Courses
NU 100. Historical Perspectives of Healthcare. 3 Hours.
The major focus of this course is on the past, present, and emerging roles and practices within United States healthcare within the context of U.S. social and political history. An interprofessional review of social determinants of health in care and wellness will be presented in context of perceptions and application to modern healthcare practices.
NU 208. Health Assessment. 1 Hour.
This course introduces students to the nursing function of assessment and the techniques of assessment as part of the nursing process. Students are introduced to gathering subjective and objective clinical data to inform person focused care using best practice assessment techniques and assessment tools. The analysis of data and assessment findings is central to the course to begin development of nursing clinical judgement.
NU 210. Fundamentals of Nursing. 2 Hours.
The course prepares the beginning nursing student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) to begin developing clinical judgement and nursing practice. The focus of the course is on patient safety and person focused care with the focus on assessment and planning as part of the nursing process. Additional focus on the transition of the student to the role of the BSN nurse in interprofessional environments of care and importance of personal self-care as a nurse is highlighted in the course. Prerequisite(s): BY 221 and BL 221 and BY 195.
NU 212. Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing. 3 Hours.
In this course, students continue to develop basic clinical judgement skills in providing person focused care using the nursing process. The course focuses on nursing assessment and analysis of assessment findings to create problem lists which contribute to the plan of care. The course also focuses on continuing to develop professional nursing identity with special focus on personal self-care and professionalism competencies. Prerequisite(s): NU 210 and (NL 210 or NL210S).
NU 214. Pharmacology. 2 Hours.
This course builds upon students’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and the nursing process. It is designed to provide the knowledge required for the safe administration of drugs and teaching with patients across the lifespan. Actions, therapeutic uses, interactions and side effects of major drug classifications, as well as nursing responsibilities related to drug administration to patients across the lifespan are examined. Prerequisite(s): NU 210 and NL 210 and (MS 141 or MS 180 or MS 181 or MS 182).
NU 299. Topic/. 1-3 Hour.
Selected topics in nursing are considered. The course enhances students’ knowledge of professional nursing, building upon previous knowledge of the nursing and research processes. Emphasis is placed on increasing awareness of current professional issues in nursing.
NU 315. Family Centered Care-Children. 2 Hours.
In this course, students apply basic nursing assessment, clinical skills, and clinical judgement within the context of pediatric nursing and family focused care. The focus is on safety and core principles of pediatric practice clinical judgement. Students engage in classroom activities that support best practice in pediatric care. Prerequisite(s): NU 212 and NL 212 and NU 214 and NL 214.
NU 322. Medical Surgical Nursing I. 3 Hours.
The design of Medical Surgical Nursing I is to build knowledge, skills, and attitudes within the content area of medical-surgical nursing. Through simulation, clinical experiences and classroom activities, the student develops basic competency in management of clients with oxygenation, mobility, hematological/immunological, neurobiological, perfusion, or gastrointestinal needs. Prerequisite(s): NU 212 and NL 212 and NU 214 and NL 214.
NU 323. Medical Surgical Nursing II. 3 Hours.
The design of Medical Surgical Nursing II is to build knowledge, skills and attitudes within the content area of medical-surgical nursing. Through simulation, clinical experiences and classroom activities, the student develops basic competency in management of clients with complex medical needs including patients who have critical care needs, burns, shock, diabetes management, neurological issues and also patients with multiple chronic diseases. Prerequisite(s): NU 322 and NL 322.
NU 324. Family Centered Care - Women and Infants. 2.5 Hours.
The focus of this course is the childbearing family. Concepts related to pre-pregnancy issues, pregnancy, the fetus/newborn, and the post delivery family are presented. Physiologic, social, and cultural issues, as they relate to the childbearing family, are included. Prerequisite(s): NU 212 and NL 212.
NU 412. Population Focus - Community Health. 2 Hours.
In this course, students apply population focused nursing assessment, clinical skills and clinical judgement within the context of public health and community health nursing. The focus of the course is on population safety and core principles of population health and community health clinical practice judgement, including social determinants of health. Students engage in classroom activities that support development of public health and community health best practices in nursing care and management. Prerequisite(s): NU 323 and NL 323.
NU 422. Population Focus - Mental Health. 2 Hours.
In this course, students apply population focused nursing assessment, clinical skills, and clinical judgement within the context of mental health nursing. The focus of the course is on population safety and core principles of population health and mental health clinical practice judgement, including behavior management, medication safety, and health promotion. Students engage in classroom activities that support development of mental health best practices in nursing care and management. Prerequisite(s): NU 323 and NL 323.
NU 425. Transition to Practice. 2 Hours.
This weekly seminar capstone class is for students graduating at the end of the semester. Students engage in an online NCLEX-RN preparation and participate in activities related to transition to practice. The seminar portion of the class affords students an opportunity to review information, discuss questions and challenges, and enhance their ability to successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam and begin entry level nursing practice. Prerequisite(s): NU 323 and NU 315 and NU 324 and NL 323 and NL 315 and NL 324.
NU 442. Health Informatics & Technology. 3 Hours.
In this course, students explore the changing technology environment and its potential impact on the delivery of quality, safe patient care. The course combines knowledge of nursing, computers and health information in clinical decision-making and patient care outcomes. Overriding considerations will include: (a) technology’s impact on nursing work flow, (b) legal and ethical considerations associated with select technology, and (c) the impact of technology on the changing role of the nurse. Prerequisite(s): (NL 212 and NL 214 and NU 212 and NU 214) or NU 441.
NU 443. Quality Improvement in Healthcare Systems. 3 Hours.
In this course, students are introduced to the competencies and nursing leadership responsibilities related to, continuous quality improvement, including data analysis, clinical practice guidelines, and future of healthcare. Students apply: (a) quality improvement assessment tools and models within a healthcare system, (b) continuous quality improvement theory, (c) evidence-based practice, (d) performance improvement methods, (e) leadership skills, and (e) the development of team-based problem solving and resolution. Prerequisite(s): (NL 212 and NL 214 and NU 212 and NU 214) or NU 445.
NU 445. Evidence Based Practice for the Professional Nurse. 3 Hours.
In this course, students address the role of research and evidence based practice in professional nursing practice. Theories, concepts and research methodologies are analyzed using case studies. Students create a final written paper on an evidence based practice topic. Emphasis is placed on inquiry as a tool to advance nursing knowledge and to promote evidence based practice for improved healthcare outcomes. This course has writing intensive assignments that require the student to write, critique, revise, critique, final revision. Prerequisite(s): (EH 105 or EH 124) and NU 212 and NU 214 and NL 212 and NL 214.
NU 455. Gerontology Nursing. 3 Hours.
The course offers the BSN student an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help in providing and coordinating health care for the older adult population. Course content addresses the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Using best practices and the clinical judgement model framework (NCSBN), the focus on individual and caregiver issues are developed into nursing skills to promote healthy aging practice and policy. Students engage in active learning as well as experiential learning with older adults in this course. Prerequisite(s): NU 212 and NL 212.
NU 456. Interpretation of Electrocardiograms. 1 Hour.
This course builds upon students’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and the nursing process. It is designed to provide the knowledge required for the interpretation and treatment of various normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms. Prerequisite(s): NU 322.
NU 457. IV Therapy and Management. 2 Hours.
This course provides an overview of the scope of practice for nurses providing infusion therapy to clients. The course is designed to enable the student to identify the essential components of safe intravenous therapy. Concepts include, but are not limited to, ethical elements, legal aspects, documentation, infection prevention and safety compliance, equipment; vascular access insertion, care and maintenance; and infusion related complications. Prerequisite(s): NU 322.
NU 499. Topic/. 1-3 Hour.
Selected topics in nursing are considered. The course enhances students’ knowledge of professional nursing, building upon previous knowledge of the nursing and research processes. Emphasis is placed on increasing awareness of current professional issues in nursing.
NU 700. Theories and Roles for Advanced Nursing Practice. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide an opportunity to analyze theoretical concepts, principles and processes from nursing and related disciplines to guide advanced clinical practice and role development. The importance of the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in Interprofessional Collaboration is also explored. Emphasis is placed on the relevant historic, current and future practice issues inherent in the varied aspects of advanced practice nursing. The course also examines legislative issues and trends at both state and national levels, as they relate to the effective and appropriate role of advanced practice nurses within our rapidly changing healthcare system.
NU 704. Advanced Health Assessment. 3 Hours.
The course is designed to enable the graduate nursing student to develop diagnostic reasoning skills and to utilize a regional approach to physical examination. Instruction builds upon the health assessment skills of the professional nurse's basic education program. Students perform complete physical exams, obtain health histories, and document findings. Students learn the importance of providing high-quality, culturally competent care, the process of developing a list of differential diagnoses, and appropriate ordering of diagnostics.
NU 706. Advanced Pathophysiology. 3 Hours.
This course examines the reaction of the body to disease throughout the lifespan. Using a conceptual approach that is designed to integrate knowledge from basic and clinical sciences, it focuses on alterations in biological processes which affect the body’s dynamic equilibrium. Alterations at the cellular and organ level are presented and include genetic, metabolic, infectious, immunologic, degenerative, and neoplastic processes. Clinical problems will be developed and explored to facilitate the acquisition of critical thinking, problem-solving and evaluation skills needed by practitioners in the management of clients with chronic and acute health problems.
NU 709. Diagnosis & Pharmacologic Management of Psychiatric Illness. 3 Hours.
This course furthers the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology with an emphasis on psychiatric illness. It covers brain functioning and mechanisms of neurotransmission, genetics, the effects of other body systems such as the endocrine and immune systems, temperament, and the environment across the lifespan. Students also review the application of pharmacotherapeutic principles to psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Prerequisite(s): NU 702.
NU 710. Advanced Evidence Based Practice. 3 Hours.
This course provides a foundational overview of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) for health care professionals. Students acquire an understanding of research design principles for the purpose of implementing EBP to address real world clinical issues. Content focuses on articulating EBP questions, undertaking systematic searches of the academic research literature, and critical appraisal of evidence to inform clinical decisions and practice. The objective is for students to embrace evidence based protocol for the translation of best available evidence that improves the health of individuals, groups and populations. Prerequisite(s): NU 801 and NU 802 and NL 801 and NL 802.
NU 712. Population Health for the Advanced Practice Nurse. 3 Hours.
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of population health principles and their application within advanced nursing practice. Students will examine the social determinants of health, health disparities, epidemiological methods, and community assessment strategies that impact health outcomes at the population level. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based interventions, interprofessional collaboration, and policy advocacy to promote health equity and improve health outcomes globally and across diverse populations and the lifespan.
NU 713. Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on the integration of advanced pharmacologic principles, evidence-based practice, and technology to optimize patient outcomes across the lifespan. Students critically evaluate drug mechanisms, interactions, and individualized therapy in complex clinical scenarios, applying ethical decision-making and person-centered care. Emphasis is placed on medication safety, risk mitigation, and the impact of system-level policies and emerging technologies on pharmacotherapy. By course completion, students will synthesize pharmacologic knowledge with clinical judgment to provide safe, effective, and equitable care while modeling professionalism and advancing a culture of continuous improvement. The course also addresses the importance of collaboration between Advanced Practice Nurses and Pharmacy colleagues, particularly in regard to patient safety and treatment efficacy. Prerequisite(s): NU 704 and NU 706.
NU 741. Influencing Health Policy: Advocacy, Finance and Regulation. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide the graduate student with an opportunity to explore and evaluate the political process, fiscal policies, and their impact on public health and the health care system. The use of sociopolitical and ethical frameworks are interwoven with policy development. Opportunities are provided for students to critique public policy and determine how the behavior of health professionals impact governmental decisions and regulatory processes. Students will explore legislative processes, state/federal policies, and analyze current legislative and policy issues. Prerequisite(s): NU 710.
NU 799. Special Topics in Nursing. 1-3 Hour.
Selected topics in nursing are offered under the guidance of graduate faculty. The course enhances students knowledge of advanced practice nursing, building on previous knowledge of nursing and healthcare in today’s complex and rapidly changing healthcare system. This course may be used as an elective in the student’s program of study and may be taken more than once as long as different topics are taken.
NU 801. Family Psychiatric Nursing I - Adv Mental Health Assessment. 3 Hours.
This course develops advanced mental health assessment skills. It covers the processes of psychiatric history-taking, mental status examination, and biological and neurological assessment for clients throughout the lifespan. Students prepared to use the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM). CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, students perform comprehensive mental health assessments, determine DSM diagnoses, and participate in treatment care planning, including the possible need for medication, medication management for clients, and alternative treatments. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 702 and NU 704 and NU 709 and NU 706.
NU 802. Family Health I -- Adult-Gero Health. 3 Hours.
This course explores relevant practice issues in the health care of adults and families. The primary focus is on the assessment of acute and chronic health problems experienced by this population, as well as health promotion/disease prevention activities. CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, students are given an opportunity to provide primary care to adults of any age. Students further explore the inter-professional collaborative role in the classroom and analogous clinical setting. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 702 and NU 704 and NU 706.
NU 806. Family Health III -- Integrating Primary Care. 3 Hours.
This culminating didactic course synthesizes advanced clinical, theoretical, and evidence-based knowledge for the management of individuals and families across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on integrating comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning with interprofessional collaboration to improve quality and safety in primary care. Students evaluate current clinical guidelines, emerging research, and systems-based practices to strengthen patient outcomes. Ethical reasoning, communication, and leadership skills are developed to prepare graduates for transition to entry-level nurse practitioner roles. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 704 and NU 706 and NU 802 and NL 802 and NU 815 and NL815C.
NU 810. Family Psychiatric Nursing II -Across the Lifespan. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on the psychiatric nurse practitioner’s role in the delivery of mental health care for mentally ill individuals and families across the lifespan. Students examine the theories relevant to family therapy and individual psychotherapy, as well as psychopharmacological and alternative treatments. CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, students focus on the application of family interventions and therapy as well as individual interventions and psychotherapy in acute and chronic care settings. Populations primarily include children and adolescents and may include adults and geriatric individuals with a family focus. Prerequisite(s): NU 801 and NL 801.
NU 812. Family Psychiatric Nursing III-Psychiatric Nursing w/Groups. 3 Hours.
This course develops the advanced knowledge, judgment, and ethical foundations required for professional primary psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) practice. Emphasizing critical thinking, cultural humility, and evidence-based decision-making, students apply theoretical and research-based knowledge from nursing and related sciences to complex clinical and ethical situations. Through the longitudinal case, learners explore the processes of comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning within diverse populations. Topics include person-centered communication, group, therapeutic presence, ethical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, leadership in quality improvement, policy advocacy, and cultural sensitivity in mental-health care. Students synthesize advanced practice principles to promote equitable access, safe transitions of care, and lifelong professional growth. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 704 and NU 706 and NU 709 and NU 801 and NL 801 and NU 810 and NL 810.
NU 815. Fam Hlth II–Fam Centered Care of Women, Infants & Children. 3 Hours.
This course explores the theories and practice of healthcare for women, infants, and children within the context of the family. It also focuses on health promotion and acute or chronic illness which may be experienced particularly by these populations. CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, the family nurse practitioner student is presented with precepted experiential learning in assessing, planning, and managing women, infant, and child health from a primary care perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of collaborating with other health care professionals in order to achieve patient safety and optimal health outcomes. Prerequisite(s): NU 802 and NL802C.
NU 821. Strategy & Analysis of Organizational Process. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on the role of leaders in complex healthcare organizations. The student examines theories and processes for conflict resolution, negotiation skills, operations management, and strategic planning across the continuum of care in healthcare organizations. Topics of study include informatics, legal issues, organizational management, and healthcare economics. The graduate healthcare professions student is prepared to lead change in healthcare systems to improve outcomes.
NU 825. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I. 3 Hours.
This on-line, didactic course is designed for the practicing nurse practitioner who seeks to gain additional knowledge and skills related to the care of adult gerontology and acutely ill patients, with a specific focus on chronic disease. Particular focus is placed on specific issues related to the older adult such as cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, renal, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, and infectious disease. Additionally, the course will highlight immune dysfunction and rheumatologic disorders, hematology, and oncology, along with other issues specific to the older adult. This course examines the epidemiologic, assessment, diagnostic, management, and evaluation of chronically ill adults across the age spectrum. An emphasis on evidence-based practice, and medical management including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities is also discussed. CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, the adult-geri acute care nurse practitioner student is prepared to build a strong foundation in the management of chronic disease, to be able to assess, diagnose, and treat adult and geriatric unstable chronic health conditions in the acute care environment. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 702 and NU 704 and NU 706.
NU 827. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II. 3 Hours.
This on-line, didactic course further develops the knowledge and clinical skill set related to the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of adult and geriatric patients with episodic and chronic health conditions in the acute care environment. Emphasis is placed on the formation and evaluation of evidence-based plans of care for both acute and chronic multisystem disorders in adult and geriatric patients. Particular focus is on critical care pharmacological treatments, hemodynamics, and vascular access, cardiac emergencies, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, nervous system disorders, and the management of acute psychiatric patients. CO-REQUISITE: In the corresponding hands-on practicum experience, the interdisciplinary collaborative approach to the medical management of patients is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NU 825 and NL825C.
NU 828. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III. 3 Hours.
This culminating didactic course advances the theoretical and clinical foundations necessary for managing complex, multisystem health conditions in acutely and critically ill adult and geriatric populations. Students apply advanced diagnostic reasoning, pathophysiologic knowledge, and evidence-based principles to develop, implement, and evaluate person-centered plans of care across acute and chronic conditions. Emphasis is placed on the integration of nephrology, endocrine, acid-base, gastrointestinal, nutritional/metabolic, surgical, trauma, and infectious disease management within the acute and critical care environment. Students analyze current research, ethical considerations, and interprofessional collaboration models to optimize patient and system-level outcomes. Prerequisite(s): NU 700 and NU 703 and NU 704 and NU 706 and NU 825 and NL825C and NU 827 and NL827C.
NU 836. Healthcare Informatics and Technology. 3 Hours.
This course explores health care informatics. Students apply computer technology principles to the management of individuals, groups, and/or organizations in the role of health systems leader, educator, and/or clinical informatist. Emphasis is on becoming knowledgeable and competent with available resources useful in patient care and educational settings. Students also develop additional skills using a variety of software applications.
NU 839. Integrative Capstone for Advanced Nursing. 3 Hours.
This culminating scholarly experience marks the completion of the master’s program. Graduate nursing students demonstrate mastery of their specialty area by developing a scholarly project that includes an evidence-based review of a selected topic. Projects are grounded in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Position Statement on Defining Scholarship for the Discipline of Nursing, emphasizing significance to the profession, creativity, documentation, replication, and peer review. Working in close collaboration with a faculty mentor, students design and refine their projects and present their scholarship through a formal presentation, a written paper, and/or a manuscript suitable for publication or professional dissemination. As part of the program’s progression, NU 840 serves as the venue where students integrate their evidence review (from NU 710) and policy/ethical analysis (from NU 740) into a cohesive scholarly project. The completed project becomes the capstone entry in the student’s professional portfolio, demonstrating readiness for advanced practice and leadership. Prerequisite(s): NU 710 and NU 740.