Nursing Course Descriptions

This is a beginning course that introduces the student to the foundations, basic principles and the role of the registered professional nurse. Emphasis is on the scientific approach as it relates to the nursing process. Concepts related to health, stress, communication and culture are introduced as the student begins to participate in client-nurse relationships. Skills relative to the practice of nursing are taught/practiced in the laboratory/hospital setting. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 4; Clinical hrs. 8. Enrollment limited to students accepted into the ADN program.  May be taken for Honors. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab, BIOL 123 Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab. Corequisites: NHSCI 102 Dosage Calculations, PSYCH 101 General Psychology, and NUTR 109 Nutrition (ADN). Offered fall semester.

This course builds upon, and is an extension of, ADN-Nursing I. There are two segments: ADN-II(A) Maternity Nursing, and ADN-II(B) Metal Health Nursing.

ADN-II(A) is devoted to viewing the individual as part of a family unit. Health needs occurring at various stages during the childbearing years are studied. The student is introduced to pathophysiological factors as complications of the maternity cycle and women’s health are discussed.

ADN-II(B) views the individual as part of the larger whole; as a member of interrelated groups within his/her community. Mental Health will be looked upon as occurring along a continuum and influenced by factors such as culture, education, and value system. The emphasis will be on the use of the nursing process in caring for individuals of all ages with selected psychiatric mental health disorders. Physical and mental health changes in the aging population will be explored in depth. Clinical experience is provided each week. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 4; Clinical hrs. 8. Prerequisite: ADN 120 ADN-Nursing I. Corequisite: ENG 101 Composition and Literature I.  Offered spring semester.

Focus on growth, development, common health problems of the child and adult. Opportunity provided for students to care for hospitalized children and adults requiring adaptation of nursing care principles to meet individual physical/emotional needs. Principles of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diet therapy are integrated throughout course. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 4; Clinical hrs. 8. Prerequisite: ADN 131 ADN-Nursing II, BIOL 121, 123 Anatomy and Physiology I & II. Offered fall semester. Corequisites: BIOL 221, 222 General Microbiology and Lab.

Consideration of complex health problems of adults and children; opportunity provided for students to care for adults and children in acute care facilities. Principles of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and leadership are integrated. Seminars focus on preparation for entry-level into the profession. Class hrs. 7; Clinical hrs. 16. Prerequisite: ADN-Nursing III, General Microbiology. Offered spring semester.

This course introduces the common medical terms used in health related areas. Stress is on prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. A discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, disease process, surgical and diagnostic procedures are presented, and different medical specialties and abbreviations are reviewed. Class hrs. 4. Offered fall and spring semesters.

This course offers a simplified approach to calculation and administration of drug dosages, including theoretical and mathematical concepts related to the administration of medications. A step-by-step approach to dosage calculations, including IV, is utilized. Competence in basic math is necessary and is evaluated at first session. This course is appropriate for those considering or already working in a health career. Licensed health professionals may enroll in this course as a review for re-entry into the work force. Class hrs. 1.

The concepts of health and the role of the practical nurse in the health care system form the basis of this course. Client individuality with a sensitivity to family, community and cultural needs is emphasized. The nursing process, legal-ethical issues, infection control, normal nutrition, communication skills, and medication administration are introduced. Basic nursing skills are taught in the lab. Focuses on the clinical application of fundamental nursing skills. Clinical ends mid-semester. Class hrs. 4, Lab hrs. 2, Clinical hrs. 14. Enrollment limited to students matriculated in the PNA curriculum. Prerequisite:  Anatomy & Physiology I & II. Corequisite: NHSCI 102 Dosage Calculations. Offered fall semester.

This course introduces human physical, emotional, and social development throughout the life cycle, concentrating on family and cultural needs during pregnancy and birth. A relationship is drawn between problems in the normal developmental stages and subsequent psychological difficulties. Therapeutic communication skills are emphasized, and the use of the computer is introduced. Focuses on the clinical application of principles of mental health and family-centered maternity nursing. Clinical begins mid-semester. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 2; Clinical hrs. 14. Pre- or Corequisite: PNA 101 Nursing I. Offered fall semester.

This course builds upon fundamental nursing skills and principles with theory of medical surgical nursing. Concepts of growth and development with an emphasis on the mature adult are presented. Nursing skills, medication administration, pharmacology, and nutrition are included. Documentation formats are discussed and utilized. Focuses on the delivery, in the medical surgical setting, of holistic nursing care to culturally diverse individuals with common health problems. Concept of health promotion is emphasized throughout the course. Clinical ends mid-semester. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 2; Clinical hrs. 14. Prerequisite: Nursing I & Dosage Calculations. Offered spring semester.

This course builds upon fundamental nursing skills and principles with theory of medical surgical nursing. Concepts of growth and development with an emphasis on children and the gerian are presented. Theories of leadership and transition to practice are discussed and applied. Focuses on the delivery of holistic nursing care to culturally diverse individuals with common health problems in long-term and community settings. Clinical begins mid-semester. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 4; Lab hrs. 2; Clinical hrs. 14. Prerequisite: Nursing II and III. Offered spring semester.