NURSING (NURS)
NURS 100 - FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING
This course introduces students to current issues in health care. Historical and social perspectives are explored and the legal and ethical underpinnings of practice are analyzed. Students are given an introduction to the health care delivery system as a whole and workforce issues are discussed. A critical thinking approach is introduced which allows the students to focus on generating new thoughts, insights and beliefs. Additionally, students will begin to explore HESI exam questions and learn how to begin early preparation towards the NCLEX exam. Formerly NUR 190 and NUR 191.
Credits: 3
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major
NURS 200 - INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH ASSESSMENT & BASIC NURSING SKILLS
This course provides opportunities to develop core competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. The role of the nurse as a member of the health care team is emphasized. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of client needs, safety, communication, critical, ethical-legal, transcultural diversity, nursing history, and the program’s philosophy of nursing. Additionally, this course introduces psychomotor nursing skills needed to assist individuals in meeting essential human needs. Skills necessary for maintaining microbial, physical, and psychological safety are introduced along with skills needed in therapeutic interventions. At the conclusion of this course, the student should demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: AHS 130 and MATH 170 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 100 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 230 - NURSING FUNDAMENTALS
This course introduces classic nursing principles that underpin future clinical practice. Principles include such things as comfort measures, assistance with daily living activities, environmental concerns, positioning and transporting, asepsis and sterile technique, medication administration, intrusive therapies and use of the nursing process with particular emphasis on the intervention component. Concepts related to nursing fundamentals and nursing care is integrated throughout the course. The campus laboratory and clinical settings will afford practical experience in application of the principles and skills taught in the theory portion of this class. Students will be expected to demonstrate beginning competency in application of the nursing process.The clinical portion of their course will prepare students for active participation in delivery of healthcare to the geriatric client. Each student will perform designated nursing skills after having successfully demonstrated them in nursing skills laboratory.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: AHS 191 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 170 and NURS 200
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 231 - FUNDAMENTAL NURSING ASSESSMENT
This lab consists of a series of activities and assessments to assist you in achieving the outcomes/objectives for the course. Each week you will complete various combinations of online assignments, activities, readings, etc. Instructional strategies that may be used include: lecture, discussion, demonstration, media resources, role playing, simulation, team-based learning strategies, computer assisted instruction, case studies, and return demonstration. Each student must demonstrate proficiency in the nursing skills lab before they can perform it on a client in the clinical setting.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: AHS 191 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 170 and NURS 200
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 270 - PSYCHIATRIC/MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
This nursing course focuses on the application of psychiatric/mental health nursing concepts for culturally diverse clients from age 18 up to, and including the geriatric years. Theoretical content includes interpersonal relationship theory, pharmacology, psychopathology, pathophysiology, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and biologic theories. The nursing process will be utilized with consideration of psychopathology. Legal, ethical, and critical thinking concepts specific to psychiatric/mental health nursing are covered in depth. Each student will gain clinical experience in an inpatient psychiatric/behavioral health setting. The clinical portion of this course will prepare student to effectively care for clients with a variety of mental health disorders. Emphasis will be on continual assessment of patient responses and safety. Students will integrate contemporary concepts and evidence-based practice to foster growth in knowledge and clinical competencies as a professional nurse.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 230 and NURS 231 and AHS 191 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 271 - NURSING ASSESSMENT I
The psychiatric mental health nursing simulation lab experiences will be focused on the goals of 1) creating scenarios to enhance critical thinking and judgment; 2) evaluating student performance in a controlled environment; and 3) increasing students’ self-confidence in clinical practicum. The lab experiences will include case studies, client (mannequin) situations in practical application, and reflective individual and group assignments.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: NURS 230 and NURS 231 and AHS 191 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 280 - ADULT MEDICAL/SURGICAL NURSING I
The didactic portion of this course focuses on the nurse’s role in caring for clients with the following complex health care problems: fluid and electrolyte imbalance, perioperative care and alterations in oxygenation and tissue perfusion. Through advanced reasoning, synthesis, and application of evidence-based care, students will obtain the knowledge and skills to coordinate, and evaluate priorities of comprehensive care for the adult client with acute and chronic health care diseases and disorders. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on prevention, management of care, and treatment modalities. In this course, students will have expanded opportunities to use the nursing process and clinical reasoning to guide care planning decisions for hospitalized clients. The clinical portion of this course will prepare students to effectively care for clients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances and/or alterations in mobility, oxygenation, tissue perfusion, and hemodynamics. Students will integrate contemporary concepts and evidence-based practice to foster growth in knowledge and clinical competencies as a professional nurse.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 270 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 271
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 281 - NURSING ASSESSMENT II
The fluid and electrolyte imbalance and alterations in oxygenation, tissue perfusion, and hemodynamics simulation lab experiences will be focused on the goals of: 1) prevention of fluid and electrolyte imbalance; 2) management of fluid and electrolyte imbalance and alterations tissue perfusion, and hemodynamics; 3) practice of skills used in perioperative care; and 4) use of patient education to assist clients and families with nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders. The lab experiences will include case studies, client situations in practical application, simulations and reflective individual and group assignments.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: NURS 270 and NURS 271 and NURS 280 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 290 - NURSING OF CHILDBEARING & CHILDREARING FAMILIES
The theory portion of this course focuses on the nursing care of women throughout the prenatal, antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods of pregnancy. Physiological, sociocultural and ethical concepts are explored. Risks, complications and appropriate nursing care are also to be discussed. Care of the neonate is addressed including possible complex outcomes of both term and preterm infants. Each student will also participate in the clinical setting gaining experience in both the labor and delivery and mother-baby aspects of care in an impatient setting. This portion of the course will help further their grasp of this specialty and enhance their skills and understanding. Students will utilize their knowledge from theory and past clinical sites to promote growth in a new environment.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 320 and NURS 321
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 291 - NURSING ASSESSMENT III
The lab component of this course will provide the ability to learn and practice hands-on nursing care with the use of a simulation mannequin. Different scenarios involving possible complications of labor and delivery will be applied. Case studies will be utilized to help the student develop critical thinking and reasoning skills in which they will analyze individually and as a group. These opportunities will help the student increase their confidence and facilitate the learning process in addition to their experiences in the clinical setting.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: (NURS 280 and NURS 281)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 300 - CONCEPTS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
This course introduces contemporary concepts for professional nursing practice including but not limited to clinical judgement, communication, compassionate care, diversity, equity, and inclusion, ethics, evidenced-based practice, health policy, and social determinates of health. In addition, the course highlights the essential role of social justice and health equity in nursing, preparing students to recognize and address systemic factors that influence health outcomes across diverse communities.
Credits: 3
Course Notes: Only students enrolled in RN to BSN
NURS 301 - SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
This course examines the social determinants of health contributing to wide health disparities and inequities in areas such as economic stability, education quality and access, healthcare quality and access, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The social determinants of health are closely interrelated with the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, health policy, and communication and social justice.
Credits: 3
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 302 - CULTURALLY COMPETENT NURSING CARE
This course prepares nursing students to deliver person centered care by cultivating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand, respect, and respond to the diverse cultural and social needs of individuals, families, and communities. Students will engage in a deep exploration of cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and cultural humility as foundational components of professional nursing practice. Through the examination of personal values, communication styles, health beliefs, religious practices, and the influence of social and cultural group membership, learners will develop an enhanced capacity to form therapeutic relationships and provide care that is both inclusive and responsive.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 300 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 303 - NURSING RESEARCH
This course applies basic concepts of research utilization emphasizing relationship between research, scholarship, and evidence-based nursing practice including the ability to critique research and determine its applicability to nursing’s body of knowledge. In addition, the course underscores the importance of social justice and health equity in the research process, preparing students to evaluate how research design, interpretation, and application can advance equitable health outcomes across diverse populations.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 217 and NURS 301 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 306 - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course focuses on physical assessment and interview skills to assess health status of patients across the lifespan. Students will develop competency in obtaining complete health histories, performing systematic head to toe assessments, and integrating developmental, cultural, and environmental considerations into their clinical decision making. Emphasis is placed on accurate data collection, critical thinking, and the ability to identify normal and abnormal findings to support safe, high quality nursing practice. The role of social justice and health equity in health assessment will also be discussed and analyzed.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 300 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN
NURS 307 - COMMUNITY & POPULATION HEALTH
This course will serve as a foundation in providing culturally competent healthcare to individuals, families, and communities. Health management strategies such as individual cases, disease prevention, health promotion, and population-based approaches will be examined within a global perspective. Health promotion topics such as epidemiology, health disparities, healthcare access, available resources, healthcare costs, quality of care, healthcare policies, disease screening, and regulatory environments will be examined and discussed. Emphasis is placed on assessment, analysis of culturally competent care, and enhancing clinical decision making.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 302
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 308 - NURSING INFORMATICS
This course examines the use of informatics and healthcare data to support quality, safety, and equity in nursing practice. Topics include electronic health records, clinical decision support, data privacy, SDOH data collection, and basic data visualization. Students explore how informatics tools influence care delivery, workflow, and population health management. Through applied projects, students use data to identify disparities, support quality improvement initiatives, and enhance care coordination. Emphasis is placed on leveraging informatics to improve patient outcomes and advance equitable, evidence based nursing practice.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 301
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 310 - RESEARCH METHODS FOR HEALTHCARE
This course reviews the basics of Nursing research. The course focuses on the concepts of qualitative and quantitative research, and the development of research questions using a PICOT format and hypotheses. Students will be required to utilize resources to create a literature review. A research portfolio using innovative techniques will be presented at the end of the course.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 217 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 340 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 360 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 320 - ADULT MEDICAL/SURGICAL: NURSING II
The didactic portion of this course focuses on the nurse’s role in caring for adult clients with endocrine, cardiovascular and hematologic disorders. Emphasis will be on alterations in cardiac dysfunctions, metabolic dysfunction and tissue perfusion. Through advanced reasoning, synthesis, and application of evidence-based care, students will obtain the knowledge and skills to coordinate, and evaluate priorities of comprehensive care for the adult client with acute and chronic health care diseases and disorders. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on prevention, management of care, and treatment modalities. In this course, students will have expanded opportunities to use the nursing process and clinical reasoning to guide care planning decisions for hospitalized clients. The clinical portion of this course will prepare students to effectively care for clients with cardiovascular and endocrine impairments. Students will integrate contemporary concepts and evidence-based practice to foster growth in knowledge and clinical competencies as a professional nurse.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 280 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 281 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 321 - NURSING ASSESSMENT IV
The simulation lab experiences will be focused on the goals of: 1) prevention of endocrine deficiencies; 2) management of cardiovascular disorders; and 4) use of patient education to assist clients and families in the management of vascular, cardiac and/or diabetic and other endocrine disorders. The lab experiences will include case studies, client (mannequin) situations in practical application, and reflective individual and group assignments.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: NURS 280 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 281 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 335 - NURSING MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
The didactic portion of this course focuses on leadership theories, skills, and techniques used in the nursing profession to deliver high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. The aim is to apply appropriate leadership, management, and communication skills to situations involving different stakeholders in a health care setting. Students learn evidence-based leadership skills as a core competency in nursing to improve quality in patient care and strengthen nursing as a profession.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 340 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 350 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 360
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 340 - ADULT MEDICAL/SURGICAL: NURSING III
The didactic portion of this course focuses on the nurse’s role in caring for adult clients with renal, neurological and oncological disorders. The student will learn to apply the nursing process to identify alterations in these systems including: alterations in urinary elimination, acute and chronic renal failure, and alterations in cellular metabolism. Students will also use the nursing process to care for patients at end of life using concepts of grief and death and dying. Through advanced reasoning, synthesis, and application of evidence-based care, students will obtain the knowledge and skills to coordinate, and evaluate priorities of comprehensive care for the adult client with acute and chronic health care diseases and disorders. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on prevention, management of care, and treatment modalities. In this course students will have expanded opportunities to use the nursing process and clinical reasoning to guide care planning decisions for hospitalized clients. The clinical portion of this course will prepare students to effectively care for clients with renal, neurological and oncological disorders disorders, alterations in urinary elimination, acute/chronic renal failure, and alterations in cellular metabolism.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 290 and NURS 291
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 341 - NURSING ASSESSMENT V
The renal, urinary, neurological and oncologic impairment simulation lab experiences will be focused on the goals of: 1) prevention of urinary, renal, neurologic and oncologic disorders; 2) management of alterations in renal elimination and cerebrovascular disease; 3) practice of skills used in the assessment and management of urinary, renal, neurologic and oncologic disorders disorders; and 4) use of patient education to assist clients and families in the management of impairments associated with the renal, neurologic systems and end of life care. The lab experiences will include case studies, client (mannequin) situations in practical application, and reflective individual and group assignments.
Credits: 1.5
NURS 350 - COMMUNITY NURSING
The didactic portion of this course will serve as a foundation in providing culturally competent healthcare to individuals, families, and communities. Health management strategies such as individual cases, disease prevention, health promotion, and population-based approaches will be examined within a global perspective. Health promotion topics such as epidemiology, health disparities, healthcare access, available resources, healthcare costs, quality of care, healthcare policies, disease screening, and regulatory environments will be examined and discussed. Emphasis is placed on assessment, analysis of culturally competent care, and enhancing clinical reasoning through application of a variety of practical client situations. Each student will gain clinical experience in a community-based organization. The clinical portion of this course will prepare students for active, responsible community participation as professional nurses in a global environment. Their role will be to positively impact the health of diverse communities through critical thinking, evidence-based practices, patient education, meaningful service, and support of the client(s), their families, and lay caregiver(s).
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 335 and NURS 340 and NURS 360
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 360 - ADULT MED/SURGICAL: NURS IV
he didactic portion of this course will focus on the care of clients with immunological, musculoskeletal, integumentary and eye, ear, nose and throat disorders. Students will have diverse client populations with a variety of musculoskeletal impairments, such as fractures, bone loss and mobility issues. Students will also have clients with hearing and visual impairments. Emphasis will be on the use of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and ethical principles to provide safe and high quality care. The student is expected to integrate previous learning to assist these clients in achieving optimal functioning. Each student will gain clinical experience in an inpatient setting. The clinical portion of this course will prepare students to effectively care for patients with immunological, musculoskeletal and/or sensory impaired clients and their families. Patients with integumentary issues and burns will also be cared for. Students will integrate contemporary concepts and evidence-based practice to foster growth in knowledge and clinical competencies as a professional nurse.
Credits: 1,3
Prerequisites: NURS 340 and NURS 341
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 361 - NURSING ASSESSMENT VI
The lab experiences will be focused on the goals of: 1) management of the sensory impaired client with musculoskeletal injuries including an impaired integuementary system; 2) practice of skills used typically in care of a patient with traumatic injuries; and 3) use of patient education to assist these clients and their families to achieve optimal functioning and self-care maintenance. The lab experiences will include case studies, client (mannequin) situations in practical application, and reflective individual and group assignments.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: NURS 340 and NURS 341
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.
NURS 390 - CAPSTONE: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES PRACTICUM I
This course serves as the foundational preparation phase of the RN–BSN capstone experience, guiding students in synthesizing knowledge and competencies consistent with the AACN Essentials (2021). Students critically examine contemporary issues in nursing and healthcare, including health equity, population health, policy, quality and safety, informatics, and workforce challenges, through a systems based and evidence informed lens. Drawing upon principles of Scholarship for Nursing Practice, students identify a real world practice or population health problem, conduct a structured review of current evidence, and develop a comprehensive proposal for an evidence based capstone project. By the end of the course, students will produce a refined capstone proposal that demonstrates readiness for scholarly synthesis and professional growth consistent with baccalaureate level nursing practice.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 303 and NURS 308 and NURS 335 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 392 - CAPSTONE;CONTEMPORARY ISSUES PRACTICUM II
This course represents the culminating scholarly phase of the RN–BSN capstone experience. Building on the project proposal developed in Practicum I, students focus on advanced evidence synthesis, critical analysis, and scholarly dissemination consistent with the AACN Essentials (2021). Rather than implementing a project in practice, students deepen their evaluation of the literature, assess the feasibility and potential impact of proposed interventions, and integrate systems based, equity focused, and quality improvement principles into a comprehensive final scholarly report. The course emphasizes leadership, professionalism, population health thinking, and the ability to translate evidence into meaningful recommendations for practice, policy, or system level improvement. Students reflect on ethical considerations, equity implications, and interprofessional collaboration as they refine and present their final written work. The course culminates in a scholarly capstone paper and professional portfolio demonstrating mastery of baccalaureate level competencies, readiness for advancing nursing roles, and commitment to promoting high quality, equitable care across healthcare settings.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 390
Course Notes: Enrolled in RN to BSN program
NURS 395 - NCLEX REVIEW
This course is a review of concepts required for licensure examination and entry into the practice of professional nursing. The NCLEX-RN test plan, assessment of knowledge deficits, and development of individual study plans, based on the results of previous HESI exams, will be utilized. This course will challenge students to apply their knowledge, skills, and understanding of critical concepts needed for entry level practice. NCLEX principles and concepts will be emphasized to prepare the student for success on the NCLEX examination. (Prerequisite: NUR 360, 361 final semester of nursing)
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 360 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 361 (may be taken concurrently)
Course Notes: Must be a Nursing major.