Nursing Courses

NURS 102

The Professional Nurse: Roles and Concepts

1 credit hour

P: TS-100, transfer admission, or admission to BSN/ACC track

This course provides an introduction to nursing practice and its four major concepts: professional identity, clinical practice, patient, and health systems. Basic skills such as listening, observation and measuring vital signs are practiced in select settings. The mission, philosophy, and core values of SXU and SONHS are emphasized. Offered Fall, spring and May term (May term limited to students in BSN/ACC program).

NURS 199

Introduction to Aging

3 credit hours

This course introduces the student to the inter-disciplinary field of gerontology and a constructive approach to the aging process. Relevant and contemporary topics are covered, which includes subject areas in the fields of biology, psychology, economics, health sciences, and the collective social issues that affect a growing number of older adults. Students are provided opportunities to investigate negative myths about aging, interact with an older adult in a positive manner to promote healthy aging, and to explore the complexity and diversity of those aging members of our society. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 205

Narrative Gerontology

3 credit hours

The purpose of this interdisciplinary course is to familiarize the student with a method of inquiry through the narrative; another's story. The student will be introduced to qualitative research methodology, as a way of understanding the diversity and complexity of the older adult. Student interdisciplinary teams will discuss a variety of readings and studies and participate in developing a qualitative research study outline, which will explore the perspectives of older adults, leading to a broad and deep understanding of aging and how to come to recognize what is meaningful to older adults. This course is a course elective for the Gerontology major and minor and is also a nursing elective.

NURS 208

Aging and Culture

3 credit hours

This course examines aging in cross-cultural perspective. Emphasized are the diverse and worldwide cultural contexts that mediate the experience of aging. Evaluated is the human response to aging as influenced through historical time periods. Theoretical perspectives and myth surrounding aging are explored. Challenges of growing old are considered in diverse life contexts and cultures. Explored are case studies of aging from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas and the contextual knowledge that illuminates life transition, health, well-being, and cultural adaptation for the aged. This course applies to academic disciplines including nursing and health sciences.

NURS 215

Pathophysiology

3 credit hours

E: NURS-218, NURS-220, NURSP-221

This course explores the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and developmental considerations of specific disease processes. Students will acquire an understanding of the mechanisms of disordered physiology that underlie illnesses commonly encountered in practice settings. Understanding of pathophysiological processes will be linked to the clinical manifestations of illness and exploration of nursing implications. Offered fall, spring and summer (summer is limited to students in BSN/ACC program).

NURS 218

Concepts in Professional Nursing I

3 credit hours

E: NURS-215 NURS-220 NURSP-221; or admission to BSN/ACC track

This course provides an overview of concepts associated with professionalism, healthcare, and the holistic care of patients. Through discussion, case studies, and self-reflection, students will develop a fundamental understanding of hese concepts and their importance to the practice of nursing. NURS-215, NURS-220, NURSP-221 - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

NURS 220

Holistic Assessment

3 credit hours

E: NURS-215 NURS-218 NURSP-221

This course provides the foundation and skills for holistic assessment of patients across the lifespan. With a focus on physical assessment, bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural dimensions, therapeutic communication, collaboration, health promotion, clinical reasoning, and safe use of technology are integrated. Offered fall, spring and summer (summer is limited to students in BSN/ACC program).

NURS 318

Concepts in Professional Nursing II

3 credit hours

P: NURS-215, NURS-218, NURS-220, NURSP-221
E: NURS-333, NURS-349, NURSP-334

This course provides an in depth understanding of the research process and the application of evidence-based practice to nursing care. Ethical/legal dimensions are identified in both research and practice settings. An introduction to the principles of information science and information systems provides the foundation for students to explore the practical applications of various information technologies in health care. Offered Fall, Spring and Summer (Summer is limited to students in BSN/ACC program).

NURS 319

Concepts in Professional Nursing III

2 credit hours

P: NURS-318, NURS-333, NURS-349, NURSP-334
E: NURS-376, NURSP-377

This course explores the practice of professional nurses as they interact with the various elements of health systems, environmental factors, social policies and delivery of care. These concepts will be examined from a national and global perspective. The impact of technology and health care informatics on the delivery of care and performance improvement will be explored. Offered fall, spring and summer (summer is limited to students in BSN/ACC program).

NURS 333

Holistic Care in Nursing Practice I

3 credit hours

P: NURS-215, NURS-218, NURS-220, NURSP-221
C: NURSP-334

This course focuses on concepts fundamental to the practice of nursing from a theoretical, evidence base. A conceptual approach is used to explore knowledge and skills as they apply to patients with basic health alterations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, health promotion, safety, clinical judgment, and nursing interventions. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 334

Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests: Implications for Nursing

2 credit hours

E: NURS-336, NURS-337

*Formerly NURS 383. This course uses concepts from nursing and science to focus on assisting nursing students to plan comprehensive, effective nursing care utilizing relevant data from laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Emphasis is placed on the human element, enabling the nursing student to formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses. The pathophysiology of conditions causing alterations in laboratory values will be explored across the life span. A thorough knowledge of diagnostic data will enhance the nursing student's effectiveness as a member of the healthcare team.

NURS 335

Principles of Practice of Intravenous Therapy

1 credit hour

P: NURS-333, NURSP-334

*Formerly NURS 383. The purpose of this course is to assist the student in developing an in-depth understanding of the care of the patient receiving intravenous therapy. The course will include an overview of the various types of intravenous fluids and catheters, as well as the legal aspects of intravenous therapy. Identification, treatment, and prevention of complications associated with peripheral and central venous therapy will be discussed. Students will return demonstrate intravenous catheter insertion on mannequins.

NURS 337

Introduction to Emergency Nursing

3 credit hours

*Formerly NURS 383. This course focuses on the standards of nursing practice associated with the emergently ill population across the lifespan. Major concepts underlying the care of the emergently ill population will be discussed in depth and applied using case studies. Clinical assessment and decision making will be highlighted and reinforced with this population of patient. Selected clinical skills will also be covered.

NURS 348

Geriatric Syndromes

3 credit hours

This hybrid course addresses Geriatric Syndromes and their effect on the physical, psychological, and social health and well-being of older adults. The foci is the role of nursing in the assessment, health promotion, risk reduction, evidence-based interventions, and client teaching related to Geriatric Syndromes. Face-to-face classes are held every other week along with on-line case studies and reflective thinking projects on alternative weeks.

NURS 349

Nursing Pharmacology I

3 credit hours

P: NURS-215, NURS-220, NURSP-221
E: NURS-318, NURS-333, NURSP-334, or admission to to BSN/ACC track

This course introduces necessary concepts for safe medication administration. Additionally covered in this course will be the basics of pharmacokinetics, drug classifications, and dosage calculations. The role of the pharmacologic nurse in patient education and the use of current resources are emphasized. NURS-215, NURS-220, NURSP-221 - Must be completed prior to taking this course. NURS 318, NURS-333 NURSP-334 or admission to BSN/ACC track - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

NURS 358

Nursing Care End of Life

3 credit hours

*Formerly NURS 383. This course is an on-line course based on the ELNEC (End of Life Nursing Education Consortium) core curriculum, and addresses the special care and needs of patients, families and significant others at the end of life. Content will include an overview of hospice and palliative care, the role of the interdisciplinary team in hospice care, as well as the concepts of communication at the end of life, ethical, legal and cultural considerations, suffering, grief, loss and bereavement. Care of the dying child as well as the veteran at the end of life will also be addressed. Literature and film will enhance the student's awareness of end of life issues.

NURS 364

Three D'S of Geriatric Psyche (Dementia, Delirium, Depression)

2 credit hours

*Formerly NURS 383. This 8 week hybrid course utilizes relevant theory and findings from the social, biological and health sciences to explore the wholistic needs of older adults experiencing common mental health challenges: delirium, dementia and depression. Issues related to nursing assessment, intervention, risk reduction, and prevention are incorporated as well as explaining the impact these problems have on older adults.

NURS 376

Holistic Care in Nursing Practice II

4 credit hours

P: NURS-318, NURS-333, NURS-349, NURSP-334
C: NURSP-377

This course focuses on improving health outcomes with individuals, families, and communities across settings. With an emphasis on risk reduction and health promotion, students explore the nursing care of patients with psycho-biologic and bio-physical alterations. The influence of culture, environment, and current health care. offered fall and spring.

NURS 383

Special Topics in Nursing

1 to 3 credit hours

This course presents varying subject matter related to current trends and issues in professional nursing, dependent upon student interest and faculty resources. Junior or senior status.

NURS 389

Concepts in Professional Nursing IV

2 credit hours

P: NURS-319, NURS-376, NURSP-377
E: NURS-433, NURS-449, NURSP-434

This course provides an in-depth examination of nursing concepts integral to the role of a successful professional nurse. The concepts of leadership and communication will be examined as they impact patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Caring and the art of nursing practice will be explored as related to situations involving end of life care and the nurse's role as teacher, advocate, and manager/provider/coordinator of care. Through dialog, reflection, and collaboration students will develop a better understanding and appreciation for approaching health care issues from multiple perspectives. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 394

Care of Children With Chronic Health Alterations

3 credit hours

E: NURS-433

This course expands and applies nursing concepts across pediatric sub-specialties to care for children with chronic health alterations. Relevant and contemporary topics are covered within the pediatric subspecialties of Pulmonology, Cardiology, Neurology, Adolescent Medicine, Sports Medicine, Child Abuse and Sleep Medicine. Psychosocial implications of chronic illness on children and families will be explored. Students are provided opportunities to meet with pediatric subspecialists and to apply clinical skills in a simulation lab. The influence of culture, environment, and current health care will be covered.

NURS 433

Holistic Care in Nursing Practice III

4 credit hours

P: NURS-319, NURS-376, NURSP-377
C: NURSP-434

This course expands on select concepts as applied across the lifespan. A conceptual approach is used to explore knowledge and skills as they apply to patients with acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, health promotion, leadership, safety, clinical judgment, and nursing interventions. The role of the nurse in the care and management of patients with acute and chronic illness is the focus of this course. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 449

Nursing Pharmacology II

3 credit hours

C: NURS-319, NURS-376, NURSP-377
P: NURS-349

This course provides an in-depth examination of drug classifications and their application in the care of patients with complex medical conditions. Concepts necessary for safe medication administration and dosage calculation are reinforced. Accountability and the regulations concerning medication administration, reconciliation, and drug interactions are discussed. The role of the nurse in patient education and use of current resources are demonstrated. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 477

Senior Seminar

1 credit hour

P: NURS-389, NURS-449, NURS-433, NURSP-434
E: NURS-478, NURSP-479

The focus of the seminar is to prepare the student for the transition from nursing student to professional registered nurse. Peer exchange, role modeling, exploration, and synthesis of nursing issues, concepts and practices will take place in this seminar. Students will more fully integrate nursing values into their professional identity. Offered fall and spring.

NURS 478

Advanced Concepts in Nursing Practice

4 credit hours

P: NURS-389, NURS-449, NURS-433, NURSP-434
E: NURS-477, NURSP-479

This synthesis course provides a culminating experience with a variety of learning activities that integrate clinical reasoning, nursing management and evaluation skills. Utilizing critical inquiry and evidence based practice the nurse's role in optimizing health outcomes is more fully appreciated. The students' development of professional identity as a member of an interdisciplinary team is also fostered. Offered fall and spring.