101 Introductionto Professional Nursing (1 credit)
This course introduces the students to nursing as a profession. It focuses on the varied roles of the nurse in current society and their origins in history. Roles and responsibilities of a nursing student at Saint Mary's College are included.
224 Essentials of Nursing Practice (6 credits)
This course introduces the student to the concepts of holistic health, person, communication, professionalism and basic nursing skills. Principles and skills requisite to the provision of basic nursing care are applied in both the clinical learning laboratory and in clinical settings. Students are further introduced to the concepts and skills of health assessment. The course is designed to assist students to integrate observations, inferences and relationships when collecting health data. students are prepared to take complete health histories, perform physical examinations and record data. The focus is on differentiating normal from abnormal findings and integrating observations with the provision of nursing care.
321 Adult Nursing - Acute (5 credits)
This course emphasizes the provision of professional nursing care for clients with acute medical and surgical conditions. The student uses the concepts of person, health, nursing, and environment, and builds upon knowledge gained in the basic sciences and other prerequisite nursing courses. During the beginning of the semester, nursing medication skills are taught in mediated learning situations and applied in the clinical setting. Later, intermediate nursing skills, pharmacotherapeutics, common disease causation theories, and treatment modalities are taught in lecture with concurrent clinical practice in a variety of settings. The nursing process is emphasized and utilized in theory and concurrent practice. Students actively participate in the development and self-evaluation of their learning and practice. Prerequisites: NURS 224
323 Perinatal Nursing (5 credits)
The course provides a foundation of nursing knowledge in the care of women in all phases of the perinatal period. A family-centered approach is emphasized throughout the course. Initially, the student is introduced to the nursing care of the low-risk perinatal patient. The course concludes with a focus on the unique nursing care of high-risk perinatal families. Human development concepts are a central focus of the course. Embryologic and neonatal concepts are emphasized in the nursing care of the normal and high-risk neonate. Current women's health issues are incorporated in the course. Legal and ethical dimensions specific to the perinatal family are explored. Relevant research findings are acknowledged as basic to establishing and advancing the field of perinatal nursing. The course includes application of specific concepts, principles, and theories in various perinatal settings. Decision-making skills and independent functioning are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS 204, 303. Pre- or corequisite: NURS 321
326 Child Health Nursing (5 credits)
Child health nursing focuses on assessment and management of well, acutely and chronically ill, and special needs children and their families. The effect the child's illness has on the family in hospital or community settings is emphasized. Principles of growth and development, nutrition, pharmacology, and ethics are reinforced and expanded. Decision-making and independent learning are emphasized. Research as it relates to theory and practice is discussed and applied. Prerequisites: NURS 204, 303. Pre- or corequisite: NURS 321
330 Adult Nursing - Chronic (5 credits)
This course emphasizes the provision of professional nursing care for clients with long-term chronic conditions. Focus is on care and treatment in the acute and rehabilitative phases of a long-term illness. This course stresses application of scientific principles and decision-making skills in both in-patient and community settings. Prerequisite: NURS 321; Corequisite: 323, 326
334 Pharmacotherapeutics (3 credits)
This course is designed to supplement and reinforce the knowledge of drugs and their use as taught in other nursing courses. Major drug classifications (prototype drugs) that are frequently prescribed will be covered. Pre- or corequisite: NURS 321 or permission of instructor.
407 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (5 credits)
This theory and clinical course focuses on the care of persons of various age groups with psychiatric mental health disorders and chemical dependence. Psychopathology of mental disorders are reviewed. Application of the nursing process within a multidisciplinary team approach is highlighted. Emphasis is on the therapeutic use of self with individuals, families, and groups in an acute psychiatric care setting. Communication skills, mental health assessment, and various therapeutic interventions are utilized by students in clinical placements. Prerequisites: NURS 323, 326, 330.
410 Adult Nursing - Advanced (5 credits)
The holistic perspective of this course considers pathophysiologic, legal, ethical, spiritual, and economic aspects when caring for persons with complex health conditions. Clinical decision-making, critical thinking, and professional accountability are emphasized as students care for persons with multi-system, complex health problems in an acute care environment. Students will gain experience with advanced technology and multifaceted medical and nursing intervention. The course includes application of principles in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: NURS 330.
414 Community Health Nursing (5 credits)
This course broadens the concepts of community health nursing introduced across the curriculum and integrates them into a meaningful whole. Emphasis is placed on increasing the students self-awareness, communicating effectively, and meeting the community health needs of families and groups. Health education, health promotion, and illness prevention are stressed as strategies for meeting the health needs of population aggregates. Analysis of the health care delivery system includes the impact of political, legal, social and cultural influences on the health of clients. Public health nursing issues, such as communicable diseases, environmental hazards, and occupational exposures are discussed. Prerequisite: NURS 330.
415 Nursing Leadership (5 credits)
This course examines leadership and management theories with concurrent clinical experience in the nurse manager role. The clinical component emphasizes application of theory to practice. Students will work with nurse managers to develop their own managerial skills. Students will examine current economic, political, professional and social issues affecting the professional practice of nursing and the health care arena. It provides an opportunity to begin the transition process from student to professional practitioner. Prerequisite: NURS 330.
485 Nursing Research ( 2 credits)
This course examines essential concepts, principles and techniques utilized in scientific inquiry. The research process is systematically introduced with an emphasis on its application to nursing practice. Reading and critique of current nursing research is a central activity during this course. Students are assisted in the development of a realistic research proposal. Prerequisite: Senior major or permission of instructor.
