Course Descriptions - Nursing (NURS)

NURS 100 INTRODUCTION TO NURSING
Credits: 1 (15 Hours Lecture)
Terms: (F,S,SU)

The purpose of this course is to initiate the student to the roles/functions/expectations of the nurse. The course will explore nursing history, current views of nursing, different types of nursing occupations, and educational requirements. The course will expose the students to issues surrounding the profession of nursing.

NURS 140 PHARMACOLOGY
Credits: 3 (45 Hours Lecture)
Term: (F)

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. The course reflects general principles, theories, and facts about drugs and their administration. Principles of action, uses, side effects, and patient education are taught to facilitate the student’s learning in the clinical setting. Specific drug information is discussed in relation to assessment, nursing diagnosis, patient monitoring, interventions, patient education and evaluation of safe and effective drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process related to pharmacology and the nurse’s ability to think critically.

NURS 150 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
Credits: 7 (60 Hours Lecture / 90 Hours Lab)
Term: (F)

This course introduces students to the clinical skills essential for the nursing role. Also includes complex concepts and behaviors of nursing roles within the context of the nursing process, holistic care and health care. The course emphasizes the theoretical and practical concepts of nursing skills required to meet the needs of patients in a variety of clinical settings. Students will be given the opportunity, in a lab setting, to practice these nursing skills.

NURS 250 GERONTOLOGY
Credits: 2 (15 Hours Lecture / 45 Hours Clinical)
Term: (F)

This course will focus on the nursing management of the older adult. Theories of gerontology and aging will be emphasized. The course will examine the principles of gerontology, challenges of aging, nutrition, pharmacology, pain, elder mistreatment, dying, and physiological basis of practice. The course will emphasize a holistic approach necessary to provide care for the older adult in diverse care settings. Ethical issues related to the care of the older adult will be explored. In the clinical component of this course, students will be able to safely deliver essential basic skills and show knowledge and concern to patients in the geriatric setting.

NURS 260 CORE CONCEPTS OF ADULT NURSING
Credits: 7 (60 Hours Lecture / 135 Hours Clinical)
Term: (S)

This course prepares the student to care for patients experiencing common, well-defined health variations in settings where stable patients are anticipated. Students are introduced to standardized nursing procedures and customary nursing and collaborative therapeutic modalities. The course guides the student through the nursing process when planning nursing care for the common diseases of the following systems: urinary, endocrine, Integumentary, neurological, sensory, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, blood disorders, cancer, sensory, and musculoskeletal. The clinical component provides advancement from in-depth to complex nursing skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to care for the acutely ill patient.

NURS 270 CORE CONCEPTS OF MATERNAL/CHILD
Credits: 3 (30 Hours Lecture / 45 Hours Clinical)
Term: (S)

Emphasizing caring, communication, professionalism, and critical thinking, the course provides information about fetal development, prenatal and postnatal care of the mother and newborn. Role of the nurse in meeting the needs of the family is emphasized. Clinical application of caring for the mother and newborn will allow the student to demonstrate acquired knowledge. The course also includes growth and development patterns as well as care of the well and sick child.

NURS 280 CORE CONCEPTS OF MENTAL HEALTH
Credits: 2 (30 Hours Lecture)
Term: (S)

This course will explore physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual and environmental factors, associated with Mental Health/Illness. Focus will be placed on psychotherapeutic management in the continuum of care, milieu management and special populations with emphasis on individuals, families and communities.

NURS 290 LEADERSHIP ISSUES
Credits: 2 (15 Hours Lecture / 45 Hours Clinical)
Term: (SU)

This capstone course provides the Practical Nursing student information regarding the current status of practical nursing. This course assists the nursing student to bridge the role between student and employee. Leadership/management skills, continuing educational needs, licensure requirements, job applications, advanced educational programs and charge nurse responsibilities are included. Students will take the National League of Nursing (NLN) test and receive an application for the State Board of Nursing Examination. There is a forty-five hour clinical to provide the student the experience of organizing the care for a small group of patients (5) in an extended care setting as a patient manager.