College of Education and Health Services

Explores the conceptual foundations of baccalaureate nursing practice including:  historical and societal influences, professional identity and accountability, critical inquiry, nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and quality and safety within the context of national policy documents and professional standards of care. Coursework is designed to assess, develop, and advance scholarly writing.

Explores the research process as it applies to evidence-based nursing practice and health care. Topics include ethics in research; steps in appraisal of evidence; design, sampling, data collection, data quality, and analysis; and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative research. Emphasis is placed on analysis and critique of research studies and the preparation of a proposal.

Pre-requisite: NRHL 325

Focuses on an interdisciplinary comprehensive approach to understanding the aging process and promoting optimal health and independence of older adults. Contemporary issues facing the elderly including safety, abuse, polypharmacy, housing, loss, need for support services, end-of-life care, and the impact of health care policy and legislation as they relate to the elderly are explored. Includes clinical learning experiences with an elder and elder-serving agency selected by the student.

Pre-requisite:  NRHL 325

Designed for the registered nurse, this course provides the framework for the RN to expand existing skills. The course focuses on the physical, psychosocial, sociocultural, environmental, and developmental elements of comprehensive assessment and on principles of health promotion and disease prevention. Includes a clinical learning experience, which focuses on the practice and validation of interviewing and physical assessment skills. At the end of the course, students will be expected to perform a comprehensive physical exam and effectively communicate findings. A student selected holistic health assessment experience is also included.

Pre-requisite: NRHL 330, 335

Designed for the registered nurse to build upon existing knowledge and experience, this course provides an analysis of physiology and pathophysiological concepts related to complex, multisystem health alterations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on enhancement of critical thinking skills. Clinical application emphasizes the relationship of assessment findings to diagnosis, safe selection, and administration of pharmacotherapeutic agents; and assessment of outcomes using an evidence-based approach. This course also includes a clinical learning experience that is based on case study analyses of patients with multiple chronic diseases and complex pharmacotheraputic management in various settings.

Prerequisite or Co-requisite: NRHL 340

Provides an overview of the history and evolution of healthcare policy by government and stakeholders with in the healthcare organization. Healthcare finance, reimbursement, quality, safety, delivery, and disparities concerning access to care from a local, state, national, and global influence will be analyzed. The impact of information and patient care technology and its effects on healthcare will be evaluated. Students will explore and define the role of the professional nurse in influencing and advocating for continuous quality improvement in healthcare delivery and healthcare policy formation.

Pre-requisite: NRHL 340, 345

Explores the concept of patient-centered inter-professional health care from the prospective of families and communities within a global context. Focuses on patterns that influence wellness and potential barriers that place individuals, families, and vulnerable populations at risk for major health problems. Examines the dynamic influences of social, economic, epidemiologic, physical, ethical, cultural, religious, policy assurance, and environmental concerns experienced by populations.

Pre-requisite: NRHL 350

Emphasis is placed on community as a partner, through community assessment, evolving cultural competency, enhanced understanding of health disparities, and use of community resources and evidence-based practice to resolve, promote and maintain optimal health; and prevent disease. This experience includes 35 hours of preceptor supported clinical practice in the community setting.

Pre-requisite or co-requisite: NRHL 360

Provides the registered nurse with the opportunity to synthesize theory and concepts required to assume leadership and management positions within rapidly evolving health care systems. The utilization of a systems approach to delivering nursing care, managing and leading change, and ensuring quality and safety in healthcare will be explored. Focus is placed on development of leadership skills through effective communication, critical thinking skills, problem solving, delegation, and teamwork at the baccalaureate level.

Pre-requisite: NRHL 361, BenU IDS 201 WI, and IDS 301

Emphasis is placed on development of creative strategies to promote a system change through application of leadership skills, scholarly inquiry, professional writing, and presentation. This experience includes 35 hours of preceptor supported clinical practice in a leadership role.

Pre-requisite or co-requisite: NRHL 370

Guides and recognizes study in theoretical or clinical aspects of nursing for independent study or work/life credit. Department Consent Required. Course repeatable. Maximum number of credits allowed 3.

Prerequisite: NRHL 330 for independent study credit. Admission into the RN to BSN program for work/life credit.