Department of Graduate Nursing Education

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. Comprehensive health care across all populations will be discussed. Acceptance to take pre-nursing courses. 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.

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

This course focuses on pathophysiological alterations, interactions, and effects to health and illness from a cellular and multi-system perspective. Comprehensive health care across all populations will be discussed. 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. Acceptance to take pre-nursing courses. 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.

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

This course will examine theories and standards related to healthcare informatics. Students will also explore concepts of legal implications, digital literacy, protection and confidentiality of health information. Students will explore 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. Psychosocial Nursing Care. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course emphasizes the analysis and evaluation of common mental health disorders, exploring key concepts and the application of the nursing process to clients and their families experiencing these conditions. Students will critically examine the use of psychopharmacological agents and their impact on treatment outcomes. The clinical practicum provides an opportunity to assess and evaluate prevalent psychopathologies, developmental disorders, and community mental health trends across a variety of healthcare settings. 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 research methods and critical appraisal of published studies with the goal for graduates to use evidence as the foundation for practice. This course focuses on critiquing research guidelines and processes, development of clinical questions using the PICO format, and nursing informatics using electronic databases to support evidence-based nursing practice. Use of information retrieval and evaluation, appropriate citation using APA formatting in professional papers, and the legal ethical responsibilities of nursing research are included. 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. Comprehensive care for all populations is emphasized. Clinical reasoning is developed in laboratory experiences and simulations. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program.

NURS 3336. Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines principles of pharmacotherapeutics, including integration of pathophysiology and pharmacology to explore how medications manage disease processes. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, evidence-based practices, major drug classifications, safe medication administration, and risk reduction. Students examine the impact of technology, regulations, and interprofessional collaboration on practice. 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 comprehensive 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 adults. 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 processes, 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 pathophysiological alterations, interactions, and effects of selected diseases across the lifespan, taking into consideration comprehensive patient care 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 3426. Health Assessment. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 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. Comprehensive care across all populations will be emphasized. Clinical reasoning is developed in laboratory experiences and simulations.

NURS 3446. Nursing Care for the Pediatric Client and Family. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course focuses on the holistic care of children and their families, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based practices. Students will explore the pediatric nursing role within legal, ethical, and professional contexts, while developing skills in therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation.

NURS 3450. Adult Health Nursing (LVN to BSN). 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course continues to support the transition from LVN to BSN through a 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 clients. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, legal and ethical issues in nursing, safety, quality, client-centered care planning, and provision of safe, compassionate care of adult clients in a variety of health care settings. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. 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, environmental, and multidimensional variables in pharmacologic and nursing management.

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

This course supports the transition from LVN to BSN by providing the foundations for professional nursing practice through fundamental skills and application of the nursing process. Key topics include nursing theory, professional values, legal and ethical frameworks, the Nurse Practice Act, health promotion, client safety, and interprofessional collaboration, with an emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based practice. A lab component provides hands-on experience with fundamental nursing skills including safe medication administration, dosage calculation, and the application of pharmacologic principles in clinical care. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care 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 physiological 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. Enhance nursing knowledge, evolving professionalism, and consideration for individual patient needs. 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 3616. Adult Health I: Foundations of Nursing Care. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 9 Hours).

This course provides foundations for professional nursing practice through fundamental skills and application of the nursing process. Topics include nursing theory, professional values, legal and ethical standards, the Nurse Practice Act, health promotion, client safety, and interprofessional collaboration. Critical thinking and the nursing process are emphasized for evidenced-based practice. A lab component provides hands-on experience with fundamental nursing skills including safe medication administration, dosage calculation, and the application of pharmacologic principles in clinical care. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program.

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 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 3626. Adult Health II: Essentials of Nursing Care. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 9 Hours).

This course utilizes a 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 clients. Emphasis is on clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, legal and ethical issues in nursing, safety, quality, client-centered care planning, and provision of safe, compassionate care of adult clients in a variety of health care settings. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to program and successful completion of Level I 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 for 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, multidimensional care, 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 multidimensional patient care issues will be discussed. Clinical experiences in a variety of community and simulation settings will concentrate on the children 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. Population Health and Nursing Care for the Community. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours). [WI]

This course prepares students to address various population health needs through competent care, health promotion, and evidence-based strategies. Students will evaluate communities, design care plans, and implement teaching projects to promote wellness. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4326. Nursing Leadership in Healthcare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course emphasizes the development of leadership and management skills essential for professional nurses in healthcare settings. Students will explore leadership theories, organizational dynamics, and strategies for decision-making, delegation, and resource management to effectively coordinate and deliver safe, ethical, and client-centered care across all environments. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level II.

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

This course focuses 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 comprehensive, competent 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 trends with implications for decision making in health care. Leadership and change theories will be emphasized 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 emphasizes the synthesis of nursing principles and clinical knowledge to provide care for acute clients with complex health needs, focusing on evidence-based interventions, clinical judgment, and prioritization to optimize outcomes and ensure safety. Students will develop skills in synthesizing information for test-taking strategies in preparation for the licensure exam. 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).

This clinical capstone course supports students’ transition from student to professional nurse by focusing on emotional intelligence, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in client care. Students will also emphasize lifelong learning, professional growth, and adherence to ethical and legal standards in clinical practice. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. 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 explores the impact of resource-limited comprehensive care, system-based issues, and emerging trends on healthcare policy and outcomes. Students will examine emerging healthcare issues such as telehealth, nursing advocacy, workforce shortages, and value-based care. The course also evaluates the role of regulatory agencies in shaping care quality, workplace safety, and professional scope of practice. Prerequisites: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level III.

NURS 4426. Nursing Care for Women’s Health & the Newborn. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course prepares students to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for childbearing women and newborns throughout the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum stages. It also introduces foundational concepts in gynecologic care and preventative healthcare across the lifespan to support women’s overall reproductive health. Emphasizing clinical reasoning, compassionate care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of research, students will develop the skills to provide safe, high-quality comprehensive care for all populations and adhering to legal and ethical standards in maternal-newborn and women’s health nursing. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program and successful completion of Level II courses.

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 adults 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 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, 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 4536. Adult Health III: Nursing Care for the Complex Client. 5 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 6 Hours).

This course emphasizes critical care nursing, focusing on the management of clients with complex, multi-system health needs. Students will develop advanced clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills, as well as implement evidence-based interventions to provide safe, ethical, and client-centered care in high-acuity settings, while effectively collaborating with interprofessional teams. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of face-to-face client care settings, lab, and simulation. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program and successful completion of Level II.

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

This course focuses 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 trends with implications for decision making in healthcare. Course fosters communication, professionalism, critical thinking, client centered care, 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.