University Catalog 2024-2025

Nursing (NRSG)

NRSG 3000  Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice: Part 1  (3)  

This course [Part 1] focuses on the fundamental knowledge and content of pathophysiology and pharmacology for nurses. The course focuses on the disruption of physiological processes that produce disease states and examines the underlying mechanisms and alterations in normal bodily functions that contribute to the development, progression, and manifestations of diseases. The course integrates pharmacokinetics (how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body) to conceptualize how drugs can prevent or ameliorate these disruptions, and provides the foundation for implementing drug therapy.

NRSG 3010  Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice: Part 2  (3)  

This course [Part 2] focuses on application to nursing practice and expands upon the fundamentals learned in Part 1. The course considers the influence of genetics, social and environmental factors, and lifespan on the development, progression, and manifestations of diseases. Pharmacodynamics (how drugs produce their effects), nursing considerations related to medication administration, patient education, and relevant non-pharmacologic interventions will be covered. Clinical judgment, patient safety, and evidence for best practice are integrated throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000.

NRSG 3100  Wellness and Professional Success  (3)  

This course provides the student with the opportunity to explore the basic concepts of Wellness from both a self-care and a professional development perspective. Theories and models of holism, wellness, stress, health promotion, health belief, and change are introduced as frameworks by which the student learns to reflect upon the lifestyle and behavior choices that influence health and well-being and are key factors in achieving and sustaining professional success. The course focuses on developing professionalism in nursing and includes topics in interprofessional collaboration, effective communication, and cultivating cultural humility. The course also provides a broad overview of topics relevant to professional nursing practice. Past and present influences that shape the role of nurses in the interdisciplinary healthcare system are discussed.

NRSG 3200  Foundations of Nursing Practice  (3)  

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic nursing care to adult individuals. Evidence-based principles and concepts of nursing will be covered including the nursing process, communication skills, physical assessment and the performance of nursing skills, and infection control. Students will apply principles and concepts of nursing interventions to patient care scenarios. Students will also learn about legal and ethical considerations in nursing practice and cultural competence in delivering patient care across the continuum of care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3205.

NRSG 3205  Foundations of Nursing Practice Practicum/Lab  (1)  

This practicum is a hands-on laboratory course designed to provide essential practical experience and basic skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice. This course serves as a complement to the theoretical knowledge gained in the Foundations of Nursing course. Students will apply foundational nursing concepts and techniques within the safety of the laboratory and simulated healthcare settings. The course aims to develop students' clinical reasoning and technical skills while promoting professionalism and safe person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3200.

NRSG 3210  Adult Health Assessment  (3)  

This course provides the skills and knowledge required for a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of adult individuals. The course teaches effective techniques for gathering comprehensive health histories including past medical history, family history, social history, and review of systems. The course focuses on developing methodical systems assessment skills and is a foundational course that prepares students to conduct health assessments as part of their nursing practice.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3215.

NRSG 3215  Advanced Skills and Health Assessment Practicum/Lab  (1)  

This practicum is a hands-on laboratory course designed to provide direct practice in the comprehensive assessment and advanced skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice. This course serves as a complement to the theoretical knowledge gained in the Health Assessment course. Throughout the practicum, students will apply assessment techniques and utilize advanced nursing skills in laboratory and simulated healthcare settings. The course aims to develop students' clinical judgment, communication, and technical skills while promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3210.

NRSG 3350  Community Immersion Preparation  (1)  

The course emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, empathy, and ethical decision-making when engaging with diverse communities. This initial immersion experience prepares students with basic competencies related to community health such as Basic Life Support certification, basic first aid, and beginning knowledge in Disaster Preparedness. The experience provides students with an opportunity to observe, learn from, and actively contribute to the community they serve. Students will be introduced to social issues, community dynamics, and the complexities of social change. Throughout the immersion experience, students will be guided to reflect on their personal biases, assumptions, and privilege. Students will examine their own values and perspectives in relation to social justice and community engagement. The course provides opportunities for students to utilize communication and interpersonal skills with empathy and compassion and experience a sense of social responsibility.

NRSG 3400  Adult Health Nursing  (4)  

This comprehensive course explores the concepts, theories, and evidence-based practices necessary for understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs of adults, and specifics related to older adults, in various healthcare settings. The course will also examine the diverse physiological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of adult health and wellness. The course emphasizes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the management of acute, chronic, and surgical conditions. Additionally, students will utilize clinical judgment and ethical decision-making to evaluate safe, person-centered care within the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000, 3200, 3205, 3210 and 3215.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3450.

NRSG 3450  Adult Health Practicum  (3)  

This Practicum is a clinical course designed to provide students with practical experience and skills in the care of adult patients across various healthcare settings. The course focuses on the application of learned assessment skills and evidence-based nursing interventions, and the development of clinical reasoning and clinical judgment skills specific to adult health. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in previous coursework to real-world clinical and simulated healthcare settings. The practicum aims to enhance students' competence in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for adult patients while promoting patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professionalism and advocates for a holistic and person-centered approach. Emphasis is also placed on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to older adults in various healthcare settings.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3400.

NRSG 3500  Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing  (3)  

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of psychiatric mental health nursing. The course explores the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of mental health across the lifespan, as well as the prevention and management of mental health disorders and psychiatric conditions. Students will examine the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that influence mental health and well-being. The course emphasizes the importance of a holistic and person-centered approach to care, fostering therapeutic relationships, and utilizing evidence-based interventions to support individuals with mental health challenges.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000, 3200, 3205, 3210 and 3215.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3550.

NRSG 3550  Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum  (2)  

This Practicum is a clinical course designed to provide students with real-world experience and skills in the care of individuals with mental health challenges. The course focuses on the application of theoretical concepts and nursing interventions in a variety of mental health care settings and through simulated experiences. Students will have the opportunity to engage in direct patient care, therapeutic interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration within mental health care teams. The practicum aims to develop students' clinical competence, clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, and empathy while promoting recovery-oriented and person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3500.

NRSG 4000  Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice  (3)  

This course introduces students to the different types of research methodologies used by healthcare disciplines to apply evidence-based findings to clinical practice. Topics include the introduction of clinical questions, ethical conduct of research, research methodologies, concepts of measurement, qualitative and quantitative research design, the influence of government on research, and the analysis and dissemination of research findings. Students will also learn how to integrate their clinical expertise, patient preferences and values, along with the best available evidence, to make informed clinical decisions.

NRSG 4400  Complex Adult Health Nursing  (4)  

This is an advanced course that builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills gained in prior courses. It concentrates on providing advanced nursing care to patients with complex or life-threatening health conditions. The course will provide content on the etiology, diagnostic tests and procedures, and management of complex health conditions, including recognizing and managing polypharmacy and providing emotional support to patients and their families. It also provides content related to the unique physiological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults. The course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice to enhance clinical reasoning, decision-making, advanced assessment techniques, and evidence-based nursing interventions.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3010, 3400 and 3450.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4450.

NRSG 4450  Complex Adult Health Practicum  (2)  

This Practicum is designed to provide students with advanced practical experience and skills in the nursing care of adult and older adult patients who have multiple health issues and complex needs or who are experiencing life-threatening conditions. Building upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses, this clinical course focuses on the application of advanced assessment, evidence-based nursing interventions and the development of clinical competence in managing complex healthcare needs. Students will be provided the opportunity to improve their organizational skills by experiencing the expanding complexity of patient acuity levels and workloads in demanding real-life and simulated healthcare settings. The practicum emphasizes clinical judgment, technical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration while promoting patient safety, holistic care, and professionalism.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4400.

NRSG 4500  Population and Community Health Nursing  (3)  

This course provides students with a broad introduction to the principles, theories, and practices related to nursing care in the community. The course explores the role of the community health nurse in promoting, maintaining, and improving the health of individuals, families, and populations across the healthcare continuum and in various community settings. Students will examine the determinants of health, health promotion strategies, and the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on community health. The course emphasizes the application of evidence-based practices, health education, and collaboration with community stakeholders to address the unique health needs and challenges of underserved and diverse populations.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3350, 3500 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4550.

NRSG 4550  Community Immersion Practicum  (3)  

This a clinical course designed to immerse students in delivering nursing care in community settings. This practicum complements the theoretical knowledge gained in the Community Health Nursing course and focuses on the application of evidence-based practices to promote health, prevent disease, and address the unique health needs of underserved and diverse populations. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with individuals, families, and communities to provide comprehensive and holistic nursing care. The practicum aims to develop students' clinical competence, clinical judgment, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative skills while promoting community engagement and addressing health disparities.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4500.

NRSG 4600  Pediatric Nursing  (3)  

This is a specialized course that builds on developmental theory and focuses on the principles of nursing care for children and their families who are experiencing acute, complex, and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the provision of holistic care to pediatric patients across various healthcare settings. The course covers various aspects of pediatric nursing including growth and development, common health conditions, nursing assessments, interventions, and health promotion specific to pediatric patients. The course emphasizes family-centered care, cultural considerations, and ethical principles in pediatric nursing practice.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3450 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4650.

NRSG 4650  Pediatric Nursing Practicum  (1)  

This practicum is a clinical experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the field of pediatric nursing. The course provides students with the opportunity to provide direct care to infants, children, and adolescents in various real-time and simulated healthcare settings. The course emphasizes clinical competence, decision-making, and professional development in pediatric nursing practice.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4600.

NRSG 4700  Maternal Newborn Nursing  (3)  

This is a specialized course designed to provide students with an introduction to the process of childbirth and the practical concepts related to nursing care during the child-bearing period. The course explores health promotion, physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, high-risk conditions, and fetal development. Racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes will be addressed. The course emphasizes the provision of holistic care to women, infants, and families throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods with a focus on the cultural needs of a diverse population.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3450 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4750.

NRSG 4750  Maternal Newborn Nursing Practicum  (1)  

This practicum is a clinical experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in maternal newborn nursing. This course provides students with the opportunity to provide direct care to women, infants, and families in real-time and simulated prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum settings. Emphasis is placed on clinical judgment, stress adaptation, and problem-solving.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4700.

NRSG 4800  Management and Leadership in Nursing  (3)  

The course is an introduction to a variety of theoretical frameworks that support principles of leadership and management in nursing. Emphasis is placed on developing, enhancing, and demonstrating leadership skills, competencies, and aptitudes. Students are exposed to practical situations in the management of current and practical patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Topics include organizational structure, comparison of management and nursing processes, decision-making, change, oral and written communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, interprofessional collaboration, team building, quality improvement, and the nurse-sensitive indicators of structure, process, and outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): (NRSG 3400 and 3450) and (NRSG 3500 and 3550) and (NRSG 4400 or 4450) and (NRSG 4500 or 4550).

NRSG 4950  Nursing Generalist Preceptorship & Seminar  (4)  

This course is a culminating course that provides students with an opportunity to synthesize their knowledge, increase their responsibility and accountability, and prepare to successfully transition to professional nursing practice. The course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate competence and readiness for practice in real-world settings under the guidance of a registered nurse preceptor. The course emphasizes advanced nursing concepts, clinical judgment, delegation, leadership, and NCLEX-RN preparation in concert with self-reflection, feedback, and committing to professional growth.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 4400, 4450, 4500 and 4550.