Nursing
Department Website: Nursing
Introduction
Grounded in Jesuit and Nursing values, the pre-licensure BSN program offered by the Department of Nursing prepares students to be able to practice as registered nurses in a variety of settings. Students learn to promote health, to care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses, and to support patients and their families at the end of life.
Programs offered: Traditional Pre-licensure BSN & Post Baccalaureate BSN (ABSN)
Traditional Program Overview
Students are admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program as freshmen. At the time they submit their applications to Gonzaga University, nursing applicants must indicate "Nursing" as their first academic interest on the Common Application. Nursing applicants are also required to complete "Section V" of the Common Application Gonzaga Student Supplement. Those not admitted into nursing as freshmen may not become a nursing major at Gonzaga. As freshman nursing majors, students begin the process of completing the GU core requirements and the nursing pre-requisite courses.
Due to constraints on availability of clinical placements, it may take nine semesters to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The Nursing faculty tries to accommodate student requests to complete the program in eight semesters, but the eight-semester time frame is not guaranteed. Students apply for their preferred time frame (Spring or Fall start) placement during the second semester of their freshman year and are notified of their placement by the end of that same academic year. If demand for completion in eight semesters exceeds available clinical placements and/or limits on class sizes, students will be placed based by their ranked grade point average in the nursing pre-requisite courses and progression in the program. Students who are major-ready by the end of their sophomore year but are placed in the nine-semester time frame for the program may take a leave of absence in the fall semester of their junior year. The nine-semester time frame is supported by financial aid in the same way as the eight-semester option, and it provides students with opportunities to pursue a minor or to participate in a study abroad program.
Once students begin their upper division nursing courses, they also complete a series of practicum courses that introduce them to professional nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings. The program prepares students to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) after graduation, which is a requirement for licensure as a registered nurse.
Admission Requirements (Traditional)
Admission to the pre-licensure BSN program is competitive and selective. Students are admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program as freshmen. The decision to admit a student to the BSN program as a freshman is based on consideration of the student's overall portfolio including:
- Cumulative GPA and grade trends
- Four years of math and science courses
- SAT/ACT scores
- Work or volunteer experience in healthcare
- One academic letter of recommendation
- Written essay as well as responses to short answer questions on the application
Information regarding admission to Gonzaga's Nursing Program will follow notification of acceptance to the University by approximately one month.
During their first two years at Gonzaga, students need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and achieve a minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in all nursing prerequisite courses and their respective labs. If a student receives less than the required minimum grade of “C” in any of the nursing prerequisite courses taken at Gonzaga or taken at any other college/university as a substitution, the student is allowed a single retake in two (2) of these courses. Continuation to the upper division BSN program is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of nursing prerequisite courses.
Post Baccalaureate Program Overview
The Post Baccalaureate BSN program is a four-semester program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to complete the BSN. This program features online didactic learning paired with in-person labs and practicum courses introducing students to professional nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings. The program prepares students to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) after graduation, which is a requirement for licensure as a registered nurse.
Admission Requirements (Post Baccalaureate)
Admission to the Post Baccalaureate BSN program is competitive and selective. The decision to admit a student to the program is based on consideration of the student's overall portfolio including:
- A baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field OR pending degree completion in time for program start.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all completed college level work (3.0 for prerequisites)
- A minimum of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses
- Ability to perform all Essential Functions of Nursing Students
- Two academic letters of recommendation
Prerequisites
(The following courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA per course):
- General Chemistry & Lab
- Introductory Stats
- Lifespan Growth & Development
- Human Anatomy I and Lab
- Human Anatomy II and Lab
- Microbiology & Lab
- Nutrition
Nursing (BS) Major
Program Requirements
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| BIOL 105 | Information Flow in Biological Systems | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Writing | 3 |
| MATH 121 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| NURS 110 | Caring Matters | 2 |
| NURS 193 | 3 | |
| PHIL 101 | Reasoning | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 105L | Information Flow in Biological Systems Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 101L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| COMM 100 | Communication and Speech | 3 |
| NURS 230 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Core Broadening Requirement: (Literature) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HPHY 241 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| HPHY 241L | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab | 1 |
| NURS 210 | Growth and Development | 3 |
| Core Fine Art | 3 | |
| History | 3 | |
| RELI Christianity and Catholic Traditions | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 170 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL 170L | Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| HPHY 242 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| HPHY 242L | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II | 1 |
| NURS 220 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Philosophy of Human Nature | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HPHY 244 | Nutrition and Metabolism | 3 |
| NURS 310 | Prof Practice 1: Prof & Thera | 2 |
| NURS 330 | Fnds of Practice 1: Theory | 4 |
| NURS 331 | Fnds of Practice 1: Clinical | 2 |
| NURS 331L | Fnds of Practice 1: Lab | 2 |
| PHIL 301 | Ethics | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 340 | Fnds of Practice 2: Theory | 4 |
| NURS 341 | Fnds of Practice 2: Clinical | 2 |
| NURS 341L | Fnds of Practice 2: Lab | 1 |
| NURS 342 | Prof Practice 2: Res & Evid | 3 |
| NURS 360 | Spec Pop 1: Psyc/Ment Theory | 2 |
| NURS 361 | Spec Pop 1: Psyc/Ment Clinical | 2 |
| RELI World or Comparative Religion | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 430 | Finds of Practice 3: Theory | 4 |
| NURS 431 | Fnds of Practice 3: Clinical | 3 |
| NURS 431L | Fnds of Practice 3: Lab | 1 |
| NURS 440 | Spec Pop 2:OB Theory | 2 |
| NURS 441 | Special Topics: Obstetric Clinical | 1 |
| NURS 450 | Spec Pop 3: Peds Theory | 2 |
| NURS 451 | Spec Pop 3: Peds Clinical | 1 |
| PHIL 455 | Health Care Ethics 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 480 | Spec Pop 4: Pop Hlth Theory | 3 |
| NURS 481 | Spec Pop 4: Pop Hlth Clinical | 2 |
| NURS 490 | Prof Prac 3: Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 494 | Prof Practice 4: Qual & Safety | 3 |
| NURS 495 | Prof Practice 5: Final Pract | 3 |
| NURS 498 | Prof Practice 6: NCLEX Prep | 1 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 127 | |
- 1
Also fulfills the core requirements for Core Integration Seminar
Courses
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 110. Caring Matters. (2 Credits)
This introductory nursing course considers personal, social, and ethical dimensions of caring through the exploration of nursing history, theory, and Jesuit values. Students will examine the values, relationships, and responsibilities involved in caring. Emphasizing self-awareness, critical thinking, and social responsibility, this course fosters a deeper understanding of how caring contributes to human flourishing and societal well-being.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
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.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 121 with a minimum grade of C
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 230. Medical Terminology. (1 Credit)
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 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.
Prerequisites: (NURS 200 with a minimum grade of D and NURS 210 with a minimum grade of D)
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 100 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 210 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 251 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 100 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 210 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 251 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 100 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 210 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 251 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 100 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 210 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 251 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 335 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 121 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 314 with a minimum grade of C and (NURS 315 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 316 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 352
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.
Corequisites: NURS 351
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 314 with a minimum grade of C and (NURS 315 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 316 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 355 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 330 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 360
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 351 with a minimum grade of C and (NURS 352 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 356 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 403
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 351 with a minimum grade of C and (NURS 352 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 356 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 402
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.
Equivalent: HONS 404
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 320 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 341 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 341L with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 330 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 441
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 441. Special Topics: Obstetric Clinical. (1 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.
Prerequisites: NURS 405 with a minimum grade of D and NURS 411 with a minimum grade of D and NURS 435 with a minimum grade of D
NURS 450. Spec Pop 3: 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 3: 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.
Corequisites: NURS 464
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.
Corequisites: NURS 463
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.
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 315 with a minimum grade of S and NURS 352 with a minimum grade of S and NURS 403 with a minimum grade of S
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 4: Pop Hlth Theory. (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.
NURS 481. Spec Pop 4: 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.
Prerequisites: NURS 342 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 430 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 440 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 450 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisites: NURS 480
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Nursing.
NURS 490. Prof Prac 3: Leadership. (3 Credits)
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 342 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 430 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 440 with a minimum grade of C and NURS 450 with a minimum grade of C
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.
Prerequisites: NURS 415 with a minimum grade of D and NURS 450 with a minimum grade of D and NURS 476 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (90+ 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. Prof Practice 6: NCLEX Prep. (1 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 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.