Contact Persons: Margaret Bowman
Carol Frich
Janet Geotz, Sr.
Margaret Karns, Ph.D.
Joyce Knestrick, Ph.D.
Barbara Kulpa
Rose Kutlenios, Ph.D. (Chair)
Brenda Lohri-Posey
Deborah Pollard, Ph.D.
The nursing program provides an integrated curriculum of liberal arts and nursing education for the development of the student as a person, citizen and practitioner of nursing. The graduate of the program is prepared to function in a variety of settings, such as acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, schools, industrial health centers and community agencies. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is awarded a bachelor of science in nursing and is eligible to make application to take the State Board Examination for licensure as a registered nurse. The program also provides a foundation for graduate education in nursing.
Upon completion of the Nursing program, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
1. Synthesize knowledge from the sciences and the humanities as a basis for theory and practice in nursing within a behavioral systems framework.
2. Synthesize knowledge and skills in applying the nursing process in providing care for clients in various stages of health/wellness.
3. Establish therapeutic relationships which reflect the uniqueness of self and client.
4. Assume accountability for nursing practice consistent with professional standards and ethical codes.
5. Collaborate with health care providers and consumers in the promotion of health/wellness.
6. Provide leadership for decision making related to health/ wellness issues.
7. Integrate knowledge of historical, cultural, ethical, spiritual, legal and economic dimensions of nursing.
8. Assume responsibility for personal/professional growth.
Requirements for Nursing Major Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
In addition to completing the core curriculum requirements, outlined on pp. 14-15 of this catalog, nursing majors must complete the following courses:
CLS 215 Introduction to Epidemiology (2 crs)
BIO 129 Anatomy and Physiology II (3 crs)
NUR 235 Sophomore Seminar (1 cr)
NUR 230 Basic Care (3 crs)
NUR 227 Clinical Nutrition (1 cr)
NUR 305 Health Assessment (1 cr)
NUR 229 Pharmacology (2 crs)
NUR 425 Elements of Research in Nursing (2 crs)
NUR 309 Introduction to Nursing Care (8 crs)
NUR 226 Introduction to Pathophysiology (2 crs)
NUR 326 Psychopathology (2 crs)
NUR 320 Acute Care Nursing II (4 crs)
NUR 325 Pathophysiology (2 crs)
NUR 405 Multisystem Care Nursing I (7 crs)
NUR 412 Critical Thinking (1 cr)
NUR 426 Nursing Trends and Issues (2 crs)
NUR 422 Complex Care Nursing I (7 crs)
NUR 480 Senior Seminar I (1 cr)
NUR 481 Senior Seminar II (1 cr)
NUR 361C Acute Care I (7 crs) NUR 461C Multisystem II (5 crs) NUR 461 Complex Care II (4 crs) PSY 212 Developmental Psychology (3 crs)
Special Notes on Major Requirements:
1. Nursing majors meet their core curriculum science requirements by completing CHE 105, Introductory Chemistry and BIO 128 Human Anatomy & Physiology I.
2. All nursing majors must take MAT 105, Introduction to Statistics I; this course will satisfy the core curriculum math requirement.
3. Nursing majors may satisfy the Modern Language core requirement by completing one, three credit course, Medical Spanish (SPA 106) or by fulfilling the regular requirement.
4. The social and behavioral sciences core is satisfied by completing PSY 110, General Psychology.
5. Nursing majors must provide their own transportation
and liability insurance for clinical laboratory experiences.
6. In order to enter the second semester sophomore year courses, NUR 230 and NUR 227, students must have an overall grade point average of 2.5 and have successfully completed the prerequisites: CHE 105, PSY 110, BIO 128, NUR 235 and be enrolled in the concurrents: BIO 129, BIO 215 and PSY 212.
7. Nursing majors will receive a separate handbook which outlines specific policies for them, including the progression policies of the major. The nursing faculty also reserves the right to exclude or remove from the clinical setting any student who, in the opinion of the instructor, has demonstrated behavior or attitudes incompatible with safe, ethical, or professional development and which, therefore, could jeopardize the welfare of patients.
8. Registered nurses are admitted to the program with provision for earning challenge and/or advanced placement credits for some courses. Details in a separate catalog are available.
9. Some nursing courses include a clinical experience as indicated in the course descriptions. Each clinical credit is equivalent to 3 hours a week of clinical experience.
Course Descriptions
NUR 235 Sophomore Seminar (1 cr)
Selected topics in the art and science of nursing. prerequisite: CHE 105. Concurrents: PSY 110, BIO 128.
NUR 226 Introduction to Pathophysiology (2 crs)
Examines disruptions of normal physiology and related signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings. Correlates with NUR 320 and provides underpinning for that course. Prerequisites: NUR 305, 229, 425, 309. Concurrents: NUR 326, 320.
NUR 227 Clinical Nutrition (1 cr)
Study of clinical nutrition as related to the nurse’s role in promoting health. Prerequisites: NUR 235. Concurrents: PSY 212, BIO 129, CLS 215, NUR 230.
NUR 229 Pharmacology (2 crs)
Study of the principles of pharmacology as related to the nurse’s role in monitoring the client’s status and promoting health. Prerequisites: NUR 227, 230, BIO 129.
NUR 230 Basic Care (3 crs)
A study and practice of basic patient care. 1 credit clinical included. Prerequisites: BIO 128, PSY 110, NUR 235. Concurrents: PSY 212, BIO 129, CLS 215, NUR 227.
NUR 305 Health Assessment (1 cr)
This course introduces the concept of physical assessment throughout the life span. Prerequisites: NUR 227, 230, PSY 212, BIO 129, CLS 215. Concurrents: NUR 229, 309, 425.
NUR 309 Introduction to Nursing Care (8 crs)
This course examines the foundational principles of the delivery of nursing care. Health care issues are explored and students are introduced to basic nursing concepts. 4 credit hours of clinical experiences afford the opportunity to provide nursing care to select clients. Prerequisites: Same as NUR 305. Concurrents: NUR 305, 229, 425.
NUR 361C Acute Care Nursing I (7 crs)
This course focuses on the care of clients with acute health care needs as well as clients who require adaptation across the life span with special emphasis on the maternal, child and psychiatric client. Three (3) credits of clinical experiences emphasize nursing care relevant to short-term health needs and health maintenance issues. Prerequisites: NUR 305, 229, 425. Concurrents: NUR 226, 326, 320.
NUR 320 Acute Care Nursing II (4 crs)
This course focuses on the care of clients with acute health care needs as well as clients who require adaptation across the life span with special emphasis on the adult client. One (1) credit of clinical experiences emphasize nursing care relevant to short-term health needs and health maintenance issues. Prerequisites: NUR 305, 229, 309, 425. Concurrents: NUR 226, 326, 361C.
NUR 325 Pathophysiology (2 crs)
Continuation of the study of disrupted physiology and related signs, symptoms and findings. Correlates with NUR 405 and provides underpinning for that course. Prerequisites: NUR 226, 326, 320.
NUR 326 Psychopathology (2 crs)
Major emphasis placed on pathology of mental health problems. Prerequisite: NUR 229, 305, 309, 425.
NUR 405 Multisystem Care Nursing I (7 crs)
This course examines the care of patients with multisystem needs throughout the lifespan. The primary focus is on the needs of adult clients. Lifelong care and prevention of complications are emphasized. Four (4) credits of clinical experiences include interventions in acute crisis as well as monitoring and promoting health maintenance. Prerequisites: NUR 226, 326, 320, 361C. Concurrents: NUR 325, 480 and 4--.
NUR 461C Multisystem Care Nursing II (5 crs)
This course examines the care of patients with multisystem needs throughout the lifespan. The primary focus is on the needs of clients within the pediatric and psychiatric populations. Lifelong care and prevention of complicaitons are emphasized. Two (2) credits of clinical experiences include interventions in acute crisis as well as monitoring and promoting health maintenance. Prerequisites: NUR 226, 326, 320 and ---. Concurrents: NUR 325, 480 and 405.
NUR 422 Complex Nursing Care I (7 crs)
This course examines care of the client with complex needs. Emphasis is placed on setting priorities in acute crisis as well as long term health to prioritize and make decisions while delivering complex care in varied settings. Includes 4 credits of clinical experience. Prerequisites: NUR 325, 405 and ---. Concurrents: 426, 481, 412 and 4--.
NUR 461 Complex Nursing Care II (4 crs)
This course examines care of the client with complex needs. Emphasis is placed on decision making in complex situations and on making the transition from student to practitioner of nursing. Includes two (2) credits of clinical experience. Prerequisites: NUR 325, 405 and 4--. Concurrents: 426, 481, 412 and 422.
NUR 412 Critical Thinking (1 cr)
Critical thinking and problem solving skills are applied to patient situations involving complications. This course has one-half (1/2) credit of laboratory. Prerequisites: Same as 422.
NUR 425 Elements of Research in Nursing (2 crs)
Critical review and analysis of research in nursing. Specific guided reviews of research reports are conducted. Prerequisites: MAT 105, NUR 227, 230.
NUR 426 Nursing Trends and Issues (2 crs)
Analysis of the evolution and significance of current trends and issues in nursing. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of faculty.
NUR 430 Basic EKG (1 cr)
This course focuses on the identification of cardiac dysrhythmias, benign and lethal, including causes and symptoms accompanying each dysrhythmia. Through the use of practice telemetry strips, students will then apply interpretation skills in a clinical setting.
NUR 461 ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) (1 cr)
This course is designed to prepare the student for the ACLS certification exam. Through the use of critical thinking, the student will develop an understanding of the treatment of a client in an arrest state. Prerequisite: NUR 430.
NUR 467 Nursing Externship (1-3 crs)
A clinical nursing elective which enables rising senior nursing students to integrate a summer externship into their program of studies.
NUR 480 Senior Seminar I (1 cr)
Beginning review of nursing knowledge for the NCLEX-RN exam. Test-taking strategies are refined and specific content areas are emphasized.
NUR 481 Senior Seminar II (1 cr)
Continuing review of nursing knowledge for the NCLEX-RN exam. Emphasis on decision-making in specific areas of nursing.
