Nursing (RN to BSN)

The ability to think critically is an essential foundation for problem solving. This course is designed to examine and enhance the student’s critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Concepts related to analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, reasoning, and problem solving will be used to explore the decision-making process. Emphasis will be placed upon the ability to think critically and creatively, reason soundly, and collaborate effectively.

This course focuses on the systematic study of writing effective prose and argumentation, stressing development and support of a clear thesis. Students will learn to formulate ideas, appraise text and online resources, and synthesize research findings. The student will become familiar with various writing and communication formats and develop techniques for following APA form and style and avoiding plagiarism.

This course builds on previously learned concepts and techniques of physical examination and health assessment, and facilitates enhanced confidence and competence in interviewing for data collection and health histories, prioritizing assessments, establishing databases, analyzing clinical findings, and performing physical, psychological, and cultural assessments. Clinical judgment, clinical decision making, and contributing to client care as a full partner in the interdisciplinary healthcare team are emphasized. Laboratory experiencing engage students in virtually simulated scenarios requiring the application of health assessment skills for diverse clients across the life span.

This course builds on previously learned concepts and strengthens the student’s ability to make appropriate clinical decisions related to pathophysiologic causes and pharmacologic treatments of common, selected disease processes. Focused on fundamental principles of pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, the course emphasizes the role and responsibility of the professional nurse in the safe administration and management of medications for the achievement of optimum and safe health outcomes. Best practices for high-risk and vulnerable populations as well as a comprehensive approach to the clinical application of drug therapy are explored.

This course focuses on concepts and processes of nursing research and evidence-based practice to develop students as critical consumers and evaluators of research findings. Theories and terminology relevant to the context of original research, including research design, methodology, data collection, data analysis, appropriate statistical tests of analysis, and dissemination of results are presented. Students will critically read and evaluate research articles from various sources to determine relevance, validity, and usefulness in the support of informed clinical decisions. Ethical considerations in research involving human participants will also be explored.

This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to enable you to expand and understand a systematic review of patient safety and quality improvements in the delivery of healthcare, within the community and globally as a member of a collaborative interprofessional team. Content will address the history of the quality improvement process in healthcare, quality databases and improvement process tools and programs. Through the use of case studies, discussions, and exercises students will be become more familiar with the use of several quality improvement programs and tools. For example, the Plan-Do-Study- Act (PDSA) cycle, Six Sigma and the Toyota Production System known as Lean Production processes will be addressed. Students can use this course to identify the tools and design the methods that they plan to employ in a quality improvement or patient safety project in the work environment as they interact with patients and colleagues.

This course examines contemporary nursing roles and healthcare practices in the management of population and public health. Student will explore determinants of health, epigenetics affects, environmental influences, and the impact of policy on the health of vulnerable and culturally diverse populations in a global society. Best practices focused on the prevention and management of health conditions for individuals and populations across the lifespan are emphasized. Practicum experiences are designed for student to apply course concepts in the provision of health promotion and disease prevention interventions for local populations.

This course explores health information and informatics concepts encountered in healthcare settings. Students will trace the history of health data management and the role of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other clinical informatics applications in healthcare organizations. Attention is focused on the role of the nurse in interfacing with these systems to improve healthcare quality and client outcomes through the integration of evidence-based practice and informatics. Attention is given to the evaluation of health information systems and their role in client safety, safe medication administration, maintaining client privacy, data security, and efficacy of healthcare processes. Students are encouraged to explore how computers and software are used at healthcare and develop and demonstrate generalist nursing practices needed to manage health information and client care technologies in their work environment and to share their findings with class participants.

This course examines health and healthcare challenges from the perspective of vulnerable and at-risk populations. Students will explore context-relevant health promotion; analyze issues of social justice in health care; develop heightened awareness and understanding of health issues for underserved populations; and identify interventions that prompt equitable, quality health for all. Health disparities in the United States and patterns of disparity that impact health care access, quality of care, and health outcomes are emphasized.

This capstone course is the culmination of the BSN degree program and provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate the competencies they mastered. Students will review key elements of management and leadership theory and will examine strategies and processes that address content such as professionalism; morale and governance; improvement of care delivery; facilitation of change; quality and safety; principles of client-centered care; evidence-based practice; decision making and problem solving. The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the program outcomes and to synthesize previous learning in the nursing major to address professional roles and competencies required of baccalaureate nurse generalists while working in partnership with individuals, families, communities, and other health care professionals. The focus is on skills used by the nurse to excel as a clinician, professional leader, communicator and as a citizen. In addition, the student demonstrates competence in a practicum experience and comprehension of nursing concepts through case study activities.