NURS-NURSING (NURS)

NURS 1110. Pre-Nursing Freshman Seminar

1 Credit (1)

This Freshman seminar provides an introduction to the university and its resources, an orientation to the pre-nursing curriculum, and overview of concepts for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on exploring the nurse’s role as an integral member of the healthcare team across multiple contexts and settings, and developing a professional identity. Consent of Instructor required.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop strategies for transitioning to university life and a pathway to the nursing program, through evaluating knowledge, skill, and experience strengths and deficits.
  2. Understand the role nurses and other interprofessional partners play in addressing issues regarding the patient experience across multiple healthcare settings.
  3. Identify and examine cultural, professional and personal beliefs and values of nurses as they relate to patient care and working in multidisciplinary teams.
  4. Begin to explore nursing careers in a variety of healthcare settings, across the nation.

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NURS 120. Health Information Introduction to Pharmacology

3 Credits (3)

Introduction to the principles of pharmacology, including drug terminology; drug origins, forms, and actions; routes of administration; as well as the use of generic name drugs, trade name drugs and categories of drugs to treat multiple and specific body systems. Crosslisted with: HIT 120. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. List and define the major pharmacological drugs and common generics used in healthcare.
  2. Distinguish between local, systemic, therapeutic, allergic, and side effects of the drugs.
  3. Describe the pharmacological action of common drugs and drug categories used to treat each body system, including usage, dosage, adverse effects, contraindications, indications, and key client education information.
  4. Identify basic laws and ethics associated with pharmacological preparation and distribution.
  5. Describe the principle mechanisms of actions, usage, dosage, adverse effects, contraindications, indications, and key client education information for drug classifications affecting multiple body systems. List several routes of drug administration and describe their advantages and disadvantages.

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NURS 127. Medication & Dosage Calculation

2 Credits (2)

General principles of medication administration including computation of medication dosage, preparation, safe administration, and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Includes instruction on various systems of measurement. Applies critical thinking in the administration of oral, topical, enteral, and parenteral medications. Restricted to: Nursing and Medical Assisting Majors. May be repeated up to 2 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. The student will demonstrate accurate dosage calculation; discuss the principles of medication administration, identify the classification of drugs used for various disorders of the systems, administration safety and identify the elements of accurate documentation of medication administration.

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NURS 130. Foundations of Pharmacology

5 Credits (5)

This course provides the nursing student with an introduction to the foundations of pharmacology including: science of drug action, principles of medication administration, accurate calculation of drug doses, medication therapy across the lifespan, application of medications to treat health alterations, normal and adverse responses by the client to medication therapy, medication safety, medication regulation, national patient safety goals, and appropriate nursing interventions to achieve the desired goals of medication therapy. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize personally held values and demonstrate assessment of the values held by diverse patients, as well as their preferences and expressed needs related to pharmacological therapy as measured by: a. Recognize the influence of values, preferences, and expressed needs on the administration of pharmacotherapeutics to populations across the lifespan; b. Explain the nurse’s professional role related to pharmacotherapeutics in diverse populations across the lifespan
  2. Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to establish a plan to meet the needs of individuals, including commonly related to adverse or side effects of pharmacological therapy throughout the lifespan as measured by: a. Identify methods for communication with the health care team related to pharmacotherapeutics; b. Explain how members of the health care team collaborate in the delivery of pharmacotherapeutics
  3. Compare an individualized patient care plan utilizing an evidence-based approach for patient(s) across the lifespan to outcomes related to the administration of pharmacological therapy as measured by as measured by: a. Apply evidence-based information to the administration of pharmacotherapeutics
  4. Demonstrate adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care for the administration of pharmacological therapy in healthcare delivery systems as measured by: a. Give examples of policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected medication administration topics
  5. Apply strategies to reduce the risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care as measured by: a. Give examples of policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected medication administration topics; b. Give examples of common classes of drugs that are used in health care and their related pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics
  6. Utilize varied communication technologies, electronic healthcare databases, and electronic health records to plan nursing care for the administration of pharmacological therapy across the lifespan as measured by: a. Discuss available technology for delivery of nursing care related to pharmacotherapeutics

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NURS 134. Foundation of Nursing Skills and Assessment

3 Credits (1+6P)

This course provides nursing students with introductory nursing knowledge related to performance of nursing skills and assessment including: techniques of fundamental nursing care, basic and intermediate nursing skills, and foundational physical assessment techniques associated with care across the lifespan. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe personally held values, attitudes, and beliefs related to health and wellness as measured by: a. Describe modifications to nursing care based on client cultural and religious influences; b. Demonstrate physical assessment skills for clients across the lifespan utilizing appropriate equipment and techniques.
  2. Describe scopes of practice, roles and values of health care team members as measured by: Identify independent and collaborative nursing interventions.
  3. Describe an evidence-based practice approach to provision of patient care and professional nursing practice across the lifespan as measured by: a. Demonstrate safe performance of basic nursing procedures; b. Identify quality sources of information to verify skills and interventions are based on evidence.
  4. Identify policies, procedures, and standards of care related to the provision of professional nursing care as measured by: Identify need/situation where reporting of incident/event/irregular occurrence/variance is appropriate.
  5. Describe strategies that reduce the risk of harm to self and others as measured by: a. Identify methods utilized to provide safe and effective care; b. Identify and document changes in patient status.
  6. Identify essential information that must be available in a common database to support patient care across the lifespan as measured by: a. Select standard technology utilized to provide basic care to clients across the lifespan; b. Identify approved abbreviations and standard terminology for documenting care.

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NURS 136. Foundations of Nursing Practice

6 Credits (4+6P)

This course will introduce the nursing student to foundational theoretical concepts of professional nursing practice, the nursing process, and foundational nursing skills. It includes developmental concepts related to clients across the lifespan. Clinical experiences in the simulation lab, long-term care, the community, and rehabilitation settings will provide the student with the opportunity to apply learned skills to provide total care to meet needs of one adult client and to develop care planning skills related to actual problems. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of the course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe personally held values, attitudes, and beliefs related to health and wellness as measured by: a. Identify personal values, beliefs, and attitudes about health and wellness; b. Define health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention; c. Describe the basic principles of the teaching/learning process.
  2. Describe scopes of practice, roles and values of health care team members as measured by: a. Describe roles/responsibilities, scope of practice and values of health care team members; b. Identify principles of delegation to other members of the healthcare team.
  3. Describe an evidence-based practice approach to provision of patient care and professional nursing practice across the lifespan as measured by: a. Describe EBP to include components of research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient/family values; b. Describe standards and regulations that apply to nursing and ethical practice.
  4. Identify policies, procedures, and standards of care related to the provision of professional nursing care as measured by: Identify sources of information regarding national standards or policies regarding patient care across the lifespan.
  5. Describe strategies that reduce the risk of harm to self and others as measured by: a. Define patient safety and quality of care; b. Describe methods to identify, report variances, and reduce risk of harm in provision of professional nursing care.
  6. Identify essential information that must be available in a common database to support patient care across the lifespan as measured by: a. Identify quality sources of information and communication techniques designed to mitigate error and protect confidentiality of protected health information across the lifespan.

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NURS 137. Care of Geriatric Patient

3 Credits (3)

This course will introduce the nursing student to foundational concepts of age-appropriate/specific care of the older adult who represents the largest population of individuals placing demands on the healthcare system. It includes basic and complex concepts and issues related to care of the older client across the care continuum, provision of cost-effective care in a resource sparse environment. Students must be admitted into the nursing program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NURS majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize personally held values and demonstrate assessment of the values held by older adults related to chronic illness and age-related changes, as well as their preferences and expressed needs as measured by: a. Give examples of cultural, religious, socioeconomic, environmental, and internal influences on the health and illness of an older adult; b. Select health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to care of older adults; c. Relate own beliefs and attitudes related to aging that might impact ability to provide care to the older adult.
  2. Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to establish a plan to meet the needs of older adults with commonly occurring chronic illness or age-related changes as measured by: a. Locate care delivery settings and sources for referral and coordination of healthcare needs for older adults.
  3. Compare an individualized patient care plan utilizing an evidence-based approach for older adults to outcomes related to the administration of pharmacological therapy as measured by as measured by: a. Describe sources of information regarding evidenced-based protocols for care of older adults; b. Use principles of ethical practice in delivery of care to the older adult.
  4. Demonstrate adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care related to the provision of professional nursing care of older adults with chronic diseases as measured by: a. Give examples of healthcare policies and national standards of care related to the provision of care to older adults.
  5. Apply strategies to reduce the risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care pertinent to the provision of care to older adults: a. Recognize potential and actual safety issues that are pertinent to the provision of care to older adults; b. Apply nursing interventions that reduce risk of harm to older adults.
  6. Utilize varied communication technologies, electronic healthcare databases, and electronic health records to plan nursing care to support care of older adults as measured by: a. Discuss issues with use of technology related to the care of older adults; b. Discuss essential information that needs to be in a common database relevant to care of the older adult.

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NURS 140. Pathophysiology for Allied Health Professionals

3 Credits (3)

Introduction to the nature of disease and its effect on body systems. Deals with the disease processes affecting the human body via an integrated approach to specific disease entities. Includes a review of normal functions of the appropriate body systems. Diseases are studied in relationship to their etiology, pathology, physical signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, complication, treatment modalities, and prognosis. Restricted to Allied Health and Health Information Technology majors. Restricted to:Community Colleges only.

NURS 144. Pharmacology, Essentials of Medication Safety

2 Credits (2)

This course introduces the nursing student to pharmacological nursing practice across the lifespan. The student identifies the nurse’s professional role related to pharmacotherapeutics in diverse populations. Safety issues and minimization of risk potential associated with pharmacotherapeutics, complementary, and alternative medicines are discussed. Health care system protocols, communication methods, and informatics related to pharmacotherapeutics are included in the course content. Common drug classes and the pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics associated with each class are included in this course. Restricted to NURS Majors.

Prerequisite: NURS 127.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss drug classifications including the uses, actions, pharmacodynamics, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, adverse effects, and nursing implications.
  2. Provide patient with education regarding a newly prescribed medication.

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NURS 146. Common Health Deviations

6 Credits (4+6P)

Common health deviations and the manner by which they alter various body functions are explored. The role of the licensed practical nurse in assisting clients with common health deviations is presented. Ethical and legal implications and the role of the practical nurse are also considered. The licensed practical nursing student will utilize the application of knowledge to client care situation both in the subacute and acute care settings. The nursing process is presented as guide for coordinating client care. Grade of C or better. Restricted to: NURSING majors. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite: (NURS 127 or NURS 153), NURS 156, NURS 154, NURS 157, and NURS 210 OR consent of program director.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize critical thinking and systematic problem-solving process as a framework for providing care for adult patients in structured health care setting with complex health care needs.
  2. Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills in prioritizing the management and coordination of all aspects of care.

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NURS 147. Adult Health I

6 Credits (4+6P)

This course focuses on application of the nursing process and theoretical concepts of care for adults with commonly occurring health problems. Selected clinical learning experiences in the simulation lab, acute care, and community settings will allow the student to continue development of: prioritization skills, proficiency in performance of nursing skills, collaborative skills with clients, families, peers and health care team members, care planning skills related to patient actual, psychosocial, and potential problems in the delivery of total nursing care to meet needs of one adult client. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of the course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course.

Learning Outcomes
  2. Recognize personally held values and demonstrate assessment of the values held by diverse patients, as well as their preferences and expressed needs related to health and wellness as measured by: a. Give examples of how personal values, values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the involvement of patients in their care related to selected course topics for adult clients with chronic and acute illness; b. Select health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to selected course topics for adult clients; c. Relate the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, attributes, and clinical management of chronic disease to selected course topics for adult clients.
  4. Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to establish a plan to meet the needs of individuals, including commonly occurring chronic and acute health care problems throughout the lifespan as measured by: a. Locate significant information to report to other disciplines; b. Select resources for continuity of patient care related to selected topics; c. Apply the principles of delegation to selected course topics.
  6. Compare an individualized patient care plan utilizing an evidence-based approach for patient(s) across the lifespan to outcomes for the patient(s) as measured by: a. Implement individualized patient care utilizing an evidence-based approach related to selected course topics; b. Use principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for patients with chronic or acute illness.
  8. Demonstrate adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems as measured by: a. Give examples of policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected course topics.
  10. Apply strategies to reduce the risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care as measured by: a. Identify variations in physiologic integrity related to selected course topics; b. Apply nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm related to selected course topics.
  12. Utilize varied communication technologies, electronic healthcare databases, and electronic health records to plan nursing care for patients with chronic illnesses across the lifespan as measured by: a. Discuss available technology for delivery of nursing care related to selected topics.

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NURS 149. Mental Health Nursing

4 Credits (3+1P)

This course will allow the nursing student to develop skills necessary to provide nursing care for clients with mental health problems in various health care settings including: common mental health disorders, psychosocial dysfunction, psychosocial safety/substance abuse issues, violence, suicide, restraints, developmental age related pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, cultural/religious considerations, grief/loss, promotion of mental health, and therapeutic communication. Selected clinical learning experiences in the simulation lab, acute care, and community settings will allow the student to develop ability to develop: proficiency in performance of nursing skills, collaborative skills with clients, families, peers and health care team members, care planning skills related to patient actual, psychosocial, and potential problems in the delivery of total nursing care to meet needs of one client across the life span with acute/chronic mental health needs. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of this course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program in order to enroll in the course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize personally held values and demonstrate assessment of the values held by diverse patients, as well as their preferences and expressed needs related to health and wellness as measured by: a. Give examples of how personal values, values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the involvement of patients in their health care related to selected mental illness topics across the lifespan; b. Select health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to selected course topics; c. Relate the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, attributes, and clinical management related to selected mental illness topics across the lifespan.
  2. Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to establish a plan to meet the needs of individuals, including commonly occurring chronic and acute health care problems throughout the lifespan as measured by: a. Locate significant information to report to other disciplines; b. Select resources that provide continuity of care related to selected course topics; c. Apply the principles of delegation to selected course topics.
  3. Compare an individualized patient care plan utilizing an evidence-based approach for patient(s) across the lifespan to outcomes for the patient(s) as measured by: a. Implement individualized patient care utilizing an evidence-based approach for patients with chronic or acute mental illness; b. Describe the principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for patients with chronic or acute mental illness.
  4. Demonstrate adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems as measured by: a. Give examples of policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected course topics.
  5. Apply strategies to reduce the risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care as measured by: a. Identify variations in psychosocial integrity related to selected course topics; b. Apply nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm related to selected course topics.
  6. Utilize varied communication technologies, electronic healthcare databases, and electronic health records to plan nursing care for patients with chronic illnesses across the lifespan as measured by: a. Discuss available technology for delivery of nursing care related to selected mental health topics.

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NURS 150. Medical Terminology

3 Credits (3)

Understanding of the basic elements of medical words. Use of medical abbreviations. Same as OEHO 120 and BOT 150. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Crosslisted with: BOT 150, AHS 120 and HIT 150.

NURS 153. Medication and Dosage Calculation

1 Credit (1)

Techniques of dosage calculation for medication and fluid administration. RR applicable. Students must meet NMSU basic skills requirement in mathematics to enroll in this course.

Corequisite(s): NURS 156 and NURS 154.

NURS 154. Physical Assessment

2 Credits (2)

Beginning techniques of physical assessment by systems will be presented using the nursing process as a guide for providing safe client centered care throughout the life span. Grade of C or better is required. Restricted to Nursing Majors. Restricted to Dona Ana Campus. May be repeated up to 2 credits.

Prerequisite: BIOL 1130 or BIOL 2210.

Corequisite: NURS 127, NURS 156.

Learning Outcomes
  1. The student will demonstrate a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective data
  2. The student will explain the characteristics of growth and development of individuals throughout the lifespan
  3. The student will obtain a thorough health history to gather subjective data

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NURS 155. Special Topics

1-4 Credits

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

NURS 156. Basic Nursing Theory and Practice

6 Credits (4+6P)

Introduction to the nursing profession and the beginning skills of nursing practice as it relates to normalcy. The nursing process is presented as a means of guiding the student in providing safe client centered care. Ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice are also included. Basic clinical nursing skills will be presented and practiced in the nursing lab. The student will perform these skills with clients in an actual health care setting. Consent of Program Director requires. Restricted to: NURSING majors. Restricted to Dona Ana campus. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Corequisite: NURS 154.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Use evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and scientific rationales to plan safe care for adults who are experiencing alterations in health.
  2. Utilize knowledge and concepts from the arts, sciences, and humanities to plan nursing care to enhance individual patient’s health outcomes and quality of life.
  3. Respect patients’ unique responses to health and illness based on socio-cultural and physical environments.
  4. Explore basic concepts of a community continuum of care, including the professional roles of interdisciplinary teams, community resource agencies, and family support systems.

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NURS 157. Maternal/Child Health Deviations

8 Credits (6+6P)

This course introduces the student to the concepts and principles of nursing care of the family from conception to adolescence. Utilizing the assessment, analyzing, planning, and implementation phases of the nursing process (the Care map), the student focuses on the supportive-educative nursing system to assist members of the family in meeting self-care requisites and how they are affected by the health deviations common to each developmental level beginning with conception and ending with adolescence. Knowledge gained in theoretical instruction is then applied to the patient care situation. After an introduction to the necessary clinical skills in the campus laboratory setting, students will participate in clinical experiences with the focus on the family from conception to adolescence. The assessment, analysis, planning, and implementation phases of the nursing process are emphasized as a tool to assist patients in meeting universal and developmental self-care requisites. Utilizing the nursing process, the student provides safe, client-centered care to diverse clients and families. Theoretical instruction is applied to client care situations. Students collaborate with clients, families, and the interdisciplinary team in meeting health care needs. Experiences may occur in the physician’s office, local health department, day care centers, schools, or the hospital. Grade of C or better required. Restricted to: NURSING majors. Restricted to Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite: NURS 156, NURS 153, and NURS 154.

Corequisite: NURS 210.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Determine how values of clients, families and medical personnel impact the involvement of clients in their health care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  2. Implement individualized client care utilizing an evidenced based approach related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  3. Choose health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies in the care of maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  4. Apply the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, and clinical management strategies to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  5. Choose resources for continuity of client care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  6. Give examples of significant information to report to other disciplines.
  7. Apply the principles of delegation in the provision of client care with maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  8. Utilize evidenced based information to implement a plan of care and employ nursing interventions for maternal/child and pediatric clients.
  9. Use the principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for maternal/child and pediatric clients. 1
  10. Apply policies, procedures and standards of care related to maternal/child and pediatrics in the provision of client care. 1
  11. Apply nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm to self and others related to maternal/child and pediatric clients. 1
  12. Choose available technology for delivery of nursing care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.

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NURS 201. Special Topics

3 Credits (3)

Specific topics NCLEX course will help prepare students for the predictability exam and NCLEXRN. This course assists students in being emotionally, didactically and technically prepared to take both examinations. Students will review how to prepare to take this examination though a series of sample tests, quizzes and group discussions. A variety of core content subject matter will be covered to allow the student to be prepared to take the comprehensive examinations. At the conclusion of this course, the student will take a comprehensive predictability exam. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize diverse patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs to drive development of the plan of care for acute and chronically ill patients through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by: a. Integrate the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, and attributes of health, wellness, chronic, and acute disease into the clinical management of patients across the lifespan; b. Evaluate how values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the health, wellness, and illness of patients across the lifespan.
  2. Evaluate ability to function within own scope of practice as a member of the healthcare team to deliver care to individuals and families across the lifespan with complex health alterations through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by: a. Evaluate ability to apply the principles of delegation and prioritize care in patient-based scenarios across the lifespan; b. Evaluate ability to select appropriate resources for continuity of patient care across the lifespan.
  3. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based approaches for the delivery and evaluation of care to patients across the lifespan through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by: a. Evaluate ability to apply evidence-based approaches to the provision of patient care across the lifespan.
  4. Formulate a plan of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems using policies, procedures and standards of care through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by a. Evaluate ability to formulate a plan of care for provision of care in patient-based scenarios utilizing policies, procedures, and standards of care.
  5. Interpret effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by: a. Evaluate ability to effectively utilize strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures.
  6. Utilize information management tools to monitor outcomes of care processes and deliver nursing care to patients with chronic or acute illness across the lifespan through application to NCLEX style questions as measured by: a. Evaluate ability to utilize information management tools to monitor outcomes of care processes and deliver nursing care to patients with chronic or acute illness across the lifespan.

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NURS 209. Independent Study

1-4 Credits

Individual studies to meet identified student needs. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Prerequisite: admission to the nursing program.

NURS 210. Pharmacological Requisites of the Childbearing Family

1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care will be discussed focusing on medications commonly utilized with the childbearing family. Medication classes to be discussed include labor and delivery, analgesic, vitamins, respiratory, gynecological, endocrine, and anti-microbial/anti-infective drugs. Grade of C or better required.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154 and NURS 156.

Corequisite(s): NURS 157.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Effective communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  2. Basic critical thinking skills including problem identification, evidence acquisition, evidence evaluation, and reasoning/conclusion.
  3. An understanding of personal and social responsibility.
  4. An ability to apply the fundamental concepts of quantitative reasoning in mathematics and science.
  5. Appropriate information and digital literacy, and skills for personal and professional use.

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NURS 211. Pharmacological Requisites of Simple Health Deviations

1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care are addressed focusing on medications related to the psychiatric, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, gynecological, hematological, and anti-neoplastic client. Grade of C or better required. Restricted to: Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2210 and BIOL 2225 and NURS 153,NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157 and NURS 210.

Corequisite(s): NURS 246 and NURS 258.

NURS 212. Pharmacological Requisites of Complex Health Deviations

1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care is examined focusing on medications related to complex health deviations. Drug classes to be discussed include cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and neurological. Grade of C or better required.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 246, NURS 258, NURS 210 and NURS 211.

Corequisite(s): NURS 256 and NURS 260.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply principles of teaching/learning in educating clients on the use, adverse effects and interactions of pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat complex health deviations.
  2. Collaborate with members of the health care team in the delivery of pharmacotherapeutics to clients with complex health deviations.
  3. Give examples of commonly prescribed drugs used to treat clients with complex health deviations and related pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
  4. Discuss the relationship between the use of pharmacotherapeutics and the treatment of disease in clients with complex health deviations.
  5. Identify safety issues and minimize risk potential associated with pharmacotherapeutics.

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NURS 224. Maternal Child Nursing

6 Credits (5+1P)

This course provides the intermediate nursing student with an in-depth review of care of the childbearing woman, family structures and roles, and nursing care of the child from birth through adolescence. Emphasis includes the care of pre-partum, intra-partum and postpartum clients, the neonate and health deviations in pediatric clients. Clinical experiences in the simulation lab, the community, and acute care settings will provide the student with the opportunity to apply learned skills to provide total care to meet needs of up to two adult, neonatal, or pediatric clients and to apply care planning skills related to actual, psychosocial and potential problems. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of the course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize diverse patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs to drive development of the plan of care for the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatric client (newborn-18) as measured by: a. Determine how values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the involvement of patients in their health care related to selected course topics for maternal/child clients; b. Choose health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to selected course topics for maternal/child clients; c. Apply the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, attributes, and clinical management related to selected maternal/child and pediatrics topics.
  2. Evaluate ability to function within own scope of practice as a member of the healthcare team to deliver care to individuals and families across the lifespan with complex health alterations as it relates to the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatrics as measured by: a. Choose resources for continuity of patient care related to selected topics; b. Apply the principles of delegation to selected course topics; c. Give examples of significant information to report to other disciplines.
  3. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based approaches for the delivery and evaluation of care to patients across the lifespan as it relates to the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatric client (newborn-18) as measured by: a. Implement individualized patient care utilizing an evidence-based approach related to selected course topics; b. Use the principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for maternal/child patients.
  4. Formulate a plan of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems using policies, procedures and standards of care as it relates to the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatric client (newborn-18) as measured by: a. Apply policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected course topics for maternal/child clients.
  5. Interpret effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures as it relates to the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatric client (newborn-18) as measured by: a. Interpret variations in psychosocial integrity related to selected course topics for maternal/child clients; b. Apply nursing interventions reduce risk of harm to self and others related to selected course topics.
  6. Utilize information management tools to monitor outcomes of care processes and deliver nursing care to patients with chronic or acute illness across the lifespan as it relates to the child bearing woman (19-65 years) and pediatric client (newborn-18) as measured by: a. Choose available technology for delivery of nursing care related to selected maternal/child clients.

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NURS 226. Adult Health II

6 Credits (4+6P)

This course focuses on application of nursing process and theoretical concepts of care for adults with complex health alterations. Selected clinical learning experiences in the simulation lab, acute care, and community settings will allow the student to apply: prioritization skills, maintain proficiency in performance of nursing skills, collaborative skills with clients, families, peers and health care team members, and care planning skills related to patient actual, psychosocial, and potential problems in the delivery of nursing care to meet needs of three adult clients. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of the course. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize diverse patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs to drive development of the plan of care for the adult client with acute illness as measured by: a. Determine how personal values, values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the involvement of patients in their care related to selected course topics for adult clients with acute illness; b. Choose health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to selected course topics for adult clients; c. Apply the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, attributes, and clinical management of acute disease to selected course topics for adult clients.
  2. Evaluate ability to function within own scope of practice as a member of the healthcare team to adult clients with acute illness as measured by: a. Choose resources for continuity of patient care related to selected topics; b. Apply the principles of delegation to selected course topics; c. Give examples of significant information to report to other disciplines.
  3. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based approaches for the delivery and evaluation of care to patients across the lifespan as it relates to adult clients with acute illness as measured by: a. Implement individualized patient care utilizing an evidence-based approach related to selected course topics; b. Use principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for adult patients with acute illness.
  4. Formulate a plan of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems using policies, procedures and standards of care as it relates to adult clients with acute illness as measured by: a. Apply policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected course topics.
  5. Interpret effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures as it relates to adult clients with acute illness as measured by: a. Interpret variations in physiologic integrity related to selected course topics; b. Apply nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm to self and others related to selected course topics.
  6. Utilize information management tools to monitor outcomes of care processes and deliver nursing care to adult clients with acute illness as measured by: a. Discuss available technology for delivery of nursing care related to selected topics.

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NURS 235. Nursing Leadership and Management

1 Credit (1)

This course introduces the intermediate nursing student to professional practice principles of nursing leadership and management including: health policy and politics, fiscal management & budgeting, conflict management, decision making, interdisciplinary practice, working with teams, roles in disaster planning and management, application of standards of care to risk management, organization of care delivery, health care systems, processes, and practice environments. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only. May be repeated up to 1 credit.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize diverse patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs to drive development of the plan of care for acute and chronically ill patients as measured by: a. Discuss how personal values impacts the delivery of care to clients across the lifespan.
  2. Evaluate ability to function within own scope of practice as a member of the healthcare team to deliver care to individuals and families across the lifespan with complex health alterations as measured by: a. Employ the principles of delegation to the assignment of nursing team duties and patient room assignments; b. Analyze effective communication with health care team members; c. Apply effective communication strategies in common nursing activities; d. Discuss methods to resolve conflict.
  3. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based approaches for the delivery and evaluation of care to patients across the lifespan as measured by: a. Analyze personal values that influence approaches to ethical issues and decision-making; b. Describe ways in which nursing research can be used to guide nursing practice.
  4. Formulate a plan of care for the provision of care in healthcare delivery systems using policies, procedures and standards of care as measured by: a. Discuss the use of key indicators to measure performance; b. Recognize tools and processes for continuous quality improvement.
  5. Interpret effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures as measured by: a. Discuss ways to improve care while reducing costs; b. Incorporate an understanding of legal risks into the practice of professional nursing and recognize how to minimize risk.
  6. Utilize information management tools to monitor outcomes of care processes and deliver nursing care to patients with chronic or acute illness across the lifespan as measured by: a. Discuss the necessity of using recognized taxonomies and standardized nursing languages in nursing documentation.

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NURS 236. Nursing Preceptorship - Adult Health III

6 Credits (3+9P)

This course is the final course involving care of the patient with acute or chronic illness. It focuses on care of patients with complex or multi-system problems allowing the graduating nursing student to discuss and apply all the skills learned in previous nursing courses. After successfully passing the HESI exam, students have clinical practice with preceptor in various health care settings. Selected clinical learning experiences in the simulation lab, acute care, and community settings will allow the student to: organize care of a group of clients, maintain proficiency in performance of nursing skills, collaborate with clients, families, peers and health care team members, and support care planning skills related to patient actual, psychosocial, and potential problems in the delivery of nursing care to meet needs of the preceptors group of clients. Students must be concurrently enrolled in both the lecture and lab sections of the course. Only students who have been admitted to the nursing program and have successfully completed all level 1, 2 and 3 nursing courses may enroll in this course. Clinical may include inpatient or outpatient care, days, evenings, nights, or weekend experiences. Students must be admitted into the Nursing Program to enroll in this course. Restricted to: NUR majors. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Integrate the values, preferences, attitudes, and expressed needs of the acutely ill patient into the plan of care related to the care of the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Analyze how personal values, values of patients, families, and medical personnel impacts the involvement of patients in their care related to selected course topics for adult clients with complex care issues; b. Evaluate health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies related to selected course topics for adult clients; c. Integrate the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, and attributes of complex acute diseases into the clinical management of these disease related to selected course topics for adult clients.
  2. Integrate the contributions of other members of the healthcare team into the delivery of nursing care for individuals across the lifespan with complex or multi-system health alterations related to the care of the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Use resources for continuity of patient care related to selected topics; b. Report significant information to other disciplines.
  3. Discriminate between valid and invalid reasons for modifying evidence-based clinical practice based on clinical expertise or patient/family preferences in the creation of a plan of care for delivery and evaluation of care for patients across the lifespan related to the care of the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Implement individualized patient care utilizing an evidence-based approach related to selected course topics for multiple clients; b. Practice ethically in the delivery of nursing care for adult patients with complex care issues.
  4. Evaluate the use of policies, procedures and standards of care in healthcare delivery systems and adapt the care as appropriate related to the care of the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Formulate a plan of care for the provision of care to complex patients in healthcare delivery systems using policies, procedures, and standards of care related to selected course topics.
  5. Interpret and analyze effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others while providing professional nursing care, creating a structure for implementation of evidence- based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures in the care of the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Interpret variations in physiologic integrity related to selected course topics; b. Integrate nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm related to selected course topics including evidence-based practice, national patient safety goals, and core measures.
  6. Integrate use of appropriate technology and information management tools to support safe delivery of care to the adult client with complex health deviations as measured by: a. Choose available technology for delivery of nursing care related to selected topics.

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NURS 246. Health Deviations I

7 Credits (4+9P)

Introduction to medical/surgical clients, whose health care needs are routine and predictable. Focus is on simple health deviations, including concepts relative to health promotion and maintenance. The nursing process is utilized to provide evidenced based, safe client centered care. Students are expected to apply clinical judgment, communicate and collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary team in providing care for a group of two to three clients. Grade of C or better required. May be repeated up to 7 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. Restricted to Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 156, NURS 154, NURS 157 and NURS 210.

Corequisite(s): NURS 211,NURS 258.

NURS 256. Health Deviations II

8 Credits (6+12P)

Concepts and principles applied to clients with complex health deviations. Building upon knowledge gained in NURS 246, focus will be on acutely ill clients. The nursing process continues to serve as a guide to provide safe, client centered care. The student collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in all aspects of client care. Student experiences the role of the staff nurse under the guidance and direction of the nursing instructor. Grade of C or better required. May be repeated up to 8 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. Restricted to Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, NURS 211, NURS 246, and NURS 258.

Corequisite(s): NURS 212,NURS 260.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply each step of the nursing process as a method of organizing the nursing care for patients with complex health deviations.
  2. Discuss the patient’s health care needs that occur as a result of complex health deviations.
  3. Explain methods the nurse can employ in allowing the patient to assume the right and responsibility for his own care.
  4. Incorporate the concepts and principles derived from the biological, developmental, social, nutritional and computer sciences and nursing knowledge that relate to the nursing care of patients with complex health deviations.
  5. Explain the roles and functions of the members of the health care team including ancillary personnel as they relate to the care of patients with complex health deviations.
  6. Explain the rationale for the performance of the following technical skills: a. EKG monitoring; b. Rhythm strip interpretation; c. Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation; d. Tracheal suctioning
  7. Recognize the nurse's role in establishing a therapeutic relationship with patients experiencing complex health deviations.

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NURS 258. Psychosocial Requisites: A Deficit Approach

3 Credits (2+3P)

Nursing theory and practice as it relates to the care of the client experiencing psychosocial health deviations. The role of the nurse is discussed along with the ethical and legal aspects of care for the client with psychosocial disorders. Building upon the communication skills of listening and responding, the student develops the therapeutic skills of interpersonal relationships. Grade of C or better is required. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. Restricted to Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, and NURS 246.

Corequisite(s): NURS 211,NURS 246.

NURS 260. Management of Patients with Health Deviations

2 Credits (2)

A capstone course to the nursing program in which principles in management and delegation to less prepared personnel is explored. A review of leadership roles, legal issues, quality initiatives, informatics and scope of practice is included. Preparation for the NCLEX is an integral portion of the course. Grade of C or better is required. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. Restricted to Carlsbad campus only.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, NURS 211, NURS 246, and NURS 258.

Corequisite(s): NURS 212, NURS 256.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss nursing practice concepts relevant to the practice of professional nursing.
  2. Evaluate principles of quality improvement and safety into nursing practice within healthcare organizations and systems.
  3. Apply leadership concepts through the application of policies that apply to healthcare delivery.
  4. Promote a culture of safety through anticipating and eliminating potentially harmful situations.
  5. Collaborate in systems analysis when clinical errors or near misses occur to reduce harm, minimize blame, and encourage transparency.
  6. Integrate evidence in determining best clinical practice.
  7. Demonstrate basic knowledge of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments, including local, state, national, and global healthcare trends.
  8. Use an ethical framework to evaluate the impact of policies of healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations.

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