NURSING (NURS)
NURS 100. Nursing Perspectives. (1 Credit)
This course introduces students to the profession of nursing and seeks to develop in the student the necessary skills and characteristics for successful participation in nursing education at Gonzaga University. The background of nursing and nursing theories, the diverse roles and scope of practice governing nurses in health care, appraisal of healthcare information, the use of technology for research, and the responsibility of nurses in addressing contemporary healthcare issues will be explored. Students are introduced to the mission, ethos, and academic honesty policy of the university and the relationship to nursing, thereby increasing self-awareness and clarifying personal beliefs and goals for professional practice.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 193. FYS:. (3 Credits)
Topics determined by department.
NURS 210. Growth and Development. (3 Credits)
Examines multiple dimensions of individual and family growth and development across the lifespan. Within each developmental stage students examine areas of language, cognition, social-emotional growth and physical development. This course highlights developmental milestones at each stage of the lifespan. Genetic, gender, and cultural influences are considered.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 220. Social Determinants of Health. (3 Credits)
This course examines social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on health outcomes. Students explore disparities, apply public health interventions, and develop advocacy skills to promote health equity and social justice through critical analysis and policy engagement.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 230. Medical Terminology. (3 Credits)
This course covers medical terminology basics, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms. Students will learn to apply terms accurately in medical communication while gaining an understanding of anatomy, physiology, diseases, and procedures.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 251. Social Determinants of Health. (3 Credits)
This course introduces the ecological framework of health and focuses on one's physical and social environments and access to health care as determinants of health, health disparities, and health inequities. Students will gain an understanding of factors that contribute to illness versus wellness, as well as factors that affect health outcomes and recovery from illness. Students will learn basic community assessment skills, including how to use and interpret basic epidemiological measures.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Equivalent: PUBH 251
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 310. Prof Practice 1: Prof & Thera. (2 Credits)
This course develops professional and therapeutic communication skills in healthcare, emphasizing Jesuit values, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students learn person-centered communication, conflict management, teamwork, and best practices in social media and technology use.
NURS 311. Professional and Therapeutic Communication. (2 Credits)
This course is designed to provide the learner a theoretical foundation for effective communication. Using the lens of complex adaptive systems and servant leadership, selected models of communication, health and illness, health communication, conflict resolution and negotiation are explored for their implications for nursing practice. Diversity issues affecting perception of health/illness and influencing verbal and nonverbal communication are examined. Media and internet influence on health care and the profession of nursing are included. Theory-based strategies to improve communication skills throughout the health care continuum are stressed.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 314. Assessing and Promoting Wellness. (4 Credits)
Complex adaptive systems, as they relate to body systems, individuals (children, adolescents, adults, and older adults), and families are used as a guiding framework. Theoretical and research-based content in individual and family health and development throughout the life span is emphasized. Students learn foundational skills for the health assessment and care of individuals and family. The student integrates functional health patterns, physical assessment findings, and family concepts to formulate nursing diagnoses and a nursing plan of care. The nursing role in health promotion and health education is emphasized.
Course Fee: 650
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 315. Practicum I: Assessment and Promotion of Wellness. (5 Credits)
Students will use knowledge from Nurs 314 to assess and promote wellness for healthy individuals and families in community settings. Students participate in learning activities in the Learning Resource Center, in a variety of community-based settings, and in post clinical conferences. The course celebrates the body, mind, and spirit of the student in nursing and recognizes that learning transforms. In the process of transformation, reflection provides the key to understanding.
Course Fee: 850
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 316. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I. (4 Credits)
This is the first of a two course pathophysiology and pharmacology series in the BSN curriculum. The course is designed to improve the learner's understanding of how alterations in normal human anatomic structure and physiology function may impact various organ systems, body homeostasis, and medication management. A student-center case-based active learning model will be utilized to exemplify basic and clinical pharmacology principles for common outpatient disease processes. Nursing pharmacology fundamentals, including principles of drug administration, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse drug effects, drug interactions, and medication errors are introduced. These principles form the foundation for applied pharmacology case studies. Drug class prototypes will be reviewed using an organ system case-based pathophysiologic approach to therapeutics. The case studies illustrate key pathophysiologic and pharmacology concepts thus providing students an opportunity for critical thinking, synthesis, integration, and application of course material to therapeutic decision making, planning, and managing care for individuals.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 320. Stats for Health Professions. (3 Credits)
This online course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. It includes the statistical procedures used most frequently to analyze quantitative data for health science and nursing research. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual understanding and correct application of statistical tests, as well as the correct interpretation of statistical results. Some mathematical calculation will be necessary. The ultimate goal will be for the learner to understand statistical reasoning and become familiar with the correct use and interpretation of statistics.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing or Nursing.
NURS 330. Fnds of Practice 1: Theory. (4 Credits)
This course introduces fundamental nursing knowledge for holistic, patient-centered adult care. Grounded in Jesuit values, students develop competencies in health assessment, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice, emphasizing health promotion and patient education.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 331. Fnds of Practice 1: Clinical. (2 Credits)
This course builds foundational nursing skills for promoting wellness in individuals and families in community settings. Grounded in Jesuit values, students apply NURS 330 knowledge, engage in experiential learning, and develop reflective, holistic, and patient-centered care.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 331L. Fnds of Practice 1: Lab. (2 Credits)
This lab course equips students with essential nursing skills through hands-on, simulated learning. Grounded in Jesuit values, it emphasizes patient-centered care, safety, ethics, and evidence-based practice while developing clinical judgment and key competencies.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 340. Fnds of Practice 2: Theory. (4 Credits)
This course develops nursing competence in planning and managing care for individuals and families with health alterations. It integrates physiological, pathophysiological, pharmacological, and developmental concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, assessment, and evidence-based interventions.
NURS 341. Fnds of Practice 2: Clinical. (2 Credits)
This course provides hands-on clinical experience providing restorative care for individuals and families with acute and chronic diseases. Students engage in clinical learning activities and reflective practice while providing care in various healthcare settings.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 341L. Fnds of Practice 2: Lab. (1 Credit)
This lab course builds on Foundations of Practice I, teaching essential skills for adult medical-surgical care. Rooted in Jesuit values, it emphasizes safe, evidence-based interventions, clinical judgment, communication, and teamwork to prepare students for nursing practice.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 342. Prof Practice 2: Res & Evid. (3 Credits)
This course introduces nursing research and informatics, focusing on evidence-based practice, information literacy, and effective communication. Through progressive writing assignments and peer feedback, this course students enhance writing skills.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 351. Care of the Individual and Family. (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the development of nursing competence in planning and managing care for individuals and families with alterations in health status. The course stresses the integration of physiological, pathophysiological, pharmacological and developmental concepts as the foundation for professional nursing practice. Theoretical foundations for the provision of care to individuals and families with alterations in health related to fluid and electrolyte balance and to the reproductive, urinary tract/renal, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems, and some of the more common mental health problems are addressed. Use of theory and research based assessment strategies and nursing interventions required to provide care to these individuals/families in health care organizations are emphasized. Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning are stressed.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 352. Practicum II: Care of the Individual and Family. (5 Credits)
Using knowledge from NURS 351, this course focuses on the provision of care for individuals and families with health care needs related to fluid-electrolyte disturbances, the endocrine, reproductive, urinary tract/renal, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of self-discovery and the meaning of experience as a reflective practitioner. Students participate in learning activities in the Learning Resource Center, in a variety of clinical settings within healthcare organizations, and in post-clinical conferences.
Course Fee: 850
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 356. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II. (3 Credits)
This is the second of a two course pathophysiology and pharmacology series in Gonzaga's BSN curriculum. This course builds on the content and concepts learned in the NURS 316 pathophysiology and Pharmacology I course. It is designed to address more complex pathophysiologic processes which are often encountered in hospitalized acute care patients. A student centered case-based active learning method will be utilized to exemplify advanced clinical pharmacology principles for common inpatient disease processes. Drug class prototypes will be reviewed using an organ system case-based pathophysiologic approach to therapeutics. The case studies illustrate key pathophysiologic and pharmacology concepts thus providing students an opportunity for critical thinking, synthesis, integration, and application of course material to therapeutic decision making, planning, and managing care for individuals.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 360. Spec Pop 1: Psyc/Ment Theory. (2 Credits)
This course introduces mental health nursing. Emphasis is on holistic care, social justice, and evidence-based practice. Students apply interdisciplinary knowledge to provide compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with psychiatric, mental health conditions.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 361. Spec Pop 1: Psyc/Ment Clinical. (2 Credits)
This clinical course equips students with hands-on experience in psychiatric mental health nursing. Emphasizing holistic, person-centered care, students apply evidence-based practices, therapeutic communication and self-reflection across diverse settings.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 402. Care of Individuals and Families. (4 Credits)
Focuses on the continued development of nursing competence in planning and managing care for individuals and families with complex alterations in health status. Stresses integration of physiological, pathophysiological, psychological, and pharmacological concepts as essential to professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on development of focused assessment skills needed to provide care to individuals and families with health care needs related to the cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, pulmonary, renal, and mental health systems.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 403. Practicum III: Acute and Chronic Alternate Health. (6 Credits)
This course focuses on providing care for individuals and families with chronic and complex health care needs related to the cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, pulmonary, renal and mental health systems. Examines internal resources (such as faith or spiritual health) as a source of nourishment when making decisions--especially those involving ethics, urgency, reaction and immediacy. Students participate in learning activities in the Resource & Simulation Center, in a variety of clinical settings within healthcare organizations, and in post-clinical conferences.
Course Fee: 850
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 404. Research and Information Management. (3 Credits)
Provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research principles and methodologies, including evaluation of research studies and application to practice. Critical analysis of nursing and health care research is emphasized. Stresses research design, sampling, data collection strategies and ethical considerations in research.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 406. Nursing Research. (3 Credits)
This course provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research principles and methodologies, including evaluation of research studies and application to practice. Critical analysis of nursing and health care research is emphasized. The course stresses research design, sampling, data collection strategies, and ethical considerations in research.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 430. Finds of Practice 3: Theory. (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the development of nursing competence in planning and managing care for individuals with alterations in health status. The course stresses the integration of physiological, pathophysiological, pharmacological, and developmental concepts as the foundation for professional nursing practice. Use of theory and research-based assessment strategies and nursing interventions required to provide care to these individuals/families in health care organizations are emphasized. Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning are stressed.
NURS 431. Fnds of Practice 3: Clinical. (3 Credits)
This course explores the care of individuals across the lifespan with complex acute and chronic conditions affecting multiple body systems. Students will apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and ethical decision-making in dynamic healthcare environments. Learning experiences include hands-on practice, clinical rotations, and reflective post-clinical conferences.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 431L. Fnds of Practice 3: Lab. (1 Credit)
This comprehensive laboratory course provides students with hands-on experience in advanced medical-surgical, maternal-child, and
pediatric nursing skills. Building upon foundational nursing competencies, students will refine their clinical skills in caring for diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Rooted in Jesuit values of cura personalis (care for the whole person), service, and ethical practice, this course emphasizes patient-centered, evidence-based interventions in complex healthcare situations. Through simulated learning experiences, students will practice clinical reasoning in advanced medical-surgical, maternal-child, and pediatric simulated patient scenarios.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 440. Spec Pop 2:OB Theory. (2 Credits)
This course explores nursing care for childbearing individuals, newborns, and families across the perinatal continuum. Emphasizing evidence-based, culturally competent care, students develop clinical judgment and professional skills within Jesuit values and cura personalis.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 441. Spec Pop 2: OB Clinical. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
This clinical course provides hands-on experience in maternal-child nursing, including labor, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal care. Emphasizing Jesuit values and cura personalis, students develop clinical judgment, communication, and culturally competent care skills.
NURS 450. Spec Pop 2: Peds Theory. (2 Credits)
This pediatric nursing course explores holistic care of children from infancy to adolescence within a Jesuit framework. This course emphasizes development, health alterations, clinical judgment, ethical advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration.
NURS 451. Spec Pop 2: Peds Clinical. (1 Credit)
This pediatric clinical course allows students to apply theory and develop nursing skills in diverse settings. With hands-on experience in assessment, interventions, and family-centered care, students build clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration skills.
NURS 463. Community Health. (3 Credits)
Designed for the licensed registered nurse, this course introduces community-as-partner model as a guide for providing cost-effective, accessible care for families, groups, and populations. Emphasis will be placed on cultural competence, the use of complex adaptive systems to understand the interaction among and between systems within community health practice, epidemiological concepts in the development of effective health policy/programs, and ethical dilemmas inherent in the community-as-partner model of practice.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 464. Community Health Practicum. (3 Credits)
This practicum emphasizes the use of the community-as-partner model to guide community health practice. Students will explore the various dimensions of a healthy community as they actively participate in community health practice that emphasizes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating cost-effective, accessible care for families, groups, and populations within a complex adaptive system. Students will expand their cultural competence, apply epidemiological concepts in the development of effective health policy/programs, and gain an appreciation of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the community-as-partner model of practice.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 465. Professional Nursing Practice in Complex Adaptive Systems. (3 Credits)
Considers nursing leadership roles within complex adaptive systems and examines transition to the professional role. Servant leadership principles are connected to nursing leadership.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 466. Population Focused Health. (3 Credits)
This course will address communities and populations as the clients for nursing interventions. The focus of this course is interventions used to promote and improve population health. A particular emphasis will be interpreting assessment and epidemiological data to identify and prioritize community/population problems and selecting appropriate interventions for an identified population health problem. Learners also will be introduced to selected principles and theories that underlie population-focused interventions. Program planning and evaluation processes and strategies will be considered. Use the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, equity, security, and liberty to analyze a public health policy.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 467. Practicum IV: Partner Population Health Practicum. (2 Credits)
This is a project-based practicum course. Students will work in an assigned community agency to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing an identified population health problem. This course will give students experience in working in evolving population-focused indirect, nursing roles as a project developer/leader and consultant. Practicum experiences will be intentionally designed to give students experience collaborating with professionals from a variety of other helping disciplines. Students will be expected to interact with their assigned agency and its clients on a regular basis.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Course Fee: 55
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 468. Practicum V: Member of Nursing Profession. (3 Credits)
This capstone course is designed to facilitate the transition from the role of student nurse to that of a professional nurse through an intensive practicum experience in a clinical setting of the student's choice. With the guidance/supervision of an experienced registered nurse preceptor, the student has the opportunity to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills gained in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, demonstrate competencies for entry level nursing practice, and practice nursing leadership within a complex adaptive system (CAS). There is continued emphasis on the significance of reflection as a way of gaining the insights needed to achieve safe, high quality, client-centered practice and effective, ethical leadership. Students examine their own clinical practice and leadership in light of the characteristics of servant leadership. Each student develops an individualized learning contract in collaboration with faculty and the clinical preceptor; the learning contract articulates the student's goals and specific strategies for meeting them. EACH STUDENT PRACTICUM REQUEST WILL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY FACULTY TO DETERMINE FINAL CLINICAL PLACEMENT.
Course Fee: 850
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 469. Nursing Leadership and Management. (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the professional nursing roles of the nurse leader/manager as a change agent, advocate, and role model for others in the health care setting. The course addresses the management skills of scheduling, budgets, delegation, and information technology, and explores health care policy, finance and regulatory environments. In addition, this course addresses the nurse leader’s role in maintaining clinical expertise, effective communication, flexibility, collaboration and conflict resolution.
Equivalent: NURS 417
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 480. Spec Pop 3: Pop Hlth Theory. (2 Credits)
This course explores the care of individuals across the lifespan with complex acute and chronic conditions affecting multiple body systems. Students will apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and ethical decision-making in dynamic healthcare environments. Learning experiences include hands-on practice, clinical rotations, and reflective post-clinical conferences.
NURS 481. Spec Pop 3: Pop Hlth Clinical. (2 Credits)
This clinical course covers care continuum, population health, and disease prevention, using partnerships and advocacy for equitable outcomes. Students develop skills in diverse community settings.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 490. Clinical Internship. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Assists nurses in period of transition from nursing student to registered nurse or from one practice setting to another. Adaptation to role transition fostered through preceptorship with expert clinical RN and through interaction with faculty. Opportunities to both practice and master current knowledge and skills and acquire new ones.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing.
NURS 491. Directed Study. (1-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Course Topics to be determined by instructor
NURS 492. Clinical Update Level I-III. (1-5 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Opportunity to pursue a nursing project or topic of choice with guidance of a faculty member.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 494. Prof Practice 4: Qual & Safety. (3 Credits)
This course delves into population health, covering global health, behavior change, emergency preparedness, chronic disease management, and prevention. It emphasizes ethics, social justice, and advocacy for equitable healthcare policies.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 495. Prof Practice 5: Final Pract. (3 Credits)
This final practicum course helps nursing students transition to professionals under a registered nurse's guidance, applying BSN knowledge and AACN Essentials. Focuses on decision-making, leadership, and collaboration with personal goal setting.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits).
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing (Consortium).
Enrollment is limited to Post Baccalaureate or Undergraduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Professional Studies college.
NURS 496. Independent Practicum. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Opportunity to explore a clinical field or an expanded nursing role with guidance of a faculty member and a clinical preceptor.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Nursing (Post RN).
NURS 497. Internship. (0-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Requires completion of a form, department permission and cannot be registered for via Zagweb.
NURS 498. Special Topics. (1-3 Credits)
Seminars designed to address special topics in nursing and health care, based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisite: permission. Fall, Spring, Summer - On sufficient demand.
NURS 499. Special Topics. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Seminars designed to address special topics in nursing and health care, based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisite: permission. Fall, Spring, Summer - On sufficient demand.
NURS 523. Advanced Pathophysiology. (3 Credits)
This course seeks to assist learners to understand the cellular pathophysiological basis of disease. The content emphasizes cellular, genetic, and biochemical processes. Pathophysiological and physiological concepts form the basis for critical thinking and decision making when assessing and treating individuals with various disease processes.
Equivalent: NURS 533
NURS 524. Advanced Pharmacology. (3 Credits)
The course is designed to prepare the learner for an advanced practice role with prescriptive authority. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles will be applied to the pharmacotherapeutic treatment of disease. Medications will be studied according to therapeutic categories and drug classes within the framework of organ-based pathophysiologic disease state processes. Emphasis will be placed on the medications that are commonly used (top 200 drugs) in primary care settings with special attention given to evidence-based medication selection, patient education, and medication monitoring.
NURS 561. Information Technology and Data Management. (3 Credits)
This course explores the many uses of information technology and data management. The course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills in information and healthcare technology needed to enhance communication and interprofessional collaboration in the current healthcare environment. The process of locating, accessing and analyzing information and data is applied to advanced practice roles, enhancing patient safety, quality and outcomes, and improving population health.
NURS 562. Theory and Foundation of Healthcare Improvement. (3 Credits)
This course provides a theoretical orientation to become change agents in a variety of healthcare settings and diverse practice populations. The course will provide learners with a foundation in theories significant to nursing practice such as complex adaptive systems, organizational and change theory, leadership and team-building models, and quality improvement and care models needed to assess, design, plan, implement, and evaluation quality improvement project to promote patient-centered care and improve program outcomes.
NURS 563. Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety. (3 Credits)
This course will provide learners with a theoretical and practical foundation for identifying and critically appraising evidence from qualitative and quantitative research traditions. The emphasis is on the examination of the essential elements of evidence-based-practice, including the formulation of answerable questions to address quality improvement and safety in a variety of advance practice roles and the systematic search for research evidence that can be used to answer researchable questions.
NURS 564. Contemporary Healthcare Environment. (3 Credits)
This course explores the ethical and legal principles of healthcare and their impact on accessible, affordable, and quality care. This course will provide learners with a framework for discussing ethical and legal issues with an emphasis on the ethical delivery of care to individuals, families and populations. The scope and standards of advanced nursing roles will be examined along with current issues and policies that address health care disparities, health care organizations, financing and quality. Strategies for analyzing and influencing public, professional and institutional policies related to health care and its delivery will be considered.
NURS 565. Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations. (3 Credits)
The focus of this course is on the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs for diverse groups and populations. Selected concepts of epidemiology, broad determinants of health, population health, clinical prevention and cultural competence will be examined as they relate to the design and delivery of equitable clinical prevention and health promotion interventions and/or services to individuals, families, communities and aggregates/clinical populations.
NURS 600. Advanced Health Assessment. (3 Credits)
This course is designed to extend and refine the assessment skills of the Registered Nurse in preparation for an advanced clinical practice role. The student will learn to perform physical, developmental, mental, emotional, cultural, social, and family assessments. Students will review anatomy and physiology related to each biological system being studied. The course emphasizes in-depth techniques for assessing each body system in individuals throughout the life span. Lectures will focus on the use of a variety of health assessment techniques, including history taking skills, physical assessment, and other diagnostic assessment tools. Application of diagnostic reasoning and patient education to the assessment process will be included in the content. This course incorporates approximately 13 hours of supervised laboratory experience and 60 hours of precepted clinical experience. Laboratory and clinical components of the course focus on helping the student to develop communication, observation, and psychomotor skills and to document history and physical examination findings. Two, 2-day on-campus immersions required. NURS 600/NURS 601 must be taken concurrently, and is considered a full-time load for the semester.
Course Fee: 650
NURS 601. Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
This course is the practicum course paired with NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment. The focus is on the practice of advanced assessment skills within a primary care setting. Students must complete 60 clinical hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner or physician. NURS 600/NURS 601 must be taken concurrently, and is considered a full-time load for the semester.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 634A. Nursing Leadership Practicum. (2-3 Credits)
This practicum course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders with the opportunity to integrate leadership and theoretical knowledge from previous didactic courses to gain hands-on expertise. Students have the opportunity to achieve competencies as nurse leaders in the areas of communication, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills, as outlined by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). This individualized practicum experience will take place in one or more pre-approved healthcare settings under the guidance of an approved expert clinical preceptor for the completion of 120-180 clinical practicum hours. Students will develop objectives for learning and identify specific activities to meet these objectives; one objective will focus on a practicum project. Students are required to attend a two-day on-campus immersion.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 642A. Healthcare Quality Improvement and Safety Management. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the essential skills, values, and principles necessary to facilitate an environment of quality and safety in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on creating highly-reliable organizations and the establishment of a just-culture. The course emphasizes strategies and methodologies in the application of research and evidence-based practices to strive for excellence, improve quality, and increase patient safety in all aspects of healthcare. National initiatives and agencies responsible for quality outcome measures and organizational accountability will be explored.
NURS 644A. Business of Healthcare Mngmnt. (3 Credits)
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the skills essential to financially manage a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on the financial concepts of accounting, budgets, coding, cost allocation, reimbursement, productivity, and capital expenses.
NURS 645A. Legal, Regulatory, and Ethics in Healthcare. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to apply legal, ethical, and regulatory principles in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Systems theory provides a framework for examining legal and regulatory actions influencing delivery of care, patient and employee rights and responsibilities, quality management, accreditation, and patient safety and risk management. The course utilizes healthcare policy as a framework to analyze, monitor, and maintain legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.
NURS 651P. Gender Based. (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the care of women and men with common pathophysiological alterations in gender related health. Focus is on clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in women and men who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the FNP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions.
NURS 652M. Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts I. (3 Credits)
Designed as an induction into advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing. The scope of practice and standards of the psychiatric nurse practitioner are analyzed. Major emphasis is placed on building a therapeutic relationship, assessing, and diagnosing major psychiatric disorders mental health promotion/prevention strategies, and diagnostic decision-making is stressed. Risk assessments and formulating diagnoses using DSM V, are emphasized and other phenomena requiring clinical intervention, considering variations across the lifespan. Selected theories of interpersonal psychotherapy, human development, recovery, and trauma informed care across the lifespan are analyzed. The biological bases of psychosocial behavior and their implications in psychiatric care are explored. Integration of concepts and application in one's personal practice are stressed.
NURS 652P. Infant, Child, Adolescence. (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in infants/children/adolescents who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions. The FNP’s role in management and referral to other health care professionals and community resources for individuals and families will be emphasized (e.g., coordination of care transitions within and between health care systems for children with developmental delay).
NURS 653M. Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts II. (3 Credits)
The focus of this course is on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. Emphasis is on individual and group psychotherapy across the lifespan. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Continued development of therapeutic relationships, self-awareness, and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation are emphasized.
NURS 653P. Adult/Gerontology I. (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis) and treatment, prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education, follow-up, co-management or referral.
NURS 654M. Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts III. (3 Credits)
Focuses on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. The course will have an emphasis on individual, group and family psychotherapy interventions. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Theoretical models for individual and group psychotherapy are analyzed for their application and presenting issues in therapy situations of patients/clients of varying ages and diagnoses are emphasized. Self-awareness; continuing development of knowledge and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation; and integration of theories and techniques of psychotherapy for application in one's personal practice are stressed. Strategies in treating chronic mental health disorders are considered. The indications for and selection of appropriate theoretical models, diagnostic strategies, and/or intervention techniques, and issues in treatment situations of patients/clients across the age span are emphasized.
NURS 654P. Adult/Gerontology II. (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care and other settings. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education. The course also emphasizes the NP’s role when referring to other health care professionals, community resources, and interdisciplinary teams.
NURS 661M. Psych-Mental Health Practicum I. (1-3 Credits)
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts I. Emphasis is on utilizing the theories, concepts, and skills necessary to assess and diagnose acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and the development of clinical intervention.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 661P. Primary Care: Gender-Based Practicum. (1-3 Credits)
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Gender-Based. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 60 to 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult male and female population with health concerns.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 662M. Psych-Mental Health Practicum II. (1-4 Credits)
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts II. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management, individual, group psychotherapy for the adult clients.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 662P. Infant, Child, Adolescence Practicum. (2-3 Credits)
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Infant, Child and Adolescent. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the population of infant through adolescent with health concerns.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 663M. Psych-Mental Health Practicum III. (1-4 Credits)
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts III. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for the child/adolescent and elderly client with acute, chronic, and co-occurring disorders.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 663P. Adult/Gerontology Practicum I. (3-4 Credits)
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Geriatric I. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum of 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care settings.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 664P. Adult/Gerontology Practicum II. (2-4 Credits)
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Gerontology II. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care and other settings.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 670. Psychopharmacology. (3 Credits)
The course covers the principles and theories of psychopharmacology, the examination of, epigenetics, genetics, neurochemical communication, circuits in psychopharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. The course examines the actions and use of specific psychotropic medication, required monitoring and the management of behavior and mental illness. NURS 670 is considered a full-time course for the semester in and of itself.
NURS 671. Care of Frail Elder. (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the clinical management of the elder in primary care. Emphasis is on principles of gerontological care, common syndromes, ethical issues, abuse/neglect, and care options within the long-term care (LTC) continuum. The course includes a clinical application experience in an internal medicine clinic or a LTC setting.
NURS 672. Mental Health in Advanced Practicum. (3 Credits)
This course is foundational for advanced practice nurses when providing care to patients with common mental health disorders. Content includes neurophysiologic, genomic, environmental, social, and developmental theories to understand the etiology and presentation of common mental health conditions. Psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological principles and modalities for treatment of common mental health problems will be explored.
NURS 683A. Nursing Leadership Practicum Extension. (1-2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course provides Nursing Leadership in Healthcare students the opportunity to continue to apply nursing leadership and healthcare management concepts while completing required practicum hours. Students will complete 1-2 credits of practicum (60-120 hours) in approved clinical settings while supervised by approved clinical preceptors.
NURS 683M. Psyc-Mental Health Practicum Extension. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters when they are not enrolled in NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for any population.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 683P. Primary Care Practicum Extension. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters following completion of the NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of skills in caring for any population with health concerns in primary care or other approved settings.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 690. Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 691. Special Topics. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
NURS 692. Independent Study. (0-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).
NURS 701. DNP Practicum I. (1-3 Credits)
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to begin to design his or her DNP project. The student also begins to establish the expanded advanced nursing DNP role focusing on a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Course Fee: 400
NURS 702. DNP Practicum II. (1-3 Credits)
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to implement his or her scholarly project. Emphasis is on intra- and interprofessional collaboration, demonstrating competency in the DNP Essentials, teamwork, and project management. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
NURS 703. DNP Practicum III. (1-3 Credits)
The practicum course focuses on evaluating and disseminating the results of the student's DNP project. The student continues to focus on the advanced nursing DNP role for a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
NURS 704. DNP Practicum Extension. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
The practicum extension course allows the DNP student to work with a faculty mentor to develop a meaningful practicum experience. The practicum should be designed to help the student achieve specific learning objectives. Students develop an independent study plan in collaboration with their DNP project chair to work on areas to expand their knowledge, skills, and DNP competencies (60-180 hours).
NURS 705. Introduction to the Doctor of Nurse Practice Role. (1 Credit)
This course serves as the orientation to the DNP role. The Gonzaga mission, along with Jesuit values and principles are discovered and experienced. The DNP project is described and potential projects are delineated. Available resources are
identified and explored.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
NURS 708. Inferential Statistics. (3 Credits)
The purpose of this course is to review statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions (binomial and normal), sampling distributions, inferences (point estimates and confidence intervals), hypotheses testing (one-sample tests, two-sample tests), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as well as simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The course emphasizes the application of statistical concepts to analyze research for best available evidence to support quality nursing practice. The course also provides students with hands-on experience in using statistical software (Mega Stat) to assist in making effective decisions.
NURS 711. Quality Improvements and Leadership in Healthcare. (3 Credits)
This course emphasizes quality improvement and leadership in healthcare. It acquaints students with the processes, tools, and techniques that will enable them to develop the foundational framework for the DNP project. The course focuses on leadership knowledge, abilities, and skills in a complex adaptive health arena, emphasizing continuous process improvement as crucial to achieving high quality outcomes.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
NURS 712. Translational Research Advanced Practicum. (3 Credits)
This course will address the DNP role in translational research with emphasis on the examination of knowledge transformation. The course includes conducting a systematic search for research evidence to answer researchable questions and the synthesis of evidence for knowledge translation across a body of research in both qualitative and quantitative traditions.
NURS 713. Population Health Outcomes. (3 Credits)
This course will explore utilization of information technology and data management for measuring and attaining population health outcomes. The DNP student will be prepared to use epidemiological data to identify the causes of disease and to evaluate health services for quality, safety and efficacy.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
NURS 714. Theoretical Underpinning in Advanced Practicum. (3 Credits)
This course provides an overview of both general theoretical knowledge and specific theoretical perspectives. The emphasis is on the application of frameworks for advanced nursing roles such as nurse clinician and leader. This course particularly emphasizes selecting, analyzing, and applying nursing
and integrative middle-range theories to efforts to improve population health and health care delivery.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
NURS 715. Health Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy. (3 Credits)
This course emphasizes the leadership role of the DNP in influencing health policy makers and health policy development, emphasizing inter-professional collaboration. The effect of nursing scholarship on health policy and advocacy will be explored. The regulatory and ethical environments that impact DNP practice are examined considering social justice arid lgnatian values. Strategies for designing and leading the implementation of public, professional, and institutional policies relating to local, regional, national, and international health care and its delivery are considered.
NURS 760. Doctor of Nurse Practice Project Readiness. (3 Credits)
This course will serve as the vehicle to ensure readiness for beginning the DNP project and practicum courses.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
NURS 761. Doctor of Nurse Practice Project Seminar I. (2 Credits)
This is the first of a series of three seminars that provide the DNP student with mentored opportunities to identify a practice issue and develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate an independent, analytic DNP project focusing on problems of advanced nursing practice within specific populations. Each seminar course builds on the knowledge and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of a final DNP project that demonstrates clinical scholarship. The range of projects will be varied as they relate to the DNP student's unique area of nursing, e.g., quality improvement, policy analysis, designing and using databases, designing and evaluating new models of care, collaboration with researchers to answer clinical questions, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
NURS 762. Doctor of Nurse Practice Project Seminar II. (1 Credit)
During this course, the student implements the DNP project specific to a population of interest within a designated practice setting. Change management principles, leadership skills and interprofessional collaboration are emphasized. The student applies and integrates elements of the DNP Essentials.
NURS 763. Doctor of Nurse Practice Project Seminar III. (1 Credit)
In this final seminar course, the student will present the final defense of the DNP project through an oral presentation that addresses the topic of interest, the development and implementation of the project, how it addressed the needs of a selected population, and an evaluation of the project and its outcomes.
NURS 790. Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 792. Independent Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).