Nursing
Associate Dean: Goodolf
Associate Professors: Dorney, DiGiulio, Farber, Goodolf, Groller, Hoffman
Assistant Professors: Colancecco, Gannon, Grube, Halliday Mikovits
Assistant Clinical Professor: Guider, Watchous, Zaccardi
Instructors: Albert, Brown, Butler, Lugo, Sayenga
Nursing education at 鶹Ƶֱ blends compassionate art with scientific inquiry to achieve a transformative education deeply rooted in a rich liberal arts tradition. At its core the program seeks to develop students who are acutely aware of the world in which they live and their responsibilities of living in a global, interdependent community. The undergraduate and graduate programs cultivate a professional nurse graduate who values lifelong learning and service to others within a framework of social justice. These core components provide the foundation for the program and learning outcomes and are detailed in the Student Handbook.
Healthcare initiatives improve the lives of people worldwide every day. Today’s health care professionals must utilize a multidisciplinary approach in promoting and preserving a healthy quality of life for all populations—individuals, families, communities, and nations worldwide. Our nursing and public health programs will prepare you for continuous learning, advanced study, and leadership in health care.
The Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health offers a traditional four-year pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a 16-month long accelerated BSN program for college graduates in non-nursing fields, a baccalaureate degree completion program for registered nurses (RN to BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs that prepares clinical nurse leaders, nurse administrators, nurse educators, and nurse practitioners.
Program Accreditation
The pre licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at 鶹Ƶֱ are accredited by . Information on the accreditation process for nursing programs can be obtained from these agencies or the School of Nursing and Public Health office on campus
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAMS
The Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health offers an educational program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a generalist professional program that prepares graduates for entry-level positions in nursing practice.
BSN Program options include the following:
- The BSN degree for those students who are entering the four-year program of study for an initial professional degree,
- The RN to BSN degree for those RNs who wish to complete the BSN degree, and
- A sixteen-month second degree option for those who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing.
Program Outcomes
The outcomes listed below are congruent with and extensions of 鶹Ƶֱ mission. It is expected that the graduate will:
- Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, sciences, and nursing theory as a basis for making decisions in the practice of nursing;
- Provide holistic nursing care that contributes to safe and quality outcomes among individuals, families, and communities;
- Collaborate with other healthcare team members to foster optimal health of individuals, families, and communities;
- Provide culturally sensitive care with diverse populations in local, regional, national, and global settings;
- Plan and implement theory-based and evidence-based nursing interventions in the care of individuals, families, and communities;
- Exhibit civic and leadership behaviors grounded in a social justice framework to guide practice and foster the attainment of health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities; and
- Demonstrate professional accountability and advocacy in making ethical decisions through adherence to professional standards.
General Education Requirements for Nursing Majors
Nursing majors must select MATH 107 or HLTP 189 to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning (F2) requirement and CHEM 108 for the Laboratory Science (F4) requirement.
The Major in Nursing
To receive the B.S.N. degree, students must earn a total of 32 course units. The following program of nursing studies is prescribed (subject to change):
- First Year. First semester: BIOL 103, NURS 115. Second semester: BIOL104, CHEM 108.
- Sophomore Year. First semester: BIOL 205, MATH 107 (may be taken in junior year) or HLTP 189, PSYC 207 (may be taken in spring semester), NURS 212. Second semester: BIOL 206, NURS 311.
- Junior Year. First semester: NURS 310, 312, and 331.2. Second semester: NURS 314, 332.2, and 339.
- Senior Year. First semester: NURS 313 and 315. Second semester: NURS 316 and 317.
Dual major, dual degree
鶹Ƶֱ offers a four-and-one-half-year double major, double degree program for students who decide to pursue a BSN after matriculating into the institution in a program outside of nursing. These students must meet certain requirements to proceed into the BSN program, but upon successful completion of this double degree program, students will earn a BA or BS in a major other than nursing, and a BSN after 4.5 years of study. In their first three years of full-time study, students will complete a major in a field of their choosing or design their own major, most of their general education requirements, and all of the prerequisites for nursing (see below). In the spring of their junior year, interested students apply for the accelerated nursing program, and, if admitted, continue in an accelerated program of nursing leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upon conclusion of the accelerated program (which runs for 16 months, beginning in August of the senior year), students are awarded two bachelor’s degrees, one of which is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam.
Students complete the following Learning in Common requirements as part of this double degree program: F1 (writing), F2 (quantitative reasoning), F4 (lab science), then 5 of the M or U classes, selected from among M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 and U1. The F3 (language) requirement is completed as part of the accelerated nursing program, as is the U2 (moral life) requirement.
At the conclusion of the junior year, students must have completed the following in order to be considered for admission into the accelerated nursing program:
- A full major other than nursing
- The Learning in Common requirements listed above
- A minimum of 23 course units, with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher
- The following science courses, with an average of 2.67 and no grade lower than C-:
- BIOL 103 (no grade lower than C) or 106, 104 or 107 and 206
- CHEM 108
- Statistics (HLTP 189 or MATH 107 are preferred)
- PSYC 207
International Clinical Placement
Nursing students have an opportunity to participate in electives with an international clinical placement. Travel usually is scheduled during break periods or at the end of the spring or fall semesters. Faculty may supervise this experience in a variety of international settings, including Central America and Australia. International savings accounts may be established at the University to help students save money for this additional academic expense.
Additional Requirements
Space in the nursing major is limited. In order to enter the nursing program, students must meet the admissions requirements and declare an interest in nursing during the process of applying to the University. Current students who meet the progressions requirements may apply to transfer into the nursing program from another major. Application to transfer to the nursing major requires an interview and is considered only as space is available. Meeting the progression requirements and completing an application does not guarantee admission into the nursing program.
In addition to meeting University admission requirements, all nursing majors will be required to show proof of the following as prerequisites for clinical nursing courses:
- Background clearance on criminal and child-abuse behavior.
- Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
- Negative urine drug screen.
Students' personal health also should be consistent with requirements for a professional nurse, including required immunizations as prescribed in the policy statement in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
Applicants and students should be aware that Pennsylvania Registered Nurse Law prohibits licensure of individuals convicted of felonies related to controlled substances and may prohibit licensure if there is a conviction for any felonious act. For details, refer to the regulations. Prior to enrolling in Nursing 212: Holistic Assessment, all nursing students are required to submit to the School of Nursing and Public Health a Federal Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Background Check, and a Child Abuse History Clearance. These clearances must be updated periodically and are maintained electronically on file in the School of Nursing and Public Health. Copies will be provided to clinical sites upon request.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the University, students enrolled in the nursing program must complete the following:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better in nursing courses, an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better, and a GPA of 2.67 or better in biology and chemistry courses that are required of the major.
- Satisfactory clinical evaluations in all nursing courses.
- Completion of the prescribed nursing program of study, including the standardized nursing assessment program, NCLEX-RN preparation, and end-of-program survey/exit interview.
Additional Expenses in the Nursing Program
In addition to general matriculation fees—tuition, room and board, books, etc.—for all undergraduates, students in the nursing program incur additional expenses for such things as physical examinations, specialized immunizations, uniforms, malpractice insurance, graduation pin, clinical laboratory fees, and normative-based testing fees. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical practice sites.
Academic Policies in the School of Nursing
Acceptance to 鶹Ƶֱ does not guarantee that a student will be accepted into the nursing program. General academic policies specific to the nursing program appear below.
Progression in the Program
Declaration of and Acceptance into the Nursing Major
- For the student to declare nursing as a major, and prior to entering any nursing course that has a clinical requirement (e.g., Nursing 212), the student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 or higher in required biology and chemistry courses (Biology 103 and 104, and Chemistry 108) and have an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better.
- If progression criteria are met, students will be declared a nursing major prior to the start of NURS 212. This declaration will be made by the Associate Dean of Nursing and Public Health.
- Non-transfer students must take the natural science biology (BIO 103, 104, NURS/HLTH 205, 206) and chemistry (CHEM 108) at 鶹Ƶֱ as displayed in the program plan, or a seat will not be guaranteed in the nursing program.
Progression into the Major
- Once a student declares nursing as a major, then a nursing grade point average of 3.00 or better must be achieved and maintained by the end of the first clinical course (i.e., Nursing 212). The student must also continue maintaining the overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better, and a GPA of 2.67 or better in biology and chemistry courses required of the major (Biology 103, 104, 205, and 206; and Chemistry 108) for progression purposes. The student will not be permitted to retake a nursing course to boost the nursing GPA. The student will not be permitted to retake a biology or chemistry course to boost the natural science GPA. The student must maintain the above cumulative GPA requirements at the end of each semester in the nursing program in order to progress in the nursing major.
- All required biology and chemistry courses (Biology 103, 104, 205 and 206; and Chemistry 108) are to be completed prior to beginning the junior-level nursing courses (Nursing 310, 312, 314, 331.2, 332.2, and 339).
- There is no probationary period for the student who does not meet the science, overall, and/or nursing major GPA requirements.
- Students who transfer into nursing, either internally or externally, are required to have an overall cumulative GPA of B (=3.0) or better, a natural science cumulative GPA of B- (=2.67) or better, and a nursing cumulative GPA of B (=3.0) or better. Students who transfer science courses from non-LVAIC institutions are required to earn a B (=3.0) or better in the required sciences in order to have those courses count toward the nursing program requirements. Previous C work in the required sciences will transfer to the University as a general elective, and students will have to take the appropriate prerequisite or co-requisite course at 鶹Ƶֱ. Once the student transfers into 鶹Ƶֱ, the student is held to the same standards as previously described in order to declare nursing as a major and to progress in the program.
Note: Once the student matriculates at 鶹Ƶֱ, only those grades earned at 鶹Ƶֱ count towards the GPA targets; that is, the GPA targets are not based on an average of grades earned at 鶹Ƶֱ and grades earned at other institutions.
Other Criteria
Students are required to possess the physical, cognitive, and emotional ability to perform the functions which are necessary for the safe practice of nursing and essential to the licensing requirements. Students must be capable of meeting the performance standards (see the School of Nursing Student Handbook) with or reasonable accommodation in order to be admitted to the nursing program. A criminal background check, child abuse check, urine drug screen, and health screen are required for all students prior to entering clinical nursing courses. Negative finds from criminal background checks, child abuse checks, urine drug screenings, and health examinations, as well as a satisfactory record of immunizations against common communicable diseases, are required for all students prior to entering clinical nursing courses and at periodic intervals during the program of study.
Transfer students are typically not awarded nursing course credit for previous nursing courses taken at other institutions. Previous coursework, total 鶹Ƶֱ equivalency units, and the preceding criteria will determine admission and placement in the nursing program.
The program uses Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to continuously monitor individual student progress and overall curricular benchmarks. This program consists of a variety of review materials, online videos, online practice assessments, and proctored assessments. Students must achieve predetermined benchmark proficiency levels on the proctored assessments in order to progress in the program without remediation. More specific information on utilization of ATI is included in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
The nursing faculty uses a uniform standard of numerical equivalents for the assignment of letter grades. For details, consult the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
Nursing students are required to meet the prerequisites for progress in the nursing course sequence; therefore, a grade of incomplete may disrupt the student's progression.
Student Clinical-Performance Evaluation
Students are required to earn a Satisfactory evaluation of clinical performance in each nursing course in order to progress in the curriculum. Further information on clinical performance requirements appears in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
Other Pertinent Policies
Departmental policies concerning class attendance, professional dress, temporary medical disability, bloodborne pathogen exposure control, infectious exposure, health screening, and other issues appear in the School of Nursing Student Handbook. Nursing majors are held accountable to these standards.
Undergraduate Courses in Nursing
NURS 115. Foundations of Nursing and Healthcare. The process of critical thinking as a basis for open inquiry into assumptions, beliefs, and values about the discipline of nursing will be analyzed for nursing in a dynamic, multidisciplinary health care environment. Professional, historical, and socio-cultural issues, as well as ethical and legal standards, will be discussed within the context of health care challenges of the 21st century. Nursing majors only.
NURS 212. Holistic Assessment. A clinical course and practicum utilizing the techniques of physical, psychosocial, functional, spiritual, and cultural assessments. Assessments will be performed in a variety of practicum settings and will include individuals and families across the life span during various states of health. Students will utilize data collected for an interpretive analysis of health status. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 and 104; NURS 115. Co-requisite: NURS 115, if not taken prior to enrolling in NURS 212.
NURS 216. Intersection of Culture and Healthcare. (also Interdisciplinary 216) In this course the student will develop an understanding of health, illness, and the meanings of these concepts for members of non-western socio-cultural populations. Topics include culturally bound practices; the impact on healthcare practices and decision-making; structures that promote access to healthcare and structures that impede access. The concept of delivering culturally competent care will be examined and strategies for promoting competence will be explored. (M5)
NURS 230. Global Disaster Preparedness & Management. (also Interdisciplinary 230) Examines global disaster management and the socio-cultural needs of individuals, particularly of vulnerable populations. Current evidence-based information on disaster response will be explored in order to prepare for the unique cultural needs of populations impacted by disasters. The student will develop an understanding of the nature of different types of global disasters and develop a plan for disaster management at a personal, community, and global level (M5).
NURS 231. Nutrition for Health. (Also HLTR/HLTP 231) Is an introduction to the science of nutrition with emphasis on applications for the allied health professions. As such, focus will be on the nutrient needs of the body, the processes by which nutrients are obtained and processed, and the foods that meet these needs in selected social, environmental, cultural, and performance contexts. The course is designed for students entering professional fields such as nursing, physical or occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, and public health which require a functional understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health or performance. Students will be introduced to tools and techniques of the field by completing an individual dietary assessment and consulting robust scientific literature to answer discipline-specific questions. (U1)
NURS 260. Moral Injury. (also REL/HLTP 260) Moral Injury has been defined as “the inevitable outcome of moral engagement with the reality of war and killing,” (Antal and Winings: 2015) and as “the result of participation in the moral distortion of the world created by war” (Denton-Borhaug: 2021). In this course participants will explore and analyze moral injury through multidisciplinary methods including public “whole” health, spiritual, philosophical and theological frameworks, the arts and humanities, as well as through diverse social and physical scientific paradigms/methods. Our aim will be to illuminate increased understanding of the individual experience of moral injury; analyze the relationship between moral injury and U.S. War-culture; and engage in reflective moral deliberation regarding what the phenomenon of moral injury requires of us as individuals, citizens, people with religious (or no-religious) identities, and members of diverse moral communities. (U2)
NURS 310. Quest into Phenomenology of Nursing. Application of nursing knowledge and interventions to clinical practice in association with the lived experiences of humanity as part of a system. Students apply theory and knowledge related to selected acute and chronic health problems to the care of individuals, families, and communities. Nursing role behaviors of the practitioner, counselor, educator, advocate, collaborator in various settings. Prerequisites: BIOL 206; NURS 115, 212, 311. Co-requisite: NURS 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 311. Quest toward Individual Well-Being. Application of fundamental concepts of nursing, health and well-being in theory and practice. Students develop a foundation for holistic nursing practice utilizing physical and psychosocial skills to plan and deliver nursing care. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, and 205; CHEM 108; NURS 115 and 212. Co-requisite (if not taken previously): CHEM 108. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 312. Embracing the Dynamic Family. A clinical practicum course that provides a foundation to facilitate growth and development of children and their families. Students experience nursing role behaviors in addressing health needs in a variety of dynamic family systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, and 311; PSYC 207. Co-requisite: NURS 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 313. Embracing the Challenged Family. A course that emphasizes integration of nursing skills and knowledge to facilitate the individual’s and families’ meeting severe episodic and chronic health challenges across the life span. Students analyze these critical challenges to individual and family systems in order to provide holistic and comprehensive nursing care given the resources available to the family within their community. Prerequisite: NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, 314, 339, 331.2, and 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 314. Embracing the Dynamic Community. A clinical practicum course that provides a foundation to facilitate community partnerships and collaboration in promoting health and assessing care. Students experience nursing role behaviors in a multiplicity of health care situations within the community. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS115, 212, 310, 311, and 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 315. Embracing the Challenged Community. Application of nursing knowledge, interventions, and attitudes for vulnerable populations challenged by acute and chronic alterations in physical and mental health. Students analyze responses to mental health crises and episodic interruptions of health, and experience collaborative health care delivery in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, 314, 329, and 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 316. Applied Research in Nursing. A clinical practicum course in which the student collaborates with a nurse researcher in an ongoing nursing research project during one or more of the investigative phases. Students develop insight into process and application of research in nursing practice. Writing-intensive. Prerequisites: MATH 107; NURS 313 and 315. Theory 3 hours; clinical 8 hours.
NURS 317. The Professional Nurse. Incorporation of leadership and management principles with a clinical practicum in which students establish their role as a professional nurse. Students transition to entry-level practitioners by incorporating concepts of autonomy, interdependency, leadership, and collaboration. Prerequisites: NURS 313 and 315. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 320. Nursing of Populations at High Risk for Health Problems. Elective helps senior-level student understand a specific population's health problems. International placement for this course experience is encouraged.
NURS 321. Integrative Therapies in Health. This nursing elective course seeks to examine selected complementary and alternative therapies. Issues related to the integration of complementary therapies into health care and development of a nursing perspective on utilization of complementary therapies for treatment and healing will be discussed. Selected opportunities for clinical experience and internship may be included. Two 70-minute periods each week.
NURS 322. Populations at High Risk for Health Problems: Honduras. (Also IDIS 322 and Health 322). This course seeks to facilitate student understanding of a specific population of people at high risk for health problems. The population may be found in any location. International placement for this course experience is required. [M5]
NURS 331.2. Pharmacology I. Examination of the pharmacological process utilized by nurses, including knowledge of medications, administration of medications, and medication calculations in patients throughout the lifespan. Pharmacological issues, over-the-counter medications, and herbal medication use will be examined. Reactions, compliancy, and other patient responses to pharmacological therapies will be discussed. This course will be built upon prior nursing knowledge and coordinate with current required nursing course. Prerequisite: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, and 311. Co-requisites: NURS 310 and 312. One 70-minute period.
NURS 332.2. Pharmacology II. Examination of the pharmacological process utilized by nursing including knowledge of medications, administration of medications, and medication calculations in patients throughout the lifespan. Pharmacological issues, over-the-counter medications, and herbal medication use will be examined. Reactions, compliancy, and other patient responses to pharmacological therapies will be discussed. This course will be built upon prior nursing knowledge and coordinate with current required nursing course. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, and 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 314, 339. One 70-minute period.
NURS 340. Health Program Planning and Evaluation. (also HLTP 340) This course introduces students to the theory and application of public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The curriculum focuses on community needs assessment, partnership building, designing clear objectives, developing a strategic plan, implementing culturally competent interventions, formative and summative evaluation, and sustainability of programs. Students will design their own public health program and evaluation plan using a logic model and public health planning models. Prerequisites: HLTP 110 or Nursing 115.
NURS 339. Individual Health Challenges. A course which applies nursing knowledge, interventions, and attitudes for the management of individuals' complex health problems throughout the adult years in theory and in clinical practice. Students analyze various human responses to challenging health conditions to provide holistic ad comprehensive nursing care. Prerequisites: All major-required natural science courses, NURS115, 212, 310, 311, 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.
NURS 360. Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare. This course provides the foundation of ethical theories and bioethics relative to healthcare. The relevance of ethics to decision-making within the healthcare system is explored. Ethical issues that affect healthcare professionals and individuals across the lifespan are analyzed. (U2)
NURS 370. Nursing in the Global Community. This course seeks to facilitate student understanding of populations across the globe at high risk for health problems and the health disparities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will guide the study in this course as students investigate the role of health care professionals in impacting global health. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. (M5)
NURS 190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
NURS 286, 381-383. Independent Study.
NURS 384. Independent Research.
NURS 288, 386-388. Internship.
NURS 400-401. Honors.
RN to BSN Program
The RN to BSN Program is administered through the Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health at 鶹Ƶֱ. Applicants to the program must meet the minimum admission requirements established by 鶹Ƶֱ. The nursing education outcomes of the RN to BSN Program are identical with those of the day division Baccalaureate Program.
Admission to the program:
1. Applicants must meet all University and RN to BSN program admission requirements.
A. Students must have active RN Licensure to enroll in nursing courses. General education courses and cognate courses may be taken prior to RN licensure.
B. Students must have graduated from their basic nursing program within the past three years or Students must have graduated from a basic nursing program and practiced at least 1,000 hours as a nurse within the past three years or students must have graduated from a basic nursing program and taken a Pennsylvania State Board approved nursing refresher course within the past year.
2. 鶹Ƶֱ reserves the right to review each candidate’s personal qualifications and to deny admission to any individual whom 鶹Ƶֱ deems unqualified for the program.
Those students who meet these requirements will be admitted to 鶹Ƶֱ on a rolling admission basis as Baccalaureate Candidates. In order to fulfill the requirements for the nursing major, students must:
Complete all RN to BSN Program cognate courses. Cognate courses for the program include the following 鶹Ƶֱ courses (or their equivalent)
- Biology 103-104 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Nursing/Health 205 Pathophysiology
- Biology 235 Microbiology or Biology 206 Microbiology for Health Sciences
- Chemistry 108 Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Mathematics 107 Elementary Statistics or HLTP 189 Biostatistics
- Psychology 207 Lifespan Development
Courses may be transferred from other institutions if they meet the 鶹Ƶֱ requirements for transfer of courses. These may include (but are not restricted to):
- All transferred courses must be graded “C” or above. No more than 80 credits will be transferred to 鶹Ƶֱ (Does not include grades of a C- or below).
- Up to 20 course units in total, may be accepted for transfer credit.
- Thirty-two course units must be completed with an overall Quality Point Average (QPA) of not less than 2.00.
- At least 8 course units must be completed at 鶹Ƶֱ.
- Six nursing courses must be completed at 鶹Ƶֱ with a grade of C or better.
- Upon completion of the required cognate courses, active RN Licensure will be recorded on the 鶹Ƶֱ transcript as 6 units (24 credits). No prelicensure nursing courses will be transferred directly.
Students enrolled in the RN-BSN degree-completion program may meet the F3 requirement for LinC by completing either SPAN 100 and SPAN 105 or by simply completing SPAN 105 if this is the level of language at which they begin the F3 sequence. The rationale for this decision is based on the fact that SPAN 110 is not offered in a format appropriate for the EA/EF student population. Similarly, students who transfer in a 100-level language other than Spanish will have the second part of the F3 requirement waived because language courses, outside of SPAN 100 and SPAN 105, are not offered in a format appropriate for the EA/EF student population.
RN to BSN Courses in Nursing
NURS 205 Pathophysiology. Mechanisms of disease in humans. Emphasis is on dysfunction at cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Chemical, physical, and genetic stress factors are examined to understand how they affect human systems. Theory 3 hours weekly.
NURS 230 Global Disaster Preparedness. Examines global disaster management and the socio-cultural needs of individuals, particularly of vulnerable populations. Current evidence-based information on disaster response will be explored in order to prepare for the unique cultural needs of populations impacted by disasters. The student will develop an understanding of the nature of different types of global disasters and develop a plan for disaster management at a personal, community, and global level. (M5)
NURS 324 Cornerstone of Professional Nursing. Health care and nursing culture analyzed through perspectives in economics, public policy, ethics, demographics, and evolving global issues. Focus on critical thinking to advance the profession and improve health care. Theory 3 hours weekly.
NURS 331 Holistic Assessment. A course designed for the RN student for developing knowledge and techniques for physical, psychosocial, functional, spiritual, and cultural assessments. Assessment techniques will be applied in a laboratory practice environment and will include techniques to be used with individuals and families across the life span during various states of health. Theory 3 hours weekly, laboratory, 15 hours over the term.
NURS 332 Embracing the Dynamic and Challenged Communities. This course provides a foundation to facilitate community health nursing and is based on the synthesis of nursing knowledge and public health science. Emphasis is on partnerships and collaborations in health promotion and disease prevention programs for communities. Theory 2 hours weekly, 50 project hours over the term.
NURS 333 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. This course provides an introduction to evidence-based clinical practice, with a particular emphasis on clinical nursing inquiry. Students are introduced to methods that guide inquiry, including how to search for information on best practices, discern levels of evidence that guide practice, critically appraise research and formulate novel questions that may lead to additional research-based projects. (Writing Intensive Course). Theory 3 hours weekly, 25 project hours over the term.
NURS 334 The Professional Nurse as an Emerging Leader. This course provides the RN student with an expanded view of the concepts of autonomy, interdependency, and collaboration as a professional nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing leadership qualities based upon the Transformational Model of leadership. Students will learn essential competencies needed to succeed in a variety of nurse leader roles. Theory 2 hours weekly, 50 project hours over the term.
NURS 340 End of Lifespan Advances in medical technology have enabled individuals to live longer lives, orchestrate their own healthcare, and participate in end of life decisions. Inherent within end of life issues are cultural decisions, ethical issues, Anticipatory grief, palliative care, loss, and bereavement. This course will use a holistic approach to examine cultural considerations/rituals, religious influences, loss, grief, socioeconomic challenges, end-of- life physical concerns across the lifespan. Preparing for and caring for the individual/family at the time of death will be explored. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. (U2)
Approved Nursing Electives. Nursing elective courses might include but are not limited to:
NURS 381-384 Independent Study
NURS 390-399 Special Topics
MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS
The MSN programs prepare professional nurses at the graduate level for essential leadership roles in nursing administration, education, and advanced nursing practice. Graduate level coursework is designed to foster exchange and learning between nursing, education, and business administration programs. This interdisciplinary approach broadens and enriches the healthcare perspectives of the graduates. Applicants to any of these programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and meet additional admission requirements. Information on each of the MSN programs can be found on the Graduate Nursing website (Please click here).
MSN Program options include the following:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
| General Core Courses | |
| NURS 502 | Epidemiology and Bioinformatics |
| NURS 504 | Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care |
| NURS 506 | Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice |
| NURS 536 | Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care |
Direct Care Core Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
| NURS 507 | Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities |
Acute Care Clinical Year | |
| NURS 710 | Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with adults in internal/hospital medicine) |
| NURS 711 | Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with adults in critical care settings) |
| NURS 712 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship (includes 100 hours in a specialty, 150 hours internal medicine) |
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
| General Core Courses | |
| NURS 502 | Epidemiology and Bioinformatics |
| NURS 504 | Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care |
| NURS 506 | Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice |
| NURS 536 | Law, Regulation, and Ethics in Health Care |
Direct Care Core Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
| NURS 507 | Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities |
Primary Care Clinical Year | |
| NURS 720 | Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 721 | Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 722 | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship (includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings) |
Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Leader
| General Core Courses | |
| NURS 502 | Epidemiology & Bioinformatics |
| NURS 504 | Policy, Quality & Safety in Health Care |
| NURS 506 | Nursing Role Theory & Evidence-Based Practice |
| NURS 536 | Law, Regulations & Ethics in Health Care |
| Direct Core Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health & Physical Assessment |
| Clinical Nurse Leader Specialty Courses | |
| NURS 610 | CNL Roles and Responsibilities |
| NURS 750 | CNL Capstone Seminar & Internship I |
| NURS 755 | CNL Capstone Seminar & Intership II |
| NURS 751 | Clinical Nurse Leader Seminar & Internship I |
| NURS 756 | Clinical Nurse Leader Seminar & Internship II |
Nurse Educator
| General Core Courses | |
| NURS 502 | Epidemiology and Bioinformatics |
| NURS 504 | Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care |
| NURS 506 | Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice |
| NURS 536 | Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care |
| Direct Care Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
| Nurse Educator Courses | |
| NURS 613 | Assessment and Evaluation Methods |
| NURS 614 | Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators |
| EDUC 610 | Differentiating Instruction |
| EDUC 655 | Standards-Based Curriculum Design |
| NURS 765 | Nurse Educator Seminar and Internship Includes 100 practicum hours in the nurse educator role. |
Nurse Administrator
| General Core Courses | |
| NURS 502 | Epidemiology and Bioinformatics |
| NURS 504 | Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care |
| NURS 506 | Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice |
| NURS 536 | Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care |
| MBA Courses | |
| NURS 533 | Managing Health Care Organizations |
| NURS 535 | Health Economics |
| Nursing Administration Courses | |
| NURS 520 | Financial Management in Health Care |
| NURS 522 | Project Management in Health Care |
| NURS 524 | Strategic Planning in Health Care |
| NURS 760 | Nurse Administrator Seminar and Internship Includes 150 practicum hours in nursing administrator role. |
| Leadership Elective (select one) | |
| NURS 511 | Leadership Competencies |
| NURS 512 | Women in Leadership |
| NURS 513 | Leading People in Organizations |
MSN-MBA Dual Degree
MSN Core Courses
- NURS 502: Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
- NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
- NURS 506: Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
- NURS 536: Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care
Specialty Courses
- NURS 520: Financial Management in Health Care
- NURS 522: Project Management in Health Care
- NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Health Care
- NURS 533: Managing Health Care Organization
- NURS 535: Health Care Financing System
- NURS 760: Nurse Administrator Capstone, Seminar and Internship
MBA Core Courses
- Seven courses from the School of Professional Studies and Innovations will be required.
MSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the program of study, it is expected that the MSN graduate will:
1. Synthesize new and prior learning for clinical decision-making, policy development, and healthcare leadership.
2. Analyze population health perspectives in provision of safe, person-centered care to foster optimal health outcomes and well-being for diverse individuals, families, communities, and populations.
3. Conduct scholarly inquiry using information technology to synthesize best evidence to inform nursing practice, education, research, and policy.
4. Perform quality improvement initiatives that ensure cost-effective healthcare, promoting a culture of safety at the individual and systems levels.
5. Refine one’s own professional identity through adherence to professional standards of practice and code of ethics.
6. Create a culture of collaboration across disciplines through transformational leadership.
Post-Master’s Certificates in All Program Tracks:
Nurse Educator Certificate
- NURS 613: Assessment and Evaluation
- NURS 614: Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators
- EDUC 610: Differentiating Instruction
- EDUC 655: Standards-Based Curriculum Development
Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Nurse Administrator Certificate
Required Nursing Administration Courses
- NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare
- NURS 520: Financial Management in Healthcare
- NURS 522: Project Management in Healthcare
- NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Healthcare
Management and Leadership, Elective Options (select one)
- NURS 533: Managing Healthcare Organizations
- NURS 511: Developing Managerial Competencies
- NURS 512: Women in Leadership
- NURS 513: Leading People in Organizations
Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate
Required CNL Courses
- NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare*
- NURS 610: CNL Roles and Responsibilities
- NURS 750: CNL Seminar and Internship 1
- NURS 755: CNL Seminar and Internship II
*NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare is required; however, this requirement will be waived if this course or course equivalent is completed prior to enrolling in the certificate program.
Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
| Direct Care Core Courses | |
| NURS 507 | Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses, The Clinical Year | |
| NURS 720 | Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 721 | Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 732 | Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Theory and Practicum |
| NURS 733 | Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship |
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
| Direct Care Core Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
| NURS 507 | Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities |
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student may need to take 1 or more of the direct care core courses (above). Primary Care Clinical Year | |
| NURS 720 | Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 721 | Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 722 | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship (includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings) |
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
| Direct Care Core Courses | |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NURS 532 | Advanced Pharmacology |
| NURS 534 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment |
| NURS 507 | Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities |
Acute Care Clinical Year | |
| NURS 710 | Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 711 | Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings) |
| NURS 712 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship (includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings) |
Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate
Nursing Education Courses
- NURS 613: Assessment and Evaluation
- NURS 614: Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators
- EDUC 610: Differentiating Instruction
- EDUC 655: Standards-Based Curriculum Development
Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Post-Master’s Nurse Administrator Certificate
Required Nursing Administration Courses
- NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare
- NURS 520: Financial Management in Healthcare
- NURS 522: Project Management in Healthcare
- NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Healthcare
Management and Leadership, Elective Options (select one)
- NURS 533: Managing Healthcare Organizations
- NURS 511: Developing Managerial Competencies
- NURS 512: Women in Leadership
- NURS 513: Leading People in Organization
Post-Master’s Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate
Required CNL Courses
- NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare*
- NURS 610: CNL Roles and Responsibilities
- NURS 750: CNL Seminar and Internship 1
- NURS 755: CNL Seminar and Internship II
*NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare is required; however, this requirement will be waived if this course or course equivalent is completed prior to enrolling in the certificate program.
Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Direct Care Core Courses
- NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses, the Clinical Year
- NURS 720: Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 721: Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 735: Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Theory
- NURS 736: Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Practicum
- NURS 733: Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship
Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Direct Care Core Courses
- NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Primary Care Clinical Year
- NURS 720: Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 721: Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 722: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship. (includes 250 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Direct Care Core Courses
- NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities
- NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).
Acute Care Clinical Year
- NURS 710: Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 711: Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
- NURS 712: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship. (includes 250 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice doctorate that prepares graduates to be clinical scholars and leaders in the provision of evidence-based healthcare in diverse settings within a complex healthcare system. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, integrate appropriate technology, lead quality improvement initiatives to achieve equitable, cost-conscious outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and patient populations. |
This Post Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice program requires 35 credits and can be completed in 2 years of full-time study. Graduates of 鶹Ƶֱ’s Master of Science in Nursing program can be accepted with advanced standing as they have already completed graduate-level courses, NURS 802: Epidemiology and Bioinformatics and NURS 804: Policy, Quality and Safety. Verification of supervised clinical hours completed in prior graduate courses will be required.
DNP Courses
- NURS 800: Scholarly Writing (3 credits)
- NURS 802: Epidemiology and Bioinformatics (3 credits)
- NURS 804: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare (EBP) (3 credits)
- NURS 805: Information Technology and Biostatistics (2 credits)
- NURS 810: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) (3 credits)
- NURS 811: Evidence-Based Practice Methods (3 credits)
- NURS 820: Population Health, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (3 credits)
- Health Economics (3 credits)
- NURS 901: EBP Project: Systems Thinking 1 (3 credits)
- NURS 902: EBP Project: Systems Thinking 2 (3 credits)
- NURS 903: EBP Project: Systems Thinking 3 (3 credits)
- Leadership elective (3 credits)