North Carolina A&T State University School Of Nursing

SCHOOL OF NURSING
http://www.son.ncat.edu
Patricia A. Chamings, Interim Dean

The School of Nursing offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. The school is organized into lower and upper divisions. The first two academic years or lower division of the program
encompasses core requirements of the University and foundation courses for the major. The upper division or last two academic years are largely devoted to nursing courses .

MISSION STATEMENT FOR SCHOOL OF NURSING
The School of Nursing will provide an environment of academic excellence, scholarly inquiry and civility to
prepare nurses for entry into a professional evidence-based practice through the use of information technology and clinical experiential learning to deliver quality patient-centered care, regionally, nationally, and globally.

CURRICULUM PURPOSE
The purpose of the baccalaureate program in nursing at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University is to prepare a nurse generalist for beginning professional practice. A special emphasis is the
preparation of minority nurses. The program provides a body of knowledge derived from liberal arts, biological, physical, behavioral sciences, and nursing. The program provides the foundation for advanced preparation in nursing and life-long learning. The graduate will contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession through the use of research and management skills .

PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL OF NURSING
The philosophy of the School of Nursing depicts a holistic system that conceptually involves human beings,
the environment, health, the healthcare system, professional nursing, and baccalaureate nursing education.
We view human beings as unique, biopsychosocial spiritual individuals who have worth and value. A
synergistic relationship exists between the individual and the environment. Human beings have unlimited
potential and possibilities, although their abilities may be restricted. Human beings have the potential to adapt to internal and external stimuli, and to create change in themselves and the world. We view human beings holistically, as diverse individuals with the potential for growth and wellness across the lifespan. They vary in their capacity to learn, assume responsibility for their behavior, and in their ability to participate in health care activities.

We believe the environment consists of internal and external conditions, circumstances, and influences
affecting individuals, families, groups, and communities. Human beings respond to environmental stimuli and those responses are exhibited as adaptive modes.
We believe that health is a dynamic state of wholeness, affected by internal and external environments and is influenced by individual and cultural beliefs. Healing is the process of moving toward a higher level of wellness. We believe the healthcare system is a diverse, interrelated entity that is changing due to the utilization of informatics, advances in technology, and health-promoting discoveries. The system has political and socioeconomic elements in addition to the variety of health-care settings, the various providers, and the culturally diverse population who are served. Health care is a right for all, and human beings should have access to resources that promo te, maintain, and restore health, and prevent illness.

The health system requires that the nurse engage in critical reflection and ethical deliberation.
We believe that professional nursing is an art and a science. It is a changing, interactive, evidence-based
practice discipline. Nursing is based on the synthesis of liberal education, scientific and professional knowledge, clinical and cognitive skills, and the value system of the nurse. Nurses engage in a healing relationship with human beings. They assume the roles of learner, practitioner, teacher, collaborator, leader, manager, and client advocate, which includes the application of quality improvement principles. The professional nurse designs and provides interventions for individuals, families, and communities. The nursing process is the systematic method used to direct patient-centered nursing care and make clinical judgments in a variety of settings.

Steps in the nursing process are assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
We believe research expands the theoretical and practice basis of nursing as it continues to emerge as a
profession. Nursing research is the application of scientific methods to the study of client problems that can be resolved through nursing intervention. We further believe that the baccalaureate graduate in nursing is prepared to critique and use research in evidence-based nursing practice.

We believe the professional nurse is prepared to assume a leadership role in community as well as
professional life. The professional nurse demonstrates leadership through advocacy, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and active participation in professional organizations and the community.
We believe the baccalaureate degree is the first professional degree in nursing, which prepares the nurse forentry into practice. Baccalaureate nursing education is a synthesis of learning from the liberal arts, sciences and nursing. Baccalaureate education provides a foundation where the student finds a sense of identification, belonging, responsibility, and achievement in preparation for roles of leadership and service. Baccalaureate education encourages synthesis of knowledge and the effective use of analytical and communications skills. The body of knowledge for nursing is derived from nursing theories, research, and clinical practice. Baccalaureate nursing education provides a base for the understanding of human beings, the cultivation of intellectual and technological skills, the examination of the learner’s values and beliefs, and the understanding of and respect for the values of others in a multicultural society. We believe that teaching and learning is an interactive process that occurs in a variety of settings. This process involves cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of learning.

Students learn in a variety of ways and learning takes place best when students are actively involved in the
process and share responsibility for the learning. The curriculum employs flexible approaches to meet the needs of learners. Baccalaureate education provides the student with a relevant knowledge base along with clinical and professional skills that provide a basis for clinical judgment. Baccalaureate nursing education provides the basis for graduate preparation in nursing and establishes a foundation for life-long learning.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The following objectives of the Nursing Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University are designed to provide learning experiences that will assist nursing students to:
1. Assimilate knowledge from the physical, biological, psychosocial, the liberal arts, nursing theories, as a
foundation to provide evidence-based care to clients in a global society.
2. Utilize critical thinking skills in applying the nursing process to provide patient-centered care.
3. Develop professional values that encompass ethical reasoning, accountability, responsibility, integrity,
and collaboration that create an environment where knowledge is created and shared.
4. Assume the role of client advocate, teacher, facilitator, collaborator, and coordinator with other health
care professionals and consumers to improve delivery of health care to meet health needs of society.
5. Serve as a catalyst with inter-professional and diverse teams for creative and collaborative strategies to
address local, national, political, and global health priorities.
6. Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth through lifelong learning
7. Utilize technology to enhance interpersonal development, communication, inter-professional teamwork,
and patient outcomes.
8. Develop leaders with management abilities to advance the use of evidence as a basis for the practice of
professional nursing.

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS
The program offered by the School of Nursing is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, 3724
National Dr., Koger Center Office Complex, Camden Building, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27612, (919) 782-3211, www.ncbon.com; email@ncbon.com. The School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, (800) 669-1656, www.nlnac.org
The School of Nursing is an agency member of the National League for Nursing (NLN), the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Southern Regional Education Board Council on Collegiate
Education for Nursing. The School of Nursing is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor
Society.

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
All School of Nursing policies supersede University policy. Pre-nursing majors are required to purchase Lab
coats, nursing emblems, and nametags for the spring semester of the sophomore year. Students are required to secure liability insurance prior to beginning NURS 351 and purchase this insurance annually thereafter through the School of Nursing. Proof of tuberculosis skin test, other immunizations, and CPR certification must be submitted annually. To maintain enrollment in clinical all required information must be submitted by the deadline. Attendance is mandatory for theory and clinical courses. Students are responsible for transportation to clinical agencies, which may be outside of the Greensboro area. Health agencies in Guilford and surrounding counties work collaboratively with the School of Nursing to provide clinical learning experiences for students.

Students are required to take nationally normed tests throughout the curriculum and to achieve satisfactory
scores on such tests. In the last semester of the curriculum, students are required to take comprehensive exams and to make satisfactory scores prior to graduation.
The School of Nursing believes that the professional development of a nursing student is essential. Based on this belief, students are required to be in attendance for Founder’s Day, Honors Convocation, Capping and Pinning, Sigma Theta Tau activities and other events designated by the dean as related to the professional nature of nursing. A total of 127-128 credit hours are required for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (64 credit hours of nursing courses and 63 credit hours of non-nursing courses). A minimum of 36 credit hours must be earned at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to apply to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
I. Admission Criteria for Pre-Nursing Majors
Freshmen and transfer students admitted into the university, as pre-nursing majors must meet the
following criteria: (Licensed nurses see Section III).
A. In-state students must have a combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of “800” and a
cumulative grade point average of “3.0” or better. Out-of-state students mu st have a combined
SAT score of 950 and a cumulative grade point average of “3.0” or better. An ACT equivalent is
acceptable in lieu of SAT.
B. If criterion "A" above is not met, a student who meets university requirements may enroll at the
University. If a student completes the first year courses of the nursing curriculum with a
cumulative grade point average of 2.8, the student may be admitted as a pre-nursing major.
Students must complete Biological Science 100, Chemistry 104, and 114 with a minimum grade of
“C” before enrolling in sophomore level nursing courses. Prior to enrolling in NURS 350 or 351
students must have completed BIOL 361with a grade of “C” or better.
Transfer students admitted into the university, as pre-nursing majors must meet the following criteria:
1. Overall cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or above from transfer institution.
2. Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better;
CHEM (4) BIOL (4) STAT (3)
ENGL (6) MATH (3)
3. Nursing and science courses 5 years or older will not be accepted for transfer.

II. Admission into the Nursing Major (Upper Division)
Students are formally admitted into the School of Nursing at the junior level. All pre-nursing students must
meet the published admission criteria to be considered for admission into the School of Nursing at the upper
division level.
A. Completion of physical and biological science courses with a grade of “C” or better.
BIOL 100 (4) CHEM 104 (3) CHEM 114 (1) LAB
BIOL 220 (4) BIOL 361 (4)
B. Completion of the following additional prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better.
MATH 101/111 (3) STAT (3) ENGL 101/UNST 130 (3)
ENGL 100/UNST 110 (3) UNST 120 (3) FCS 310 (3)
PSYC 320 (3) FCS 337 (3)
C. Completion of the following prerequisite nursing courses with a grade of “C” (77) or better.
NURS 100/UNST 100 (1) NURS 300 (3) NURS 310 (2)
NURS 320(2) NURS 350 (3) NURS 351 (2)
NURS 390 (4) {RN ONLY} NURS 414 (3)
Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance in the nursing major. Admission into the School
of Nursing is competitive. The School of Nursing reserves the right to evaluate all academic transcripts of
applicants to the upper division. Students enrolled in the upper division must meet agency requirements for
criminal background reviews and drug screening.

III. Admission Criteria for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing Students
A. Registered nurses who meet criteria for admission to the University are accepted as pre-nursing
transfer students. Presentation of a current unrestricted North Carolina license is required for
licensed nurses admitted as majors into the nursing program. Requirements for courses in the
junior level nursing curriculum may be met by challenge examination, completion of course work
or transfer of credit. Registered and Licensed Practical/Vocational nurse students must follow
progression requirements and meet graduation requirements .
IV. Progression Requirements
1. Courses in the nursing major must be completed in the sequence of the designed curriculum.
2. All nursing courses required in the nursing major must be completed with achievement of “C”
(77).
3. Once admitted to the upper division, the student must maintain at least a “C” average to continue
progression in the program.
4. A student who withdraws from any upper division course must re-apply to the upper division and
meet the current criteria for admission.
5. A student earning more than one grade of “D,” “F,” or “WF” in a nursing or science course will be
unable to continue in the nursing major.
V. Readmission Requirements
Eligibility for consideration of readmission to the nursing major is dependent upon adherence to current
School of Nursing requirements .

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, when accompanied by nursing licensure, prepares the graduate
for beginning practice in a variety of health care settings. Some possible opportunities include institutions such as
hospitals, public health agencies, clinics, military services, home health, and extended care facilities.

POLICY CHANGE
Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of change(s) will be made with a thirty day posted notice.

POLICY REGARDING PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Students seeking admission to the University must have a physical examination before enrollment. Students
seeking admission into the sophomore level of nursing must have a pre -entrance physical examination, required
immunizations and CPR certification.

The School of Nursing reserves the right to dismiss a student from the program who (1) presents with
problems in physical or emotional health which does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling
within a reasonable period of time and (2) demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to nursing.
Students who are dismissed will be afforded due process.
REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES FOR NURSING
NURS 100/UNST 100 NURS 300 NURS 310
NURS 320 NURS 350 NURS 351
NURS 390 (RN/BSN only) NURS 400 NURS 405
NURS 412 NURS 414 NURS 416
NURS 418 NURS 500 NURS 510
NURS 513 NURS 514 NURS 518
NURS 520 NURS 524
A grade of 77% must be earned in all of the above requirements.
CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR NURSING
(Option: Generic)

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
MATH 101/111 3-4 FCS 310 3
UNST 110 3 UNST 130 3
BIOL 100 4 UNST 140 3
NURS 100/UNST 100 1 CHEM 104 3
UNST 120 3 CHEM 114 1
PHED1 1 STAT2 3
15-16 16

SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
HPED 1 UNST Elective 3
BIOL 220 4 FCS 337 3
UNST Elective 3 NURS 310 2
PSYC 320 3 NURS 320 2
BIOL 361 4 NURS 350 3
NURS 300 3 NURS 351 2
18 NURS 414 3
18

JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
UNST Elective 3 UNST Elective 3
PSYC 434 3 NURS 412 5
NURS 400 7 NURS 416 2
NURS 405 3 NURS 418 5
16 15

SENIOR YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
NURS 500 5 NURS 510 6
NURS 514 8 NURS 513 3
NURS 520 2 NURS 518 3
15 NURS 524 2
14

Total Credit Hours: 127-128
1A total of two credit hours of physical education are required.
2A three hour course of Statistics is required.
RN-BSN PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION
The goal of the RN Option program is to provide the registered nurse student an opportunity to obtain a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is designed to graduate nurses who will function in a
variety of settings, provide leadership with managerial skills, use applied research, and be prepared for graduate
nursing education.

A total of 127 semester hours of credit are required for graduation. The same admission and progression
criteria for the generic student apply to the RN student.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
RN STUDENTS

The registered nurse student can receive credit by examination for the following courses:
I. General education courses (CLEP exam) (15 credit hours).
62 credit hours of the general education requirements may be taken at NC A&T or transferred to the
University. However, no more than 80 credit hours may be transferred from other institutions.
II. The School of Nursing awards the enrolled RN student 41 credit hours for previous RN Licensure upon
successful completion of the NLN Comprehensive Nursing Achievement Examination. Knowledge and
skills are validated through course work in the BSN completion program.
The NLN Comprehensive Nursing Achievement Examination covers the following:
Courses Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing NURS 300, 350, 351 8
Care of the Adult Client NURS 400, 514 15
Care of the Client with Mental Disorder NURS 412 5
Care of the Child, Care of the Child-Bearing Family NURS 418, 500 10
Integration and Application of Nursing Practice NURS 518 3
41

III. An approved Health Assessment Course is equivalent to: NURS 320 (2)
NURS 390 may be offered in fall or spring semesters.

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR NURSING
(Option: Registered Nurse)
FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
MATH 101 3 STAT 3
ENGL 100/UNST 110 3 UNST 130 3
BIOL 100 4 UNST 140 3
UNST 120 3 CHEM 104 3
PHED 1 CHEM 114 1
14 PHED 1
14

SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
BIOL 220 4 FCS 310 3
PSYC 320 3 NURS 320 2
BIOL 361 4 NURS 390 (RN) 3
UNST Elective 3 8
14

JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
PSYC 434 3 UNST 3
FCS 337 3 UNST 3
NURS 414 3 NURS 416 2
NURS 405 3 8
12

SENIOR YEAR
First Semester Credit Second Semester Credit
NURS 520 2 NURS 510 3
UNST 3 NURS 511 3
5 NURS 513 3
NURS 524 2
11
Total Credit Hours: 127
IV. A total of two credit hours of physical education are required.
V. A foreign language is a suggested elective for those planning to attend graduate school.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) GENERAL INFORMATION
The LPN program provides an opportunity for the student to complete the educational requirements for a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in a flexible, supportive environment. LPNs are admitted to the
University as transfer students. Individualized counseling for course selection is provided prior to admission. The overall goal of the LPN program option is to graduate nurses who will function in a variety of settings, provide leadership with managerial skills , use applied research, and be prepared for graduate nursing education. Credit by Examination LPN Students LPNs can receive credit by examination for the following:

I. General Education Courses (Clep Exam) (15 Credit Hours).
II. NLN Challenge Examinations:
Foundations of Nursing Equivalent to:
NURS 300 (3)
NURS 350 (3)
NURS 351 (2)
III. An approved Health Assessment Course is equivalent to:
NURS 320 (2).
A total of ten (10) nursing credit hours may be earned.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN NURSING
NURS 100. Nursing Orientation Credit 1(1-0)
This seminar will emphasize the role of the University Studies (UNST) program and present a broad overview of the curriculum structure and its rationale. The seminar will introduce students to a variety of interdisciplinary themes within the UNST program. Introductory discussions on critical thinking, communication skills, civic engagement, diversity, ethics, wellness, and healthy lifestyles will be included.

(F;SS) NURS 300. Foundations of Professional Nursing I Credit 3(2-2)

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of professional evidence-based nursing. Basic
human needs, the nursing process, and fundamental nursing skills that are essential to provide patient-centered care are presented. There is a laboratory component where skills are practiced and competency demonstrated.

Corequisite: BIOL 361. (F) NURS 303. Health Promotion* Credit 3(3-0)

This course focuses on health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Emphasis will be placed on
improving the health of the community by empowering individuals, families, and groups to making positive lifestyle choices. This course will focus on integrating skills such as critical thinking, teaching and learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and cultural competency into experiences in a variety of settings.

(F;S) NURS 305. Nutrition Healthy Lifestyle* Credit 3(3-0)

This course introduces fundamentals of human nutrition for the promotion of optimal health and wellness across the life span.

(F;S) NURS 310. Exploring Medical Langauage Credit 2(2-0)

This course is an overview of the prefixes, suffixes, and root words of medical terms used in patient-centered care. Emphasis is placed on building a working medical vocabulary based on body systems for those in interdisciplinary health-related professions. The meaning, pronunciation, and spelling of medical terms are included.

Prerequisites: NURS 300. (S) NURS 315. Women’s Health across the Lifespan* Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines health and health care from a historical perspective. Implications of female gender,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and spirituality are examined. The course explores healthcare delivery systems and the impact of environment on health.

Prerequisites: UNST 110, UNST 120. (F;S) NURS 320. Health Assessment Credit 2(1-2)

The course prepares the student to perform health and physical assessments using a holistic approach that is patient centered. Students will have opportunities to practice physical assessment techniques and to make clinical judgements in a laboratory and/or clinical center.

Prerequisites: NURS 300, BIOL 361. (S) NURS 350. Foundations of Professional Nursing II Credit 3(3-0)

This course continues to introduce fundamental concepts of professional evidence-based nursing practice.
Concepts and skills related to physiological and psychosocial responses in illness and wellness are presented. Course content includes, but is not limited to, care planning/ concept mapping, stress/adaptation, life span development, pharmacology, teaching/learning, and quality improvement.

Prerequisites: NURS 300 and BIOL361. Corequisites: NURS 320 and 351. (S)
NURS 351. Foundations of Professional Nursing II Practicum Credit 2(0-2-3)

This course continues to introduce fundamental concepts of professional evidence-based nursing practice.
Concepts and skills related to psychosocial responses in illness and wellness are presented. Skills are practiced and competency is demonstrated in laboratory and clinical settings which provide the basis for patient centered nursing care.

Prerequisites: NURS 300 Corequisites: NURS 320 and 350. (S)
NURS 390. Transition Into Baccalaureate Nursing Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed to facilitate the transition of the RN, LPN, or military BSN completion student into the baccalaureate nursing program. The philosophy, objectives, and policies of the University and School of Nursing are discussed. Empahsis is placed on the use of critical thinking and the nursing process as the basis for patientcentered professional practice within the context of an interdisciplinary health care team.

Prerequisite: Admission as a RN/BSN, LPN, or military completion student. (F;S)
NURS 400. Adult Health I Credit 7(4-2-6)

This course focuses on the continued development of cognitive and psychomotor nursing skills. Psychosocial,physiological, and spiritual needs of adults with acute and chronic illness are explored in the context of professional nursing. The theory and clinical components focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment. Students learn to work in interdisciplinary teams and employ evidence-based practice to provide quality patientcentered care. Prerequisites: Admission to the upper division of nursing.

NURS 405. Pharmacology in Nursing Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines the nurse’s role in medication administration and usage. The course will also increase the student's knowledge of categories of medications and their effects upon various populations. It will enable the student to determine and evaluate the educational and patient care goals regarding medication administration. The student will learn to use information technology to stay current with new drugs and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure quality patient centered care.

Prerequisites: NURS 350. (F;S) NURS 412. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Credit 5(3-0-6)

This course provides an introduction to patient-centered nursing care for individuals and families experiencing acute and chronic mental health needs across the life span. The clinical component allows the student the opportunity to construct and implement a therapeutic plan of care based on patient needs.

Prerequisite: NURS 400. (S) NURS 414. Pathophysiology Credit 3(3-0)

This course focuses on the development of nursing knowledge in pathophysiology as a foundation for evidencebased,
patient-centered care. Students learn to differentiate normal from abnormal physiological functioning and
identify the etiology of pathophysiological alterations in illness across the lifespan. Prerequisite: BIOL 361. (S)
NURS 415. Health Care in a Global Society* Credit 3(3-0)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the impact of health and illness of all populations in the USA and select countries worldwide. Students will be able to compare the major public health concerns in the United States to those in other countries. Prerequisites: Junior Standing in the University.

NURS 416. Nursing Seminar Credit 2(2-0)

This course exa mines current issues and trends influencing nursing and healthcare, including the changes in social and cultural attitudes of society. The role of the nurse is examined through the presentation of topics important to nursing that incorporate the concepts o f evidence-based care and information technology.

(S)NURS 418. Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family and Women’s Health Credit 5(3-0-6)

This course focuses on the concepts of theories essential in providing nursing care to childbearing families,
newborns, and women. Incorporated into the course are methods of adaptation to physiological stressors inherent in this group of patients. In the clinical portion of the course the student will learn to work with interdisciplinary teams and employ evidence-based practice and informatics to provide quality patient-centered care.

Prerequisite: NURS 400. (S) NURS 500. Pediatric Nursing Credit 5(3-0-6)

This course focuses on the development of professional knowledge and specialized skill in family centered care. Emphasis is placed on the stages of physiological and psychosocial development and health care needs from infancy to adolescence. The clinical practicum portion of the course assists the student in developing critical thinking skills related to the nursing care of infants, children, adolescents and their families.

Prerequisite: NURS 412. (F) NURS 510. Community Health Nursing Credit 6(3-0-9)

This course is designed to provide students with the skills to critically analyze and focus on providing patient, family, and aggregate centered care in the community. Students will work with interdisciplinary teams and use sociological and epidemiological frameworks to explore community health nursing roles in a variety of settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 500. (S) NURS 513. Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice Credit 3(0-0-9)

This nursing capstone course provides a focused patient care experience. The course is designed to assist thestudent to transition to entry level practice. Emphasis is on working in interdisciplinary teams using leadershipskills and evidence-based practice. Clincial learning experiences take place in a variety of healthcare settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 514. (F;S) NURS 514. Advanced Adult Health Credit 8(4-0-12)

This course focuses on the integration of knowledge and continued development of cognitive and psychomotor skills. The theory and clinical components enhance critical thinking and clinical judgment. Students provide patient centered nursing care to adults experiencing complex acute and chronic illnesses in interdisciplinary health care settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 412. (F) NURS 516. Independent Study* Credit (1-3, 0)

This course is designed to provide a unique experience that offers the nursing student an opportunity to creatively demonstrate learning objectives within the framework of a holistic, patient centered curriculum. Faculty facilitate learning through collaboration with students. Prerequisites: NURS 350 and 351. Prior Permission Required.

(F;S) NURS 518. Integration and Application of Nursing Practice Credit 3(3-0)

This course combines synthesis, integration, and application of knowledge required for entry into nursing
practice. Students apply critical thinking, problem solving and test taking skills necessary to plan safe and
effective patient-centered care.

Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.(S)
NURS 520. Management & Leadership in Health Care Organizations Credit 2(2-0)

This course is designed to study leadership and management theories and concepts in nursing and organizational behavior. Management of both the health care team and groups of patients is emphasized by educating participants to deliver patient-centered care as members of an interdisciplinary team. Evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches and informatics are also emphasized.

Prerequisites: NURS 412. (F) NURS 524. Nursing Research Credit 2(2-0)

This course introduces students to the research process. Quantitative and qualitative methods will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and utilizing evidence-based research findings that have implications for current and future professional nursing practice. The student will use informatics to analyze and communicate nursing research. Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.

(F;S) NURS 606. HealthCare in an Aging Society* Credit 3(3-0)

This course is intended to introduce the student to the principles of health care in an aging society. Students will be exposed to the concepts that are applicable to caring for the elderly as well as being introduced to various interdisciplinary agencies that work with the elderly to ensure a holistic approach to their care.

Prerequisite:Senior Standing in the University. (F;S) *Elective