Nursing Course Descriptions

NURSING (NURS)

NURS 1100 Introduction to Nursing.
A four semester hour course placed in the first semester of the nursing sequence. This course will be taught during Fall Semester Term A. There are eight hours of class weekly. It is an introductory course designed to provide the student with fundamental knowledge upon which sequential study will be developed. Calculations of mathematical measurements and conversions essential to the safe administration of medications are mastered in this course. The concepts of adaptation, developmental stages, basic needs theory, critical thinking, health promotion, maintenance and restoration, and associate degree role functions are introduced as the framework of the nursing curriculum.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of all Learning Support requirements. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of BIOL 2210K and PSYC 1101 with grades of “C” or better. 4-0-4

NURS 1101 Fundamentals of Nursing.

A four semester hour course taught during Fall Semester Term B of the nursing sequence. There are four of class and eight hours of laboratory experiences weekly. This course is designed to provide the student with basic nursing skills and to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge upon which sequential study will be developed. Practical application and hand-on learning experiences for basic nursing skills, patient assessments, vital signs and medication administration are provided. Basic therapeutic skills are learned, practiced and demonstrated safely in the campus laboratory as simulated experiences.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of all learning support requirements and concurrent enrollment in or completion of BIOL 2210K and PSYC 1101 with grades of “C” or better. Completion of NURS 1100 Term A with a grade of “C” or better 2-4-4

NURS 1102. Care of Adults I. A five semester hour course placed in the second semester of the nursing sequence. There are three hours of class and six hours of lab weekly. It is designed as a continuation of Nursing 1101 and facilitates use of the nursing process when caring for clients who are experiencing interferences with the basic physiologic needs of oxygenation, mobility, and nutrition and the basic safety, love and belonging, and self-esteem needs. Technical skills are refined, and new skills are learnedin simulated and actual clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on specific regulatory mechanisms, and physical and emotional maladaptive responses to stressors occurring with clients during the developmental stage of middle adulthood.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100 and 1101, PSYC 1101, BIOL 2210K, and concurrent enrollment in or completion of BIOL 2211K with grades of “C” or better. 3-6-5

NURS 1103. Mental Health Nursing. A five semester hour course placed in the second semester of the nursing sequence. It includes three hours of class and six hours of clinical each week. The course is intended to provide basic knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of mental health clients. Emphasis is placed on the students’ use of oral communication with clients in both one-to-one and group settings. Dynamics of adaptive and maladaptive behaviors are considered. Knowledge of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Erikson's Stages of Development are utilized to assess client needs. Students are expected to use critical thinking in essential nursing roles to provide care for clients in community health settings. Clinical experiences will be with mental health clients in acute, residential and community agencies including day treatment centers and substance abuse centers. Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100 and 1101, BIOL 2210K and PSYC 1101 with grades of “C” or better. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2211K. 3-6-5

NURS 1104. Career Mobility for LPNs to RNs. A 10 semester hour course placed in the summer semester of the nursing sequence. There are eight hours of class and six hours of laboratory experience weekly. The course provides for advanced placement of the licensed practical nurse in the associate degree nursing program and builds upon the previous knowledge and skills obtained in the licensed practical nurse education. New concepts and skills will be introduced upon which sequential study will be developed. The concepts of Adaptation; Developmental Stages; Basic Needs Theory; Critical Thinking; Health-Illness Environment; Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration of Health; and the Role Functions of the Associate Degree Nurse are introduced as the framework of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the use of critical thinking to meet the needs of clients in the practice of mental health nursing and medical-surgical nursing. Emphasis is placed on the students’ use of verbal communications with adult clients in both one-to-one and group settings. Clinical experiences will be with mental health clients in acute, residential and community agencies including day treatment centers and substance abuse centers. Other clinical experiences will utilize campus labs, case studies and simulated learning experiences.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of all learning support requirements. Completion of BIOL 2210K, BIOL 2211K, and PSYC 1101 with grades of “C” or better. Completion of, with grades of “C” or better, or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2215K and PSYC 2103. Completion of a minimum of 27 semester credit hours of required general education courses with grades of “C” or better. 8-6-l0

NURS 2211. Care of Adults II. A ten semester hour course placed in the third or fourth semester of the nursing sequence. There are six hours of class and twelve hours of lab weekly. It is designed as a continuation of Care of Adults I and facilitates use of critical thinking when caring for clients who are experiencing interferences with the basic physiologic needs of nutrition, mobility, elimination, and sexuality. Technical skills are refined and new skills are learned in simulated and actual clinical experiences. Attention is given to specific maladaptive responses to stressors occurring in adult clients. Roles and responsibilities of the nurse in caring for clients with common recurring health problems will be explored and defined. Rehabilitative aspects of care expand to include provider and teacher roles. Students are expected to apply knowledge of developmental theory, anatomy and physiology, nursing concepts, and skills previously acquired in providing nursing care for the adult client. This course provides in-depth exploration of client responses to complex multi system disorders. Maslow's hierarchy is utilized to prioritize needs for clients in all stages of development throughout the life span. NURS 2211 utilizes various community resources to afford the nursing student opportunities for selected clinical laboratory and observation experiences. Experience as manager of care for small groups of clients is provided.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103 or 1104;  BIOL 2210K, BIOL 2211K, BIOL 2215K, PSYC 1101, and PSYC 2103 with grades of “C” or better. 7-9-l0

NURS 2213. Women’s Health. A six semester hour course placed in the third or fourth semester of the nursing sequence. There are four hours of class and six hours of clinical laboratory each week. This course focuses on the study of issues related to women’s health. Women’s health will be examined from conception through menopause with particular emphasis being placed on the woman and her family during the childbearing period. Nursing 2213 is designed to assist the student in utilizing critical thinking to provide care for women through all phases of their lives and for the newborn during the first month of life. The family-centered approach emphasizes care of the family as well as identification of those stressors which interfere with adaptation to normal pregnancy, childbirth, and the neonatal period as well as other time periods in a woman’s life. Health and wellness for women will be presented so that the student can begin to incorporate assessment as well as teaching strategies to assist women in maintaining optimal health. Gynecologic issues for women will be identified and nursing care for women and their families experiencing crisis will be discussed. Students are expected to apply knowledge of developmental theory, anatomy and physiology and nursing concepts and skills previously acquired in providing nursing care in the hospital and selected community settings.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103 or NURS 1104; BIOL 2210K and BIOL 2211K, BIOL 2215K; PSYC 1101 and PSYC 2103 with grades of “C” or better. 4-6-6

NURS 2214. Nursing of Children. A six semester hour course placed in the third or fourth semester of the nursing sequence. There are four hours of class and six hours of clinical laboratory weekly. Emphasis is on a family-centered approach to the nursing care of children. Consideration is given to the well child and to the child who has special adaptation needs due to the stress of illness. Use of critical thinking to provide care for children from infancy through adolescence who are operating on the first four levels of Maslow's Hierarchy will be explored. Students utilize previously acquired nursing principles and skills as well as knowledge of growth and development and anatomy and physiology in providing care in the hospital and selected community settings. Age appropriate oral and written communication techniques will be utilized in interpersonal, small group, and one-to-one presentations.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103 or NURS 1104; BIOL 2210K, BIOL 2211K, BIOL 2215K, PSYC 1101, and PSYC 2103 with grades of “C” or better. 4-6-6

NURS 2215. Management and Health Care Issues. A one semester hour course placed in the second year of the nursing sequence. This course may be taken concurrently with any second level nursing course. It is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to increase the relevance of nursing leadership and management. Transition from the role of student nurse to graduate nurse is emphasized by explaining how theory translates into behaviors appropriate to contemporary nursing care management. Conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and oral and written communication skills are emphasized as tools for leadership and management. The use of computer searches on the world wide web provides the student with a broad base of knowledge. This course serves to differentiate traditional leadership and management perspectives and to relate them in an integrated way with contemporary nursing trends and practice applications.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103 or NURS 1104; BIOL 2210K, BIOL 2211K, BIOL 2215K, PSYC 1101, and PSYC 2103 with grades of “C” or better. l-0-l

RN-BSN Courses

NURS 3105. Nursing Pathophysiology – The influence of mechanisms upon structure and function of the body’s adaptive and compensatory mechanisms will be explored. The interaction of life-style, culture, gender differences, and intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors will be examined. Emphasis is placed upon the pathophysiological concepts for understanding the rationale for prevention of disease and promotion of health and wellness through therapeutic nursing interventions and therapeutic nursing interventions.  Prerequisite is completion of Anatomy and Physiology I and II with the grade of ‘C’ or better. 3-0-3

*NURS 3197. Professional Nursing Practice – This course is designed to enhance and facilitate the development of the RN student to the role of a BSN prepared professional nurse. The focus is on developing personal and professional growth of the student to promote better advocacy, critical thinking, educator skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities in a complex healthcare environment. The content of the course includes a wide range of concepts from historical contributions and theories that have guided the profession, to promoting professional philosophies, visions, and practices to help prepare for future trends in healthcare. The course will include topics related to culture and diversity, professional ethics, political and legal issues in nursing, and technology. Students will apply knowledge of the standards of practice, evidence-based practice, and caring science to these topics. 

Prerequisites: Current RN Licensure in Georgia. Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification or concurrent enrollment in a CPR class approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. 3-0-3

*NURS 3297. Nursing Research Application - This course is designed to provide the registered nurse with an overview of the major research concepts as applied to the profession of nursing, to scholarship, and to clinical practice. Analysis, critique, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including ethical implications, for evidence-based nursing practice will be examined. Emphasis is placed on how to critique, analyze, and apply published and empirical research findings to evidence-based nursing practice. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 1401 with a grade of “C” or better. 3-0-3

*NURS 3397. Health Assessment - This course is a study of the advanced knowledge and skills beyond the Associates’ degree in Nursing, designed to enhance health assessment for nursing intervention and practice of individuals across the lifespan. Theory and skills essential to completing a comprehensive and holistic health history and physical examination are emphasized. In addition, the holistic delivery of care will include cultural, spiritual, nutritional, alternative, complementary therapies, and health promotion for the delivery of safe and person-centered care. The importance of comprehensive and accurate documentation as a tool for effective communication amongst the interdisciplinary team is reviewed. 3-0-3

NURS 3397L. Health Assessment Practice Learning Experience Lab - This practice learning experience enhances assessment skills for clients across the life span. The interview process will be explored, emphasizing the health history. The clinical hours will allow the practice of new assessment techniques and offer opportunities to develop interview skills. 0-6-3

NURS 4110. Informatics - This course provides an introduction to healthcare informatics and electronic medical records. In this course general computer office applications and healthcare specific information technology applications are presented and used. The major product for this course will focus on information systems as related to healthcare safety, quality improvement, resource utilization, and data management to improve patient outcome. Ethical and legal issues impacting the use of technology in healthcare are explored. 3-0-3

NURS 4111. Ethics in Nursing - This course explores current models for ethical decision-making. Selected ethical dilemmas in nursing practice will be analyzed. There will be an emphasis on the self- evaluation of personal and professional values. 3-0-3

*NURS 4497. Community Health Nursing - This course is designed to examine the concepts and principles of community and population health nursing. The course will provide an overview of health issues that transcend borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. Emphasis is placed on roles, levels of prevention, principles of epidemiology, public health policy, and disaster preparedness. 3-0-3

*NURS 4597. Leadership and Management - This course introduces the leadership roles and management functions of professional registered nurses within the structure of an organization. The management process provides the foundational structure for the course, while the theoretical framework for this course is established through exploration of leadership styles, organizational theory, and management theory. Quality assurance and the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered care and collaborative relationships are emphasized. The impact of political and legislative processes, the integration of informatics, and the legal and ethical issues in management are also discussed. 3-0-3   
 
NURS 4597L. Leadership and Management Practice Learning Experience Lab - This practice learning experience enhances clinical skills in nursing leadership and management in the acute care and community settings. Within the practice learning environment, the student will examine and appraise current trends in nursing leadership and management in order to improve care delivery in a cost-effective manner. The practice learning experience will also embrace concepts of healthcare delivery to individuals, families, and groups found in the community. 0-6-3

*NURS = USG RN to BSN shared collaborative course delivered through eMajor in an 8-week session.