Online RN to BSN Curriculum

This course focuses on the concepts of nursing leadership and the management skills that are as important to professional nurses as clinical knowledge and skills. Although management theory and process is universal and its principles are used in a variety of organizational settings, this course will focus on the process in nursing administration and the management of health care units, agencies, and workers. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical)
PREREQUISITE: NU 412 AND NU 413

This course explores the wide variety of roles for professional nurses in today’s dynamic and evolving healthcare delivery system. Areas of knowledge that professional nurses require in order to be effective in the changing healthcare environment will be addressed. The format of the courses requires the student to be an active participant in the learning process by contributing to discussion of the various topics. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical) PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE: NU 413.

This senior course focuses on the development of writing skills to professional levels of competency. This includes the use of APA format and information technology to produce written assignments that meet the professional practice standards of Nursing. A culmination of tools, rubrics, and mechanics will be incorporated throughout this course, emphasizing written communication and information literacy skills that are essential to baccalaureate Nursing education. Use of Learning Management System (LMS) will actively engage students in evidence-based practice and writing activities that include research database searches, discussion boards, blogs, and wiki media. 1 credit (1 theory/0 clinical) COREQUISITE: NU 412

This required senior level course is designed to assist the bachelor’s degree-prepared nurse to be a consumer of and beginning participant in the nursing research process. It will also introduce the student to the use of information technology in the research process. Emphasis is placed on the development of the decision-making skills required to critically appraise published investigations and to utilize research findings to effect positive changes in the health status of individuals and groups through evidence-based clinical practice. 4 credits (4 theory, 0 clinical) PREREQUISITE: NU 412 AND NU 413.

This capstone project is a culmination of the learning experiences of the student in the RN to BSN Nursing program. This course focuses on the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude framework. The student will develop a written proposal for a quality improvement project derived from evidence-based practice that will enhance clinical outcomes. The proposal focuses on resolution of an issue/problem significant to professional nursing which links daily nursing practice to research. The proposal includes a problem description, resolution, implementation plan, evaluation plan, and dissemination plan. The capstone project proposal will reflect synthesis and integration of course content, informatics, and professional practice. The capstone project is guided by the baccalaureate program student learner credits (1.75 theory, .25 clinical) PREREQUISITE: NU 405, NU 412, NU 413, NU 430, NU 437; COREQUISITE: NU 440 or NU 450

This course focuses on the legal, ethical, and political issues that registered nurses encounter in the current healthcare environment. Legal and ethical principles that guide professional nursing practice are discussed. Political forces that influence change in contemporary health care and healthcare reform are examined. The leadership roles of professional nurses in these areas are explored. 3 credits (3 theory, 0 clinical) PREREQUISITE: NU 412 AND NU 413.

This course is designed for the experienced RN. Students will expand their knowledge of human pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, and physical assessment. Students will apply prior knowledge of health promotion, patient education, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Students take an active role in developing disease-specific health education. Presentation of course content is conducted through the use of various teaching methodologies. 4 credits (4 theory, 0 clinical) PREREQUISITE: NU 412 AND NU 413.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to identify, discuss, and evaluate current issues related to community health nursing and public health practice. Students will utilize the nursing process in assisting individuals and groups, as part of the community, to achieve a mutually agreed upon health-related goal. Instructional methods include lectures, AV presentations, discussion, guest lecture presentations, readings, and implementation of a community health education project. 4 credits, (3 theory, 1 clinical) PREREQUISITE: NU 412 AND NU 413

A sequence of two courses. The students examine the anatomy and physiology of the various systems of the body. The relationship between structure and function and the concept of homeostasis are emphasized. Attention is given to clinical correlation and application of basic anatomical and physiology facts. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab weekly. Successful completion of BIO 207 (D or better) is a prerequisite for BIO 208. A grade of C or better is required for nursing majors. These two courses do not satisfy an elective requirement for biology majors. 4 credits each. FOR NURSING MAJORS: COREQUISITE FOR BIO 207 IS NU 2161/2162, COREQUISITE FOR BIO 208 IS NU 2171/2172

A sequence of two courses. The students examine the anatomy and physiology of the various systems of the body. The relationship between structure and function and the concept of homeostasis are emphasized. Attention is given to clinical correlation and application of basic anatomical and physiology facts. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab weekly. Successful completion of BIO 207 (D or better) is a prerequisite for BIO 208. A grade of C or better is required for nursing majors. These two courses do not satisfy an elective requirement for biology majors. 4 credits each. FOR NURSING MAJORS: COREQUISITE FOR BIO 207 IS NU 2161/2162, COREQUISITE FOR BIO 208 IS NU 2171/2172

A course designed to provide students with an introduction to the biology of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and viruses that are agents of human disease. Emphasis is on the biological bases for clinical activities in disinfecting and sanitation, infection control and prevention, and antimicrobial chemotherapies. Host defenses, the immune response, and immunotherapies are also examined. Includes practical experience in bacteriological and immunological lab techniques. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour lab per week. 4 credits. PREREQUISITES: CHM 105 OR CHM 111-113, CHM 112-114.

Chemistry in Everyday Life involves an examination of the basic definitions and theories of chemistry with emphasis on introductory aspects of inorganic, analytical, physical, organic, nuclear, and biochemistry. In addition to developing basic knowledge of chemical principles and introductory laboratory techniques, the course is designed to enhance the development of analytical thought. There is some emphasis on numerical problem solving and thought processes by which the problems can be solved. Three hours of lecture and one hour of lab weekly. 4 credits

An examination of the patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur across the human lifespan. Starting with conception, the course explores the biological, psychosocial, and cognitive theories that help us observe and explain human behavior from life’s beginnings through the end of life. 3 credits

A general survey of sociological concepts aimed at a basic understanding of modern society and its complexities. Culture, society, and individuals are studied within the framework of social institutions. The emphasis is on the interaction between the individual and society. 3 credits

Introduction to the history and problems of philosophy. Philosophers from Plato to contemporary thinkers such as Descartes, Sartre, Marx, Kierkegaard, Augustine, Aquinas, and others will be covered. The course is designed to grant a general overview of the development of the philosophic tradition of the West. 3 credits
PH 102 Political Philosophy
Overview of key figures in political philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Hobbes, Marx, and Machiavelli. The goal will be to relate the theories of these crucial thinkers to contemporary political issues of the day and see how their thought has shaped the understanding of political concerns. 3 credits

This course is designed for students to learn rhetorical terminology and concepts to describe and practice writing for a variety of audiences, genres, and technologies. Students will develop their own writing process for drafting, evaluating, revising, and editing their work. This course emphasizes critical reading of college-level texts and the development of information literacy skills. These skills include reading, summarizing, and evaluating sources for relevance and reliability (information literacy). Students will develop knowledge of and practice the fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structures and will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of MLA and APA documentation style and formatting. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to take SKW102 Foundations of Writing II. 3 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the knowledge and skills needed to communicate effectively in both personal and professional situations, using traditional (face-to-face) and digital mediums. Students will study the essential concepts and models of communication, while designing and presenting formal presentations. Topics include interviewing; ethics; nonverbal communication; team building; visual aids; demonstrating appropriate use of ethos, pathos, and logos in the organization; and delivery of a presentation, demonstrating college-level research and critical thinking skills. All students will deliver individual and group presentations. It is recommended that this course be completed during the first year of study. 3 credits

A study of the ideas and tools of practical statistics using data in context. Methods and strategies for exploring data graphically and quantitatively are examined, as well as statistical reasoning and the tools of inference that go beyond the data to draw conclusions about a wider population, with attention paid to the uncertainty of these conclusions. Students will conduct standard one and two sample statistical analyses. 3 credits
PREREQUISITE: SKQ 101 AND DEMONSTRATED READINESS FOR MATHEMATICS BY PLACEMENT OR COMPLETION OF MAT 100.