Nursing (Pre-licensure BSN in School of Professional Studies)
Faculty
Dr. Teresa Panniers, NHP Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer (Nursing Program Director)
Ms. Danielle Artis, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ms. Jennifer Dahlman, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ms. Stephanie Denison, Clinical Coordinator
Dr. Janet-Beth Flynn, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ms. Denise Jarboe, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ms. Kathryn Mancusi, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Ann Maradiegue, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ms. Denise McKain, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Patricia Treffinger, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Daphne Waite, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Description
Designed for students just starting their studies in nursing, Trinity’s Pre-Licensure BSN Program combines the academic structure and clinical preparation necessary for a career in nursing. Students focus initially on liberal arts courses that provide a framework for their chosen major in nursing. The rigorous academic coursework in the nursing program then lays the foundation for a progressive mastery of the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and abilities required of a professional nurse. Toward the end of the program, students will have ample opportunities to experience firsthand the rewards of nursing in numerous, closely supervised clinical settings. The culmination of the program is the successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, after which students are qualified to practice as licensed registered nurses.
Major Requirements
I. CORE CURRICULUM (37-38 credits)
Area I: Skills for Life and Work
- Writing (3 credits)
- ENGL 107 College CompositionDevelops skills necessary for effective writing of thesis-centered essays at the college level, including analytical, critical, and argumentative essays. Research and documentation techniques included. Students in the School of Professional Studies may not take this course pass/fail. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
Prerequisites for College of Arts and Sciences: ENGL 105 with grade of "C" or better or placement test proficiency
Prerequisites for School of Professional Studies: ENGL 105 with a grade of C or better OR score of 9 or higher on Writing portion of Accuplacer test.
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area I Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
- Communication (6 credits)
- COM 290 Public SpeakingExamines theory and practice of public speaking. Students will prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches. Audience analysis, research, speech organization, delivery and effective persuasive strategies will be covered.
3 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
- COM 225 Intercultural CommunicationApplies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life OR SPAN 103 Spanish for the WorkplaceOffers applied Spanish for the workplace. Its goal is to facilitate basic communication in workplace settings with speakers of Spanish. Emphasis is placed on oral communication and career-specific vocabulary and grammar that targets health, business and/or public service professions. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate at a functional level with Spanish speakers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
- Numeracy (3 credits) – MATH 108 Finite MathematicsThis course is intended to provide a broad-based general overview of college mathematics, especially for those majoring in the social sciences, business, nursing, and allied health fields. Topics include a continuation of the algebra topics of Math 101S, such as critical thinking skills, sets, logic and the real number system. Also covered are graphs, functions, modeling and data analysis, use of matrices to solve systems of equations, systems of linear inequalities and understanding of dimensional analysis, and conversions to and from the metric system. Formerly MATH 108 and MAT 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 101S or placement test proficiency
General Education: Foundation Skills Area
FLC Area IV Quantitative Analysis Cluster
- Information Literacy (3 credits) – INT 109 Information LiteracyTechnology has brought a vast new world of information resources into the classroom and the University. We are accessing, analyzing and communicating information faster than every before. A measure of success today is how well one can discover, retrieve, evaluate, manage and communicate all forms of data, information and knowledge within a technological environment both ethically and legally. This course introduces Trinity students to the information and technology tools that support the information discovery, analysis and integration that are part of critical thinking and communicating. This includes having a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal issues.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
- Arts and Humanities (6 credits) – choose from existing list
- Social Sciences (6 credits)
- Psychology (PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II)
- Sociology (SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society)
- Scientific Understanding (7-8 credits)
- BIOL 101 Introduction to BiologyExplores various aspects of biology from cell structure to metabolism, diversity and ecology. The course consists of two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for non-science majors. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 101 Introduction to Biology.
4 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area II
- CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health SciencesIntroduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits
General Education Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry (Science and Mathematics)
Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning (3 credits)
- PHIL 251 BioethicsExamines the legal and moral issues in areas dealing with the biology of human health and development, for example, experimentation on human subjects, organ transplants, euthanasia, abortion, fetal tissue use, contraception, and other aspects of human reproduction, as well as questions regarding rights to health care. Formerly PHI 211 Applied Ethics: Bioethics.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs
II. PRE-NURSING COURSES (24 credits)
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology IA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year-long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: MATH 102, MATH 108 or MATH 109 or test score placement (CAS Only)
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIA systematic aproach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health ProfessionsAn introduction to the study of microorganisms with emphasis on disease-causing bacteria. Topics include the nature of microorganisms, their relationships with humans, infectious diseases, and immunity. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Does not fulfill microbiology requirement for Biology major. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
HPNU 110 Professional and Career Success in the Health ProfessionsThis course is intended as an introductory professional genesis course for students entering the health professions and introduces the concepts of knowledge, skills, values, meanings, and experiences as the basis for professional practice. This course is designed to strengthen the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will be exposed to the use of select electronic data bases as information sources, as well as techniques of professional writing.
3 credits
HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health PromotionThis course provides the foundation for an understanding of the relationships of nutrition and diet therapy to optimum health. It includes physiological, psychosocial and cultural influences on nutritional status. Students will explore their own nutritional status and values as they relate to health and wellness.
3 credits
HPNU 210 PathophysiologyThis course is designed to assist the student in applying knowledge from anatomy and physiology and developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences associated with pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on cellular, organ, and tissue concepts as they relate to and influence health and illness.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 130, CHEM 113
MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsPresents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, normal and binomial distributions, and central limit theorem, with an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
Prerequisites: MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course
III. NURSING-SPECIFIC DIDACTIC AND CLINICAL COURSES (49 credits)
NURS 220 Health Promotion, Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health CareThis course explores political factors that influence patient outcomes and health promotion strategies to enhance health and health care systems. Students are engaged in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems, determining accessibility, accountability and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed, and the effect this has on patient care.
3 credits
Prerequisite: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
NURS 215 PharmacologyThis course is designed to assist the student in developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences related to drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on drug classification, mechanism of action, dru g interactions, adverse reactions, and therapeutic response. The role and responsibilities of the nurse in relationship to drug therapy is highlighted. The student is expected to apply knowledge from previous courses in the health sciences.
3 credits
Prerequisites: HPNU 210, Must be a nursing student
NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based PracticeResearch and Evidence-Based Practice focuses on relevant scientific and phenomenological information to assist the student to understanding the role of theory and research in nursing practice and health care. The course will provide an overview and analysis of theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students will learn how to critically review and utilize research supporting common aspects of nursing practice. Formerly NURS 330 - Nursing Theory & Research
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110
Note: Students in the RN to BSN program must also have completed NURS 300 and MATH 110
NURS 350 Medical-Surgical Nursing IThis theory course focuses on attaining the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic nursing care for adult clients. Using a physiological systems approach, course content will focus on selected topics on diabetes and fluid and electrolyte balance and the pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and integumentary systems. Students will use information technology systems to research evidence-based nursing practice. They will apply critical thinking skills as they examine sociocultural diversity and holistic, caring practices in medical-surgical and rehabilitative nursing. Formerly NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 262, and NURS 220
NURS 350C Medical-Surgical Nursing I ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply foundational knowledge, skills, and values to deliver basic nursing care to adult medical-su rgical clients in acute care and rehabilitative settings. An emphasis will be placed on caring, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, sociocultural diversity, information technology systems, and safe and competent patient care. Formerly NURS 350C - Mid-life thru Geriatric Nursing Clinical.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117, NURS 177L, NURS 215, NURS 262
Co-requisite: NURS 350
NURS 360 Psychiatric and Mental Health NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for nursing care of and for clients with psychiatric and mental health disorders. Using an integrative approach, course content is based on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of behavior disorders.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220, NURS 262
Co-requisites: NURS 360C
NURS 360C Psychiatric and Mental Health ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, skills and professional nursing care to clients with ps ychiatric and mental health disorders in acute care settings in both in- and outpatient hospital and community settings.
2 Credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L; NURS 220; NURS262
Co-requisites: NURS 360
NURS 361 Medical-Surgical Nursing IIThis theory course focuses on attaining the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic nursing care for adult clients. Using a physiological systems approach, course content will focus on selected gastro-intestinal system topics and the musculoskeletal, immune, reproductive, endocrine, and neurological systems. Students will use information technology systems to research evidence-based nursing practice. They will apply critical thinking skills as they examine sociocultural diversity and holistic, caring practices in medical-surgical and rehabilitative nursing. Formerly NURS 361 - Adolescent and Young Adult Nursing.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 362, NURS 362L, and NURS 417L
Co-requisite: NURS 361C
NURS 361C Medical-Surgical Nursing II ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply advanced knowledge, skills, and values to deliver comprehensive nursing care to adult medical-surgical clients in acute care and rehabilitative settings. An emphasis will be placed on caring, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, sociocultural diversity, information technology systems, and safe and competent patient care. Formerly NURS 361C - Adolescent & Young Adult Nursing Clinical.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 362, NURS 362L, NURS 417L
Co-rerequisite: NURS 361
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health CareThis course is designed to assist the student to synthesize the intersection of nursing care with leading people and managing organizations and systems. The course incorporates the application of management principles and leadership, change, and administration theories in nursing practice and health care delivery. Content discussions include delegation, working with large groups, communication and collaboration, cultural diversity, legal and ethical dilemmas, budget management, staff development, resource management, quality improvement and risk management, evidence based practice, and the healthcare consumer.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 300-level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
General Education Requirements: Applications (Leadership)
NURS 420 Community and Public Health NursingThis theory course is designed to prepare students for community/public health practice in a changing health care system. Concepts of primary health ca re to the assessment, planning, and delivery of care to diverse families will be emphasized. Factors influencing the primary health care of communities and the impact of globalization, politics, socioeconomics, and environmental factors on the health vulnerability and resiliency of communities are examined.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
NURS 420C Community and Public Health ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to diverse clients and families in a variety of community s ettings. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and restoration of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs. Formerly NURS 420L - Community and Public Health Clinical.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for providing comprehensive nursing care for women, newborns, and their families duri ng pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on family developmental stages, family assessment and health promotion strategies for the family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the childbearing family unit are explored.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisites: NURS 460C
NURS 460C Maternity and Newborn Nursing ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to women, newborns, and their families during pregnancy, c hildbirth and the postpartum period. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and restoration of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 460
NURS 461 Pediatric NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the pediatric client. A family-centered approach is used with emphasi s on child developmental stages and health promotion strategies for the child and family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the family unit are explored.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 461C
NURS 461C Pediatric ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to pediatric clients. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and re storation of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 461
NURS 480 Nursing of Older AdultsThis course presents the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic care to geriatric clients. Course content covers age-related changes and health disorders of the older adult. Students will analyze demographic trends related to older adults and how they impact health promotion, prevention of illness and disability, political policy, and the health care delivery system. Students will apply critical thinking skills and knowledge of evidence-based practice to nursing situations in the provision of holistic care to diverse older adults in acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation, long-term care, and end-of-life care situations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, and NURS 361C
NURS 491 Senior Clinical SeminarThis course provides opportunities for a comprehensive classroom seminar whereby students consider their associated clinical experience within the context of provider, patient advocate, educator, and counselor within a holistic, caring framework. The student also has the opportunity to perform as a designer/coordinator/manager of care. Students will integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, and values needed to transition to the role of the novice professional.
1 credit
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, NURS 361C, Senior Status
Co-requisite: NURS 491C
NURS 491C Senior Clinical PracticumThis course provides opportunities to the senior student for a comprehensive clinical experience as a provider, patient advocate, educator, and counselor within a holistic, caring framework. The student also has the opportunity to perform as a designer/coordinator/manager of care. Students will integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, and values needed to transition to the role of the novice professional. Based upon availability of clinical sites, students will perform in a specialty area with either a preceptor or clinical professor. Formerly NURS 491C entitled Senior Clinical Preceptorship - 3 credits.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, NURS 361C
Co-requisite: NURS 491
NURS 492 NCLEX PreparationThis course is designed to familiarize the student with the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX RN). Content includes information for registe ring to take the exam; test taking strategies and developing a study plan for review of core nursing content. Students will take a mock NCLEX RN exam.
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C; NURS 361; NURS 361C
IV. ADDITIONAL NURSING SKILLS-RELATED COURSES (12 credits)
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing PracticeThis course introduces basic concepts, values, and fundamental skills required for nursing care across the life span. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, communication skills and the nursing process as the underlying foundation for professional nursing practice in health care settings. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117L.
4 credits
Prerequisites: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corequisites(s): NURS 117L/Laboratory
General Education Requirement: Foundational (Critical Reasoning)
NURS 117L Foundational Skills for Nursing PracticeThe course provides students opportunities to apply the foundational skills introduced in NURS 117, in the simulated technology lab. Students will practice critical thinking, communication, and psychomotor skills in preparation for direct patient care in the clinical setting. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117.
1 credit
Prerequisite: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corerequisite: NURS 117
NURS 262 Introduction to Health AssessmentThe focus of this introductory course is the development and acquisition of health assessment skills required for nursing practice. Students will apply new and previously learned scientific principles to health assessment procedures required for the delivery of nursing care.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L
NURS 362 Comprehensive Nursing Health AssessmentThis theory course is designed to assist the student to further develop and refine their clinical skills in the assessment of the individual's health by identifyin g common health deviations, at-risk behaviors, and altered findings through the use of appropriate knowledge, skills, and interview techniques. Health history taking methods, physical examination skills, health promotion techniques, clinical assessment tools, and the use of age related data instruments are the content foci for lectures. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 362L.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220 and NURS 262
Co-requisite: NURS 362L
NURS 362L Comprehensive Health Assessment Skill LabStudents will practice conducting health histories and physical examinations including interpretation of normal findings and identification of deviations from normal during thi s weekly lab experience. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 362
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220, and NURS 262
Co-requisites: NURS 362
NURS 417L Comprehensive Nursing SkillsThe focus of this skills lab course is the further development and acquisition of technical/psychomotor skills required for complex nursing care, and care of newborn, pediatric, adolescent, and childbearing clients. Students will apply new and previously learned scientific principles to procedures required for the competent delivery of nursing care to those specific populations. Principles and methods of medication calculation and administration for the newborn, pediatric, and adolescent client are also integrated.
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L
V. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BOARD OF NURSING – REQUIRED UPPER-LEVEL GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES (6 credits)
Program Policies
I. Acceptance into the BSN Nursing Program
Pre-licensure BSN students must be formally accepted into the Nursing Program before taking any course designated as a NURS course.
A. Acceptance Criteria:
Formal acceptance requires:
- Successful completion of ALL SPS Core Curriculum and Pre-Nursing courses with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Overall GPA of at least 2.5
- Satisfactory score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
Pre-licensure BSN students should direct any questions about the process for formal acceptance into the Nursing Program to their undergraduate advisor in the School of Professional Studies.
B. Application Process for Acceptance:
1. Students should apply early in the semester PRIOR to the semester of their projected acceptance date.
2. Students should take the TEAS within two years of applying to the nursing program. Students may take the TEAS up to three times.
3. Students will be notified by the Nursing Program Director of the results of their application when all criteria for considering the application have been received and evaluated.
Questions regarding the application process, acceptance criteria, or TEAS should be directed to the Nursing Program Office (202.884.9670) or to the student’s undergraduate advisor.
II. Health Requirements*
- Current physical examination
- Current immunization records or titers
- Tetanus/diptheria (TD booster within 10 years)
- MMR – (two vaccines or a positive titer)
- Varicella – (Chicken pox) – (two vaccines or a positive titer)
- Hepatitis (series of 3 vaccines given in a 6 month period. All 3 vaccines must be completed before students can participate in the clinical portion of the program.)
- PPD (Tuberculosis skin test given within the last 6 months with followup chest X-ray if the skin test result is positive. A new skin TB test must be completed annually once a student is accepted into the nursing program.)
- Influenza (Annual)
- Current major medical health insurance
NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences unless and until these health requirements have been satisfied.
III. Other Requirements
- Satisfactory results of a criminal background check – including all aliases and nationwide sexual offenders index with a set of fingerprints. (Criminal background check is at the students’ expense and must be completed prior to the start of the clinical portion of the nursing program.)
- Negative results on a drug screening test. (Drug screening test is at the students’ expense and must be completed prior to the start of the clinical portion of the nursing program.)
- BLS/CPR certification for the Health Care Provider
- Clinical agencies may have additional health or safety requirements which students are required to meet prior to receiving access to the clinical placement site
NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences unless and until these other requirements have been satisfied.
IV. Transfer Policy
Students transferring to Trinity in or after Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 45 of their final 60 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning.
V. Grades in Major Courses
Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.
VI. Pass/No Pass
The pass/no pass grading option is not accepted in pre-nursing or nursing courses.
VII. Transportation
Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites. Trinity’s free shuttle service connects the Main campus with the Brookland metro station.
Course Descriptions
NOTE: Students must be formally accepted into the SPS Pre-Licensure Nursing Program before taking any course designated as a NURS course.
HPNU 110 Professional and Career Success in the Health ProfessionsThis course is intended as an introductory professional genesis course for students entering the health professions and introduces the concepts of knowledge, skills, values, meanings, and experiences as the basis for professional practice. This course is designed to strengthen the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will be exposed to the use of select electronic data bases as information sources, as well as techniques of professional writing.
3 credits
HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health PromotionThis course provides the foundation for an understanding of the relationships of nutrition and diet therapy to optimum health. It includes physiological, psychosocial and cultural influences on nutritional status. Students will explore their own nutritional status and values as they relate to health and wellness.
3 credits
HPNU 210 PathophysiologyThis course is designed to assist the student in applying knowledge from anatomy and physiology and developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences associated with pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on cellular, organ, and tissue concepts as they relate to and influence health and illness.
3 credits
Pre/Corequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 130, CHEM 113
NURS 117 Foundations for Professional Nursing PracticeThis course introduces basic concepts, values, and fundamental skills required for nursing care across the life span. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, communication skills and the nursing process as the underlying foundation for professional nursing practice in health care settings. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117L.
4 credits
Prerequisites: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corequisites(s): NURS 117L/Laboratory
General Education Requirement: Foundational (Critical Reasoning)
NURS 117L Foundational Skills for Nursing PracticeThe course provides students opportunities to apply the foundational skills introduced in NURS 117, in the simulated technology lab. Students will practice critical thinking, communication, and psychomotor skills in preparation for direct patient care in the clinical setting. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 117.
1 credit
Prerequisite: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
Corerequisite: NURS 117
NURS 215 PharmacologyThis course is designed to assist the student in developing the basic knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences related to drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on drug classification, mechanism of action, dru g interactions, adverse reactions, and therapeutic response. The role and responsibilities of the nurse in relationship to drug therapy is highlighted. The student is expected to apply knowledge from previous courses in the health sciences.
3 credits
Prerequisites: HPNU 210, Must be a nursing student
NURS 220 Health Promotion, Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health CareThis course explores political factors that influence patient outcomes and health promotion strategies to enhance health and health care systems. Students are engaged in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems, determining accessibility, accountability and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed, and the effect this has on patient care.
3 credits
Prerequisite: All Core Courses and Pre-Nursing Courses
NURS 262 Introduction to Health AssessmentThe focus of this introductory course is the development and acquisition of health assessment skills required for nursing practice. Students will apply new and previously learned scientific principles to health assessment procedures required for the delivery of nursing care.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L
NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based PracticeResearch and Evidence-Based Practice focuses on relevant scientific and phenomenological information to assist the student to understanding the role of theory and research in nursing practice and health care. The course will provide an overview and analysis of theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students will learn how to critically review and utilize research supporting common aspects of nursing practice. Formerly NURS 330 - Nursing Theory & Research
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110
Note: Students in the RN to BSN program must also have completed NURS 300 and MATH 110
NURS 350 Medical-Surgical Nursing IThis theory course focuses on attaining the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic nursing care for adult clients. Using a physiological systems approach, course content will focus on selected topics on diabetes and fluid and electrolyte balance and the pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and integumentary systems. Students will use information technology systems to research evidence-based nursing practice. They will apply critical thinking skills as they examine sociocultural diversity and holistic, caring practices in medical-surgical and rehabilitative nursing. Formerly NURS 350 Midlife through Geriatric Nursing.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 262, and NURS 220
NURS 350C Medical-Surgical Nursing I ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply foundational knowledge, skills, and values to deliver basic nursing care to adult medical-su rgical clients in acute care and rehabilitative settings. An emphasis will be placed on caring, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, sociocultural diversity, information technology systems, and safe and competent patient care. Formerly NURS 350C - Mid-life thru Geriatric Nursing Clinical.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 117, NURS 177L, NURS 215, NURS 262
Co-requisite: NURS 350
NURS 360 Psychiatric and Mental Health NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for nursing care of and for clients with psychiatric and mental health disorders. Using an integrative approach, course content is based on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of behavior disorders.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220, NURS 262
Co-requisites: NURS 360C
NURS 360C Psychiatric and Mental Health ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, skills and professional nursing care to clients with ps ychiatric and mental health disorders in acute care settings in both in- and outpatient hospital and community settings.
2 Credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L; NURS 220; NURS262
Co-requisites: NURS 360
NURS 361 Medical-Surgical Nursing IIThis theory course focuses on attaining the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic nursing care for adult clients. Using a physiological systems approach, course content will focus on selected gastro-intestinal system topics and the musculoskeletal, immune, reproductive, endocrine, and neurological systems. Students will use information technology systems to research evidence-based nursing practice. They will apply critical thinking skills as they examine sociocultural diversity and holistic, caring practices in medical-surgical and rehabilitative nursing. Formerly NURS 361 - Adolescent and Young Adult Nursing.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 362, NURS 362L, and NURS 417L
Co-requisite: NURS 361C
NURS 361C Medical-Surgical Nursing II ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply advanced knowledge, skills, and values to deliver comprehensive nursing care to adult medical-surgical clients in acute care and rehabilitative settings. An emphasis will be placed on caring, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, sociocultural diversity, information technology systems, and safe and competent patient care. Formerly NURS 361C - Adolescent & Young Adult Nursing Clinical.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 362, NURS 362L, NURS 417L
Co-rerequisite: NURS 361
NURS 362 Comprehensive Nursing Health AssessmentThis theory course is designed to assist the student to further develop and refine their clinical skills in the assessment of the individual's health by identifyin g common health deviations, at-risk behaviors, and altered findings through the use of appropriate knowledge, skills, and interview techniques. Health history taking methods, physical examination skills, health promotion techniques, clinical assessment tools, and the use of age related data instruments are the content foci for lectures. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 362L.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220 and NURS 262
Co-requisite: NURS 362L
NURS 362L Comprehensive Health Assessment Skill LabStudents will practice conducting health histories and physical examinations including interpretation of normal findings and identification of deviations from normal during thi s weekly lab experience. Must be taken simultaneously with NURS 362
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 117, NURS 117L, NURS 220, and NURS 262
Co-requisites: NURS 362
NURS 410 Leadership and Management of Health CareThis course is designed to assist the student to synthesize the intersection of nursing care with leading people and managing organizations and systems. The course incorporates the application of management principles and leadership, change, and administration theories in nursing practice and health care delivery. Content discussions include delegation, working with large groups, communication and collaboration, cultural diversity, legal and ethical dilemmas, budget management, staff development, resource management, quality improvement and risk management, evidence based practice, and the healthcare consumer.
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): All 300-level NURS courses
Corequisite(s): N/A
General Education Requirements: Applications (Leadership)
NURS 417L Comprehensive Nursing SkillsThe focus of this skills lab course is the further development and acquisition of technical/psychomotor skills required for complex nursing care, and care of newborn, pediatric, adolescent, and childbearing clients. Students will apply new and previously learned scientific principles to procedures required for the competent delivery of nursing care to those specific populations. Principles and methods of medication calculation and administration for the newborn, pediatric, and adolescent client are also integrated.
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 117; NURS 117L
NURS 420 Community and Public Health NursingThis theory course is designed to prepare students for community/public health practice in a changing health care system. Concepts of primary health ca re to the assessment, planning, and delivery of care to diverse families will be emphasized. Factors influencing the primary health care of communities and the impact of globalization, politics, socioeconomics, and environmental factors on the health vulnerability and resiliency of communities are examined.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
NURS 420C Community and Public Health ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to diverse clients and families in a variety of community s ettings. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and restoration of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs. Formerly NURS 420L - Community and Public Health Clinical.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
NURS 460 Maternity and Newborn NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values and meanings necessary for providing comprehensive nursing care for women, newborns, and their families duri ng pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A family-centered approach is used with emphasis on family developmental stages, family assessment and health promotion strategies for the family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the childbearing family unit are explored.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisites: NURS 460C
NURS 460C Maternity and Newborn Nursing ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to women, newborns, and their families during pregnancy, c hildbirth and the postpartum period. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and restoration of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 460
NURS 461 Pediatric NursingThis theory course focuses on the knowledge, skills, values, and meanings necessary for comprehensive nursing care of the pediatric client. A family-centered approach is used with emphasi s on child developmental stages and health promotion strategies for the child and family unit. Contemporary socio-cultural issues influencing the family unit are explored.
3 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 461C
NURS 461C Pediatric ClinicalThis clinical course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge, concepts and care to pediatric clients. An emphasis will be placed on the health promotion and re storation of clients while considering ethical issues and spiritual needs.
2 credits
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C
Co-requisite: NURS 461
NURS 480 Nursing of Older AdultsThis course presents the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for providing safe, competent, and humanistic care to geriatric clients. Course content covers age-related changes and health disorders of the older adult. Students will analyze demographic trends related to older adults and how they impact health promotion, prevention of illness and disability, political policy, and the health care delivery system. Students will apply critical thinking skills and knowledge of evidence-based practice to nursing situations in the provision of holistic care to diverse older adults in acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation, long-term care, and end-of-life care situations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, and NURS 361C
NURS 491 Senior Clinical SeminarThis course provides opportunities for a comprehensive classroom seminar whereby students consider their associated clinical experience within the context of provider, patient advocate, educator, and counselor within a holistic, caring framework. The student also has the opportunity to perform as a designer/coordinator/manager of care. Students will integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, and values needed to transition to the role of the novice professional.
1 credit
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, NURS 361C, Senior Status
Co-requisite: NURS 491C
NURS 491C Senior Clinical PracticumThis course provides opportunities to the senior student for a comprehensive clinical experience as a provider, patient advocate, educator, and counselor within a holistic, caring framework. The student also has the opportunity to perform as a designer/coordinator/manager of care. Students will integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, and values needed to transition to the role of the novice professional. Based upon availability of clinical sites, students will perform in a specialty area with either a preceptor or clinical professor. Formerly NURS 491C entitled Senior Clinical Preceptorship - 3 credits.
2 credits
Prerequisites: NURS 350, NURS 350C, NURS 361, NURS 361C
Co-requisite: NURS 491
NURS 492 NCLEX PreparationThis course is designed to familiarize the student with the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX RN). Content includes information for registe ring to take the exam; test taking strategies and developing a study plan for review of core nursing content. Students will take a mock NCLEX RN exam.
1 credit
Pre-requisites: NURS 350; NURS 350C; NURS 361; NURS 361C