Undergraduate Nursing
The School of Nursing at Tarleton State University offers three options for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Traditional BSN track is for pre-licensure students seeking to obtain a bachelor's degree. The LVN-BSN track is for licensed vocational nurses seeking to obtain a BSN: LVN-BSN track information is here https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/lvn-waco/ . There is also an option for licensed registered nurses seeking to obtain a BSN: RN-BSN track information is here https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/post-licensure-programs/rn-bsn.html
Tarleton State University nursing students are challenged to strive for excellence and professionalism in the classroom, laboratory, clinical agency, and community setting. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum and degree conferred by the University, Traditional BSN and LVN-BSN track graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®).
Mission
The School of Nursing provides student-focused academically and clinically challenging programs that engage students in acquiring evidence-based, value-driven knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for professional nursing careers, responsible citizenship, and leadership.
Values
The Tarleton Nursing Program core values guide the working, teaching, and learning environment. These values include altruism, autonomy, excellence, human dignity, integrity, leadership, service, social justice, civility, and tradition.
• Altruism is the concern and advocacy for the well-being of others. This is reflected by the faculty and students’ regard for the welfare and well-being of each other, our constituents, and public at large.
• Autonomy is the right to self-determination demonstrated through respect of patients, nurses, students, and faculty’s rights to independent, informed, and supportive decision making.
• Excellence is not perfection. Excellence occurs when each person works to exceed one’s own expectations and supports others in their quest to do the same.
• Respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations, including patients, faculty, administration, students, and other constituents. Human dignity embraces civility, kindness, and inclusion by valuing others and expecting better of ourselves.
• Quality of high moral character that includes honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, and stewardship. Integrity is putting one’s moral compass into action congruent with an appropriate code of ethics and standards of practice.
• Leadership is the ability to utilize interpersonal skills, theoretical knowledge, self-awareness, flexibility, critical thinking, and influence to promote quality outcomes in health care and nursing education.
• Commitment to the common good and being a responsible citizen. Service broadens perspective and deepens understanding by reaching out to improve well-being of local and global communities.
• Acting in accordance with fair treatment and civility of all humans, including a commitment to the health of vulnerable populations and the elimination of health disparities. In nursing education, social justice is exhibited toward students, faculty, administration, and other constituents.
• Imparting values and beliefs from generation to generation fueled by legacy inherited from the past and created for the future. Our traditions such as convocation and pinning are a source of pride and common identity. New traditions will emerge through exposure to the rich history and metamorphosis of nursing, education, and health care.
BSN Program Outcomes
At the end of the program, the baccalaureate-prepared generalist nursing graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional standards, attitudes, and core values that are fundamental to the discipline of nursing.
- Engage in continuous self-evaluation and life-long learning to foster professional growth and development, to improve own practice and maintain a current knowledge base.
- Function as a knowledge-worker with strong clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, communication and assessment skills.
- Safely practices in complex health care systems incorporating evidence-based nursing interventions to manage client changes while addressing differences, values, preferences and expressed needs.
- Function within scope and standards of nursing practice and organizational policies to promote quality and a safe environment which reduces risk.
- Manage health care transitions and/or referrals, communicate and collaborate within inter/intra-professional teams, identify system issues, and develop working skills in delegation, supervision, prioritization, advocacy, and coordination of care.
Locations
- The Traditional BSN track is housed on the Stephenville campus.
- The LVN-BSN track is housed in Waco.
- The RN-BSN track is housed in Fort Worth.
Course Delivery Method
- The Traditional BSN track delivers courses face-to-face, hybrid, or online with face-to-face skills lab, simulation, and clinical experiences.
- The LVN-BSN track delivers courses online with face-to-face skills lab, simulation, and clinical experiences.
- The RN-BSN track delivers courses online with face-to-face clinical experiences.
Clinical or Experiential Learning
Nursing is a practice discipline that includes both direct and indirect care activities that impact health outcomes. Therefore, clinical learning opportunities are a vital part of the baccalaureate nursing curriculum. A complementary relationship exists between classroom and clinical learning components of the curriculum.
Clinical Locations
For all nursing students, hospitals and other clinical agencies in Brown, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Johnson, McLennan, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, and Tarrant Counties are available for clinical experiences. Many clinical experiences occur in Fort Worth and/or Waco locations, as well as in the Greater Dallas area of the state.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Tarleton State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (http://www.bon.texas.gov/).
Advising
Pre-nursing advising appointments are scheduled through the Academic Advising Website.
Advising in the nursing program is through assigned faculty advisors.
Admission Requirements and Process for Generic BSN Students (Stephenville)
The process to apply for program admission is a two-step, highly competitive process. The two-step process to enter the nursing program is separate from, and in addition to, the application to Tarleton. Admission by Tarleton and the School of Nursing are required. To be considered for nursing program admission, the student MUST meet minimum admission requirements and submit application materials to Tarleton and the School of Nursing by the specified deadlines. Meeting minimum requirements for each step is necessary, but not sufficient, to gain program admission. Admission is NOT GUARANTEED but dependent upon the rank order of applicants (competitive rank in the application pool) and availability of spaces.
The admission process is located at https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/pre-licensure-programs/bsn-stephenville.html
Deadlines
Application deadline information can be located at https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/pre-licensure-programs/bsn-stephenville.html
Immunizations and Health Requirements (All students)
For the health and safety of Tarleton State University nursing students and their patients and compliance with healthcare facility mandatory requirements, immunizations and health requirements is required for all nursing students. Records will be kept through a clinical compliance software. All documentation requirements must be met at all times during any course with a clinical requirement. All documentation in the clinical compliance software must be updated and accurate at all times.
Notice:
- In obtaining vaccines it is important to note that all live vaccines (MMR, Varicella, LAIV (Nasal flu) have to be given on the same day or separated by 28 days.
- If a student is getting a PPD (tuberculin skin test) and a live vaccine it has to be done on the same day or they have to be separated by 30 days. If done sooner, there is a potential for a false positive, resulting in increased cost, and/or treatment (chest-x-rays) when not needed.
If admitted to the nursing program, the mandatory requirements must be submitted by deadline. Students who do not upload all compliance documents in the clinical compliance software will not be allowed to begin classes until completed and compliant with all requirements.
1. TB Skin Test
- PPD (reported in mm) OR
- Quantiferon (QFT) serum test OR
- If New +TB Test results then Follow/Up by healthcare provider (chest X-ray, symptoms check and possible treatment,) may need to complete health questionnaire OR
- If History of +TB results then provide proof of chest X-ray and submit negative symptom check from health care provider in past 12 months OR
- If no proof of +TB Test available, then chest X-ray OR
- If History of BCG vaccination then 2-Step TB Test or QFT OR
- If history of +TB Test and +chest X-ray and symptoms: must see healthcare provider for treatment before school entry
2. Hepatitis B
- 3 doses, initial dose followed by 2nd dose 4 weeks later followed by 3rd dose 6 months later OR
- A titer showing immunity OR
- Signed waiver for students who decline vaccination
3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Proof of vaccination (2 doses) OR
- Proof of immunity by titer to all three (MMR)
4. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- One dose if received 1st dose before age 12. If not, 2 doses with 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after 1st dose OR
- Proof of immunity by titer.
5. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
- Tdap within last 10 years required one time at admission
6. CPR
- Health provider level (adult, infant, child, AED) by the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR
7. Influenza
- Proof of annual vaccination(s)
- Note: the flu vaccination may be delayed until after program admission if admission occurs before the vaccine is available
8. Completed Urine Drug Screen -Additional drug screens may be required by clinical agencies, randomly, and/or for cause.
9. Proof of Personal Health Insurance Coverage
Ongoing Requirements That Must Be Updated During the Nursing Program:
1. TB Skin Test
- New one-step PPD (reported in MM) OR
- New Quantiferon Serum Test OR
- If New + TB Test results→ Follow/Up with healthcare provider, chest X-ray, & symptom check OR
- Known +TB skin results and prior negative chest X-ray results: submit annual symptom check from healthcare provider
2. CPR
- Health provider level (adult, infant, child, AED)
3. Influenza vaccination
4. Proof of Personal Health Insurance Coverage
5. All immunizations that expire during enrollment in the nursing program.
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing requires a minimum of 120 semester hours.
- All students must complete all degree requirements with a grade of "C" or better by the established School of Nursing guidelines, including the university general education requirements and courses required for the major.
| General Education Requirements | 42 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| Designated Core Courses in the Field of Study: | ||
| ENGL 1301 [shared] | Composition I | |
| ENGL 1302 [shared] | Composition II | |
| PSYC 2301 [shared] | General Psychology | |
| MATH 1342 [shared] | Elementary Statistical Methods | |
| BIOL 2401 [shared] | Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| BIOL 2402 [shared] | Anatomy & Physiology II | |
| Discipline Foundation Courses: | ||
| HECO 1322 | Nutrition and Diet Therapy | 3 |
| PSYC 2314 | Life Span Growth & Development | 3 |
| BIOL 2420 | Microbiology for Non-Science Majors | 4 |
| or BIOL 3407 | Microbiology | |
| Directed Electives: | ||
| ENGL 3309 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| CHEM 1407 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 |
| or CHEM 1311 & CHEM 1111 | College Chemistry I (Lecture) and College Chemistry I (Laboratory) | |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
LVN to BSN Waco Program Entry
| The LVN is awarded 9 SCH of credit for past education upon successful completion of nursing courses. | 9 | |
| NURS 3471 | Nursing Care as a Professional Nurse | 4 |
| NURS 3417 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Licensed Nurses | 4 |
| NURS 3325 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3450 | Adult Health Nursing for Licensed Nurses | 4 |
| NURS 3320 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3315 | Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 3340 | Nursing Care of Older Adults and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4351 | Nursing Leadership in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 4305 | Maternal and Newborn Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 4310 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4550 | Complex Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 4380 | Nursing Capstone: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4325 | Community and Population Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4395 | Systems-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3245 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| NURS 4375 | Synthesis for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
RN to BSN Fort Worth Online or Hybrid Program Entry
| The RN is awarded 31 SCH of credit for past education upon successful completion of nursing courses. | 31 | |
| NURS 3305 | Professional Role Transitions for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3342 | Health Assessment and Clinical Skills for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3345 | Healthcare Informatics for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3460 | Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for RNs | 4 |
| NURS 3348 | Evidence-Based Practice for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 4465 | Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NURS 4330 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult and Family for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 4470 | Community and Population Health Nursing for RNs | 4 |
| NURS 4314 | Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Traditional (Generic) BSN Stephenville Program Entry
| NURS 3522 | Foundations of Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 3512 | Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| NURS 3325 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3245 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| NURS 3523 | Adult Health Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 3320 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3315 | Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 3340 | Nursing Care of Older Adults and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4351 | Nursing Leadership in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 4305 | Maternal and Newborn Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 4310 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4550 | Complex Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 4380 | Nursing Capstone: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4325 | Community and Population Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4395 | Systems-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4375 | Synthesis for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
RN-BSN Admission Requirements and Process (Online)
The admission process is located at https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/rn-bsn/.
| General Education Requirements | 42 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| Designated Core Courses in the Field of Study: | ||
| ENGL 1301 [shared] | Composition I | |
| ENGL 1302 [shared] | Composition II | |
| PSYC 2301 [shared] | General Psychology | |
| MATH 1342 [shared] | Elementary Statistical Methods | |
| BIOL 2401 [shared] | Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| BIOL 2402 [shared] | Anatomy & Physiology II | |
| Discipline Foundation Courses: | ||
| HECO 1322 | Nutrition and Diet Therapy | 3 |
| PSYC 2314 | Life Span Growth & Development | 3 |
| BIOL 2420 | Microbiology for Non-Science Majors | 4 |
| or BIOL 3407 | Microbiology | |
| Directed Electives: | ||
| ENGL 3309 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| CHEM 1407 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 |
| or CHEM 1311 & CHEM 1111 | College Chemistry I (Lecture) and College Chemistry I (Laboratory) | |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
LVN to BSN Waco Program Entry
| The LVN is awarded 9 SCH of credit for past education upon successful completion of nursing courses. | 9 | |
| NURS 3471 | Nursing Care as a Professional Nurse | 4 |
| NURS 3417 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Licensed Nurses | 4 |
| NURS 3325 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3450 | Adult Health Nursing for Licensed Nurses | 4 |
| NURS 3320 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3315 | Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 3340 | Nursing Care of Older Adults and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4351 | Nursing Leadership in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 4305 | Maternal and Newborn Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 4310 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4550 | Complex Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 4380 | Nursing Capstone: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4325 | Community and Population Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4395 | Systems-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3245 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| NURS 4375 | Synthesis for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
RN to BSN Fort Worth Online or Hybrid Program Entry
| The RN is awarded 31 SCH of credit for past education upon successful completion of nursing courses. | 31 | |
| NURS 3305 | Professional Role Transitions for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3342 | Health Assessment and Clinical Skills for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3345 | Healthcare Informatics for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 3460 | Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for RNs | 4 |
| NURS 3348 | Evidence-Based Practice for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 4465 | Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NURS 4330 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult and Family for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 4470 | Community and Population Health Nursing for RNs | 4 |
| NURS 4314 | Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Traditional (Generic) BSN Stephenville Program Entry
| NURS 3522 | Foundations of Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 3512 | Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| NURS 3325 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3245 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| NURS 3523 | Adult Health Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 3320 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 3315 | Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 3340 | Nursing Care of Older Adults and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4351 | Nursing Leadership in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 4305 | Maternal and Newborn Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 4310 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 3 |
| NURS 4550 | Complex Nursing Care | 5 |
| NURS 4380 | Nursing Capstone: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4325 | Community and Population Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4395 | Systems-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 4375 | Synthesis for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Academic Advising Guides
Academic Advising Guides area available at the following website:
Courses
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.
School of Nursing
Box T-0500
1333 W. Washington Street
Stephenville, Texas 76402
tarleton.edu/nursing