COURSE INFORMATION
Upper Division Electives | BS Major Generic Option | Nursing Course Descriptions
B.S. MAJOR - NURSING
96 S.H. (No Minor Required)
Note: All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
PREREQUISITES/REQUIRED COURSES 37-38 S.H.
NATURAL SCIENCE 21 - 22 S.H.
Biology (14 S.H.)
206 Normal Nutrition (3)
209 Microbiology (3)
*211 Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
*212 Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
Chemistry (7-8 S.H.)
* 208 (3), *209 (4) General, Organic and Biochemistry I and II OR
* 212, *213 Principles of Chemistry I and II (4 S.H. each)
SOCIAL SCIENCE 12 S.H.
Psychology (6 S.H.)
* 210 General Psychology (3)
* 250 Developmental Psychology (3)
Sociology (6 S.H.)
* 150 Introduction to Sociology (3)
* 212 The Family (3)
OTHER 4 S.H.
English (4 S.H.)
* 111 College Reading and Writing (4)
Additional nursing major requirements are to be completed after admission to the major, but before graduation. See listings of prerequisites or core-requisites for N375.
* STAT 110 Fundamentals of Statistics (3) OR
PSY 231 Statistics (3) (Note: This course does not fulfill a University Studies requirement.)
* Courses may be used to satisfy certain University Studies requirements.
Five semester hours of upper-division electives (300- and 400-level courses) are required for the nursing major; of these, 2 credits must be from nursing electives. Electives may be taken as letter grade or pass/no credit if the courses are offered on a P/NC basis.
NURSING ELECTIVES at the 300-400 level
325 Transcultural Issues in Health Care (3)
327 Introduction to Public Health (3)
360 Pharmacology (1) (for RN Option only)
366 Pathophysiology (3) (for RN Option only)
392 Cardiac Risk Prevention (3)
399 Skills for Professional Success (2)
401 Spirituality in Nursing (2)
402 Clinical Pharmacology (3) (RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
404 Advanced Pathophysiology (3) (RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
406 Psychosocial Interventions in Family Care (2) (RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
408 Advanced Role Seminar (2) (RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
410 Theoretical Foundations and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice
412 Critical Care Nursing (2-3)
414 Health Care Policy and Finance (3) (RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
416 Issues in Gerontology and Geriatrics for the 21st Century (1-3)
417 Health Assessment Techniques (1)
418 Computer Applications in Nursing (2)
419 Advanced Health Promotion (3) (RN-to-MS Professional Path
432 Principles of OR Nursing (3)
480 Holistic Approaches to Health (3)
490 Independent Study in Nursing (1-3)
492 Jamaica Studies: Health Care in an Emerging Country (3)
493 The Patient's Voice: Experiences of Illness (2)
494 Contemporary Film: Understanding the Patient's Experience (2)
495 Seminar/Workshop in Nursing (1-3)
496 Feminist Perspectives in Nursing (2)
497 Nursing Care of the Aged (3)
REQUIRED COURSES
341 Skills & Assessment (4)
343 Professional Practice I (5 – 3 theory & 2 practice)
344 Leadership In Basic Nursing Practice (2)
352 Caring for the Older Adult (3 – 2 theory & 1 practicum)
353 Professional Practice II (5 – 2 theory & 3 practicum)
354 Leadership in Research & Evidence – based Practice (3)
358 Psychosocial Adaptation (3)
360 Pharmacology (2)
366 Pathophysiology (3)
421 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family (2)
422 Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family (2)
426 Clinical Prevention & Population Health I (2)
427 Clinical Prevention & Population Health II – Public Health (2)
443 Professional Practice III (5)
444 Leadership in Contemporary Healthcare Settings (2)
446 High Acuity/Progressive Care (3 – 2 theory & 1 practicum)
453 Professional Practice IV (5)
454 Leadership in Professional Practice (4)
458 Complex Mental Health Care (2)
B.S. MAJOR - NURSING: RN OPTION
59 S.H. (Required courses must be taken for a letter grade.)
(Includes 24 S.H. of nursing in transfer or exam)
REQUIRED COURSES
375 Nursing Research, Theory and Technology (3)
415 Holistic Caring (5)
435 Holistic Assessment (4)
445 Management and Leadership (3)
455 Continuity of Care (4)
465 Nursing Roles and Health Promotion (4)
475 Community Health Nursing (4)
491 Capstone Experience in Role Synthesis (3)
NURSING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Note: Courses offered on a pass/no credit-only or grade-only basis are so designated. All required courses in the major must be completed on a grade-only basis.
120 - Introduction to the Health Professions - 3 S.H.
Examines the practice and politics of the health and health-related disciplines within the U.S. health care system. Explores entering the health care professions and also how to be an astute consumer of health care. P/NC option.
260 - Women's Health Issues - 3 S.H.
A study of contemporary issues in women's health focusing on historical aspects, current significance and future trends of each issue. Focus is on preparing students to make their own health care decisions. P/NC option.
302 - CNAT: Care of the Adult Client - 6 S.H. (RN Option)
Demonstration of knowledge through an exam focusing on the nursing care of clients in a variety of settings and at various stages of the wellness-illness continuum. Items also assess nursing skills in meeting physiologic and psychosocial needs of clients with stable conditions. The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Test (CNAT) is required for RNs who are graduates of diploma programs and A.D.N. programs that are not accredited by NLNAC. P/NC only.
304 - CNAT: Care of Client During Childbearing - 6 S.H. (RN Option)
Demonstration of knowledge through an exam focusing on nursing care during the antepartal, intrapartal and neonatal periods. Emphasis is on the normal, with some common complications. The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Test (CNAT) is required for RNs who are graduates of diploma programs and A.D.N. programs that are not accredited by NLNAC. P/NC only.
306 - CNAT: Care of the Child - 6 S.H. (RN Option)
Demonstration of knowledge through an exam concerned with nursing care of children of all ages at various stages of health and illness. The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Test (CNAT) is required for RNs who are graduates of diploma programs and A.D.N. programs that are not accredited by NLNAC. P/NC only.
308 - CNAT: Care of the Client with a Mental Disorder - 6 S.H. (RN Option)
Demonstration of knowledge through an exam addressing the broad spectrum of psychological wellness-illness. The content includes psychosocial assessment and intervention strategies to support the client's strengths. The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Test (CNAT) is required for RNs who are graduates of diploma programs and A.D.N. programs that are not accredited by NLNAC. P/NC only.
325 - Transcultural Issues in Health Care - 3 S.H. (Elective)
Explores the importance of Transcultural concepts that are present in health care delivery systems. It is designed to assist learners to increase awareness of all types of human diversity, understand the importance of these diverse differences, and incorporate ways of utilizing this knowledge to deliver culturally competent health care in all settings within the global community. P/NC option.
327 - Introduction to Public Health - 3 S.H. (Elective)
This course is designed to introduce concepts of public health appropriate for students in health care fields. These concepts will be applied to present health care delivery systems, health and disease of population groups, and community planning. The influence of political, economic, and social aspects are considered. P/NC Option.
341 - Skills and Assessment - 4 S.H. (2 Theory & 2 Lab)
Develops the knowledge and skills necessary for nursing care of individuals, families and communities in professional nursing practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the generic option
343 - Professional Practice I – 5 S.H. (3 theory & 2 practicum)
Provides an introduction to the profession of nursing in the context of foundational concepts important to medical-surgical nursing. Focus is on developing knowledge, beginning clinical judgment skills, and the application of therapeutic interventions for adult patients and their families in acute care settings. Prerequisite: Admission to the Generic Option
344 - Leadership in Basic Nursing Practice - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Explores professional values, ethics, standards, and leadership development of nurses. After successful completion of this course, students will articulate their professional nursing philosophy. Prerequisite: Admission to the Generic Option
352 - Caring for the Older Adult – 3 S.H. (2 Theory & 1 Lab)
Examines the complexity of elder care, including factors contributing to longevity and health in old age, as well as genetic predisposition, lifestyle, culture, and environment. Prerequisite: N343 Professional Practice I or consent of Instructor, co-requisite N353 Professional Practice III, N354 Leadership in Research and Evidence Based Practice, N358 Psychosocial Adaptation.
353 - Professional Practice II - 5 S.H. (2 Theory & 3 Practicum)
Focus will be on continued development of content knowledge, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgment skills. Emphasis will be on effective communication skills and application of therapeutic interventions that address the needs of a diverse adult patient population in acute care settings. Prerequisite: N343 Professional Practice I, N344 Leadership in Basic Practice.
354 - Leadership in Research and Evidence Based Practice - 3 S.H. (Theory)
Explores research concepts and their use in evidence based practice improvements. Students will analyze, critique, interpret research evidence, and collaborate in the improvement processes in health care setting. Prerequisite: N343 Professional Practice I, Math 110.
358 - Psychosocial Adaptation - 3 S.H. (Theory)
Explores the interaction of psychological, social and cultural factors in how individuals respond to life events, such as illness, loss, and grief. Prerequisite: NURS 343 Professional Practice I, N344 Leadership in Basic Practice or Consent of Instructor
360 – Pharmacology - 2 S.H.
Introduces the fundamental principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapy, adverse drug reactions, major drug classes and related implications for individuals receiving drugs. Nursing students will incorporate various systems of measurement, conversion between systems, and calculation of drug dosages and rates. The 1 SH option is only available for non-nursing majors. Prerequisites: Generic Option; HERS major; elective for RN to BS option; or consent of instructor.
366 – Pathophysiology - 3 S.H.
Focuses on the systematic study of the functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs altered by disease and/or injury and the effects that these changes have on the total body function. Pathophysiology will also focus on the mechanisms of the underlying disease thereby providing the background for preventive as well as therapeutic health care measures and practices. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the various organ systems of the body is an essential foundation for this course. Students will gain scientifically based knowledge needed to make sound clinical observations, as well as the rationale health professionals provide for their actions in practice. Understanding of disease requires both descriptive evidence and an evaluative component in which students begin to take into account the complex interactions among the body, mind, culture, and spirit. Prerequisites: BIO 211 & 212, or consent of instructor. HERS prerequisite: HHP 340, Physiology of Exercise.
392 - Cardiac Risk Prevention - 3 S.H. (Elective)
Lecture course designed to identify risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease. The major risk factors will be analyzed and strategies for modifying each will be developed. Health information sources and their reliability for health promotion information also will be discussed. New technology in diagnosing and treating cardiac conditions included. Prerequisite or corerequisite: anatomy & physiology course. P/NC option.
401 - Spirituality in Nursing - 2 S.H. (Elective)
The purpose of this course is to assist students in their understanding of spirituality and spiritual development, and to identify ways of incorporating the essence of spirituality in their nursing practice. Eastern and Western spirituality and practices affecting health are explored. Students examine how society as well as their own biases have affected their ability to respond to spiritual concerns and needs. Spiritual assessment as well as specific spiritual interventions are discussed. Students are challenged to explore their own spiritual nature and its impact in their personal and professional lives. P/NC option.
402 - Clinical Pharmacology - 3 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
This course includes principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as a foundation for the use of medications in the clinical management of diseases. Major classes of drugs will be discussed in terms of actions; therapeutic and other effects; adverse, allergic and idiosyncratic reactions; indications and contraindications. The importance of sound diagnostic reasoning in the selection of pharmacological interventions with attention to safety, cost, simplicity, acceptability and efficacy will be stressed. The responsibilities related to prescribing medications will be emphasized. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Grade only.
404 - Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
Advanced physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular, organic and systemic level, will be explored as a basis for clinical assessment and management by the advanced practice nurses. Integration of function among organ systems will be emphasized. The effect of psychosocial variables on physiologic function will be explored. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Grade only.
406 - Psychosocial Interventions in Family Care - 2 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
This course explores the role of the advanced practice nurse in addressing the psychosocial needs of the client and family. Focus will be on the development of counseling skills for advanced psychosocial assessment and on providing culturally sensitive guidance in caring for the client and family during health crisis, and acute and chronic illness. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Grade only.
408 - Advanced Role Seminar - 2 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
This course will provide a forum for the explorations of advanced practice role behaviors including collaboration and leadership. Selected theories and frameworks relevant to the various roles will be evaluated. Ethics and diversity issues in nursing and health care will be discussed. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Grade only.
410 - Theoretical Foundations and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 4 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional
Pathway)
The goal of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to critically analyze existing nursing theories and articulate a personal philosophy of nursing. Students will do an in-depth analysis of a concept. The students will analyze methods and techniques of research and interpret their usefulness for application in clinical practice. Theory and practice will be used to define nursing problems and develop a research proposal. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Corequisite or prerequisite: STAT 601. Grade only.
412 - Critical Care Nursing - 2-3 S.H. (Elective)
This course is designed to introduce the student to care for critically ill persons. Emphasis is on rapid assessment, setting priorities, rapid decision-making and nursing interventions for the critically ill. The 2-credit option has theory only. The 3-credit option has theory and a clinical laboratory experience. Prerequisite: N411, N423, and senior standing or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
414 - Health Care Policy and Finance - 3 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
This course provides a base for nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses to enter and effectively shape health care policy in the workplace, organizations, community, and government at the state and federal level. Students will develop an understanding of health care financing in the delivery of health care. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission. Grade only.
415 - Holistic Caring - 5 S.H. (RN Option)
This course introduces the WSU nursing curriculum and organizing framework to the RN student. Holistic caring is related to critical thinking, teaching-learning, role development and nursing practice. Prerequisite: admission to RN Option; Corequisite: N375, N435, N475.Grade only.
416 - Issues in Gerontology and Geriatrics for the 21st Century - 1-3 S.H. (Elective)
This course is a series of three consecutive modules of content related to common issues in gerontology and geriatrics. A student may take one, two, or all three modules, and each has the preceding module as a prerequisite. The course focuses on normal aging, theories of aging, social gerontology, and societal effects of an increasing population of older people. The geriatric content will focus on major geriatric syndromes such as immobility, incontinence, instability, iatrogenic illness and intellectual impairment. Emphasis will be placed on assessment and maintenance of individual competency, independence and physiological function across clinical settings. Prerequisite: senior standing in major or instructor's permission. Grade only.
417 - Health Assessment Techniques - 1 S.H. (Elective)
A guided study review of the basic components of physical assessment and an opportunity for performance evaluation at completion of course. Content relative to obtaining a complete health history and performing a physical examination, with appropriate documentation of each. Designed to ensure readiness for Advanced Practice Health Assessment. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. P/NC option.
418 - Computer Applications in Nursing - 2 S.H. (Elective)
This course is designed to provide knowledge of technological modalities presently used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, planning and monitoring of care, management of information, and data analysis. The application of nursing informatics in nursing research, administration, education, and practice will be explored. Emphasis in this course is on extensive hands-on experience in Windows 98, word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, presentation software, the Internet, and other computer-related applications. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. P/NC option.
419 - Advanced Health Promotion - 3 S.H. (Elective, RN-to-MS Professional Pathway)
Concepts related to health promotion and maintenance are analyzed from theoretical- and research-based perspectives. Using principles of epidemiology, advanced practice nurses identify risk factors for specific populations and examine variables that influence wellness. Interventions for promotion of optimal health are designed with particular consideration for age and cultural differences. A community-based practicum allows the student to explore possibilities for enacting the advanced practice role outside traditional biomedical settings and within the context of families and communities. (2 S.H. seminar; 1 S.H. clinical). Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program in nursing or instructor's permission and N410. Grade only.
421 - Nursing of Childbearing Families - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Explores evidence-based practices dealing with sexuality, reproductive health promotion, and perinatal health for individuals, families, and populations across health care settings. Prerequisite: N353 Professional Practice II or Consent of Instructor
422 - Nursing of Childrearing Families - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Explores evidence-based practices dealing with child growth and development, patient-centered care for children and their families, and populations across health care settings. Prerequisites: N353 Professional Practice II or Consent of Instructor
426 - Clinical Prevention and Population Health I - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Explores the principles and practices necessary for integrating clinical prevention and population health into nursing practice. Successful completion of this course means students will be able to provide healthcare activities, which contribute to decreasing morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life in a diverse society. Prerequisite: N353 Professional Practice II or Consent of Instructor
427 - Clinical Prevention and Population Health II-Public Health - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Integrates the principles and practices of clinical prevention and population health into nursing practice. Successful completion of this course means students will be able to develop and provide healthcare activities that are congruent with beginner levels of public health nursing competencies. Prerequisite: N443 Professional Practice III or Consent of Instructor
432 - Principles of OR Nursing - 3 S.H. (Elective)
Students will learn the nurse's role during the intraoperative phase of patient care. Experiences include circulating and scrub nurse roles. Course includes a clinical laboratory experience. Prerequisite: N300 and N301 or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
435 - Holistic Assessment - 4 S.H. (RN Option)
This course teaches the student to assess the client and family in a holistic manner. Traditional physical history and assessment of the individual is expanded to include multiple variables. Prerequisite: admission to RN Option; Corequisite: N415 and N475. Grade only.
443 - Professional Practice III - 5 S.H. Practicum
Focuses on provision of nursing care to childbearing and childrearing families, adults, and those with mental illness in a variety of settings. Emphasizes evidence-based practices, clinical prevention and population health. Prerequisites: N353 Professional Practice II
444 - Leadership in Contemporary Healthcare Settings - 2 S.H. (Theory)
Explores leadership and management in nursing practice focusing on healthcare policy and systems.
Prerequisite: N344 Leadership in Basic Nursing Practice; N354 Leadership in Research & Evidence Based Practice; or Consent of Instructor
446 - High Acuity/Progressive Care - 3 S.H. (2 Theory & 1 Practicum)
Focuses on patient problems beyond uncomplicated acute illness on a health-illness continuum. Emphasis is on a generalist knowledge base that is needed by all nurses who work with patients experiencing complex care problems, irrespective of setting, to assure competent and safe nursing practice and positive patient outcomes. The goal is to approach patient care conceptually, adapting and applying knowledge as appropriate to professional practice. Prerequisite: N353 Professional Practice II or Consent of Instructor
453 - Professional Practice IV - 5 S.H. Practicum
Focuses on the development and provision of nursing care to childbearing and childrearing families, adults, and those with mental illness in a variety of settings. Emphasizes evidence based practice, clinical prevention, and population health. Prerequisite: N443 Professional Practice III, co-requisites N427 Clinical Prevention and Population Health II,N454 Leadership in Professional Practice, N458 Complex Mental Health
454 - Leadership in Professional Practice – 4 S.H. (1 Theory & 3 Practicum)
Synthesis course encapsulating the essence of the baccalaureate nursing role. Upon successful completion of this course, students will provide evidence-based quality and safe nursing care, collaborate and contribute to improve systems and patient outcomes. Prerequisites: N443 Professional Practice III, N444 Leadership in Contemporary Healthcare Settings. *Oral Flag.
455 - Continuity of Care - 4 S.H. (RN Option)
This course explores selected professional nursing situations or populations involving continuity of care issues: complex acute/chronic care issues; loss; the elderly; and other cultures. Teaching-learning theory and skills are applied to the adult learner. Prerequisite: N375, N415, N435, N475. Corequisite: N445, N465, N491. Grade only.
458 - Complex Mental Health Care - 3 S.H. (Theory)
Focuses on professional mental health nursing roles implemented through caring constructs, communication skills, and therapeutic milieu. Explores evidence-based practices dealing with mental health needs in various settings. Prerequisite: N358 Psychosocial Adaptation, co-requisites N427 Clinical Prevention and Population Health II, N453 Professional Practice IV, N454 Leadership in Professional Practice or Consent of Instructor
465 - Nursing Roles and Health Promotion - 4 S.H. (RN Option)
Focuses on the professional nursing roles of provider of care, advocate, teacher, case manager, change agent and researcher of individuals and families in a variety of situations. Students will apply communication skills in various interpersonal situations. Sixty hours of site-based experiences. Prerequisite: N375, N415, N435, N475; corerequisite: N445, N455, N491. Grade only.
475 - Community Health Nursing - 4 S.H. (RN Option)
Focuses on the nursing roles and functions of the community health nurse in maintaining and restoring health of individuals, families and groups in a variety of situations and settings. Prerequisite: admission to RN Option; prerequisite or corerequisite: N375, N415, N435. Grade only.
480 - Holistic Approaches to Health - 3 S.H. (Elective)
This course examines the relationship of the body, mind and spirit within the field of health, healing and nursing. Holism, the view that an integrated whole has a reality independent of and greater than the sum of its parts, forms the framework for this inquiry. The concepts of healing, psychophysiology, the transpersonal, the transpersonal self, body-mind-spirit and the nurse as healer will be discussed. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
490 - Independent Study in Nursing - 1-3 S.H. (Elective)
Offers an opportunity for nursing students to do independent study or research in nursing in an area of special interest. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. Written objectives and evaluation required. P/NC option.
492 - Jamaica Studies: Health Care in an Emerging Country - 3 S.H. (Elective)
This international course will focus on the health care delivery system in Jamaica and the factors which influence the effectiveness of the system. The specific focus will be on the nursing aspects of the system. Students will be exposed to both public and private aspects of nursing. Expert Jamaicans will present on a variety of topics which influence health care including economics, politics, culture and society. Prerequisite: admission to major and instructor's permission. Grade only.
493-The Patient's Voice: Experiences of Illness - 2 S.H. (Elective)
This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary autobiographical accounts of illness, both physical and psychiatric. The content can be applied to the practice of nursing. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
494-Contemporary Film: Understanding the Patient's Experience - 2 S.H. (Elective)
Utilizing contemporary film, this course explores the experiences of patients experiencing both physiological and psychiatric illness, and assists students to utilize this information in developing a caring nursing practice. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
495 - Seminar/Workshop in Nursing - 1-3 S.H. (Elective)
Subject matter of current interest arranged by the Department. Course may be repeated when offered with different content and title. Prerequisite: admission to major or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
496 - Feminist Perspectives in Nursing - 2 S.H. (Elective)
This seminar explores the relationship of the feminist movement, feminist theory and gender issues for nursing history and practice. Prerequisite: admission to major or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
497 - Nursing Care of the Aged - 3 S.H. (Elective)
The focus of this course is the bio-psycho-social-spiritual and holistic care of the elderly, given within the nursing process framework. The uniqueness of the aged person is considered as students plan the care and management of altered health states including chronic and high-risk pathophysiological conditions. The course is designed to increase students' awareness and understanding of the aging process. The strengths and life experience of the aged client are recognized and reinforced to encourage their maximal coping abilities. Course includes a clinical laboratory experience. Prerequisite: admission to major or instructor's permission. P/NC option.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 14:59
