School of Nursing

NURS 2900 Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice — 4 credits

This course introduces students to nursing practice and the foundational nursing concepts of the patterns of knowing as they apply to the provision of basic nursing assessment, analysis, diagnosis, and independent nursing interventions with individuals and families in non-acute care settings. Emphasis is placed on the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in the assessment, analysis, diagnosis phases of the nursing process as it relates to the psychosocial functional health patterns. Students will have the opportunity to assume a health promotion role interacting with individuals and families in lab, simulation and selected field experiences. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: IPE 1030, IPE 1040.
Prerequisite with concurrency: BIOL 2610.
Corequisite: IPE 2800.

NURS 2910 Nursing Care of Individuals and Families — 4 credits

This course builds on NURS 2900. The focus in this course is on continuing to develop skills as a reflective and mindful professional nurse. Students will apply the classroom content to assessment and health promotion activities in the practice setting working with individuals and families (i.e. aging individuals, families and maternal-newborn patients in hospital and community settings). The patterns of knowing in nursing are used as the theoretical framework in the nursing process with an emphasis on nursing assessment, analysis, and intervention. Classroom content includes physical assessment, the continuum of care, teaching/learning principles and health promotion throughout the life span. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisite: NURS 2900 and admission to the nursing major.

NURS 2920 Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing — 2 credits

In this course, the students apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in previous and concurrent nursing courses to provide care for complex clients in a variety of settings using an evidence-based approach. The students focus on the continuum of care and the needs of and challenges faced by individuals, families, and populations. Classroom learning includes discussion of the ethical, economic, and policy issues which impact health care. Introduction to the care of populations will broaden the student’s view of assessment and planning for health care, both locally and globally.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of junior level courses and INDI Research.
Corequisites: NURS 4010.

NURS 2992 Topics — 2 credits

NURS 2994 Topics — 4 credits

NURS 3102 Holistic Nursing Care - Transition to Professional Practice — 2 credits

This course introduces students to professional holistic nursing practice. Emphasis is on transition of knowledge within an expanded professional role. This approach engages body, mind and spirit, while unfolding a relationship centered caring practice supported by a unitary science and presence of self.
Corequisites: NURS 3303, NURS 3403.

NURS 3106 Foundations of Nursing and Holistic Care — 6 credits

This course introduces students to the foundations of holistic nursing practice. This approach engages body, mind and spirit, while unfolding a relationship centered caring practice supported by a unitary science and presence of self. Students will begin the journey of using a reflective practice and authentic presence with clients and each other.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prerequisites to begin the nursing program.
Corequisites: NURS 3303 and NURS 3403.

NURS 3281 Pathophysiology — 4 credits

Students will build on the biopsychosocial sciences, to explore the central concepts of pathology of physiologic and psychologic alterations. Students will explore alterations in health and related medical, pharmacologic and nursing interventions. To honor and respect the diversity of the human experience a holistic perspective of the patient/client is maintained. This course is a concept-based pathophysiology course. This means that students will learn how the central concepts (i.e., inflammation, immunity, perfusion, etc.) lead to disease. Students will learn how diseases are prevented, diagnosed and treated. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3010, NURS 2910 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3291, NURS 3800.

NURS 3282 Applied Pathophysiology — 4 credits

This course builds on NURS 3281. This course extends the application of pathophysiological knowledge in providing holistic nursing care across the lifespan. Of primary focus is the development of empirical knowing through the explication of sound rationale for assessment, diagnostic tests, medical and pharmacologic interventions. An inclusive, holistic perspective is maintained to honor and respect the diversity of the human experience. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisite: NURS 3281 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3292, NURS 3810.

NURS 3291 Nursing Interventions I — 4 credits

In this course, students will use the central concepts in NURS 3281 Pathophysiology to determine and apply evidence based nursing interventions to patients across the continuum of care and through the lifespan. Learning activities will occur in the classroom, lab and simulation. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: NURS 2910 and PSYC 3010 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3281, NURS 3800.

NURS 3292 Nursing Interventions II — 4 credits

In this course, students will use the concepts in NURS 3281 Pathophysiology and NURS 3282 Applied Pathophysiology to develop and apply evidence-based nursing interventions to patients across the continuum of care and through the lifespan. Students will develop appropriate nursing interventions by incorporating scientific evidence along with the patient’s preference and values. Learning activities will occur in the classroom, lab and simulation. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisite: NURS 3291 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3282, 3810.

NURS 3303 Human Caring - Professional Roles and Culture — 3 credits

This course presents the nursing triad model of compassionate care: nurse as scientist, artist, and healing presence. The baccalaureate student is introduced to philosophy, theory, and concepts of the art and science of nursing along with the direct experience of tacit knowing, while using practical skills needed to implement patient care. Reflective practice is supported by many “ways of knowing” expressed by multicultural groups, along with caring behaviors developed within the context of care delivery in various nursing situations.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prerequisites to begin the nursing program.
Corequisites: NURS 3102 or NURS 3106, NURS 3403.

NURS 3403 Holistic Care of Older Adults — 3 credits

This course introduces students to holistic nursing care of older adults and the common changes associated with aging, as differentiated from alterations in health. Students will explore how to maximize older adult strengths and minimize risks to their physical and mental health and well-being. Students will attend to the experience of older adults in a manner that honors the unique meaning within each individual’s lived experience.
Prerequisite: Admission to the BSN.

NURS 3502 Holistic Health Assessment — 2 credits

This course introduces holistic assessment of patients across the lifespan with a focus on a systematic approach to the collection and analysis of health data for diverse patients. Students learn to complete assessments that inform holistic nursing process.
Prerequisites: NURS 3102 or NURS 3106, NURS 3303, and NURS 3403.

NURS 3705 Holistic Nursing Care of Children and Childbearing Families — 5 credits

This course uses a holistic, culturally sensitive, person and family centered approach to the healthcare needs of children and childbearing families. Theoretical and evidence-based practice findings are the basis for nursing holistic strategies to promote and maintain health and healing through the establishment of a safe, caring environment.
Prerequisite: NURS 3902, NURS 4106, and NURS 4702.

NURS 3800 Appl of Theory Nursing Prac I — 4 credits

In this course students will focus on the operationalization of theoretical concepts in the provision of nursing care across healthcare settings. Students will apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in NURS 3281 and NURS 3291 to individuals and families in the acute care and the mental health or community health practice settings. Learning activities will occur in the clinical setting, seminar and simulation. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: NURS 2910 and PSYC 3010 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3281, 3291.

NURS 3804 Holistic Population Health II — 4 credits

This course focuses on the integration of nursing theory with public health science to address health disparities in populations, communities and groups. This includes the development of a broader perspective of health and wellness across the continuum including prevention of disease and injury. Emphasis is placed on a holistic population assessment and the development of nursing role and interventions to mitigate health risks in vulnerable populations, communities and groups.
Prerequisites: NURS 3902, NURS 4106, NURS 4702.

NURS 3810 Application of Theory in Nursing Practice II — 4 credits

The course builds on the nursing practice students developed in NURS 3800 Application of Theory in Nursing Practice I. Students will continue to refine their reflective and mindful practice in the acute care setting and the mental health or community health practice arenas. New concepts and knowledge introduced in NURS 3282 and NURS 3292 will be integrated across settings. Enrichment in the patterns of knowing will be the focus of learning. Learning activities will occur in the clinical setting, seminar and simulation. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: NURS 3281, NURS 3291, NURS 3800 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 3282, NURS 3292.

NURS 3902 Pharmacology and Holistic Nursing Practice — 2 credits

This course advances the student’s knowledge of the pharmacologic treatment of diseases and threats to health from a variety of cultural perspectives. Emphasis is on utilizing the nursing process when caring for people receiving pharmacological treatment, specifically the classifications of drugs, their physiologic impact; monitoring therapeutic responses, side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions; as well as teaching responsibilities. The student will learn about important pharmacological principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, epigenomics, pharmacotherapeutics, and toxicology related to western and traditional medicinals used across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: NURS 3102 or NURS 3106, NURS 3303, NURS 3403.
Corequisites: NURS 4106 and NURS 4702.

NURS 3910 Empirical Foundations — 4 credits

This course provides a bridge to baccalaureate nursing education for experienced registered nurses. Students are introduced to a theoretical basis for nursing practice. An emphasis is placed on the empirical foundations of nursing, which highlights evidence-based practice. This encompasses therapeutic communication, holism, cultural diversity, professional nursing roles, and caring. Students are required to critically reflect on their individual nursing practices and evaluate the evidence that guides current nursing practice. The curriculum is designed to build on the nurses’ current knowledge while enhancing appreciation of nursing as a distinct discipline with foundations in theory, research, and practice. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: ECON 1080 or equivalent.
Prerequisite with concurrency: CORE 2000W.

NURS 3920 Professional Nursing: Theories, Concepts and Practice — 4 credits

This course has theory, seminar and field experience components that provide a variety of learning experiences. The theory and seminar portions of the course are designed to enable the student to: (a) understand human experience as a focus of nursing from a perspective grounded in nursing theory, (b) articulate a philosophy of nursing oriented to holism and wellness, and (c) identify concepts and processes pivotal to professional nursing practice and instrumental in improving client outcomes. The importance of self-awareness and caring are integrated throughout all learning experiences. The field experience components of the course focus on developing interpersonal relationship skills with diverse populations and transitioning the practice focus from individuals to families. Using the patterns of knowing in nursing, students explore family theory, wellness, therapeutic relationships, and concepts related to cultural safety. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of NURS 3910.

NURS 3930 Population-Based Nursing Practice I — 3 credits

This course has theory, seminar, online modules and clinical components that enable students to apply the patterns of knowing as they work with communities and populations. Course work and clinical experiences focus on increasing critical thinking skills while working with communities that might benefit from nursing interventions to promote community strengths and resilience. Community and population-focused nursing assessments and interventions will be highlighted. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of NURS 3920.

NURS 4010 Nursing Care of Complex Patients — 6 credits

In this course students will use the patterns of knowing to plan and provide care for individuals, families and populations, with complex health concerns across the continuum of care. Students will be introduced to nursing management of patients and families in high acuity settings, as well as the care of patients and families managing chronic health problems in facilities that provide for the continuum of care. The care of patients with complex conditions will be operationalized in theory, applied learning, and simulation.
Prerequisites: NURS 3282, NURS 3292, NURS 3810, IPE 4200W.
Corequisite: NURS 4020.

NURS 4020 Complex Patient Care across the Continuum — 4 credits

In this course, the students apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in previous and concurrent nursing courses to provide care for complex clients in a variety of settings using an evidence-based approach. The students focus on the continuum of care and the needs of and challenges faced by individuals, families, and populations. Classroom learning includes discussion of the ethical, economic, and policy issues which impact health care. Introduction to the care of populations will broaden the student’s view of assessment and planning for health care, both locally and globally.
Prerequisites: NURS 3282, NURS 3292, NURS 3810, IPE 4200W.
Corequisite: NURS 4010.

NURS 4022 Complex Patient Care across the Continuum — 2 credits

In this course, the students apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in previous and concurrent nursing courses to provide care for complex clients in a variety of settings using an evidence-based approach. The students focus on the continuum of care and the needs of and challenges faced by individuals, families, and populations. Classroom learning includes discussion of the ethical, economic, and policy issues which impact health care. Introduction to the care of populations will broaden the student’s view of assessment and planning for health care, both locally and globally.
Prerequisites: NURS 3282, NURS 3292, NURS 3810, IPE 4200W. Successful completion of junior level courses and INDI Research. NURS 2992 (or concurrent with NURS 4022)
Corequisite: NURS 4010, NURS2992 (or prerequisite).

NURS 4106 Holistic Care of Adults — 6 credits

This course uses a holistic, culturally sensitive, person and family centered approach to the health care needs of adults and their families. Theoretical and evidence-based practice findings are the basis for holistic nursing strategies to address health alterations and to promote and maintain health and healing through the establishment of a safe, caring practice environment.
Prerequisites: NURS 3102 or NURS 3106, NURS 3303, NURS 3403.
Corequisites: NURS 3902 and NURS 4702.

NURS 4110 Population-Based Nursing Practice II — 4 credits

This course has theory, online modules and practice experiences that enable students to apply the patterns of knowing as they work with vulnerable populations in the community. Course work and practice experiences focus on increasing critical thinking skills with vulnerable populations in communities who would benefit from population-based nursing interventions that promote health. Students will continue to expand their knowledge about various issues in public health that impact communities. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of NURS 3930.

NURS 4120 Leadership and Systems Change — 4 credits

An exploration of the nursing profession as one of the many systems within the health care system and the role of the nurse as leader/manager within that complex system is the focus of this course. The course includes three major components: 1) nursing practice at the systems level; 2) leadership and management in the care of groups of complex clients; and 3) evidence based practice. Theory and off campus practice experiences will be included in this course. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of NURS 4110.

NURS 4130 Evidence-based Practice and Outcome Management — 3 credits

This course includes nursing theory and practice components that enable students to synthesize and apply leadership, nursing, and public health concepts to provide nursing care at the systems, community, and individual levels of practice. This course will enhance student’s understanding and ability to provide evidence-based nursing care. Students will initiate a change in nursing practice to improve care for a group of clients. Students will demonstrate their ability to take a leadership role in a complex organization by participation in the change process through inquiry. Students will complete an evidenced-based practice project based on topics that affect current nursing practice. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of NURS 4120.

NURS 4200 Leadership in Professional Nursing Practice — 8 credits

This course explores the nursing profession as one of many systems within the healthcare system and the role of the nurse as leader/manager within that complex system. The course introduces three major components: population-based nursing practice at the systems and community level; evidence-based practice and empirical knowing; and leadership management in the care of complex clients. Learning activities will occur in the classroom, lab, simulation, clinical and seminar. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisites: NURS 4010, NURS 4020.

NURS 4203 Holistic Nursing Approaches to Mental Health — 3 credits

This course uses a holistic, relationship-centered, culturally sensitive approach to the health care needs of individuals, families and groups experiencing alterations in mental health across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practices to promote, maintain, and restore health. Priority is given to the use of self as a therapeutic tool, principles of holistic therapeutic relationships, knowledge of physiological underpinnings of mental health disruptions, and healing processes.
Prerequisites: NURS 3902, NURS 4106, NURS 4702.

NURS 4303 Holistic Nursing Advances: Leading and Influencing — 3 credits

This course expands on complexity science and examines holistic leadership and change theories. Students explore holistic transformational leadership, with an emphasis on collaborating with intra and interprofessional healthcare teams to achieve excellence and data-driven quality outcomes in complex, dynamic environments. This course explores management concepts through the paradigms of nursing and prepares students for professional practice in complex, dynamic situations. The art of self-care is lived while engaging in the professional practice of the discipline with a multicultural, holistic, and social justice perspective that demonstrates leadership and responsibility for continued transformation of self and the discipline of nursing.
Prerequisites: NURS 3705, NURS 3804, NURS 4203, NURS 4603.
Corequisites: NURS 4704, NURS 4804.

NURS 4600 Internship — 0 credits

This is a structured out-of-class learning experience that takes place on- or off-campus and includes a substantial work component. An internship involves students in a particular profession in an exploratory way to test career interests and potential. To initiate an internship experience, meet with the internship coordinator in the Career Development Office.
Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval by department chair.

NURS 4602 Internship — 2 credits

This is a structured out-of-class learning experience that takes place on- or off-campus and includes a substantial work component. An internship involves students in a particular profession in an exploratory way to test career interests and potential. To initiate an internship experience, meet with the internship coordinator in the Career Development Office.
Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval by department chair.

NURS 4603 Holistic Nursing: Reflection in Action — 3 credits

In this course students will participate in an intensive 90 hour clinical internship/preceptorship. Students apply philosophy, theory, and concepts through praxis. Students will engage in reflective practice which is supported by “ways of knowing” and Unitary Human Caring Science. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate clinical and theoretical learning from previous nursing courses while engaging in professional communication and clinical decision making.
Prerequisites: NURS 3902, NURS 4106, NURS 4702.

NURS 4682 Directed Study — 2 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

NURS 4684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

NURS 4702 Holistic Population Health I — 2 credits

This course provides an opportunity for students to apply advanced public health nursing theory through holistic nursing practice with global populations in the community. The student will come to know the experience of various immigrant populations and the changes in health they have encountered through their various disruptions and opportunities. Course experiences will focus on critical thinking skills in a variety of communities and settings to improve population health. Ways to diminish health disparities will be explored.
Prerequisites: NURS 3102 or NURS 3106, NURS 3303, NURS 3403, and NURS 3106.
Corequisites: NURS 4106 and NURS 3902.

NURS 4704 Unification of Nursing Concepts and Contexts in Holistic Complex Care — 4 credits

In this course the nursing student synthesizes concepts/contexts, as used in holistic complex nursing situations, to navigate the various paradigms/worldviews presented by diverse human expressions of health and healing. Learning from all previous nursing courses is utilized. Subject matter, lab activities, and simulation prepare the generalist nurse at the baccalaureate level for clinical practice as a registered nurse. The “praxis” of nursing, where reflection on theory and practice as action, become one and the same, is facilitated through a view of holism and unitary perspectives.
Prerequisites: NURS 3705, NURS 3804, NURS 4203, NURS 4603.
Corequisites: NURS 4303 and NURS 4804.

NURS 4804 Holistic Nursing Practice in Complex Dynamic Situations — 4 credits

This practicum course is a precepted clinical immersion experience that includes synthesis and unification of holistic nursing concepts. Unitary Caring Science informs students as they engage in the direct experience of tacit knowing, while using practical skills needed to implement holistic patient care. Reflective practice is supported by many “ways of knowing” expressed by multicultural groups, along with caring behaviors developed within the context of care delivery in various settings. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate clinical and theoretical learning from previous nursing courses through a role-transition clinical experience.
Prerequisite: NURS 3705, NURS 3804, NURS 4203, NURS 4603.
Corequisite: NURS 4704, NURS 4303.

NURS 4990 Topics — 0 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses.