The following course descriptions are from the Clarke University 2012-2013 Academic Catalog.
NOTE: Courses marked with an asterisk (*) include a clinical component. Students provide their own transportation to clinical sites.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: NURSING
NURS 111 PERSPECTIVES ON NURSING 2 hours
Introduces basic principles of nursing and addresses issues such as entry into practice, nursing employment opportunities and nursing roles. The role of the professional nurse and nurse theorist will be examined. This course is an introduction to nursing where students will become acquainted with medical terminology. The course is most relevant to beginning students intending to enroll in the nursing program.
NURS 223 LIVING WITH LOSS 3 hours
Assists individuals in examining their personal philosophy of life and death. Losses throughout life and methods of coping and caring provide the focus of the course. The course provides the basis for helping others by responding in a caring manner at times of loss and grief. Specific focus on death and dying is included. Students may also register for this class as PSYC 223.
NURS 226 NURSING CARE THROUGH THE YEARS (ADULT I)* 6 hours
Nursing process utilization is focused on data collection skills, beginning nursing diagnostic ability, and planning appropriate nursing interventions to support adaptation of the adult client. Development of psychomotor skills, therapeutic communication techniques and application of nursing theory are integrated into the care of the adult client. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, HLTH 122. Prerequisite or co-requisite: HLTH 222, BIOL 212.
NURS 315 MENTAL HEALTH CARE* 5 hours
Examines the continuum of mental health through the life cycle. The concepts of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention provide the framework for discussing mental health nursing practice. This course provides the opportunity for students to apply the nursing process to clients with mental illness. Prerequisites or co-requisite: HLTH 313, NURS 346.
NURS 318 FAMILY HEALTH CARE* 8 hours
The childbearing/childrearing family is a focal point of this course, including pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. Care of children, primarily in community settings, is included. Nursing assessment and management of normal and high-risk families is stressed in hospital and community settings. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, HLTH 222, NURS 226. Co-requisite: HLTH 313
NURS 322 NURSING RESEARCH 3 hours
Provides an overview of the research process. Components of both quantitative and qualitative research studies are discussed. Emphasis is on understanding of basic processes and strategies utilized in nursing research and on becoming a critical consumer of research. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MATH 220.
NURS 346 NURSING CARE OF THE ADULT II* 6 hours
Provides the opportunity for the student to use the caring process to assist adult clients throughout the health-illness continuum. Students will focus on health issues of clients using the nursing process. Students will formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions using therapeutic communication skills for clients in the acute hospital and community setting. Prerequisites: BIOL 132, BIOL 211, BIOL 212, NURS 226, HLTH 222, HLTH 212. Co-requisite: HLTH 313.
NURS 380-381 TOPICS IN NURSING 1-3 hours
Provides for study of nursing care related to a particular client population, a particular client problem, or particular issues. Prerequisite: Consent.
NURS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY CV
Provides a student opportunity, under faculty supervision, to investigate an area of interest in the field of nursing. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing major and consent.
NURS 414 GERIATRICS/GERONTOLOGY IN THE COMMUNITY* 4 hours
Includes concepts in normal aging, issues related to the aging client in the community and health care issues confronted by these clients. Classroom instruction will be supported by clinical practice with elderly clients and client groups in a variety of community settings. Prerequisite: Admission to RN:BS completion option.
NURS 416 COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE* 6 hours
Theory, concepts and practice of community-health nursing are presented. Emphasis is on promotion of health for individuals, families and communities. The planning and application of the nursing process for the family in the context of the community are integral parts of the course. Prerequisites: All 300 level nursing courses or acceptance to a RN:BS completion option. This is an approved diversity studies course.
NURS 421 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN NURSING 2 hours
The entry-level professional nurse is expected to function in positions that require leadership and
management skills. In this course, leadership theory and management concepts are studied, evaluated and applied. Case management, delegation and program planning are explored as are other historical and emerging issues in nursing leadership and management. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
NURS 423 THEORIES, ISSUES AND ROLES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING 3 hours
Exploration to a variety of nursing issues, theories and applications of these approaches to nursing practice are discussed. Implications for practice, research, education and administration of nursing services and evolving roles are included in the discussion. Nursing department and general education outcomes are emphasized and assessed in this TimeSaver Capstone course. Prerequisite: Admission to RN:BS completion option.
NURS 426 NURSING SYNTHESIS* 4 hours
This course is designed to enhance transition to professional nursing positions. A major focus is on strengthening critical-thinking skills in the application of nursing knowledge. During a 120-hour clinical experience, the student works with a professional nurse preceptor in an area of interest. The N-CLEX RN examination and application for licensure are discussed. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
NURS 427 PROFESSIONAL NURSING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT* 6 hours
A professional nurse is expected to exercise management skills and demonstrate leadership ability. In this course, leadership theory and management concepts are studied, evaluated and applied in classroom and clinical settings. Prerequisite: Admission to RN:BS completion option.
NURS 446 COMPLEX CARE OF THE ADULT III 6 hours
Application of the nursing care process to the adult client with multi-system medical surgical pathologies. Included are critical care concepts with related nursing interventions to promote adaptation, restore homeostasis and promote rehabilitation while emphasizing prevention through client education. Professional nursing practice is emphasized as students enhance critical thinking skills and practice clinical decision making. Prerequisites: HLTH 313, NURS 346.
NURS 499 PROFESSIONAL NURSING AND NURSING ISSUES 3 hours
This Capstone course provides a focal point for and closure to a liberal arts education within the context of the nursing major. As a departmental offering, this course focuses on specific topics in nursing and expands to include breadth of knowledge and synthesis. Interdisciplinary integration is emphasized. General education and nursing outcomes are integral to course assessment. This course encompasses discussion and examination of current issues affecting nursing as a profession and nurses personally. The ethical and legal issues that nurses face are examined. Such issues as euthanasia, abortion, AIDS, living wills and many more pertinent topics will be inspected. Preparation for understanding of and transition to the role of professional nurse will be included. Prerequisites: Senior standing in the nursing major and 45 credits completed of general education courses.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: HEALTH COURSES
HLTH 111 BASIC FIRST AID/CPR 1 hour
Instruction and demonstration in the principles of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation through standards established by the American Red Cross are the basis for this course.
HLTH 122 INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION 2 hours
Introductory course that presents the basic nutrients, current dietary recommendations and guides to diet planning. Emphasis is placed on the metabolic functions of nutrients in relation to the normal health needs of individuals in all phases of life. A brief overview of the relation between nutrition and illness is included.
HLTH 212 HEALTH ASSESSMENT* 3 hours
The basic principles and skills of health assessment of individuals are taught along the continuum of age. This course uses a holistic approach with attention to cultural diversity. History taking, physical assessment, interview processes, and patient-teaching skills are learned and practiced. Medical terminology will be reinforced and emphasized. Laboratory experience is included in this course. Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIOL 211 or consent of the nursing department.
HLTH 222 PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY 3 hours
Classifications, specific medications and principles of drug actions are discussed. Skills related to mathematical calculations and administration of medications are taught and practiced. Discussion of the role of drugs in restoring health, preventing illness and enhancing life provides exposure to pharmacologic and nursing concepts while building a foundation for decision making necessary to integrate drug management into health care plans for clients. Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that CHEM 107 and BIOL 132 be taken as pre- or co-requisites. Admission to the nursing major or consent.
HLTH 233 TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH CARE 3 hours
The theory, concepts, and beliefs about health and illness of a variety of health care populations are presented. Emphasis is on gaining knowledge of various cultures, their health care beliefs, practices, values, and family dynamics. The course is applicable across several disciplines such as religion, psychology, sociology, nursing, medicine, and anthropology, by providing not only a health care perspective but also a historical and biotechnological approach for transcultural health care. Laboratory/clinical experience is included in this course. This is an approved diversity studies course.
HLTH 313 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3 hours
Pathophysiology studies the dynamic aspects of bodily adaptation to disruptions of normal physiology. As part of the physiological adaptive mode, these bodily responses are manifested as physiologic coping. The etiologic link to disruptions and these responses is essential to understanding the rationale for clinical therapy and provide a foundation for related nursing diagnosis. Prerequisite: BIOL 211, BIOL 212; junior level in Nursing or approval from Nursing Department.
HLTH 442 HEALTH ASSESSMENT* 2 hours
Builds on basic health assessment skills of RNs. Uses a holistic, caring approach to assessment along the continuum of age with attention to cultural diversity. History taking, physical assessment, interview processes and patient-teaching skills are expanded and practiced. Laboratory experience is included in this course. Prerequisite: Admission to RN:BS completion option.