Nursing

NURS 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Nursing. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from a Department of Nursing perspective.

NURS 2356. Nursing Concepts and Competencies. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Emphasizes core nursing concepts including the four roles of a professional nurse, safety, quality, professionalism, and competencies of compassionate and developmentally appropriate patient-centered care across the lifespan. Legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters of care will be introduced. Cultural, spiritual, ethnic, identity, and social diversity factors affecting health care and social determinants of health will be discussed. Prerequisites: Completion of 53 hours of general education courses including ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, and CHEM 1407 or 1411. Acceptance to take pre-nursing courses.

NURS 2370. Introduction to Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the pathophysiologic alterations, interactions, and effects to health and illness from a cellular and multi-system perspective. Genetic, ethnic, cultural, and social determinants of health are considered across the lifespan. Legal, ethical, and regulatory scope of practice are explored. The basic principles of pharmacology and their relationship to safe effective nursing practice are introduced. Content aims at stimulating clinical reasoning for application to nursing practice. Prerequisites: Completion of 53 hours of general education courses including ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, and CHEM 1407 or 1411. Acceptance to take pre-nursing courses.

NURS 3245. Healthcare Informatics. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

In this course students will examine theories and standards related to healthcare informatics. The course will explore the concepts of legal implications, digital literacy, protection and confidentiality of health information, and issues related to healthcare information and communication technologies in the provision of safe, compassionate, evidence-based care. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3280. Synthesis 1 for Licensed Nurses. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is the synthesis and application of critical thinking in level one with use of the nursing process, nursing concepts, disease processes (exemplars), and other considerations for licensed nurses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of junior 1 nursing courses.

NURS 3305. Professional Role Transitions for RNs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course facilitates socialization as a BSN prepared nurse. Professional standards, attitudes and values central to the profession of nursing are explored. Responsibility and accountability for role transition, professional growth and practice are addressed. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3315. Mental Health Nursing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course reinforces therapeutic communication techniques when interacting with individuals. Focus is on recognizing psychobiological disorders and responding with care and compassion for the human condition. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 nursing courses.

NURS 3320. Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

As a writing intensive course, this course provides an applied understanding of the basics of the research process, including the ability to critically appraise research and determine its applicability to nursing’s body of knowledge. Evidence is evaluated on appropriateness, strength, and clinical practice relevance. Legal and ethical responsibilities of nursing research are addressed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 nursing courses.

NURS 3325. Health Assessment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course fosters the acquisition and application of skills and techniques used in comprehensive health assessment in gathering detailed health history, differentiation, interpretation, and documentation of normal and abnormal findings. Culture, spirituality, ethnicity, identity, and social diversity are emphasized. Clinical reasoning is developed in laboratory experiences and simulations. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3340. Nursing Care of Older Adults and Families. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This courses focuses on nursing concepts, nursing process, and disease process (exemplars) in the older adult. Emphasis is placed on integrating assessment, data analysis, therapeutic communication, and critical thinking skills to direct culturally sensitive care of older adults and their families and caregivers. Other emphasis will be placed on generational and vulnerability issues of the older adult client, as well as role adaptability and professional boundaries of the nurse. Clinical experiences are conducted in a variety of health care settings, virtual simulation, and the simulation lab. Prerequisite: Successful completion of junior 1 nursing courses.

NURS 3342. Health Assessment and Clinical Skills for RNs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2.5 Hours, Lab: 1.5 Hour).

The course fosters expansion of skills and techniques used in comprehensive health assessment of clients from infancy to older adult. Experiential learning focuses on norms in well clients while identifying common deviations in health status of clients of all ages. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3345. Healthcare Informatics for RNs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

In this course students will examine theories and standards related to healthcare informatics. The course will explore digital literacy, protection and confidentiality of health information, and issues related to healthcare informatics and nursing care. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3348. Evidence-Based Practice for RNs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

The course is designed for students to develop skills as a consumer of research. The research process, critical appraisal of published research studies that use a variety of research designs, and the role of research in evidence-based practice are addressed. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3370. Introduction to Nursing Care as a Professional Nurse. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course facilitates understanding and application of nursing concepts, nursing process, and disease processes (exemplars) built on nursing fundamentals and medical surgical client experiences as a licensed nurse. Clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare and community settings, simulation lab, virtual simulation, and lab incorporates a collaborative approach in the delivery of care. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3417. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Licensed Nurses. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course focuses on the pathophysiologic alterations, interactions, and effects of selected diseases across the lifespan, taking into consideration genetic, ethnic, environmental and cultural variables in pharmacologic and nursing management. Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, disease progression, and treatment are approached from a cellular and multi-system perspective. Experiences in medication administration occur in the lab. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program: LVN to BSN entry.

NURS 3450. Adult Health Nursing for Licensed Nurses. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course utilizes conceptual and competency-based process to focus on the four spheres of care (i.e. disease prevention/promotion of health and wellbeing, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care) of adult medical-surgical patients. Enhanced nursing knowledge, evolving professionalism, and consideration for diversity, equity, and inclusion occur. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, legal and ethical issues in nursing, safety, quality, patient-centered care planning, and provision of safe, compassionate care of adult patients in a variety of health care settings. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program: LVN to BSN entry and successful completion of Level I courses.

NURS 3460. Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for RNs. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 4 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on nursing concepts, nursing process, and disease processes (exemplars) related to the pathophysiologic alterations, interactions, and effects of selected diseases (exemplars), taking into consideration genetic, ethnic, environmental, and cultural variables in pharmacologic and nursing management.

NURS 3471. Nursing Care as a Professional Nurse. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course utilizes competency and conceptually based teaching approach to consider medical-surgical exemplars. Nursing process and evidence-based practice guidelines assist in awareness of physiologic and psychosocial client changes while providing safe, compassionate care for adults. Disease prevention, health and wellness promotion, chronic disease care are addressed. Clinical occurs in a variety of face-to-face settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program: LVN to BSN entry.

NURS 3512. Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. 5 Credit Hours (Lecture: 4 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course fosters the acquisition and application of skills and techniques used in the provision of pharmacotherapeutics. Clinical reasoning is appraised through exploration and support of evidenced based findings to minimize negative client outcomes. Major drug classifications, principles of safe administration of medications, and reduction of client risks are emphasized. The impact of technology, economic, and regulatory forces, as well as collaboration with the interprofessional healthcare team are discussed. Experiences to apply the principles of pharmacotherapeutics are obtained in laboratory and simulations. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3522. Foundations of Nursing Care. 5 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 6 Hours).

This course utilizes competency and conceptually based teaching approach to consider beginning medical-surgical exemplars. Beginning understanding of nursing process and evidence-based practice guidelines assist in awareness of physiologic and psychosocial client changes while providing safe, compassionate care for adults. Beginning thoughts regarding disease prevention, health and wellness promotion, chronic disease care are addressed. Clinical occurs in a variety of face to face settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program.

NURS 3523. Adult Health Nursing. 5 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 6 Hours).

This course utilizes conceptual and competency-based process to focus on the four spheres of care (i.e. disease prevention/promotion of health and wellbeing, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care) of adult medical-surgical patients. Enhanced nursing knowledge, evolving professionalism, and consideration for diversity, equity, and inclusion occur. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, legal and ethical issues in nursing, safety, quality, patient-centered care planning, and provision of safe, compassionate care of adult patients in a variety of health care settings. Prerequisites: Admission to program and successful completion of Level I nursing courses.

NURS 3620. Foundations of Nursing Care. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 9 Hours).

This course introduces foundational nursing care. Nursing concepts, nursing process, and disease process (exemplars) based approach to teaching and learning will be emphasized as the foundation of nursing care and will build in complexity throughout the nursing program. Clinical experiences will occur within the simulation lab, lab, virtual simulation experiences, and appropriate care settings and will focus on critical thinking and client safety in the performance of direct care skills. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3625. Nursing Care of Adults and Families. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 9 Hours).

This course expands on the nursing process and nursing concepts learned in Foundations of Nursing course using additional and more complex disease processes (exemplars) in adult medical-surgical clients. Application of teaching and learning principles will occur in in the plan of care of adults and their families. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic and professional communication, use of the nursing process, and provision of safe, compassionate, multidimensional care of adult clients and families in a variety of health care settings, lab, virtual simulation and simulation lab. Prerequisite: Successful completion of junior 1 nursing courses.

NURS 4086. Nursing Problems. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0-4 Hours, Lab: 0-4 Hours).

This course allows the student to explore a topic of special interest while working independently under the guidance of an instructor. The student formulates objectives and a plan of evaluation of the project. May be repeated for credit, subject to approval by the head of the Department of Nursing. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing in the nursing major or approval of department head.

NURS 4250. Nursing Synthesis 2. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is the synthesis and application of critical thinking in level one and first semester of level two courses with use of the nursing process, nursing concepts, disease processes (exemplars), and other considerations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of junior 1 and junior 2 nursing courses.

NURS 4280. Synthesis 2 for Licensed Nurses. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is the synthesis and application of critical thinking in level one and 1st semester of level two with use of the nursing process, nursing concepts, disease processes (exemplars), and other considerations for licensed nurses. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Junior 1 and Junior 2 nursing courses.

NURS 4303. Nursing in the United Kingdom. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This is a study abroad course that examines nursing history, healthcare delivery, nursing practice and nursing education in the United Kingdom as compared to the United States. Study abroad is optional and at the student's expense. The course serves as an Applied Learning Experience (ALE).

NURS 4305. Maternal and Newborn Nursing Care. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course expands on the core nursing concepts and nursing process in providing compassionate care to the childbearing family during antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and neonatal periods. Emphasis is placed on the use of clinical reasoning skills to develop safe, evidence-based care in health promotion, disease prevention, and maintenance of health for women, children, and their families. The principles of collaborative care, health disparities, cultural and ethnic differences, genetics, ethical and legal aspects of care, cost, and safety are threaded throughout the course. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level II courses.

NURS 4310. Nursing Care of Children and Families. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Focus is a family centered care approach to providing safe compassionate nursing care to children ages 3 months to 18 years. Clinical judgment will be explored in relation to disease prevention, health promotion, chronic disease, regenerative and end of life care for children and their families. Family theories and concepts including family development, communication patterns, decision-making structures, functional and dysfunctional characteristics that impact health of children and the family will be included. Legal, ethical, and social determinants of care issues will be discussed. Clinical experiences in a variety of community and simulation settings will concentrate on the well child as developmentally appropriate. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level II courses.

NURS 4314. Policy, Politics, and Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines political structures and social forces that shape nursing and healthcare delivery. Communication strategies, conflict resolution, ethical resource management, quality improvement outcomes, and ethical decision making are addressed. Involvement in professional and policy making organizations is encouraged. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 4325. Community and Population Health Nursing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours). [WI]

The course presents the theory and systems to provide health care services across the continuum of care to communities and populations as units of care. Population-based assessment, program management, and resource development are addressed. Utilization of evidence-based practices to guide health teaching, health counseling, screening, outreach, disease and outbreak investigation, referral and follow-up to achieve health equity and improved health for all is also emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4330. Nursing Care of the Older Adult and Family for RNs. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses is on risk reduction, disease prevention, and strategies for health promotion, restoration, and maintenance in a vulnerable older population. Emphasis is placed on integrating assessment, data analysis, therapeutic communication, and critical thinking skills to direct culturally sensitive care of older adults and their families.

NURS 4351. Nursing Leadership in Healthcare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course explores organizational practices and strategies, leadership theories and societal trends with implications for decision making in health care. Emphasizes leadership and change theories with practical application to issues in nursing leadership and healthcare. Clinical experiences focus on management of the healthcare team in providing safe, compassionate nursing care and interactive observation of leaders and managers in a variety of community and acute care settings. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level II.

NURS 4375. Synthesis for Professional Nursing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is the synthesis of the content taught throughout the BSN program. The concepts of patient centered compassionate care, clinical judgment, communication, safety, infection control, nursing process, evidence-based practice, ethical and legal practice, professionalism, management of electronic health records (EHR), and complex patients with comorbid disease processes are concluded in this course. Concept maps, game playing, faculty facilitated discussions, and the use of nursing process will be utilized. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4380. Nursing Capstone: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 6 Hours).

Course fosters synthesis of the curricular concepts of communication, professionalism, critical thinking, patient centered care, diversity, and leadership as experientially gained in prior semesters. This is an immersion experience to promote transition to practice. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4395. Systems-Based Nursing Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course prepares the student for the transition into professional nursing practice. The impact of for professional health care policy, emerging issues, systems-based practice, and regulatory agencies on health care will be discussed. Clinical judgment based on nursing knowledge and other disciplines is integrated throughout the course. Professionalism, and preparation for national licensure are emphasized. Personal, professional, and leadership development will be accentuated. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4460. Nursing Care Adults with Complex Needs for Licensed Nurses. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course continues to consistently reinforce the nursing process, nursing concepts, and disease process (exemplars) with focus on recognition and care of adult experiencing major and complex alterations in health for licensed nurses. Clinical experiences occur in the healthcare setting, virtual simulation, lab and simulation. Prerequisites: Completion of junior 1, junior 2, and senior 1 nursing courses.

NURS 4465. Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3.25 Hours, Lab: 2.25 Hours). [WI]

This course explores organizational practices and strategies, leadership theories and societal trends with implications for decision making in healthcare. Emphasizes leadership theories with practical application to issues in nursing leadership positions and healthcare. Clinical experiences focus on management of multiple patients in acute care and interactive observation of leaders and managers in a variety of settings.

NURS 4470. Community and Population Health Nursing for RNs. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3.5 Hours, Lab: 1.5 Hour).

The course presents the theory and systems to provide health care services to communities and populations as units of care for RNs. Community and population-based assessment, program management, and resource development are addressed. Utilization of evidence-based practices to guide health teaching, health counseling, screening, outreach, disease and outbreak investigation, referral and follow-up is also emphasized. Experiential learning is individualized.

NURS 4498. Transition to Professional Nursing Practice. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 9 Hours).

Course fosters synthesis of the curricular concepts of communication, professionalism, critical thinking, patient centered care, diversity, and leadership as experientially gained in prior semesters. Immersion experience to promote transition to practice is facilitated. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level III courses.

NURS 4550. Complex Nursing Care. 5 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 6 Hours).

This course focused upon the care of clients experiencing complex health alterations through regenerative or restorative care and hospice/palliative/supportive care. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, professional boundaries, integrative care planning, and provision of safe, compassionate care in a variety of settings. Clinical experiences occur in specialty settings and simulation. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level II.

NURS 4698. Leadership and Transitions for Professional Nursing. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 9 Hours).

This course explores organizational practices and strategies, professional leadership and societal trends with implications for decision making in healthcare. Course fosters communication, professionalism, critical thinking, client centered care, diversity, and leadership as experientially gained in prior semesters. Immersion experience to promote transition and leadership in practice is facilitated. Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Junior 1, Junior 2, and Senior 1 nursing courses.

NURS 5086. Problems in Nursing. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0-6 Hours, Lab: 0-6 Hours).

Independent study focused on an area in nursing. Together with the faculty, the student formulates learning objectives and a plan for the course. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN program and approval of the Department Head.

NURS 5300. Nursing Theory. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores the relationships among theory, knowledge, science, and evidence-based nursing practice. The student will develop an appreciation of the process of theory development in nursing, compare and contrast various theoretical perspectives, and apply nursing theory. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5301. Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores organizational behavior by investigating characteristics of employees, leaders, groups (including teams), and culture. Practical strategies to manage human resources are identified, investigated, and discussed. Opportunities for self-exploration are present. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5303. Advanced Nursing Role Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course introduces development in the areas of healthcare policy, politics, and issues; leadership; team building; and written and oral communication. Self-awareness and communication techniques will be emphasized. Students are expected to incorporate the values of lifelong learning and professional development. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5306. Nursing Informatics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores nursing informatics, its value, impact, and application to nursing practice, research, and education. Advances in information technology, healthcare information systems, and tele-health are expanded. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5310. Leadership Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course will examine the dimensions of the leadership role; identification of attributes, knowledge and skill required to fulfill the role; and the distinctions between management and leadership. Opportunities for self-awareness are provided in the course. Leadership is explored through the process of developing oneself as a leader. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5312. Advanced Health Assessment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on enhancing previously learned nursing skills and techniques used in comprehensive health assessment. Facilitates the development of critical thinking and advanced communication skills using various modalities. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5314. Advanced Pharmacology and Pathophysiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Dual focus on the role of the nurse in management of pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan and the analysis and evaluation of physiologic and pathologic changes. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5320. Healthcare Finance. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Offers an introduction to decision making in healthcare settings using accounting and finance theories, principles, concepts and techniques most important to managers. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5322. Healthcare Change and Communication. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examines change theory, team building, negotiation, and managing conflict in the healthcare habitat. Also addresses foundational principles of strategic planning. Evidence-based communication processes and orchestrating change in complex healthcare systems will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5324. Outcomes & Eval Healthcare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on healthcare outcomes management and planning using the biopsychosocial spiritual approach of healthcare delivery. The course will also examine a number of different measuring methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses as they apply to healthcare outcomes management and planning. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5328. Administrator Role I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course is an applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in previous and concurrent core and administration courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. Students will gain firsthand experience with the operational, administrative, and strategic issues of concern to middle management. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5329. Administrator Role II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Continuation course of applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in previous and concurrent core and administration courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. Students will gain firsthand experience with the operational, administrative, and strategic issues of concern to executive management. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5330. Instructional Methods and Strategies for Adult Learners. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus is on teaching and learning theories, characteristics of the learner and instructor, and diverse learning designs and environments. Legal and ethical aspects will be covered. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5332. Curriculum Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on curriculum development in nursing education and practice settings. Includes curriculum leader, faculty, and staff development, assessment of contextual factors, and curriculum design and process. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5334. Outcomes and Evaluation Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course describes assessment, outcomes, and evaluation in nursing education; the process for collecting data and making decisions; and how to construct meaningful evaluation instruments. Social, ethical, and legal responsibilities and implications of decisions are presented. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5338. Clinical Focus Role. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course begins with a discussion between the student and faculty and then student and preceptor to design an individualized experience to meet the course objectives. During this supervised practicum experience, the student will integrate advanced nursing knowledge to implement nursing interventions that influence healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations or systems. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5339. Educator Role. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course is an applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in prior and concurrent education and core courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5373. Nursing Administration Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students are expected to synthesize the concepts, theories principles, roles, and skills earned in this graduate program. Focus is on development of a scholarly product for dissemination. Course must be completed in one semester. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program, full time students must complete all courses except NURS 5329 may be concurrent. Part time students must complete all courses.

NURS 5383. Nursing Education Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students are expected to synthesize the concepts, theories principles, roles, and skills earned in this graduate program. Focus is on development of a scholarly product for dissemination. Course must be completed in one semester. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program, full time students must complete all courses except NURS 5339 may be concurrent. Part time students must complete all courses.

NURS 5388. Thesis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin thesis. No credit until thesis is complete. Thesis will be completed following the guidelines from the College of Graduate Studies. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN program, approval of Thesis Chair or Department Head, and all courses must be completed except practicum courses may be concurrent.

NURS 5398. Nursing Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Prepares students to explore, appraise, synthesize, and utilize appropriate research findings to address nursing problems and improve outcomes. Introduces research and knowledge generation in nursing. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.