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 306. Person-Centered Care I. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce students to the concepts of wellness and primary prevention across the lifespan with multicultural populations. Students will develop holistic health assessment skills, psychosocial, psychomotor, communication, clinical judgment, clinical reasoning, and an understanding of physiologic processes and patient safety. Students will begin to understand commonalities and uniqueness as it relates to age, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, socioeconomic class, and sexual orientation. Corequisite: NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, and NURS 311.

NURS 307. Patient-Centered Care I Clinical. 4 Hours.

Students will participate in experiential learning with peers in simulated environments with various levels of fidelity of simulation and evaluation by formative/summative examinations. Students will integrate knowledge from theory courses such as Person-Centered Care I, Patho-pharmacology, Informatics & Healthcare Technology, Professionalism I, and Scholarship in Nursing Research & EBP. Students will demonstrate skills competency by performance assessments.

NURS 308. Professionalism I. 2 Hours.

This course will provide BSN students with an introduction to the profession of nursing, the program mission, philosophy, conceptual framework, faculty philosophy of nursing, and student learning processes. This course establishes the role of the registered nurse as a member of the profession with individual accountability to the public, with responsibility for coordination of patient care and with a duty for patient advocacy. The course addresses decision-making related to providing direct care in any setting. The course addresses the ANA Code for Nurses principles 1, 2, and 3 related to the individual and professional nurse. Select standards of nursing care, professional roles, and safe use of select nursing skills are explored.

NURS 309. Patho-Pharm I. 2 Hours.

Patho-pharmacology I will focus on fundamental concepts in pathophysiology and pharmacology across the lifespan. A foundation for understanding disease processes and drugs will be provided as well as components of drug therapy, including genetic, life span/age, and cultural implications. Classifications of drugs and the use of the nursing process will be introduced to ensure safe medication administration. Evidence-based practice and legal/ethical standards will guide the use of case studies and simulation of accurate dosage calculation.

NURS 310. Informatics & Healthcare Tech.. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the application of computer technology in the healthcare field. Basic computer competencies essential to nursing are introduced, along with skills required to locate and evaluate information and communicate findings with shareholders in the patients care. Issues related to privacy, confidentiality, and the legal aspects of healthcare technology are covered.

NURS 311. Scholarship in Nursing - Research & EBP I. 1 Hour.

This course will introduce concepts, issues, and processes in nursing research, a foundational overview of evidence-based nursing practice, and beginning data collection strategies. There will be a focus on students becoming competent consumers of research in nursing and related fields.

NURS 312. Person-Centered Care II. 3 Hours.

In this course, students will continue to apply holistic health assessment skills, psychosocial, psychomotor, communication, clinical judgment, clinical reasoning, and an understanding of physiologic processes and patient safety. Students will actively analyze patient care situations while applying a working knowledge of pathophysiology, appropriate assessments, needed interventions, and evaluations. The focus of this course is to provide safe, evidence-based nursing care, across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 318.

NURS 313. Person-Centered Care II Clinical. 4 Hours.

Students will actively analyze patient care situations while applying a working knowledge of pathophysiology, appropriate assessments, needed interventions, and evaluations to provide holistic evidence-based nursing care within the skills labs and in clinical practicum. Students will integrate knowledge from prior and current theory courses as well as previous clinical courses. Students will receive feedback from formative and summative assessments. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS 312, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 318.

NURS 314. Professionalism II. 2 Hours.

This course will provide 2nd semester BSN students with further exploration of concepts of nursing leadership with an emphasis on the concepts of clinical judgment, professional behaviors, collaboration and communication. The course addresses the ANA Code for Nurses Principles 4, 5 and 6 related to the nursing practice environment including health care systems and various practice settings. This course addresses the role and accountability of the professional nurse engaged in the health care system as primary coordinator of patient care and safety, covering foundational concepts for professional development, including selected professional attributes and care competencies. Students will have the opportunity to participate/practice in group work, leadership roles, self-governance, advocacy for the rights of patients, the legislative process, and other activities that broaden their vision of the nursing profession. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS 312, NURS 313, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 318.

NURS 315. Patho-Pharm II. 2 Hours.

Patho-pharmacology II will focus on fundamental concepts in pathophysiology and pharmacology across the lifespan. A foundation for understanding disease processes and drugs will be provided as well as components of drug therapy, including genetic, life span/age, and cultural implications. Classifications of drugs and the use of the nursing process will be expanded to ensure safe medication administration. Evidence-based practice and legal/ethical standards will guide the use of case studies and simulation of accurate dosage calculation. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS, 312, NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 316, NURS 318.

NURS 316. Rural and Population Health. 3 Hours.

In this course, students examine rural populations through the lens of population health to build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and attributes that are essential for students to contextualize rural health care and education. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS 312, NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 318.

NURS 318. Scholarship in Nursing - Research & EBP II. 2 Hours.

This course focuses on exploring the theory and methods of evidence-based practice with emphasis on the role in providing quality patient-centered care in the medical/surgical setting. The importance of critical appraisal of nursing research and appropriate utilization of research findings in professional nursing practice are emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to apply evidence when participating in planning nursing care, inter-professional communication, population health for rural and border communities and demonstrating professionalism and professional values. Prerequisite: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 308, NURS 309, NURS 310, NURS 311. Corequisite: NURS 312, NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 316.

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 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)]. Prerequisites: NURS 301, NURS 302, NURS 304, NURS 305.

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)].Prerequisites: NURS 301, NURS 302, NURS 304, NURS 305.

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 408. Patient-Centered Care III. 3 Hours.

Students will engage in content that focuses on integrated concepts for the development of the professional nurse role by analyzing more complex patient needs and appropriate care interventions to provide safe, holistic, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan. Students are expected to integrate knowledge from prior and current theory courses as well as previous clinical courses to enhance decision making. Learning is enhanced as students synthesize knowledge to make appropriate clinical judgements. Prerequisites: NURS 312, NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 318. Corequisites: NURS 409, NURS 410, NURS 411, NURS 412, and NURS 413.

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 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 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.