Online RN-BSN Completion Program Course Descriptions
Nursing Courses
Nursing 301: Nursing Informatics
This is an introductory course to computers and nursing informatics. The focus is on the integration of nursing, computer, and information science for the support of professional nursing practice. Students will be able to define nursing informatics and information science. They will learn to evaluate information according to information literacy standards and assess the role of the nurse in the application of nursing informatics. Discussion and examination will be conducted of: ethical considerations in nursing informatics use of social networking tools, handheld computers and e-portfolios in health care environments. (To be taken the first academic term after enrollment in the program. Is a prerequisite for all other nursing courses.)
Nursing 400: Conceptual Foundations of Nursing
This course introduces the returning registered nurse student to the many dimensions of professional nursing. Issues germane to the practice of professional nursing including the dynamics of professional development, the knowledge bases of professional practice, the changing health care environment, and professional practice strategies will be covered in the course. Discussion and analysis of various theories and conceptual frameworks related to the practice of professional nursing takes place. The philosophy and curriculum of the College of Nursing is discussed. All lecture, discussion, and student assignments are intended to stimulate critical thinking skills. Registered nurse students gain a thorough understanding of the concepts covered in the course and are able to apply those in the remainder of the RN-BSN curriculum, as well as in nursing practice. (Prerequisite: Nursing 301)
Nursing 410: Caring Health Practices in Health Assessment
The student increases knowledge and skills in health history and physical assessment. Analysis and synthesis of health assessment data is used to plan and provide nursing care across care settings. The influences of diverse ages and cultures are included in health assessment. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400)
Nursing 3533: Transcultural Concepts
In this seminar students discuss transcultural nursing concepts and their application to nursing care across the lifespan. Students examine topics of cultural and gender bias, ethnocentrism, cultural blindness, cultural imposition, legal trends, as well as select ethical and moral issues and dilemmas encountered when caring for culturally diverse patients and families. An exploration of the health beliefs and practices of several cultural groups and sub-groups in the United States is conducted. Current nursing research is used to inform the study of transcultural nursing and cultural competence. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400)
Nursing 360: Nursing Research
This course presents an overview of the research process and the major types of research. The course examines the elements of a research proposal and provides opportunities for students to critique research literature focusing on the student’s role as a consumer of research. The process of examining a clinical care problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome is studied. (Prerequisites: Health 320-Statistics or equivalent, Nursing 301, Nursing 400)
Nursing 402: Caring Practices within the Leadership Role
Providing caring interventions within the leadership role that are inherent in professional nursing. The course introduces nursing leadership and management concepts and theories related to change, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and organizational systems. It examines legal, political, economic, and ethical aspects of nursing. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400, Nursing 410, Nursing 3533, Nursing 360)
Nursing 409: Caring Health Practices for the Older Adult
This course provides students with knowledge of holistic care of the older adult. Theories of aging are explored from systems, populations and evidenced based practice perspectives. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400, Nursing 410, Nursing 3533, Nursing 360)
Nursing 403: Caring Practices within the Community
This course examines the concept of nursing care of the community and aggregates and explores epidemiology, health promotion, prevention, and environment and current community health issues. This course focuses on health, wellness, and strengths of aggregates and nursing interventions in the care of the community as client. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400, Nursing 410, Nursing 3533, Nursing 360, Nursing 402, Nursing 409)
Nursing 490: Capstone Experience
This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize and utilize knowledge and skills gained through the Online RN-BSN Completion Program of study. Concepts of nursing informatics, leadership, teaching –learning principles, communication, nursing research, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and health promotion are utilized in the development of a student project related to an identified PICO question. (Prerequisites: Nursing 301, Nursing 400, Nursing 410, Nursing 3533, Nursing 360, Nursing 402, Nursing 409, Nursing 403)
General Education Courses
Humanities 420: Legal and Ethical Issues
The course explores a variety of ethical and legal issues that impact health care delivery systems. The course focuses on societal, ethical, and legal issues, and will also involve clarification of individual values and the process of ethical and legal decision making. Special emphasis is placed on ethical and legal issues which impact the health care professions and the delivery of health care to the individual, family, and community.
Humanities 430: Applied Humanities
This course examines an extensive array of humanities and social science issues, specifically to determine how different models, methods and strategies may improve clinical practice. It focuses on non-nursing systems, with reference to their interconnectedness and interdependencies. Students evaluate the implications and consequences of health care decisions. Topics include critical and creative thinking, research and data collection, decision-making, dialogue, pattern/trend analysis, and systems thinking. The primary model used is discovery learning.
Science 420: Applied Science
Major health concerns are explored using a physical, natural, and human science integrated approach. Emphasis is placed on theories relating to multi-disciplinary concepts of promoting health and preventing disease as applied to individuals, community, and society. Integrated concepts of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, genetics, physiological chemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, epidemiology, and environ-mental factors provide the foundation for exploring the human function/dysfunction. Discussions are developed around student interest and exploration.
Health 320: Health Statistics
This is an introduction to the statistical techniques commonly used for research and epidemiological studies in health care. It focuses on the application and impact of statistical measures related to health and society.
