This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

This course facilitates the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or paramedic transition into a new role as a Registered Nurse offered through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Nursing programs. Emphasis is placed on the scope of practice of the registered nurse and integration of professional competencies, clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, technology, cultural competence, quality, and safety. This course is designed to identify and reinforce prior competencies as well as enhance and increase student knowledge. Nursing skills, medication administration, and health assessment concepts are integrated throughout the course and validated in a clinical and lab setting. Upon completion, the student will be prepared to provide quality nursing care, incorporating preexisting proficiency and new concepts identified in this course.

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community.  The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings.  Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients.  Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care.  In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system.  Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice. 

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health.  The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

This course explores the research process and its contributions to professional nursing practice. The skills related to reading published research findings and utilizing that evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice are developed.

This course focuses on the use of health information systems, communication devices, computer applications and explores the impact of these technologies on nursing practice.

The course focuses on current national and global trends, policies, and challenges which impact health and healthcare delivery. An overview of ethical and legal issues commonly presented to nurses and other health care providers is discussed with emphasis on the identification and analysis of legal and ethical principles underlying clinical judgment in nursing.

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.