Nursing, RN

The RN, Associate Degree Nursing Program is a two-year curriculum comprising classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences. The course of study is 104 quarter hours and designed to prepare the graduate as a beginning generalist practitioner, functioning as a provider of care, coordinator of care and as a member of the nursing profession.

The classes for this full time program include background courses such as Anatomy, Psychology, and English as well as nursing courses in professional development and client care. Educational methods used are classroom lecture, computer based instruction, hands-on skills lab, and supervised clinical experience in area hospitals and health facilities.

The program is rigorous and demanding. However, students find the supportive atmosphere of the Nursing Department enables them to successfully complete the program while maintaining other responsibilities.

Qualified Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Certification Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include a wide variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician's offices, industry, and community health agencies.

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Course Listing

BIO 161 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

The structure and function of body systems and organs are studied to develop an overall knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems are covered. Among the systems studied are the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory.

BIO 162 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

BIO 200 Medical Microbiology

This course is an introduction to the role of microorganisms in human health and disease. Topics covered will include the structure, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of bacteria, fungi, protists, helminths, and viruses. Epidemiology, immunology, and the disease process will also be covered.

Prerequisite:
BIO 162

MTH 105 Applied Mathematics for Nursing

This course provides instruction in and practice of mathematical concepts relevant to healthcare professions. Topics include fractional values, calculations, conversions, ratios, and proportions, as well as critical analysis of numerical data and statistical reports. Review and practice of basic mathematical operations is provided as needed.

Prerequisite:
MTH 090 or Placement

NUR 101 Introduction to Nursing and Health Care

An examination of the historical roots of nursing and health care delivery systems, the economics of health care, health care regulations and the roles of nurses in today’s health care. Health is defined, and belief models and functional health patterns across the life span are reviewed. The importance of holistic caring in the application of the nursing process is stressed. Alternative and complementary therapies are reviewed.

NUR 105 Nursing and Health Assessment

An introduction to the methods of health assessment including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial. Growth and development are stressed as these are related to health assessment. A laboratory component provides opportunities to apply and practice assessment techniques as well as fundamental nursing procedures.

Prerequisite:
BIO 161, NUR 101

NUR 115 Pharmacology

A study of the use of medicines to treat or prevent disease, the classification of drugs, the principles of pain management, and the nurse’s role in the administration of prescribed medicines. Dosage calculations and techniques of medication administration practiced in laboratory component.

Prerequisite:
BIO 200, MTH 101

NUR 125 Nursing and the Childbearing Family

A study of pregnancy and care of the neonate within the structure of family, emphasizing nursing assessment and interventions for families experiencing a normal childbearing experience. Clinical practice during the childbearing process is required.

Prerequisite: NUR 115

NUR 140 Nursing and Health Alterations I

An introduction to the concept of health deviation as related to Gordon’s functional health patterns, including a review of how health alterations may produce functional limitations that require traditional medical and nursing interventions. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
BIO 162, NUR 105

NUR 141 Nursing and Health Alterations II

A study of nursing diagnoses and interventions related to commonly occurring health problems associated with inflammation and infection, oxygenation, cardiac output, tissue perfusion, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 115, NUR 1400

BUS 310 Entrepreneurship

This course provides a view of entrepreneurship as an ongoing process, emphasizing such distinct phases as generation of an idea, recognition of an opportunity, launching a new venture, managing the rewards. The course examines the roles of individual variables, group or interpersonal variables, societal variables, the marketing process in a new company, protecting intellectual property, and the impact of entrepreneurship on family members.

Prerequisite:
MGT 205

NUR 160 Medical Ethics

An introduction to the legal and ethical issues that lay the foundation for practice. Students learn the fundamental principles on which ethical decisions are made and will be able to distinguish between what is often legal but not necessarily ethical. Philosophical views are applied to healthcare settings.

NUR 200 Mental Health Nursing

A study of alterations in the functional health pattern of cognition-perception and the nurse’s role in promoting mental health. Common alterations in the cognition-perceptual pattern are studied, including chemical dependency, violence, neurosis, psychosis and physical conditions affecting cognition. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 115, NUR 140

NUR 210 Nursing and Health Alterations III

A study of alterations in mobility, sensation, digestion, nutrition, elimination, excretion, reproduction and metabolic regulation, with emphasis on the assessment and intervention roles of the nurse. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 115, NUR 141

NUR 211 Nursing and Health Alterations IV

A study of alterations in immune system, excretion and reproduction are studied, with an emphasis on the assessment and intervention roles of the nurse. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 115, NUR 210

NUR 230 Nursing and Sick Children

A study of commonly occurring health alterations during childhood and adolescence and related special care needs influenced by developmental status, with emphasis on the role of the nurse as provider of care. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 115, NUR 141

NUR 240 Management of Client Care

A study of management information and skills by which the nurse provides safe and effective care for a group of clients in both acute and long-term care settings. Clinical practice is required.

Prerequisite:
NUR 125, NUR 141, NUR 200, NUR 211

NUR 250 Nursing Trends and Issues

A focus on the nurse as a member of the profession, exploring the transition from school to the world of work within the framework of current professional issues and trends.

Prerequisite:
NUR 125, NUR 141, NUR 200, NUR 211

NUR 290 Nursing Practicum

Experience providing the opportunity for knowledge integration and concentrated clinical practice in either an acute or long-term care setting. The experience is designed to assure that the graduate is a competent entry-level practitioner. Competency demonstration required.

Prerequisite:
Satisfactory completion of all coursework except NUR 250

General Courses

ENG 111 Composition I

Composition I is a course in expository writing, emphasizing those methods which are most frequently used in analysis, evaluation, and argument. Though the course assumes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics, appropriate review in these skills will be provided as the need arises.

Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or placement

ENG 112 Composition II

This course is a continuation of ENG 111 and is designed to teach students to compose effective argumentative essays, including a researched essay. Emphasis is placed on selection and restriction of topics, thesis statements, organization, development, coherence, clarity, and style. Adherence to the conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics is required.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111 or placement

PSY 101 Principles of Psychology

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in psychology. Topics include theoretical bases, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and the relationship of biology to psychological illness and treatment.

SOC 101 Principles of Sociology

This course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and the principles and methods employed in the scientific study of human societies. Topics include the socialization of individuals and groups, social stratification, social organization, deviant behavior, and the influences leading to social change.

SOC 105 Interpersonal Communication

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships.