Nursing (NURS)

NURS 301. Professional Nursing Practice. 3 Hours.

The emphasis of the course is on transitioning from technical to professional practice and exploration of the professional practice role. Professional nursing is examined from historical and contemporary perspectives and philosophical and theoretical foundations. The student is introduced to collaborative practice, health policy, health economics, health promotion, informatics, and life-long learning. Prerequisite: None.

NURS 302. Health Assessment Across the Life Span for the RN. 3 Hours.

This course builds on the student's prior knowledge to further develop history taking and physical assessment skills. An emphasis is placed on health and cultural assessment of individuals and families across the life span. Application of critical analysis in situations of health and deviations from health will be explored. Prerequisite: None.

NURS 304. Evidence Based Practice in Nursing for the RN. 3 Hours.

This course provides a foundation of research concepts, types of evidence, and research methods. The student will apply this foundation to framing clinical questions and retrieval and interpretation of research findings. The importance of patient needs and preferences will be stressed in the application of evidence to clinical practice. An emphasis will be placed on the ethical basis and policies for research with human subjects.

NURS 305. Professional Nursing Practice with Individuals and Families for the RN. 4 Hours.

This course will discuss the continuum of care of individuals and families with an emphasis on transition from acute care settings to outpatient care. Nursing care will emphasize a holistic approach in the prevention of disease and promotion of health of individuals and families.

NURS 331. Pathophysiology. 3 Hours.

The course will focus on the pathology, pathophysiology, etiology, and symptomatology of common diseases from a cellular, system, and multi-system perspective. The student will consider the influence of genetics, environment, and cultural influences on the development of pathophysiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 2402.

NURS 332. Professional Concepts. 3 Hours.

This course will provide the student an introduction to the concepts and competencies basic to professional nursing practice. The development of professional nursing will be examined from historical and contemporary perspectives and philosophical and theoretical foundations. Selected concepts pertinent to the practice of professional nursing will be explored.

NURS 333. Pharmacology in Nursing. 3 Hours.

The emphasis of this course is to prepare the nurse to administer drugs safely using key pharmacological concepts, knowledge or prototypes, and drug calculation skills within the framework of the nursing process and the regulatory environment. Prerequisite: NURS 331 and NURS 332 with grades of C or better.

NURS 334. Health Assessment Across the Lifespan. 3 Hours.

The student will develop the knowledge and skill to perform a holistic health history and health assessment of individuals. The emphasis will be on the differentiation of normal findings from abnormal findings. The student will practice skills in the laboratory. Prerequisite: NURS 331 and NURS 322. Corequisite: NURS 365.

NURS 336. Evidence Based Practice-EL. 3 Hours.

The student will develop a beginning approach of basing nursing practice on evidence. The student will learn to locate, assimilate, and analyze evidence, determining the appropriateness of the evidence for current clinical practice. The student will engage the patient and/or family in decision-making related to care. An emphasis on legalities and ethics of research will be threaded throughout. Prerequisite: NURS 365 with a grade of C or better.

NURS 357. Mental Health Nursing. 5 Hours.

This course prepares the student to apply evidence based approaches and knowledge of human behavior while promoting mental health issues in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the following concepts: therapeutic communication skills, therapeutic use of self, cultural care, ethical and legal influences, and principles of quality and safety. The impact of health care policy and legislation in the provision of mental health nursing will be explored. Prerequisite: NURS 365 with a grade of C or better.

NURS 365. Fundamentals of Nursing Practice. 6 Hours.

Students are introduced to the direct care of adult patients through application of the concepts of caring, critical thinking, and professional standards of practice. Principles of safety, infection control, psychosocial care concepts, and physical care concepts form the foundation of nursing interactions and interventions and the development of basic nursing skills in the laboratory and clinical settings. Beginning principles of priority setting are incorporated. Prerequisite: NURS 331, NURS 332, NURS 333 and NURS 334.

NURS 368. Adult Health Nursing I. 6 Hours.

Students are introduced to the direct care of adult patients through application of the concepts of care, critical thinking, and professional standards of practice. Principles of safety, infection control, psychosocial care concepts, and physical care concepts form the foundation of nursing interactions and interventions and the development of basic nursing skills in the laboratory and clinical settings. Beginning principles of priority setting are incorporated. Prerequisite: NURS 365 with a grade of C or better.

NURS 403. Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice for the RN. 4 Hours.

This course builds on the foundation of physical and psychological sciences, systems theory, and complexity theory in the development of leadership and management skills. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing real work problems, assessing the work environment, and developing a proposed solution based on evidence. SCH 4 [3.5 SCH didactic; 0.5 clinical (22.5 clock hours)].

NURS 406. Community Health Nursing Practice for the RN. 5 Hours.

This course introduces community-based nursing care of individuals, families, and populations. Issues of health promotion, primary disease prevention, and management of chronic health problems in community settings will be explored. 5 SCH [4.5 SCH didactic, 0.5 SCH clinical (22.5 clinical clock hours)].

NURS 407. Quality Care and Patient Safety in Professional Nursing Practice for the RN. 2 Hours.

This course will prepare the student to function as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team to use quality improvement concepts, processes, and outcome measures within various health care settings. The emphasis will be on provision of a safe caring environment for healthcare delivery. SCH 2. Prerequisite: None.

NURS 417. Pathophysiology for the Registered Nurse. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is to provide the pathophysiological basis for disease processes in adults and children. Central concepts will address symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. This course will focus on the clinical application of findings that underlie pathogenesis and provide a basis for evidence based practice.

NURS 426. Issues in Professional Nursing. 2 Hours.

This course will emphasize the synthesis of the professional role of the registered nurse, including critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the application of professional values, ethics and legalities, health policy and regulations, evidence-based practice, and commitment to life-long learning. Current trends and issues within the profession will be discussed. Principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethics and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course. Prerequisite: NURS 462, NURS 463, and NURS 431. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NURS 464 and NURS 455.

NURS 431. Nursing Care of the Older Adult. 3 Hours.

The emphasis in this course is on individualizing care to maximize health and adapt to chronic diseases of the older adult, support of caregivers, and coping with grief, loss, death, and dying. The professional role of the nurse is considered from the perspective of ethics/legalities, interprofessional collaboration, transitional care, and policy and regulations. The content is designed in the context of the Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies for Nursing Care of Older Adults by the AACN and the John A Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing. Prerequisite: NURS 368.

NURS 432. Certification in Specialty Nursing Practice. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to assist the student in qualifying and passing a nationally recognized nursing specialty exam approved by the nursing advisor or program director. The student will review advanced knowledge in the field related to biological, psychosocial, research, and policy issues related to the area of practice. Examples of approved certifications include CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse, or Certified Obstetric Nurse. Examples of unapproved certifications include PALS, ACLS, and TNCC.

NURS 455. Community Health Nursing. 5 Hours.

This course introduces concepts of community health utilizing the population focused nursing process. Emphasis is on health promotion, risk reduction, and disease management in selected community settings. Principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethics and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course. Prerequisite: NURS 462, NURS 463, and NURS 431.

NURS 462. Adult Health Nursing II. 6 Hours.

Building upon previously developed adult health knowledge and skills, the student plans, prioritizes, implements, and evaluates culturally appropriate, safe, and quality nursing care of adults with complex health problems. Principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethics and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course. Prerequisite: NURS 368.

NURS 463. Maternal Child Health. 6 Hours.

This course focuses on the nursing care of childbearing women, children, and families. Emphasis is placed on the use of critical thinking skills to develop safe, evidence-based care that promotes, maintains, and restores health for women, children, and their families. Principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethics and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course. Prerequisite: NURS 368.

NURS 464. Leadership and Management in Nursing. 6 Hours.

In this course the student is introduced to the process of leadership and management of human, information, and material resources to achieve safe, quality patient care. Emphasis is placed on delegation, supervision, and evaluation of care provided by others. Prerequisite: NURS 462, NURS 463, and NURS 431 with grades of C or better.

NURS 489. Individual Study. 1-5 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

NURS 497. Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

NURS 499. Undergraduate Independent Research. 1-6 Hours.

This course is an independent reseach in Nursing conducted by a student under the guidance of a doctorally prepared Nursing faculty member of his or her choice. The student may conduct research in the clinical practice area and assist with literature searches, data gathering, data entry and analyses, and dissemination of results. The student is required to maintain a research journal and submit a project by the end of the semester and potentially make an oral presentation on the project. SCH and hours are by arrangement and, with a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: NURS 304 or by instructor consent.

NURS 505. Evidence Based Practice I. 3 Hours.

The course builds on the student's prior basic knowledge of the research process and the application of evidence to the practice setting. At the graduate level, the nurse translates current evidence and identifies gaps where there is insufficient evidence to support practice. The graduate level nurse, as a result of this course, will lead the process of implementing evidence as the basis for practice at all levels of direct and indirect care. This is the first of two courses. This course emphasizes theory as the foundation for research, ethics in research, and qualitative approaches to research.

NURS 506. Evidence Based Practice II. 3 Hours.

This course is the second of two courses focusing on the application of evidence to clinical practice. This course emphasizes the appraisal and application of quantitative research findings, enabling the student to perform a rapid critical analysis, participate in the development of evidence and devise strategies for the implementation of findings. The course emphasizes the application of evidence to aggregate populations. Prerequisite: NURS 505.

NURS 507. Healthcare Informatics. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to utilize informatics and healthcare technologies to deliver and enhance patient care through the use of patient care technologies, communication and data management technologies, health care management for evidence based care and education, and electronic health records.

NURS 508. Quality Improvement and Safety. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to use the methods, tools, performance measures, culture of safety principles, and quality standards to create a safe patient environment. The student will provide leadership in quality improvement activities in a clinical setting.

NURS 509. Healthcare Population Health/Health Policy. 3 Hours.

Clinical prevention and health promotion is emphasized in this course that prepares the graduate student to improve the health status of populations, particularly those affected by health disparities. The course will assist the student to develop competence in political activism and policy advocacy. The relationship between health care policy and health disparities are discussed as a factor in poor health outcomes. The student will plan strategies for collaboration with other professionals to affect change.

NURS 510. Organizational Behavior and Systems Leadership. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to apply complexity theory and systems thinking, leadership theory, characteristics of organizational behavior and value-driven healthcare within the culture of an organization. The emphasis is on developing the ability to create collaborative relationships, provide leadership to affect change, and improve organizational functioning in the provision of safe, quality care.

NURS 513. Management of Complex Systems in Nursing. 3 Hours.

This is a practicum course in which the student practices in a leadership role under the supervision of a preceptor. The student will manage a nursing unit, communicate and collaborate interprofessionally, assist in budget preparation/management, make staffing decisions, participate in quality improvement strategies, and evaluate care outcomes. This course requires 90 hours of practicum experience.

NURS 514. Healthcare Law, Ethics and Policy. 3 Hours.

The student will analyze a variety of ethical and legal dilemmas commonly encountered in the educational, managerial/administrative role and apply a framework for decision-making. A discussion of health care programs that affect and result from policy, the interaction of stakeholders in the real world, and an examination of the health care system of other countries enables the student to better understand the US healthcare system.

NURS 522. Healthcare Economics and Financial Management. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on providing the nurse administrator/manager with a basis for understanding the fiscal status of health care organizations. The nurse executive role in financial management, strategic planning and marketing, quality assurance, and risk management initiative for health care organizations is explored. Prerequisite: Student must have graduated with a BSN and be admitted to the MSN program.

NURS 525. Scholarly Project. 3 Hours.

In the scholarly project course, the student will implement and evaluate a research proposal, evidence-based practice project, quality improvement project, or program development project in the practice setting. The purpose of the project is to integrate the knowledge and theory gained in graduate nursing courses to improve an aspect of nursing. At the completion of the project, the student will present results in an oral presentation and in a professional paper suitable for publication. Prerequisite: NURS 506.

NURS 540. Advanced Pathophysiology. 3 Hours.

In this course, students develop an in-depth knowledge base of pathophysiology and psychophysiology across the lifespan, incorporating the use of clinical reasoning skills to distinguish alterations across multiple systems.

NURS 541. Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on advanced practice knowledge and skills in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacology of current/commonly used medications, pharmacologic treatment of major health problems, and legal aspects of prescribing.

NURS 542. Advanced Health Assessment. 3 Hours.

This course builds upon previous health assessment skills, utilizing comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessments of individuals, families, groups, and communities across the lifespan. An emphasis is placed on the ability to distinguish pathological change from normal variants. Advanced health assessment skills will be applied in the laboratory and clinical setting, collecting, interpreting, and summarizing data in a complete problem list. The student will document and present findings in a variety of settings. (2SCH theory: 1SCH Lab).

NURS 543. Health Promotions and Diagnostics. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with a theoretical foundation for health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based treatment guidelines for health conditions across the lifespan. Additionally, this course provides nurse practitioner students with foundational knowledge of the basic interpretation process and clinical implications for laboratory values, EKGs, and diagnostic radiology imaging tests. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541 and NURS 542 (May be taken concurrently with NURS 541).

NURS 544. Epidemiology. 2 Hours.

This course provides a foundational knowledge for the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease. This course also reviews the application of methods (in the context of the advanced practice nurse practice) to improve health outcomes in patient populations. Public health concepts, public health promotion, epidemiological methods and procedures are also explored.

NURS 545. Biostatistics. 3 Hours.

This course provides a graduate level introduction to the application of statistical principles to problems and questions in public health. Research design methods will be investigated, along with terminology and concepts relevant to healthcare research. Critical analysis of published research and the application to the practice of the rural family nurse practitioner will be explored.

NURS 546. Rural and Population Health. 2 Hours.

This course provides a broad understanding of rural populations and associated health-related challenges, determinants, cultures, and healthcare systems. Rural populations will be examined in the context of public health. Public health policies, initiatives, and funding relevant to rural populations will also be reviewed. The diverse role of the rural family nurse practitioner and the need to promote, maintain and restore health of patients will be explored.

NURS 548. Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing. 1 Hour.

This course will emphasize the synthesis of the professional role of the advanced practice registered nurse, including critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the application of professional values, ethics and legalities, health policy and regulations, evidence-based practice, and commitment to life-long learning. Current trends and issues within the profession will be discussed. Principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethics and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course.

NURS 550. Introduction to Psychotherapy. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is developing the theoretical basis for psychotherapy for individual, family, and group settings. This course also includes simulation hours to introduce different therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused brief therapy. Prerequisite: NURS 540, NURS 541, and NURS 542.

NURS 551. Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry and Psychoparmacology. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is developing the neuroscientific basis for clinical psychiatry including neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and genetics. This course also includes foundational concepts of psychopharmacology. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541, and NURS 542.

NURS 552. Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts and Roles. 2 Hours.

This course provides foundational knowledge for the advanced practice registered nurse. Nurse practitioner role and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, interprofessional communication, and the concepts surrounding health equity are explored. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541 and NURS 542.

NURS 553. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I. 3 Hours.

This course forms the theoretical basis for the competencies of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This course lays the scientific foundation for independent practice as the RN transitions to the role of the Nurse Practitioner in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management of illness in psychiatric patients across the lifespan. The diagnostic evaluation will include the development of interview techniques, mental health examinations, and tools unique to the evaluation of psychiatric, mental, and behavioral health problems. Management of mental/behavioral health problems in individuals will include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, including individual counseling in the patient with serious/persistent mental/behavioral health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 551.

NURS 554. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories II. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is on the refinement of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management in psychiatric practice with diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families across the lifespan. Theoretical foundation and interventional approaches for group and family therapies will be explored. In addition, the nurse practitioner’s role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated. Prerequisite: NURS 553 or Director approval.

NURS 555. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the integration of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients with actual and potential psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 554.

NURS 556. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the continued integration of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients and families with actual and potential psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 555.

NURS 563. Family Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I. 3 Hours.

This course forms the theoretical basis for the competencies of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). This course lays the scientific foundation for independent practice as the RN transitions to the role of the Nurse Practitioner in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management of illness in patients across the lifespan. The diagnostic evaluation will include the development of interview techniques, health examinations, and tools unique to the evaluation of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Management of health problems in individuals will include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. A supervised clinical practicum may be taken concurrently or subsequently, depending on the student’s degree plan. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541, NURS 542, and NURS 543.

NURS 564. Family Nurse Practitioner Concepts and Theories II. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is on the refinement of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management in family practice with diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families across the lifespan. In addition, the nurse practitioner’s role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated. A supervised clinical practicum may be taken concurrently or subsequently, depending on the the student’s degree plan. Prerequisites: NURS 563.

NURS 565. Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the integration of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients with acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic diseases in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 564.

NURS 566. Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the continued integration of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients and families with acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic diseases in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-entered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 565.

NURS 589. Independent Study in Nursing. 3 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

NURS 597. Special Topics. 2 Hours.

This a remedial course provided to students who have either failed a course or are on academic probation. This course includes an assessment of the student’s opportunities for improvement and focus on these areas with assignments that may include readings, written assignments, and clinical hours. This course also provides strong mentorship from faculty to promote the student’s success.

NURS 599. Independent Research. 1-6 Hours.

This course is an independent reseach in Nursing conducted by a student under the guidance of a doctorally prepared Nursing faculty member of his or her choice. The student may conduct research in the clinical practice area and assist with literature searches, data gathering, data entry and analyses, and dissemination of results. SCH and hours are by arrangement and, with a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: NURS 505 or by instructor consent.