varied communication contexts that involve both formal and more interactive formats. The course provides them with the opportunity to communicate more effectively with an audience in small group and public contexts.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Foundational Skills
-
Critical reasoning (3 credits required)
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
This course introduces basic concepts, values, and fundamental skills required for nursing care across the life span. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, communication skills and the nursing process as the underlying foundation for professional nursing practice in health care settings. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117L.
4 credits
Prerequisites: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corequisites(s): NURS 117L/Laboratory
/
HPNU 117
-
Quantitative reasoning (3 credits or waive by placing into Math 125 or higher)
MATH 109 Foundations of Mathematics
MATH 109 Foundations of Mathematics
Introduces the fundamental principles of various areas of mathematics as they relate to the other liberal arts. Topics may include symbolic logic, sets and combinatorics, probability, introductory descriptive statistics, geometric structures, and finance. Recommended for students who do not plan to take another math course. Formerly MAT 109 Foundations of Mathematics. This course may not be taken pass/fail by School of Professional Studies students.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 101 OR score of 109 or higher on Elementary Algebra portion of Accuplacer test.
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area IV, Quantitative Analysis Cluster
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
or higher
KNOWLEDGE AND INQUIRY (34 credits)
-
Social sciences (complete 9 credits in 3 different disciplines)
o Economics
ECON 101 Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 101 Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduces principles of microeconomics and their applications. Topics include supply and demand, operation of markets, consumer and enterprise behavior, competition and monopoly, and microeconomic policy. Formerly ECO 122 Principles of Economics I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Either MATH 108, MATH 109, or other mathematics course of equivalent or higher level
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding Self, Society, and Nature
o Psychology
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology
Introduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
o Sociology
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
Introduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
o Political Science
-
Sciences and mathematics (complete 7-8 credits, of which one course must be in laboratory science)
o Biology
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year-long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
o Chemistry (
CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
Introduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits
is required)
o Physics
o Math
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
Presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, normal and binomial distributions, and central limit theorem, with an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
Prerequisites: MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course
-
History, arts, and humanities (complete 9 credits, one course in each discipline)
o History
o Fine Arts
o English
-
Foreign language (students must demonstrate proficiency equal to one year of coursework; totals 6 credits)
-
General Education Capstone Seminar (taken in second semester of sophomore year, or after earning at least 40 credits)
NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
Nursing Theory and Research focuses on relevant scientific and phenomenological information to assist the student to understanding the role of theory and research in nursing practice and health care. The course will provide an overview and analysis of theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students will learn how to critically review and utilize research supporting common aspects of nursing practice.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, NURS 117, NURS 117L
Note: Students in the RN to BSN program must also have completed NURS 300 and MATH 110
(totals 3 credits, also satisfies intensive writing requirement DCBON)
VALUES AND BELIEFS (6 credits)
APPLICATIONS: TURNING KNOWLEDGE INTO ACTION (9 credits)
-
Civic knowledge (3 credits)
NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care engages the student in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems and helps to determine accessibility, accountability, and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed and the effect this has on patient care; based on the student's findings, they will identify political factors that they may influence in a proactive response to quality patient outcomes.
-
Experiential learning (3 credits)
NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing
NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for nursing care of the adult client. Course content includes a focus on the health promotion and care of middle-aged adults through older adults. Using a physiological systems approach, a focus will be placed on such content as fluid and electrolyte balance, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disruptions. An integrated biological, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, and spiritual approach to care of the client and his or her family will be employed.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100 and 200 level NURS and HPNU courses
-
Leadership (3 credits)
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
This course is designed to assist the student to synthesize the intersection of nursing care with leading people and managing organizations and systems. The course incorporates the application of management principles and leadership, change, and administration theories in nursing practice and health care delivery. Content discussions include delegation, working with large groups, communication and collaboration, cultural diversity, legal and ethical dilemmas, budget management, staff development, resource management, quality improvement and risk management, evidence based practice, and the healthcare consumer.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 300-level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
II. PRE-NURSING COURSES
. BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year-long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
(4 credits) (this also fulfills General Education Knowledge and Inquiry)
. BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
A systematic aproach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
(4 credits)
. BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health Professions
BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health Professions
An introduction to the study of microorganisms with emphasis on disease-causing bacteria. Topics include the nature of microorganisms, their relationships with humans, infectious diseases, and immunity. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Does not fulfill microbiology requirement for Biology major. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
(4 credits)
. CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
Introduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits
(4 credits)
. HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health Promotion
HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health Promotion
This course provides the foundation for an understanding of the relationships of nutrition and diet therapy to optimum health. It includes physiological, psychosocial and cultural influences on nutritional status. Students will explore their own nutritional status and values as they relate to health and wellness.
3 credits
(3 credits)
. HPNU 210 Pathophysiology
HPNU 210 Pathophysiology
This course is designed to assist the student in applying knowledge from anatomy and physiology and developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences associated with pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on cellular, organ, and tissue concepts as they relate to and influence health and illness.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 130, CHEM 113
(3 credits)
. HPNU 220 Pharmacology
HPNU 220 Pharmacology
This course is designed to assist the student in developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences related to drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on drug classification, mechanism of action, drug interactions, adverse reactions, and therapeutic response. The role and responsibilities of the nurse in relationship to drug therapy is highlighted. The student is expected to apply knowledge from previous courses in the health sciences.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: HPNU 210
Corequisite: HPNU 220
(3 credits)
III. NURSING-SPECIFIC DIDACTIC AND CLINICAL COURSES
. NURS 360 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
NURS 360 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for nursing care of and for clients with psychiatric and mental health disorders. Using an integrative approach, course content is based on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of behavior disorders.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100 and 200 level NURS and HPNU courses; NURS 350 & NURS 350C
. NURS 361 Adolescent &Young Adult Nursing
NURS 361 Adolescent &Young Adult Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for nursing care of adolescents and adult clients. Course content includes a focus on the health promotion needs and care of clients. Using a physiological systems approach, classroom content will be placed on such content as fluid and electrolyte balance, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disruptions. An integrated biological, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, and spiritual approach to care of the client and his or her family will be employed.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100 and 200 level NURS and HPNU courses; All prior 300 level NURS courses
. NURS 462 Complex Nursing
NURS 462 Complex Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the adult client with complex, multi-system, medical/surgical disruptions. Using a physiological systems approach, content will focus on the provision of care for clients with neurological, hepatic, integumentary, infectious, and reproductive disorders. An integrated biological, psychological, sociocultural, environmental, and spiritual approach to care of the client and his or her family will be employed.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; All prior 400 level NURS courses
. NURS 461 Pediatric Nursing
NURS 461 Pediatric Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the pediatric client. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on child developmental stages and health promotion strategies for the child and family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the family unit are explored.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; NURS 417, NURS 420, NURS 420C, NURS 460, NURS 460C
. NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing
NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for nursing care of the adult client. Course content includes a focus on the health promotion and care of middle-aged adults through older adults. Using a physiological systems approach, a focus will be placed on such content as fluid and electrolyte balance, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disruptions. An integrated biological, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, and spiritual approach to care of the client and his or her family will be employed.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100 and 200 level NURS and HPNU courses
(this also fulfills General Education Applications)
. NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn Nursing
NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for providing comprehensive nursing care for women, newborns, and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on family developmental stages, family assessment and health promotion strategies for the family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the childbearing family unit are explored.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; NURS 417, NURS 420
. NURS 420 Community and Public Health Nursing
NURS 420 Community and Public Health Nursing
This theory course is designed to prepare students for community/public health practice in a changing health care system. Concepts of primary health care to the assessment, planning, and delivery of care to diverse families will be emphasized. Factors influencing the primary health care of communities and the impact of globalization, politics, socioeconomics, and environmental factors on the health vulnerability and resiliency of communities are examined.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
IV. ADDITIONAL NURSING SKILLS-RELATED COURSES
. CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
Strengthens the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will develop proficiency in the use of select electronic data bases, as well as techniques of professional writing.
(cross-referenced with HPNU 110 Professional and Career Success in the Health Professions
HPNU 110 Professional and Career Success in the Health Professions
This course is intended as an introductory professional genesis course for students entering the health professions and introduces the concepts of knowledge, skills, values, meanings, and experiences as the basis for professional practice. This course is designed to strengthen the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will be exposed to the use of select electronic data bases as information sources, as well as techniques of professional writing.
3 credits
: this also fulfills General Education Foundational Skills Critical Reading. CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
Strengthens the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will develop proficiency in the use of select electronic data bases, as well as techniques of professional writing.
serves as the first pre-nursing course)
. NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
This course introduces basic concepts, values, and fundamental skills required for nursing care across the life span. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, communication skills and the nursing process as the underlying foundation for professional nursing practice in health care settings. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117L.
4 credits
Prerequisites: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corequisites(s): NURS 117L/Laboratory
(cross-referenced with HPNU 117: this also fulfills General Education Foundational Skills Critical Reasoning)
. NURS 217
. NURS 230
. NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care engages the student in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems and helps to determine accessibility, accountability, and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed and the effect this has on patient care; based on the student's findings, they will identify political factors that they may influence in a proactive response to quality patient outcomes.
(this also fulfills General Education Applications)
. NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
Nursing Theory and Research focuses on relevant scientific and phenomenological information to assist the student to understanding the role of theory and research in nursing practice and health care. The course will provide an overview and analysis of theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students will learn how to critically review and utilize research supporting common aspects of nursing practice.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, NURS 117, NURS 117L
Note: Students in the RN to BSN program must also have completed NURS 300 and MATH 110
(this also fulfills General Education Capstone Seminar)
. NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
This course is designed to assist the student to synthesize the intersection of nursing care with leading people and managing organizations and systems. The course incorporates the application of management principles and leadership, change, and administration theories in nursing practice and health care delivery. Content discussions include delegation, working with large groups, communication and collaboration, cultural diversity, legal and ethical dilemmas, budget management, staff development, resource management, quality improvement and risk management, evidence based practice, and the healthcare consumer.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 300-level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
(this also fulfills General Education Applications)
. NURS 417
. NURS 401 Clinical Preceptorship
NURS 401 Clinical Preceptorship
This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive clinical experience to integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, values, and meanings needed to transition to the role of novice professional. Based upon consultation with faculty and availability of site, students may select a specialty concentration.
3 credits (9 hours for clinical)
Prerequisite(s): NURS 350, NURS 360, NURS 361, NURS 420, NURS 460, NURS 461, NURS 462
Corequisite(s): NURS 491
. NURS 491
. NURS 499
V. DC BOARD OF NURSING-REQUIRED UPPER-LEVEL GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES
(6 credits) (these credits are fulfilled by taking General Education Requirements in Knowledge and Inquiry as well as by fulfilling the Foreign Language requirement.)
Program Policies
I. Acceptance into the CAS Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing Program
A. Acceptance Criteria:
Formal acceptance requires:
- Successful completion of ALL CAS General Education and Pre-Nursing courses with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Overall GPA of at least 2.5
- Satisfactory score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test
Pre-licensure BSN students should direct any questions about the process for formal acceptance into the Nursing Program to their undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.
B. Application Process for Acceptance:
1. Students should apply early in the semester PRIOR to the semester of their projected acceptance date.
2. Students should take the TEAS test during the same semester that they make acceptance for application. Students may take the TEAS test up to three times.
3. Students will be notified by the Nursing Program Director of the results of their application when all criteria for considering the application have been received and evaluated.
Questions regarding the application process, acceptance criteria, or TEAS test should be directed to the Nursing Program Office (202.885.9670) or to the student's undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.
II. Health Requirements*
- Current physical examination
- Current immunizations
- DPT (every 10 years)
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hepatitis (3 doses)
- PPD (annual)
- Tetanus
- Influenza (annual recommended)
- Current major medical health insurance
NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences unless and until these health requirements have been satisfied.
III. Other Requirements
- Proof of professional liability/malpractice insurance
- Satisfactor result of a criminal background check - including all aliases and nationwide sexual offenders index with a set of fingerprints
- CPR certification as a Health Care Provider
-
Proof of OSHA training
NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences unless and until these other requirements have been satisfied.
IV. Transfer Policy
Students transferring to Trinity in or after Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 45 of their final 60 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. Therefore, students may transfer up to 83 credits to fulfill the pre-licensure BSN degree requirements of 128 credits.
V. Grades in Major Courses
Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major: for a list of these courses, please consult the Director of the Nursing Program.
VI. Pass/No Pass
The pass/no pass grading option is not accepted in courses to be applied for the major.
VII. Transportation
Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites. Trinity’s free shuttle service connects the Main campus with the Brookland metro station.
Course Descriptions
NOTE: Students must be formally accepted into the CAS Pre-Licensure Nursing Program before taking any course designated as a NURS course.
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year-long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
A systematic aproach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health Professions
BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health Professions
An introduction to the study of microorganisms with emphasis on disease-causing bacteria. Topics include the nature of microorganisms, their relationships with humans, infectious diseases, and immunity. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Does not fulfill microbiology requirement for Biology major. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
BIOL 242 Human Genetics
BIOL 242 Human Genetics
Prepares health care professionals to apply knowledge of genetics to their work experiences. The course will cover Mendelian genetics as well as population genetics. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of genetic testing, derivation of family pedigrees, and genetic defects and diseases. The course will also address the ethical dimensions of genetic testing and other genetic applications.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 111 or two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health Sciences
Introduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
CRS 102 CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions
Strengthens the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will develop proficiency in the use of select electronic data bases, as well as techniques of professional writing.
HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health Promotion
HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health Promotion
This course provides the foundation for an understanding of the relationships of nutrition and diet therapy to optimum health. It includes physiological, psychosocial and cultural influences on nutritional status. Students will explore their own nutritional status and values as they relate to health and wellness.
3 credits
HPNU 210 Pathophysiology
HPNU 210 Pathophysiology
This course is designed to assist the student in applying knowledge from anatomy and physiology and developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences associated with pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on cellular, organ, and tissue concepts as they relate to and influence health and illness.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 130, CHEM 113
HPNU 220 Pharmacology
HPNU 220 Pharmacology
This course is designed to assist the student in developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences related to drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on drug classification, mechanism of action, drug interactions, adverse reactions, and therapeutic response. The role and responsibilities of the nurse in relationship to drug therapy is highlighted. The student is expected to apply knowledge from previous courses in the health sciences.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: HPNU 210
Corequisite: HPNU 220
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
This course introduces basic concepts, values, and fundamental skills required for nursing care across the life span. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, communication skills and the nursing process as the underlying foundation for professional nursing practice in health care settings. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117L.
4 credits
Prerequisites: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corequisites(s): NURS 117L/Laboratory
NURS 217
NURS 230
NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
NURS 320 Policy and Politics in Nursing
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care engages the student in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems and helps to determine accessibility, accountability, and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed and the effect this has on patient care; based on the student's findings, they will identify political factors that they may influence in a proactive response to quality patient outcomes.
NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
NURS 330 Nursing Theory and Research
Nursing Theory and Research focuses on relevant scientific and phenomenological information to assist the student to understanding the role of theory and research in nursing practice and health care. The course will provide an overview and analysis of theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students will learn how to critically review and utilize research supporting common aspects of nursing practice.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, NURS 117, NURS 117L
Note: Students in the RN to BSN program must also have completed NURS 300 and MATH 110
NURS 401 Clinical Preceptorship
NURS 401 Clinical Preceptorship
This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive clinical experience to integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, values, and meanings needed to transition to the role of novice professional. Based upon consultation with faculty and availability of site, students may select a specialty concentration.
3 credits (9 hours for clinical)
Prerequisite(s): NURS 350, NURS 360, NURS 361, NURS 420, NURS 460, NURS 461, NURS 462
Corequisite(s): NURS 491
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health Care
This course is designed to assist the student to synthesize the intersection of nursing care with leading people and managing organizations and systems. The course incorporates the application of management principles and leadership, change, and administration theories in nursing practice and health care delivery. Content discussions include delegation, working with large groups, communication and collaboration, cultural diversity, legal and ethical dilemmas, budget management, staff development, resource management, quality improvement and risk management, evidence based practice, and the healthcare consumer.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 300-level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
NURS 417
NURS 430 Emergency Preparation and Disaster Management
NURS 430 Emergency Preparation and Disaster Management
A guide to the basic components preparing nurses to provide health care under disaster conditions and to respond effectively in emergency situations. The student will be introduced to the principles of disaster preparedness and management, the common tasks consistent across all disaster responses, the key components of a disaster preparedness plan, health care systems frameworks for disaster response, impact of disasters, legal and ethical issues, and types of disasters and their causes.
3 credits
NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn Nursing
NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for providing comprehensive nursing care for women, newborns, and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on family developmental stages, family assessment and health promotion strategies for the family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the childbearing family unit are explored.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; NURS 417, NURS 420
NURS 461 Pediatric Nursing
NURS 461 Pediatric Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the pediatric client. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on child developmental stages and health promotion strategies for the child and family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the family unit are explored.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; NURS 417, NURS 420, NURS 420C, NURS 460, NURS 460C
NURS 462 Complex Nursing
NURS 462 Complex Nursing
This theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the adult client with complex, multi-system, medical/surgical disruptions. Using a physiological systems approach, content will focus on the provision of care for clients with neurological, hepatic, integumentary, infectious, and reproductive disorders. An integrated biological, psychological, sociocultural, environmental, and spiritual approach to care of the client and his or her family will be employed.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 100, 200 and 300 level NURS courses; All prior 400 level NURS courses
NURS 491