Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

Kresge Plaza on APU’s West Campus is flanked by the Felix Event Center (top) and Darling Library (right).

The School of Nursing baccalaureate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The prelicensure programs enable students to apply to take the California Board of Registered Nursing examination for RN licensure, and graduates are eligible to apply for a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) certificate. The School of Nursing also offers options for the registered nurse (RN) and the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

General Education Note: Nursing majors are not required to take health education as part of their General Education requirements.

Program Options

The School of Nursing offers:

  1. Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Upper-Division Transfer Program
  3. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  4. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN)
  5. Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program

NOTE: Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor if they have questions regarding coursework needed to meet graduation requirements.

Baccalaureate Nursing Programs At A Glance

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) BSN Upper-Division Transfer Program
Designed primarily for recent high school graduates who will be admitted as first-year university students.1 Designed for transfer students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing.1
Based on a cohort model, students are accepted into the program and progress through the curriculum in sequence with an assigned group of students. Based on a cohort model, students are accepted into the program and progress through the curriculum in sequence with an assigned group of students.
All coursework assigned to a specific semester is prerequisite for progression to the next semester. All coursework assigned to a specific semester is prerequisite for progression to the next semester.
RN to BSN Degree Completion Program LVN to BSN and LVN to RN
Designed specifically for adult learners who have an RN license or are currently enrolled in an ADN program (Bridge to BSN option) and desire to complete their baccalaureate degree while continuing to work. Two programs are available to the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): the LVN to BSN and LVN to RN (30-unit option).
Based on a field-based modular design, cohort module. Both programs are available on a space-available basis for clinical and didactic coursework.
Each student cohort has a primary advisor who provides guidance, direction, and mentorship to enrolled students. Licensed Vocational Nurses are evaluated on an individual basis.
1

Once accepted into an option, students must remain in that option for the duration of the program.

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs

Admission to the university does not guarantee admission into the School of Nursing. Students interested in admission into a School of Nursing BSN program must indicate their desire on their application to the university. Students applying to the traditional BSN program should apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions; students applying to the BSN Upper-Division Transfer Program (BSN Transfer and LVN options) or the RN to BSN program should apply through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

Applicants will be reviewed by a School of Nursing Admissions Committee for possible admission into the university as well as one of the BSN programs: the traditional program, the BSN Upper-Division Transfer Program (BSN Transfer and LVN options), or the RN to BSN program.

Determinations will be made and two separate letters will be sent to applicants indicating 1) whether they have been accepted into the university and 2) whether they have been accepted into one of the BSN programs. Once accepted into a program, students must remain in that program for the duration of the nursing program.

Applicants who are not accepted into one of the BSN programs may still be admitted to the university. These applicants may consider coursework in preparation for application to the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) program, designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in another major but are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

The School of Nursing reserves the right to change the curriculum and degree requirements as deemed necessary. Refer to the School of Nursing Handbook, which includes program-specific guidelines and detailed descriptions of course and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. Utilize a Christian worldview to integrate beliefs, values, ethics, and service in personal and professional life.
  2. Provide nursing care utilizing professional knowledge and core competencies (critical thinking, communication, assessment, and technical skills) derived from a foundation of nursing science, General Education, and religious studies.
  3. Demonstrate initiative for continual personal and professional growth and development.
  4. Act as a patient educator and advocate to promote optimal health and well-being.
  5. Function independently and collaboratively, as a leader and/or member of the healthcare team, to manage and coordinate care.

RNRS 221, Health Assessment, 3 Units

This course provides the nursing student with skills in physical and psychosocial assessment of adult clients. History-taking and physical examination techniques presented in the course help the student develop strong assessment skills upon which further knowledge and practice can be built.

RNRS 272, Professional Concepts in Nursing, 4 Units

This course is designed to provide an introduction to theories, concepts and roles that help define the profession of nursing. Utilization of the nursing process to provide safe care is analyzed. Concepts of informatics, group dynamics, conflict/management, and techniques to analyze and solve problems are examined. Evidence based nursing practice is introduced through instruction in Library/data base searches.

RNRS 298, Communication and Teamwork in Patient and Family Centered Care, 3 Units

This elective course is designed to simulate and enhance clinical experiences for the inexperienced graduate licensed RN entering the RN to BSN Accelerated Degree Program. Thirty-six hours of clinical experience will be completed in a healthcare setting with a preceptor. Concepts related to communication and teamwork are emphasized.

Prerequisite: Admission requirements for admission into the RN-BSN program apply

RNRS 299, Transition to Professional Practice, 3 Units

This is a bridge course designed to be taken by inexperienced licensed RNs who are admitted to the RN to BSN program. Completion of the course provides the new RN experience with effective decision making skills related to clinical judgment and performance in the clinical setting as well as ways to incorporate evidence based interventions in the practice setting. This course includes a clinical/simulation component with participation in an online post conference discussion board.

Prerequisite: RNRS 298

RNRS 307, Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing, 3 Units

The focus of this course is exploration and integration of theoretical models in stress, development and health care adaptation as applied to nursing practice. Through writing and experiential activities the students will express a knowledge of family assessment and analysis of the family unit utilizing a variety of theoretical models.

RNRS 321, Health Assessment, 5 Units

This course develops the nursing student's history taking and assessment skills across the life span. Analysis of health data and identification of risks, including genetics and genomics in specific groups, are emphasized. Culturally sensitive interventions and evidence-based practice are discussed to reduce risk and promote health.

RNRS 327, Nursing Research and Statistics, 4 Units

This course introduces the steps in the nursing research process, with emphasis on principles and methods. Basic statistical concepts and methods of collecting, summarizing, presenting, and interpreting data for professional nurses are addressed. Current issues impacting nursing research are analyzed. Ethical considerations and rights of human subjects are explored.

Prerequisite: The RN-BSN program is designed with a specific course sequence determined by the School of Nursing. A progression schedule is reviewed by the student and advisor after program acceptance. Courses must be taken in the assigned sequence.

RNRS 358, Writing 3: Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare, 3 Units

The focus of this course is to integrate evidence-based clinical practice into the current healthcare systems. The student will review and evaluate the clinical and research literature for application to practice. The process of an integrative literature review and the development of writing skills specific to the discipline of nursing will be conducted. Select research designs frequently used in practice settings will be explored. Quality improvement strategies, methods and issues will be discussed and applied to practice. Meets the General Studies Writing Three requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines. 

Prerequisite: Writing 2, Current enrollment in the RN to BSN Program is required

RNRS 368, Pathophysiology, 5 Units

This course presents an introduction to alterations in health status across the life span and their applications to nursing practice. Major pathophysiologic concepts are explored using a body systems approach. Theories relating to etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations are used to study selected disease processes. Mechanisms causing alterations in cellular function and environment, maintenance of cellular tissue oxygenation, fluid and electrolyte balance, genetics processes, and neuroendocrine control of the body are included. Concepts from anatomy and physiology courses are considered prerequisite and provide the foundation for exploring human dysfunction.

RNRS 396, Professional Practice: Ethics, Issues, and Spirituality in Health Care, 6 Units

This course focuses on the examination and application of the religious, theological, philosophical, and cultural foundations of ethics in professional nursing practice. Participants develop knowledge and skills in ethical decision making that are theoretically sound, evidence based, holistic, and applicable to current healthcare issues. The course also addresses the expanding roles and responsibilities of professional nurses in meeting the healthcare needs of a dynamic society, with attention to the spiritual formation of nurses. Meets the General Education Requirement: UP Bible Requirement. 

Prerequisite: The RN-BSN program is designed with a specific course sequence determined by the School of Nursing. A progression schedule is reviewed by the student and advisor after program acceptance. Courses must be taken in the assigned sequence.

RNRS 412, Spiritual Formation and the Profession of Nursing, 3 Units

This course guides students as they examine and articulated the Christian worldview, which can be applied personally and to the broader issues of society. This knowledge allows the students to develop and implement an integrated approach to nursing and the common good, and formulate responses to the worldview aspect of current professional and social issues.

RNRS 448, Leadership in Health Care Settings, 6 Units

This course presents concepts of organizational and systems leadership and management. Today's health care systems related to patient safety are addressed. The content examines inter-professional teamwork and collaboration, shared decision making, and major nursing roles. The quality improvement process is investigated as to its ability to continuously improve the quality & safety of the health care system. The relationship between the health care system's effectiveness and individual performance in securing patient safety and quality outcomes are identified. Integration of EBP with clinical practice and the role of Informatics to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making are developed. Health care policy, finance, and regulatory agency/environments are examined. Ninety hours of practicum are required to establish competency in this course.

Prerequisite: Enrollment in the RN to BSN Program

RNRS 449, Theory and Practice in Community Health Settings, 6 Units

This course has two areas of focus within the community setting: the study of principles and practices involved in community health nursing and the development of skills for teaching a group of clients. The emphasis is on the role of the nurse in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care of clients in a variety of community-based settings. Collaborating with community-based organizations and services that provide health restoration, maintenance, illness prevention, and client education services to individuals, families, and aggregates are essential components of this course. A review of legal mandates and regulations, as well as discussion of ethical dilemmas and issues related to community-based care in included. A multiple theoretical focus that includes concepts from systems, stress, adaptation, development, and role theory is emphasized.

RNRS 458, Writing 3: Evidence-Based Practice, Theory, and Clinical Pathways, 5 Units

The focus of this course is exploration and integration of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process, including EBP implementation and critique of clinical pathways within individual organizations, and the role of informatics in health care and its importance in evidence-based practice. Theoretical nursing and nonnursing models are reviewed, with a focus on examining how theoretical principles are reflected in professional practice. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines. 

RNRS 469, Improving Patient Outcomes: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management, 5 Units

The focus of this course is the implementation of quality and safety mechanisms into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. Utilizing national standards for quality and safety in health care, students examine initiatives necessary to improve patient outcomes. Concepts of informatics, patient-centered care, leadership, inter- and intraprofessional teamwork, collaboration, and communication are addressed.

RNRS 479, Population Health and Public Health Nursing, 4 Units

This course focuses on population-based public health nursing practice. The assessment of systematic differences in outcomes across populations, including the complexity of interactions among health determinants (such as social environment, resource allocation, and biological pathways), provides the foundation for public health nursing practice. Exploration of how these determinants exert their influence over time and throughout the life cycle, with variations in their patterns of occurrence (including health inequities and inequalities), is central to the course. The role of the public health nurse in assessing and understanding health systems and the health status of a population is emphasized.

Corequisite: RNRS 482P

RNRS 480, Community Health and Care Transitions, 4 Units

This course builds on the concepts of population health and public health nursing and describes the interaction of the nurse and the client in the home and in the community. Given an assessment of a community's priority health needs, students use course content to identify change-agent functions to promote and preserve health and to prevent disease and disability. All levels of prevention for the individual, family, and community system are addressed as community health nursing interventions. Course topics include the role of community health nursing in supporting care transitions across varied clinical and community settings, legal and regulatory considerations, and ethical issues related to community health.

Prerequisite: RNRS 479;

Corequisite: RNRS 482P

RNRS 482P, Clinical Practicum, 2 Units

This course is the clinical component to RNRS 479 Population Health and Public Health Nursing and RNRS 480 Community Health and Care Transitions. The focus of this course is on students implementing the systematic assessment of a community health population and creating an intervention that supports health promotion and disease prevention. Students develop a strategy for change, guided by epidemiological evidence and an understanding of the complex determinants of health, for implementation in collaboration with community resources and other health professionals. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning. 

Corequisites: RNRS 479 and RNRS 480

RNRS 495, Special Topics in Nursing, 1-4 Units

In this course, a topic of current interest to students is examined in depth. Students analyze and evaluate topics/issues to reach and express a position, enhance personal development and/or to develop a particular project. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies.

RNRS 497, Ethics and Issues in Health Care, 4 Units

This course focuses on the integration of Christian faith, ethical issues, and professional concerns, which confront nurses in their work life. It also includes consideration of issues and trends in health care and nursing. Integration of such concerns as providers of health care, education of the health care professional, and consumerism with ethical concerns are investigated. This course also contains a comprehensive paper written on a bioethical issue, which meets the senior writing requirement. Each week there is a discussion period around ethical concerns, which correlates to the material presented in class.

RNRS 499, Readings, 1-4 Units

This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between and designed by a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

UNRS 105, Foundations in Professional Nursing/Aging, 6 Units

Lecture 3 units; Clinical practicum 3 units (135 hours/semester) This course focuses on the nursing process and introductory concepts crucial to professional nursing care, including interviewing, wellness, health promotion, and illness prevention. The clinical practicum includes application of concepts and acquisition of nursing knowledge and skills needed to provide healthcare to the healthy aging and hospitalized adult and aging client utilizing the nursing process to plan care based on human needs, problems of immobility, and pain.

Special Fee Applies

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Nursing Program.

Corequisite: UNRS 105P (Practicum)

UNRS 105P, Foundations in Professional Nursing - Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 105 Clinical Practicum

Corequisite: UNRS 105; Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 106, Foundations of Professional Nursing/Aging, 6 Units

This course focuses on the nursing process and introductory concepts crucial to professional nursing care, including interviewing, wellness, health promotion, and illness prevention. The clinical practicum includes application of concepts and acquisition of nursing knowledge and skills needed to provide health care to the healthy aging and hospitalized adults and aging, utilizing the nursing process to plan care based on human needs, problems of immobility, and pain.

Corequisite: UNRS 106P

UNRS 106P, Foundations of Professional Nursing/Aging Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 106 Clinical Practicum

Corequisite: UNRS 106

UNRS 107, Foundations of Professional Nursing, 4 Units

This course focuses on the nursing process and introductory concepts crucial to professional nursing care, including interviewing, wellness, health promotion, and illness prevention. The clinical practicum includes application of concepts and acquisition of nursing knowledge and skills utilizing the nursing process to plan and provide care based on human needs, problems of immobility, and pain.

Corequisite: UNRS 107P

UNRS 107P, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

This is the Practicum component of the Foundations of Professional Nursing course.

Corequisite: UNRS 107

UNRS 108, Fundamentals in Nursing Practice, 2 Units

This is an experiential learning course designed to teach basic nursing skills in a clinical skills or simulation laboratory setting to prepare students to deliver safe and patient-focused nursing care. Utilizing the nursing process, students perform basic skills in assessment, patient care across the admission-discharge continuum, documentation, patient-family teaching, and infection control.

UNRS 113, Pharmacology, 2 Units

Lecture, 2 units This course is designed for students who have completed organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. The content focuses on principles of pharmacology and specifics of the major drug classifications.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 120, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, 3 Units

This lecture course focuses on principles of human nutrition, including nutrient functions, metabolism, and changing needs across the life span. Students also explore nutrient deficiency and toxicity signs and symptoms, along with implications of a poor diet on the development of chronic disease. Various nutrient analysis methods are used.

UNRS 212, Nursing Care of Adults and the Aging, 6 Units

This course involves application of biological, psychosocial, and spiritual concepts to adult and aging clients experiencing the stress of an acute or chronic alteration in physical health within the medical surgical setting. The nursing process is utilized to provide care to one or two clients within the healthcare delivery system of an acute hospital, skilled nursing facility, or transitional care unit, and extending to the community. Lecture: 3 units; clinical practicum: 3 units (135 hours/semester).

Special Fee Applies

Acceptance into the nursing program; corequisite: UNRS 212P.

UNRS 212P, Nursing Care Of Adults/Aging Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 212 Clinical Practicum

Corequisite: UNRS 212

UNRS 220, Health Assessment, 3 Units

Lecture, 2 units; Laboratory, 1 unit (45 hours): This course provides the nursing student with skills in physical, spiritual, and psychosocial assessment of adult clients. History-taking and physical-examination techniques presented in the course help the student develop strong assessment skills upon which further knowledge and practice can be built. Basic concepts related to assessment of geriatric, pediatric, and childbearing patients are included. RNs take this course in the summer.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisite: UNRS 220L; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program.

UNRS 240, Medical Spanish, 2 Units

This medical Spanish class is designed especially for nursing. Practical Spanish communication in real-life medical situations for beginners is emphasized. Pronunciation, intonation, and structure of Spanish within a framework designed to develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills will be taught. Special cultural presentations supplement language study.

UNRS 260, Nutrition, 2 Units

Students in this lecture course explore the foundations of nutrition in the prevention of chronic disease. Course material covers the pathophysiology of various disease states and appropriate medical nutrition therapy, as well as nursing's role in nutrition assessment with respect to patient weight change, intake adequacy, gastrointestinal symptoms affecting nutrient absorption, and activities of daily living. Students perform dietary recalls, nutrient analyses, and anthropometric assessments, and learn about evidence-based nutrition care for gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, energy balance and weight control, bone disease, and renal disease. Through case studies, students learn about alternate feeding methods and issues surrounding drug/nutrient interactions. Students also have opportunities to educate the community through presentations on the prevention of disease through nutrition.

Prerequisite: CHEM 123 or PRCH 123 or department approval if a non-nursing major

UNRS 270, Professional Concepts in Nursing, 3 Units

This course provides an introduction to the theories and concepts of professional nursing. The nursing process is presented and utilized as the basis for planning quality and safe patient care in various healthcare settings. Current issues and trends in nursing are discussed, the role of nursing in the health care delivery system, and concepts of evidence-based practice, informatics, group dynamics, conflict/management, and techniques to analyze and solve problems are examined.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 271, Theories and Concepts in Professional Nursing, 2 Units

This course provides an introduction to the theories and concepts of professional nursing. The nursing process is presented and utilized as the basis for planning care as applied to patients. The content also includes discussion of current issues and trends in nursing and compilation of a professional portfolio.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 280, Life Cycle Nutrition, 3 Units

This lecture course examines nutrient needs of individuals throughout various life stages: preconception, pregnancy, lactation, infancy, preschool years, middle childhood, pre-adolescence, adolescence, adulthood, and late adulthood. Students learn the changing nutrient requirements through the life cycle and apply this knowledge through special topic presentations and in the development of teaching tools that can be used for public education audiences. This is a service-learning course.

Prerequisite: BIOL 101, CHEM 123, PSYC 290, and UNRS 120

UNRS 281, Introduction to Global Health Care, 1 Unit

This course uses a seminar or online format to introduce students to major aspects of the global healthcare experience, such as developing an understanding of the expectations and responsibilities related to international travel, an appreciation of other cultures, their integration into another culture, their in-country experience, and their re-entry into their home country.

UNRS 282, Transcultural Health Care: Country Specific, 2-4 Units

Students in this course participate in a short-term study-away nursing experience in order to begin understanding theoretically based transcultural healthcare practices. A seminar format is utilized to stimulate discussion regarding health-related issues specific to the geographical area of study and to assist students in the formulation of personal perspectives and individual cultural values that promote high-quality professional nursing practice worldwide. Students participate as members of a healthcare team in a variety of nursing-specific learning opportunities. Lecture, 1 unit; clinical practicum, 1-3 units (45-135 hours/semester).

Special Fee Applies

UNRS 282P, Transcultural Health Care: Country Specific- Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 282 Clinical Practicum

Prerequisite: UNRS 105, UNRS 113, UNRS 220; Corequisite UNRS 282

UNRS 105, UNRS 113, UNRS 220; Corequisite UNRS 282

UNRS 299, Statistics and Data Management for Nursing and Health Care, 3 Units

This course covers basic statistical concepts and methods of collecting, summarizing, presenting, and interpreting data for professional nurses and students pursuing healthcare professions. Among the topics covered are graphing, measures of central tendency and variability, the normal curve, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, and topics in probability that can be applied in real-world situations. Meets the General Education Requirement: Quantitative Literacy (Math). 

Prerequisite: MATH 95 or an appropriate score on the APU mathematics proficiency exam or SAT Math score of 540 or ACT Math score of 23. Admission to the School of Nursing, or Pre-Admitted Nursing status and admission to the Honors College.

UNRS 300, Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Herbs, Supplements, and Nutrition, 3 Units

This course provides an introduction to therapies currently used as complements to Western medicine. Emphasis is on naturopathic medicine and biologically based therapies such as foods, special diets, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. The course reviews potential risks and interactions between conventional and complementary and alternative therapies. The course examines agencies devoted to informing and protecting consumers and health care practitioners.

Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or BIOL 151, and CHEM 123. Instructor permission required if non-nursing major.

UNRS 306, Writing 2: Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing, 3 Units

Students in this course learn to utilize a variety of genres of scientific writing while exploring, integrating, and applying theoretical models of stress, development, and health care adaptation to nursing practice. Students examine writing samples from various methodological perspectives and practice a variety of writing styles and forms of argument considered persuasive in the sciences. They also develop basic proficiency in the use of APA style. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 2: Genre, Evidence, and Persuasion. 

Prerequisite: C- or better in PRWR 110; acceptance into the nursing program.

UNRS 310, Mental Health Nursing, 4 Units

Lecture 2 units, Clinical practicum 2 units (90 hours); This theoretical and clinical course focuses on the dynamics of psychosocial stress within the interpersonal and intrapersonal systems of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Short-term evaluation and treatment experiences are offered utilizing milieu, individual, group, and family therapy.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisite: UNRS 310P; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program

UNRS 310P, Mental Health Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 310 Clinical Practicum

Prerequisite: Co-Requisite: UNRS 310

UNRS 312, Nursing Management of Adults, 3 Units

Lecture, 1 unit; Clinical practicum, 2 units (90 hours/semester): This course continues the application of biological, psychosocial, and spiritual concepts to adult and aging clients experiencing the stress of an acute or chronic alteration in physical health within the medical surgical setting. Emphasis is on the application of concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology to the nursing management of acute and chronically ill patients in the medical-surgical setting.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisites: UNRS 312P, UNRS 313 and UNRS 313P; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program.

UNRS 312P, Nursing Management of Adults Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 312 Clinical Practicum

Corequisites: UNRS 312, UNRS 313 and UNRS 313P

UNRS 313, Restorative Nursing, 4 Units

Lecture 2 units; Clinical practicum 2 units (90 hours/semester); This course focuses on the care of an adult or geriatric client with a chronic health problem. The mental health and spiritual concepts are emphasized. Students are assigned to a rehabilitation or restorative setting.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisites: UNRS 312, UNRS 312P and UNRS 313P; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program

UNRS 313P, Restorative Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 313 Clinical Practicum

Corequisites: UNRS 312, UNRS 312P and UNRS 313

UNRS 314, Nursing Management and Restorative Care of Adults, 6 Units

This course builds on prior knowledge of biological, psychosocial, and spiritual concepts to help adult and aging clients experiencing the stress of an acute or chronic alteration in physical health. Emphasis is on the application of concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology to the nursing management of acute and chronically ill patients in medical-surgical and rehabilitative or restorative settings.

Corequisite: UNRS 314P

UNRS 314P, Nursing Management and Restorative Care of Adults Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 314 Clinical Practicum

Corequisite: UNRS 314

UNRS 320, Cultural Aspects of Food and Nutrition, 3 Units

Students in this course examine the foodways of people around the world, exploring the health benefits and practices of various cultures, along with how the industrialization of food influences nutrition content and pricing of food. Course material also covers the effects of famine on life expectancy and how one's environment or living situation limits access to food. A food lab is included, giving students an opportunity to prepare, taste, and realize a country's particular etiquette practices when dining. Course requires field trips. This is a service-learning course.

Prerequisite: UNRS 120, SOC 358, GLBL 201; GLBL 260 or COMM 260

UNRS 367, Pathophysiology, 3 Units

Lecture, 3 hours: This course presents an introduction to human pathophysiology. Mechanisms causing alterations in cellular activity, maintenance of cellular tissue oxygenation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and neuroendocrine control of the body are included. Common pathophysiologic disorders are emphasized.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 382, Community Health Nursing, 3 Units

This course focuses on the study of principles and practices involved in community health nursing, with emphasis on the role of the nurse in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care of clients in a variety of community-based settings. Collaboration with community-based organizations and services that provide health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance during chronic illness, and client education services to individuals, families, and aggregates is an essential component of this course. A review of legal mandates and regulations specific to community-based care, analysis of the healthcare needs within a community, and exploration of issues such as liberty, equality, terrorism, crisis, and disasters are included. Lecture, 1 unit (1 hour/week); clinical practicum, 2 units (90 hours/semester). Meets the General Education Requirement: Civic Knowledge and Engagement. 

Special Fee Applies

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Nursing Program;

Corequisite: UNRS 382P

UNRS 382P, Community Health Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 382 Clinical Practicum

Corequisite: UNRS 382

UNRS 383, International Health Nursing, 3-5 Units

This course focuses on clinical observation of and participation in international healthcare settings, using a cross-cultural educational experience to give students a global perspective of healthcare issues. Students develop intercultural competence as they engage with people from diverse cultures with compassion and respect, and foster a commitment to global service, scholarship, and boundary-crossing community. Lecture, 1 unit; clinical practicum, 2-4 units. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence. 

Special Fee Applies

Acceptance into the nursing program; corequisite: UNRS 383P.

UNRS 383P, International Health Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

Lecture 1 Unit - Clinical Practicum 2-4 units: This course focuses on clinical observation and participation in international health care settings. The purpose is to broaden the student's worldview through a cross-cultural educational experience and to provide a global perspective of healthcare issues. In addition, it will provide opportunities to develop intercultural competence and foster a commitment to global service, scholarship, and boundary-crossing community.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 384, Urban/Rural Health Nursing, 3-5 Units

This course focuses on clinical observation of and participation in urban/rural healthcare settings, using a cross-cultural educational experience to give students a broader perspective of healthcare issues. Students develop intercultural competence as they engage with people from diverse cultures with compassion and respect, and foster a commitment to service, scholarship, and boundary-crossing community in vulnerable urban/rural populations. Lecture, 1 unit; clinical practicum, 2-4 units. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence. 

Acceptance into the nursing program; corequisite: UNRS 384P.

UNRS 384P, Urban Health Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

Lecture 1 Unit - Clinical Practicum 2-4 units: This course focuses on clinical observation and participation in urban health care settings. The purpose is to broaden the student's worldview through a cross-cultural educational experience and to provide a global perspective of healthcare issues. In addition, it will provide opportunities to develop intercultural competence and will foster a commitment to service, scholarship, and boundary-crossing community in vulnerable urban populations.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 386, Population and Community Health Nursing, 6 Units

This course focuses on population-based public health and community health nursing practice. The purpose is to broaden the student's worldview through a cross-cultural educational experience and gain a more global perspective of complex health care issues through civic engagement and collaboration with various clinical settings, community-based and global health care organizations that provide health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance, and support care transitions during chronic illness. All levels of prevention for the individual, family, and community systems are addressed through population-based public health and community health nursing assessment, evaluation, and interventions including client education services to individuals, families and aggregates from diverse cultures. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence, Civic Knowledge and Engagement. 

Special Fee Applies

Corequisites: UNRS 386P

UNRS 386P, Population and Community Health Nursing Practicum, 0 Units

This course focuses on population-based public health and community health nursing practice. The purpose is to broaden the student's worldview through a cross-cultural educational experience and gain a more global perspective of complex health care issues through civic engagement and collaboration with various clinical settings, community-based and global health care organizations that provide health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance, and support care transitions during chronic illness. All levels of prevention for the individual, family, and community systems are addressed through population-based public health and community health nursing assessment, evaluation, and interventions including client education services to individuals, families and aggregates from diverse cultures.

Corequisites: UNRS 386

UNRS 402, Nursing Care in Maternal, Newborn, and Women's Health, 4 Units

Lecture, 2 units; Clinical practicum, 2 units (90 hours/semester): This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical concepts of the childbearing patient, her infant, and her family. The students study both normal and complicated obstetrics. Birth preparation, prenatal care, intrapartal, normal neonatal, and postpartum care with concurrent clinical experiences are introduced.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisite: UNRS 402P; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program.

UNRS 402P, Nursing Care in Maternal, Newborn, and Women's Health Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 403, Leadership and Management in Professional Practice, 2 Units

Theory, 2 hours. This course emphasizes leadership and management theory in a number of applications and health care settings. It assists the upcoming graduate in adjusting to various organizations encountered by professional nurses serving in a variety of roles. Core concepts relevant to the health care settings are presented with an emphasis on critical thinking, character development and leadership competencies, quality outcomes, and safety goal achievement for optimal patient care.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Nursing Program. Note: Per the progression schedule for the Traditional BSN program students, UNRS403 is taken in the same semester as UNRS404/404P and UNRS402/402P.

UNRS 404, Nursing Care of Children and Young Adults, 4 Units

Lecture, 2 units; Clinical practicum, 2 units (90 hours/semester): This theoretical and clinical course focuses on the care of children from birth through adolescence. The effects of acute and chronic illness on growth and development are studied in the acute and community health care setting. Education of the child and family on health promotion, disease prevention, and safety issues are addressed. Ethical issues are discussed regarding the relationship of the child and family, including issues such as child abuse, informed consent, and the impact of diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs on health care decisions in the family.

Special Fee Applies

Corequisites: UNRS404P; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program. Note: Per the progression schedule for the Traditional BSN program students, UNRS403 is taken in the same semester as UNRS404/404P and UNRS402/402P.

UNRS 404P, Nursing Care of Children and Young Adults Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 411, Advanced Nursing Care of Adults and the Aging, 5 Units

This course involves the application of pathophysiological, psychosocial, and spiritual concepts to adult and geriatric clients experiencing the stress of illness in acute settings. The area of focus is caring for critically ill clients and their families with complex health needs in a critical-care setting. Legal and ethical issues related to acute care are included. Lecture, 2 units; clinical practicum, 3 units (135 hours/semester).

Special Fee Applies

Corequisite: UNRS 411P

UNRS 411P, Advanced Nursing Care of Adults & Aging - Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 412, Clinical Residency Nursing, 2 Units

This clinical residency is an experiential component designed as a collaborative partnership between the School of Nursing and selected healthcare settings. This residency is planned to ease the role transition from a student nurse to a beginning professional nurse. In addition, it enhances the skill and practice knowledge of the student in preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. Clinical practicum, 90 hours/semester. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning. 

Corequisites: UNRS 411 and UNRS 411P

UNRS 414, Advanced Nursing Care of Adults, 6 Units

This course involves the application of pathophysiological, psychosocial and spiritual concepts to adult and geriatric clients experiencing the stress of acute illness. The primary focus is on caring for and managing care of critically ill clients and their families with complex health needs in a critical care setting. Throughout the semester, students prepare for transition to practice as they become more independent and proficient in communicating with and leading the healthcare team. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning. 

Corequisite: UNRS 414P

UNRS 414P, Advanced Nursing Care of Adults Clinical Practicum, 0 Units

This course is the Clinical Practicum component of the Advanced Nursing Care of Adults course.

Corequisite: UNRS 414

UNRS 425, Nursing Research, 3 Units

Lecture, 3 units: This course introduces the steps in the research process. Emphasis is placed on the principles and methods of the research process, including how this process contributes to the development of nursing knowledge and the improvement of nursing practice. This historical evolution of nursing research is examined and current issues impacting nursing research are analyzed. Ethical considerations and rights of human subjects are explored. Students have the opportunity to evaluate selected nursing studies throughout the semester in small groups with faculty input and guidance.

Prerequisite: UNRS 299; Must be accepted into the Nursing Program.

UNRS 436, Fundamentals of Case Management, 3 Units

Theory, 2 units; Practicum, 1 unit: This is an introductory course for senior-level students covering the principles of case management, roles and responsibilities of the case manager, case management tools, plans and methods, issues (including legal ones), and how case management improves patient and hospital outcomes. It is designed to give an overview of what case management is and how a nurse can utilize these tools and skills to advance clinical practices. It is an elective course.

Special Fee Applies

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Nursing Program.

Corequisite: UNRS 436P (Practicum)

UNRS 436P, Fund of Case Mgmt Practicum, 0 Units

UNRS 444, Clinical Specialization Elective, 1-2 Units

This is a clinical specialty course involving a collaborative partnership with selected community healthcare organizations, an intensive preceptored experience that eases the role transition from student nurse to beginning professional nurse in a specialized setting. This course also enhances the skill and practice knowledge of students in preparation for the RN licensing examination.

Prerequisite: One of the following: UNRS 310 (for mental health nursing), UNRS 382 (for community health), UNRS 402 (for obstetrics), or UNRS 404 (for pediatrics). If taken for two units, instructor consent is required.

Corequisite: UNRS 411

UNRS 445, Applied Pharmacology, 2 Units

This course enhances students' ability to apply knowledge acquired in the basic pharmacology course by helping them utilize critical thinking skills at a more advanced level. Emphasis is on the application of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of major drug categories used to manage common patient disorders across the life span in clinical nursing practice.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 495, Special Topics in Nursing, 1-4 Units

In this course, a topic of current interest to students is examined in depth. Students analyze and evaluate topics/issues to reach and express a position, enhance personal development, and/or to develop a particular project. May be repeated for credit as the topic varies.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program

UNRS 496, Writing 3: Ethics and Issues in Health Care, 4 Units

This course focuses on the integration of Christian faith, ethical concerns, and issues and trends in health care that nurses encounter in their work life. Students develop their abilities as independent thinkers in order to construct bodies of knowledge, and communicate what they are learning through reading, dialogue, debate, peer critique, presentations, and the development and refinement of written pieces. The capstone project for this course is a comprehensive research paper and formal presentation demonstrating scholarship and readiness to contribute to the nursing profession. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines. 

Special Fee Applies

Prerequisite: Senior standing in the School of Nursing; UNRS 306

UNRS 497, Readings, 1-4 Units

This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between and designed by a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

UNRS 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units

This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing

UNRS 499, Thesis/Project, 1-4 Units

This is a senior-level "capstone" type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis, and communication. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in formal thesis, published article, or electronic media. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

Prerequisite: Upper-division writing intensive course or instructor consent; and junior or senior standing