Nursing courses begin in the second semester of the freshman year and are arranged in a sequential manner, with learning experiences increasing in complexity. Courses beginning with the number 1 are freshman level courses, courses beginning with 2 are sophomore level courses, and so on.
NU 101 Introduction to Professional Nursing and Informatics
Focuses on the history and philosophy of nursing and the roles of nurses in practice. The student is introduced to the diversity of settings where health care is provided. Issues related to sociocultural, environmental, economic, political and occupational health, health and illness behaviors, and risk reduction are addressed. The course also includes a conceptual foundation for understanding nursing informatics. A focus is on beginning development of personal values and professional responsibilities as a basis for lifelong learning. Prerequisite: None 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 206 Nutrition
Nutrition, and the nursing role in primary prevention for individuals, families and groups throughout the life cycle is emphasized. Food needs for energy; protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals will be considered in relation to maintaining nutritional status. Nutrition assessment and intervention will be considered, and activities related to the nursing role will be addressed. Prerequisite: None 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 210 Concepts of Gerontology
An overview of the processes of aging and the way aging is defined chronologically, biologically, socially and psychologically. Selected aspects of physical, social and psychological aging will be examined. Topics will include theories of aging, demographics of aging and its implications for society, bodily changes associated with the normal aging process, and the social ramifications of aging. Prerequisite: None, this course is appropriate for any interested undergraduate student. 2 credits (2 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 2161/2162 Health Assessment and Fundamentals
An introduction of the student to health assessment and the fundamentals of direct patient care through the framework of the nursing process. Students are afforded opportunities to utilize communication skills and biopsychosocial theory with diverse populations to implement beginning nursing care interventions. This course utilizes both simulation and the clinical setting. Prerequisites: CHM 105, BIO 201, BIO 202. NU 101, NU 206 and BIO 227 pre-requisite or co-requisite. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 2171/2172 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Health promotion and disease prevention is emphasized in this theory/clinical course. It allows the student to provide beginning level direct, holistic patient care utilizing the framework of the nursing process. This care is directed toward providing health promotion, disease prevention, and therapeutic and restorative care to adults. Students are afforded the opportunity to develop beginning therapeutic communication skills with diverse populations. Prerequisite: NU 2161/2162 and BI0 227. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 222 Pharmacology
An introduction to Pharmacology principles, needed by the professional nurse. Emphasis is on principles of drug addiction, patient assessment, interventions involving specific drug therapy, principles of administration and patient/family drug education. Prerequisites: CHM 105, BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 227, and NU 2161/2162. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 3121/3122 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Junior level theory/clinical course concerned with mental health care of individuals, families, groups, and communities in both episodic and distributive settings. One focus is on nursing care that promotes mental health. A second is on the nursing care that assists persons experiencing disturbances in social and occupational functioning. The third focus is on nursing care that eases the impact of chronically ineffective behaviors. Current issues, trends, and research relevant to professional psychiatric nursing practice roles and mental health policy issues are addressed. Prerequisite: Completion of all sophomore level courses. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 3161/3162 Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents
Junior level theory/clinical course focusing on the biopsychosocial needs of children and adolescents. Based on nursing theories and research, emphasis is placed on the nurse’s role in providing health promotion, prevention, therapeutic and restorative care to children and adolescents from diverse cultures in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: Completion of all sophomore level nursing courses. 3.5 credits (3 theory, 0.5 clinical)
NU 3171/3172 Nursing Care of Women, Newborns & Families
Junior level theory/clinical course focusing on the nursing care needs of women across the lifespan and care of the mother/baby dyad in clinical and community settings. Emphasis is placed on the physiologic and psychosocial adaptations that occur in women from adolescence through older adulthood. The impact of pregnancy and childbirth is highlighted. Health promotion of the mother/baby dyad and the developing family is emphasized. Gynecologic topics and the impact of gender on selected disorders are discussed. Nursing care, health policy, cultural and ethical factors which impact the health of women and newborns are examined. Prerequisite: Completion of all sophomore level nursing courses. 3.5 credits (3 theory, 0.5 clinical)
NU 3181/3182 Nursing Care of Adults I
Junior level theory/clinical course examining the professional nursing care of adults experiencing acute and chronic health alterations specific to the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and pulmonary systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of the nursing process to identify physiologic, psychosocial, educational and cultural needs of this population and the development of nursing interventions to support adaptation. Additional foci include the three levels of prevention, the identification of health policies that relate to each unit of study and the application of nursing research. The clinical practice component of this course occurs in a variety of care environments. Prerequisite: BIO 203, BIO 227 and completion of all sophomore level nursing courses. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 3191/3192 Nursing Care of Adults II
Junior level theory/clinical course examining the professional nursing care of adults experiencing acute and chronic health alterations specific to the gastrointestinal, immunological, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of the nursing process to identify physiologic, psychosocial, educational and cultural needs of this population and the development of nursing interventions to support adaptation. Additional foci include the three levels of prevention, the identification of health policies that relate to each unit of study and the application of nursing research. The clinical practice component of this course occurs in a variety of care environments. Prerequisite: NU 3181/3182. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 3121/3122 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Junior level theory/clinical course concerned with mental health care of individuals, families, groups and communities in both episodic and distributive settings. One focus is on nursing care that promotes mental health. A second is on the nursing care that assists persons experiencing disturbances in social and occupational functioning. The third focus is on nursing care that eases the impact of chronically ineffective behaviors. Current issues, trends and research relevant to professional psychiatric nursing practice roles and mental health policy issues are addressed. Prerequisites: Completion of all sophomore level courses. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 320 Nursing Research
An introduction to the principles of nursing research. The process of scientific inquiry and an appreciation of the usefulness of the scientific method of problem solving and decisionmaking in nursing practice are discussed. The application of quantitative and qualitative research processes is explored. The course assists students in becoming intelligent consumers of research. Beginning skills to critique current research related to the delivery of nursing care are presented. This course meets the University skills integration research requirement. Prerequisite: Completion of all sophomore level nursing courses. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 4171/4172 Advanced Nursing Care of Adults
Senior level theory/clinical course focusing on the nursing care and management of adults experiencing acute and complex health alterations. Emphasis is placed on the incorporation of comprehensive health assessment data into planning and implementing nursing care to adults experiencing high-risk and/or complex health problems. This course meets the University skills integration technology requirement. Prerequisite: Completion of all junior level nursing courses. 7 credits (5 theory, 2 clinical)
NU 4181/4182 Community Health Nursing
Senior level course focusing on the health of the community and various community health nursing roles through which the health care needs of the individual, family aggregate and community can be met. Both community-based and community-focused approaches are included. The levels of prevention, health promotion, epidemiological process, health education and public health issues and practices are discussed so the student can apply the nursing process in distributive health care settings. This course meets the University writing skills integration requirement. Prerequisite: Completion of all junior level nursing courses. 4 credits (3 theory, 1 clinical)
NU 420 Legal, Ethical and Political Issues in Health Care
Focus is on legal, ethical and political issues in health care. Legal and ethical principles that guide health care practice issues are discussed. Political forces that influence change in contemporary health care are examined. Global differences and their relationship to American health care practice are explored. The student takes an active role in the policy process. This course meets the University skills integration-speaking requirement. Prerequisite: Completion of all junior level nursing courses. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
NU 4111/4112 Leadership into Professional Nursing
Senior level course combining leadership theory with a precepted integrative clinical experience. It includes an examination of leadership and management principles in nursing. Contemporary issues relevant to nursing practice are analyzed. Transition to the professional nursing role is promoted. This course meets the University Capstone requirement. Prerequisite: NU 4171/4172. 6 credits (3 theory, 3 clinical)
RN/BSN to MSN Program Course Descriptions
NU 430 Research/Informatics/Decision Making
This required senior level course is designed to assist the bachelor’s degree prepared nurse to be a consumer of and beginning participant in the nursing research process. It will also introduce the student to the use of information technology in the research process. Emphasis is placed on the development of the decision-making skills required to critically appraise published investigations and to utilize research findings to effect positive changes in the health status of individuals and groups through evidence-based clinical practice. 4 credits
NU 701 Nursing Theories and Conceptual Models
An introduction to the nature and purpose of theoretical thinking and critical thinking in nursing. Issues in the evolution of the discipline of nursing as a science are explored through a review of classical and current theory literature. Selected nursing theories and frameworks are discussed. Focus is on the importance of theory for nursing practice, education, administration, and research. 2 credits
NU 704 Epidemiology
An introduction to the study of epidemiology. Concepts of epidemiology and related terminology are discussed. Current research fi ndings and data are applied to particular populations utilizing both the lifespan approach and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s approach. Applications of epidemiology are explored for various populations, especially for rural and urban medically underserved populations and for diverse ethnic groups. 3 credits
NU/PRL 705 Nursing Leadership
This course focuses on theoretical foundations and conceptional principles of nursing leadership and the skills necessary to practice leadership competently in healthcare environments. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness and to encourage students to fashion personal perspectives on how to lead professionally. Analyzing trends and issues in the current healthcare system that have implication for exercising leadership will help students determine the way they can make a difference. 3 credits
NU 706 Introduction to Nursing Leadership
Theories of nursing leadership and management are analyzed in combination with related research and are applied to the advanced practice nurse’s evolving role in an era of health care reform. Current issues will be critically analyzed in relation to their infl uence on the nursing practice. Future trends for nursing’s leadership role will be examined with emphasis placed on health promotion and disease prevention. 3 credits
NU 707 Nursing Case Management/Leadership I
This course examines case management as it focuses on the accountability of an identifi ed individual or group for providing continuity of care across a continuum, in multiple settings, with particular emphasis on populations residing in medically underserved areas. 3 credits
NU 708 Nursing Research
This course emphasizes quantitative and qualitative research methodologies useful and appropriate to clinical nursing practice and for the utilization of nursing knowledge. Content is explored regarding ethics with human subjects. Prerequisites: NU 701, NU 726. 3 credits
NU/PRL 709 Leadership Styles in Healthcare Organizations
This course includes a focus on understanding universal principles of leadership and management that form the basis of the study of change in healthcare organizations. Building on knowledge of these principles, the class will examine change processes in contemporary healthcare organizations as well as the evolving roles of management and transformational leadership. Students will develop skills to lead change, encourage resilience, and manage transitions. Prerequisite: NU 705. 3 credits
NU 721 Health Policy/Decision Making
This course examines the influence of the advanced practice nurse on the development of health policy and the delivery of health care, with particular emphasis placed on high risk groups and rural and urban medically underserved populations. Laboratory experience incorporates a variety of directed activities related to the policy process. (1.5, .5) (30 hours of lab). 2 credits
NU 724 Conceptual Basis for Community Health Nursing
Key concepts, trends, theories, issues, and research methods for advanced community health nursing practice are to be presented. Aggregates, high-risk populations, and the community as the focus of investigation are explored. Assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation methods are applied to a selected aggregate, high-risk population or community. 3 credits
NU 725 Statistical Applications
This course builds on basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics and provides an overview of commonly utilized statistical methodologies. Students will explore the relationship of statistical methods to research questions and evaluate the results of research reported in the current Nursing and Allied Literature. Prerequisite: MAT 115. 1 credit
NU 726 Statistics for Nursing
The two objectives of this course are: a) to refresh the student’s knowledge of basic statistical concepts and introduce new analytical techniques, and b) to encourage students to apply this knowledge to an actual data set using SPSS for Windows. It is assumed that students have basic knowledge of descriptive statistics and significance testing. 3 credits (2,1)
NU 727 Fiscal Management
This course focuses on analysis and decision making using accounting information. Skills necessary to work in the complex health care environments are presented. 3 credits
NU 728 Data Driven Decision Making
This course examines and defi nes the collection of data and analysis of trends in a health care setting to enable the case manager to measure quality management and outcomes. Prerequisites: Graduate Statistics course is recommended; Basic skill required for Windows and Internet use. 3 credits
NU 7XX Nursing Leadership
Focuses on theoretical foundations and conceptual principles of nursing leadership and the skills necessary to practice leadership competently in healthcare environments. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness and to encourage students to fashion personal perspectives on how to lead professionally. Analyzing trends and issues in the current health care system that have implications for exercising leadership will help students determine the way they can make a difference. 3 credits
NU 7XX Transformational Leadership Styles in Healthcare Organizations
This course includes a focus on understanding universal principles of leadership and management that form the basis of the study of change in healthcare organizations. Building on knowledge of these principles, the class will examine change processes in contemporary healthcare organizations as well as the evolving roles of management and transformational leadership. Students will develop skills to lead change, encourage resilience and manage transitions. Prerequisite: Nursing Leadership. 3 credits
NU 7XX Statistical Applications
This course builds on basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics and provides an overview of commonly utilized statistical methodologies. Students will explore the relationship of statistical methods to research questions and evaluate the results of research reported in the current Nursing and Allied Health literature. Prerequisite: MAT 115. 1 credit
NU 729 Leadership in Adult Education
In this course, students will examine the content and process of their experiences and styles of learning as individuals and in the group setting. Theories of adult learning and strategies to facilitate them in a variety of contexts are explored. The who, what, when, where and why of the change process to motivate learning and the connection to leadership is discussed. Emphasis is placed on non-traditional methods and gender issues that influence the process of learning and instructional design. Students take an active role in applying the tools learned in this course to their professional practice. This course will be relevant to those students who would like to be nurse educators in settings such as the hospital, community and in higher educational institutions. 3 credits
NU 733 Nursing Leadership Internship
This required internship is based on experiential learning models. It allows the student to synthesize the learning acquired in previous nursing leadership courses. The course requires a 150-hour internship with a preceptor in an area of nursing jointly chosen by the student and the teacher. This experience positions the student to assume a leadership role in health care. Four seminars focus on current issues in nursing leadership. Prerequisites: Completion of PRL 713, NU 701, PRL 711, NU 708, PRL 710, PRL 714, PRL 715. 3 credits
NU 737 Leadership in Healthcare Ethics and Policy
The focus of this course will be the confluence of ethics and policy in healthcare in general with specific application to nursing. General principles of ethics and those principles most often applied in healthcare will be considered. This course will include an overview of healthcare policymaking in the United States as well as the role of “leader as advocate” in ethics and policy. Case studies will be utilized to debate and apply the role of advocate for ethical decisions and for policies resulting from these decision. 3 credits
NU 739 Leadership in Evaluation and Measurement
In this course, students have the opportunity to explore ways of leading in conceptualizing, designing and implementing innovative evaluation practices. We will explore suitable performance assessments in educational and organizational settings (i.e., instructor-student; practitioner-client; program providers-stakeholders). In addition to validity, reliability and applicability of evaluation strategies and tools, students will be encouraged to focus on an array of groundbreaking methods (i.e., collaborative evaluation, action research, appreciative inquiry, etc.) that can broaden assessment practices in their chosen fields. Prerequisite: NU 729 3 credits
NU 741 Human Pathophysiology
This course is an advanced level course in pathophysiological functioning in human organisms. The focus will be on the central concepts of pathophysiology at the cellular, tissue and program levels. Elements of related supportive and therapeutic management across the lifespan will also be discussed. 4 credits
NU 742 Advanced Practice Nursing Pharmacology
This course will study the interaction of chemicals with living systems across the lifespan. It explores decision making processes that identify concepts and principles that illuminate the importance, meaning, and rationale for using one drug over another. Builds on knowledge of drugs, pathophysiology, and disease states across the lifespan. 4 credits
NU 744 Community and Family Health Promotion
A course designed to provide information about specifi c community resources for families, particularly those individuals in medically underserved areas. Resources at the local, state, and federal level will be explored. Developmental, psychodynamic, social-political, and cultural theories and concepts are synthesized and applied to analysis of health behaviors of families in community settings across the life cycle. 3 credits
NU 745 Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostics
Theory and techniques in the measurement of human health, development, and level of functioning will be presented. Clinical practice in obtaining health histories, conducting physical examination, making physical measurements, and testing functioning in individuals across the lifespan will be included. Common diagnostic tests will be used to identify pathologic variations and to initiate intervention(s). Clinical experiences will take place in clinics located in rural and medically underserved areas. Prerequisite: NU 741. 4 credits (3.5 didactic, .5 clinical).
NU 750 Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Health Care
The focus of this course is the management of health maintenance and the planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Prerequisites: NU 745, NU 742. 3 credits
NU 751 Advanced Practice Nursing in Pediatrics
The focus of this course is the management of acute and chronic health problems in the pediatric population. It will incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Prerequisite: NU 750. 2 credits
NU 752 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health
The focus of this course is the management of acute and chronic health problems in women’s and reproductive health. It will incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Prerequisite: NU 750. 2 credits
NU 753 Advanced Practice Nursing in Geriatrics
The focus of this course is the management of acute and chronic health problems in the geriatric population. It will incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on the high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Prerequisite: NU 750. 2 credits
NU 754 Advanced Practice Nursing in Trauma/Urgent Care
The focus of this course is the management of urgent health problems. It will incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Prerequisite: NU 750. 2 credits
NU 7901-7906 Series of Six Clinical Practice Courses
The focus of each of these courses is the management of acute chronic health problems and the planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations. Clinical practice will be included as well as several group seminar sessions throughout the term. Students in the clinical practicum will be placed in a variety of settings including urban and rural medically underserved areas. Students will complete at least one clinical credit in pediatric, women’s health and geriatric settings prior to graduation. Each credit will require 75 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisites: NU 750 (Primary Care Management) and didactic course work related to clinical setting in which they are practicing. Credits: Students may schedule up to 3 credits of Clinical Practice in each term. Each credit will require 75 hours of clinical practice.
NU 791 Integration of Advanced Practice Nursing Role
This course will be a Capstone course in which students will integrate the knowledge gained throughout the program into the practice setting. Students will work at least 100 hours with an Advanced Practice Nurse in the community. They will design and implement a health promotion/education project designed to meet an identifi ed need within the community. Students will present their project to the faculty and peers. Seminars in this course will focus on advanced practice role integration, legal and fi nancial issues related to advanced practice nursing and special issues in community and home health. Prerequisites: Completion of didactic and clinical courses (NU 7901-7906 and 750-753). 2 credits (1.5 clinical, .5 didactic)
NU 798 Research Seminar
This course emphasizes utilization of research to provide high quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice. The goal of the seminar is to prepare a clinician who is profi cient in changing nursing practice based on research utilization. Prerequisite: NU 708. 3 credits
NU 799 Master’s Thesis
Completion of the thesis is a scholarly experience that enhances the student’s professional goals and has signifi cance for advanced nursing practice, education or administration. The thesis is negotiated between the student and the student’s graduate committee. Prerequisite: NU 708. 3 credits (Credits may be distributed over a period of one academic year.) |
