HACE (Health Assessment Competency Examination) | no credit
The Health Assessment Competency Examination is completed by nursing students before beginning the first senior year clinical experience. The purpose of health assessment is to gather client-oriented data in an organized, systematic way so as to identify actual or potential health problems and to assist the client to maintain an optimal level of wellness. Client assessment includes a health history, physical examination, and a summary and analysis of data. The integration of the theory and skills of health assessment throughout the sophomore and junior year in the nursing program culminates at the beginning of the senior year when the learner has the opportunity to demonstrate prior acquisition and mastery of competency in health assessment through the performance of a total physical assessment in a simulated laboratory setting. The faculty evaluator is present to document the performance, and performs no prompting during the examination. A grade of P (Pass) is recorded on the transcript. To earn the P, the student must achieve a minimum of 90% on each of the three portions of the examination: interview, physical examination, and care plan.

NSG 202 Medical Terminology (BIO 202) | 2 hours
The study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A word-building system that provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms will be utilized. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, and usage. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 106 or consent of instructor. Fall Odd

NSG 290 Introduction to Nursing as a Profession I | 4 hours
The student will explore nursing theory, nursing process, and nursing roles and functions within the context of professional nursing practice. The course provides an overview of nursing care of the individual across the life span. The concept of self-awareness is explored and developed as the student begins socialization into the nursing profession. The family and community will begin to be examined, but focus of course content is on the elderly client. Open to non-majors with consent of Nursing Program Director. Co-requisite or completion of CHM 102, BIO 203, 320, MTH 150, PSY 101, 165, SOC 100 Fall

NSG 292 Introduction to Nursing as a Profession II | 6 hours
A continuation of NSG 290, students begin application of nursing theory and the nursing process in the clinical setting. Principles of Pharmacology and a basic understanding of pharmacological interventions as they apply to each body system are also introduced as integrated content. Emphasis focuses on health, basic human needs, adaptation to maintain homeostasis as well as continued focus on the geriatric client. Student outcomes are evaluated through a clinical experience and evaluative process, written nursing care plans and comprehensive exams, class participation and discussion, a reaction paper and laboratory competencies. Prerequisites: NSG 290, BIO 203, 320, CHM 102, MTH 150, PSY 101, 165, SOC 100 or equivalent. Co-requisite: NSG 350 Spring

NSG 295 Transition into Baccalaureate Nursing | 2 hours
The student reads and responds to issues related to various levels of nursing and to professional nursing. The student participates in verbal communication as a member of a reflective group. The student demonstrates critical thinking about professional data, defines and responds to client risk factors, and plans corresponding therapeutic nursing intervention. The student utilizes his or her clinical life experiences to demonstrate course competencies. Achievement of course outcomes requires participation in individual and group discussion of professional issues, use of critical thinking for professional decision making, and use of professional written communication, as well as electronic search and communication. Prerequisites: RN or LPN licensure and consent of the Program Director. Spring Even

NSG 311 The Childbearing Family | 5 hours
The student develops skills needed to provide holistic nursing care for healthy childbearing families and for women with selected women's health issues. Students explore the physiologic, psychological, and developmental stressors experienced by childbearing families. Students employ critical thinking to identify health risk factors and to select nursing interventions and communication to help individuals and the family adapt. Students evaluate social, cultural, and societal issues that affect women's health and childbearing. Medication administration during the peri-natal period is addressed. Clinical experiences are in a variety of settings. Assessment of outcomes includes evaluation of clinical competencies, tests, and written assignments. Prerequisites: Nursing 290, 292, 350 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall & Spring

NSG 321 Mental Health Nursing | 5 hours
The student demonstrates proficiency in use of self as a therapeutic tool to assist individuals and families to maintain or improve mental health. Emphasis is on analysis of psychological and developmental stressors related to maladaptive functioning and on concepts of major psychological theorists. The student demonstrates professional growth through self-awareness by writing a weekly journal and contributing to clinical conferences. The nursing process is utilized to meet the mental health needs of clients during clinical experience in both hospital and community settings. The student demonstrates understanding and application of psychopharmacology. Critical thinking, communication, and therapeutic nursing interventions are evaluated for successful course completion. Assessment will also include exams and written assignments. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 350 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall & Spring

NSG 331 Nursing of Adults and Children | 6 hours
The student will develop skills needed to provide holistic nursing care for children and adults. The knowledge base is the anatomy and physiology of body systems, and includes clinical manifestations of dysfunction in the system, assessment of the body system, diagnostic procedures, and medical and surgical interventions applicable to disorders of that system. Nursing care is then understood as it relates to consequences of biopsychosocial changes in the individual. Pharmacology is integrated throughout study of pathology and nursing. The opportunity to coordinate nursing theory and practice is provided in acute care settings, clinics, and community settings. Assessment of student learning includes evaluation of clinical competencies and understanding, tests, and written assignments. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, NSG 350 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall

NSG 332 Nursing of Adults and Children | 6 hours
NSG 332 is a continuation of NSG 331 and relates to specific nursing diagnoses not previously addressed. Nursing theory and practice is developed, founded on anatomy and physiology of body systems, clinical manifestations of dysfunction in the system, assessment of the body system, diagnostic procedures, pharmacologic interventions, and medical and surgical interventions, in relation to biopsychosocial changes. Assessment of student outcomes is carried out with evaluation of clinical competencies and understanding, tests, and written assignments. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 331, 350 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Spring

NSG 350 Health Assessment | 2 hours
The student develops skills needed to gather data in an organized, systematic way. The student identifies actual or potential health problems and assists the client in maintaining an optimal level of wellness through integration of theory and skills, including interviewing and physical assessment. Assessment of these learning outcomes includes evaluation of return demonstrations and tests. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: NSG 290, BIO 203 (or equivalent anatomy and physiology courses). Prerequisites for a BSN Completion student, RN or LPN licensure and consent of Program Director. (This course is open to licensed nurses not enrolled in the nursing program. Spring

NSG 382 Nursing Research I | 1 hour
The student will develop an understanding of the critique and utilization of nursing research. Quantitative research principles are introduced and students come to understand the application of nursing research in their practice in various clinical settings. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 350 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall

NSG 384 Nursing Research II | 1 hour
This course is a continuation of NSG 382 and builds upon it. Qualitative research principles are introduced. Commonalities of quantitative and qualitative research will be explored. The student employs critical thinking to evaluate the merit of nursing research studies, evidenced through the composition of papers, presentations, and exams. The student develops further understanding of the critique and utilization of nursing research and the application of nursing research in various clinical settings. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 350, 382 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Spring

NSG 450 Professional Issues | 1 hour
The student develops professional skills to begin a nursing career. Content includes considering the impact of education of nurses in relation to that of other healthcare professionals, the political environment, legal issues, educational preparation issues, technology issues, and licensure requirements and responsibilities for nurses. Students explore their career options and discuss plans for the initial years of their working career. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 311, 321, 331, 332, 350, 382, 384 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Spring Odd

NSG 471 Community Health Nursing | 6 hours
The student will be prepared to demonstrate an understanding of community based care. Student learning is based upon population-focused study that considers individuals, families, groups and communities. The student will utilize the concepts of self-awareness, the nursing process and therapeutic communication to meet basic human needs. Cultural backgrounds will be explored as the student works with clients of diverse lifestyles and backgrounds in a variety of community settings. Pharmcology is addressed in relation to the nursing needs of individuals and groups. Assessment of learning outcomes will be based upon assignments such as a health education project, participation in health screening activity, management of a community health project, and written course examinations. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 311, 321, 331, 332, 350, 382, 384 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall & Spring

NSG 480 Nursing Management | 6 hours
The student demonstrates an understanding of the healthcare environment and the impact it has on the role of the nurse manager and provision of nursing care. The student applies principles of leadership and management in care of clients in a variety of clinical settings. The student utilizes critical thinking skills and understanding of group dynamics as he or she addresses situations and problems, and makes decisions within the practice of nursing. Particular attention is paid to medication administration in the role of manager. Assessment of these outcomes includes examinations, presentations, conferences, a geriatric assessment, a change project, a log of daily activities, and clinical evaluations. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 311, 321, 331, 332, 350, 382, 384 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall & Spring

NSG 482 Health Care Ethics | 1 hour
The student explores contemporary ethical issues in healthcare and factors that influence the ethical decision making process. The student utilizes ethical norms and principles as well as critical thinking skills in examining situations, problems and/or concerns. The student will articulate an ethical position in relation to a variety of healthcare issues. Assessment of these outcomes includes class participation, examinations, and a written paper on an ethical topic. Prerequisite: Senior level or consent of instructor Fall

NSG 488 Critical Care Nursing | 4 hours
The student synthesizes assessment data and knowledge used in nursing intervention and management of clients with multi-system life-threatening conditions. A variety of critical care and emergency clinical sites will be utilized to provide the student with the opportunity to participate in patient care. Assessment of these outcomes includes the student's documentation of his or her clinical experience according to course specific criteria, and written course exams. Prerequisites: NSG 290, 292, 311, 321, 331, 332, 350, 382, 384 or equivalents, and all collateral courses Fall & Spring