Nursing (NURS)

NURS 3250. Envisioning Nursing Practice. 2 Hours.

A variety of formal and informal resources including evidence-based data will be used to orient students to the roles that nurses assume and the settings in which nursing practice meets the diverse health needs of clients. Standards of professional nursing practice and nursing theorists are introduced along with the philosophy of the school of nursing. To facilitate students' acquisition of knowledge of nursing and other disciplines, a bibiolgraphic unit is included in the course. Pre-requisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.

NURS 3251. Cultural Perspectives in Nursg. 2 Hours.

This course provides nursing students an opportunity to explore healthcare practices of cultures that are different from the student?s native culture. With readings, didactic learning, and experiential learning, the student will assess a community?s culture, identify a healthcare need, conduct a small project, and evaluate the results of the project. Through self- reflection, the student will gain an awareness and appreciation of self and others within the context of healthcare in different cultures.

NURS 3310. Health Assessment. 3 Hours.

Concepts and principles underlying assessment of the health status of individuals are presented. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills, health histories, and the physical and psychosocial findings in the well person, plus the development of communication in the nurse-client relationship and assessment skills. Students implement the nursing process by obtaining health histories, performing physical and psychosocial assessments, establishing a baseline database, and formulating initial nursing plans. (Class 2 hours weekly, Clinical/Lab 3 hours weekly.) Corequisites: NURS 3320, NURS 3321, NURS 3530.
Prerequisite: Admission to SHSU nursing program.

NURS 3320. Pathophysiology for Nursing. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to pathophysiological alterations in major regulatory mechanisms of the body. Special consideration is given to the clinical application of pathophysiologic concepts and principles in professional nursing practice. A foundation is provided for understanding general nursing practice, various diagnostic procedures, and selected therapeutic regimens. Critical thinking, correct use of related terminology and effective decision-making are incorporated to provide safe care. Co-requisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3530, and NURS 3321.
Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing.

NURS 3321. Pharmacology for Nursing. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to pharmacological implications and related alterations in major regulatory mechanisms of the body. Special consideration is given to the clinical application of pharmacological concepts and principles in professional nursing practice. A foundation is provided for understanding nursing implications, basic drug classifications, and selected pharmacological therapies. Critical thinking and effective decision-making are incorporated to provide safe care. Co-requisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3530, and NURS 3320.
Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing.

NURS 3340. Older Adult Health Management. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on nursing interventions used to promote, maintain, and restore health in older adult clients. It provides students with opportunities to expand knowledge of the normal aging process; to identify variables that contribute to deviations in health; to discuss how formal and informal resources including evidence-based data contribute to older adults' health status; and to examine the implications of working collaboratively with individuals, families and communities to meet the health care needs of older adults. (Class: 2 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 6 hours weekly)
Prerequisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3420, and NURS 3430.

NURS 3350. Pharmacology in Nursing. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the major classifications of medications along with their safe administration. The nursing process is used as a basis to promote, maintain, and restore health or alleviate symptoms in clients of all ages with a variety of healthcare needs. Pharmacology assists students to develop psychomotor and critical thinking skills and to refine assessment, decision-making and communication skills. Pre-requisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.

NURS 3351. Nursing Concepts I. 3 Hours.

A variety of formal and informal resources including evidence-based data will be used to orient students to the roles that nurses assume and the settings in which nursing practice meets the diverse health needs of clients. Standards of professional nursing practice and nursing theorists are introduced along with the philosophy of the School of Nursing.
Prerequisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3320, NURS 3321 and NURS 3530.

NURS 3360. Introduction to Research. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on fundamental concepts and processes of nursing research and emphasizes nursing research as a basis for evidence-based practice. Students will examine major steps in the research process, formulate research questions relevant to clinical nursing practice, and critique nursing research reports. Admission to the BSN or RN-BSN program.
Prerequisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3420, NURS 3430.

NURS 3370. RN-to-BSN Role Transition. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to meet the needs of a registered nurse (RN) with a 2-year associate's degree or diploma who desires to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. In this course, students will explore the role of the professional nurse as a provider of holistic, culturally sensitive, client-centered care. Other concepts to be explored include advocacy, evidence-based practice, care quality and safety, interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, genetics and genomics, and informatics. The significance of nursing theory as a basis for professional nursing practice and competency in applying nursing diagnoses will also be explored.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-to-BSN Program.

NURS 3420. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing. 4 Hours.

An introduction to pathophysiological and fundamental principles of pharmacological alterations in major regulatory mechanisms of the body. Special consideration of the nursing role in developing a comprehensive approach to the clinical application of pharmacologic concepts and principles to professional nursing practice. Provides a foundation for understanding general nursing practice, various diagnostic procedures, basic drug classifications, nursing implications relative to the utilization of drug therapy and selected therapeutic regimens. This course is designed to enhance critical thinking and promote effective decision-making for safe and effective care. 4 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to SHSU nursing program.

NURS 3540. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. 5 Hours.

This course demonstrates the relevance of psychosocial nursing concepts to all areas of professional practice. It provides a conceptual integration of the nursing process, theories, and research from psychosocial sciences and humanities as these relate to the care of persons with mental disorders. Clinical experience provides an opportunity for application of psychosocial concepts and methods in using the nursing process to promote optimal levels of wellness for individuals, families, and target groups. It also provides students with the opportunity to develop clinical decision-making abilities when providing appropriate and culturally relevant psychiatric/mental health nursing care. (Class: 2 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 9 hours weekly) 5 Credit Hours. Corequisites: NURS 3620.
Prerequisite: NURS 3530 or 3560, NURS 3410, NURS 3320 and NURS 3321.

NURS 3620. Adult Health 1. 6 Hours.

This course introduces the student to the use of the nursing process in the care of adults with chronic or non-complex illness. The course uses a systems approach to discuss the effects of illness on the individual and family and to examine the disruption of growth and development patterns across the lifespan from young adult to senior years, emphasizing the nursing process to assist adults in reaching their optimal level of wellness. The course includes a clinical laboratory to allow the student the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice in diverse adult populations. (Class: 3 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 9 hours weekly) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NURS 3320, NURS 3321, and NURS 3530 or NURS 3560.

NURS 3631. Nursing Fundamentals. 6 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the scope of human needs, use of the nursing process as a systematic approach to meeting those needs, and the role of the professional nurse in assisting individuals toward optimal health. Clinical settings are used in the application of fundamental concepts, principles of nursing, and communication skills that are employed in providing basic client care. (Semester totals: Class: 3 hours weekly and Clinical/Lab 9 hours weekly) 6 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to SHSU nursing program .

NURS 3660. LVN-to-BSN Role Transition. 6 Hours.

This course meets the needs of a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) desiring to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse (RN). Students explore the role of the professional nurse as a provider of holistic, culturally sensitive, client-centered care. Students apply critical thinking and the nursing process to clients experiencing non-complex common health problems. Other concepts include client advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional nursing. (Class 4 hours weekly, Clinical/Lab 6 hours weekly.) Corequisite: NURS 3410, NURS 3320, and NURS 3321.
Prerequisite: Admission to the LVN to BSN Program.

NURS 4030. Community Nursing. 6 Hours.

This course focuses on the synthesis of public health concepts within a preventive framework to promote and maintain the health of communities and includes an examination of the historical development, philosophy, health care systems, epidemiology, and nursing care of specific populations and groups in the community. Primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention are emphasized as they relate to the natural history of disease in individuals, families, and groups. A community health assessment is completed using census data, morbidity and mortality rates, epidemiologic and statistical methods, and community-based research. Progressively more independent behaviors are expected of students in community health practice. (Class: 3 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 9 hours weekly.) Variable Credit (1-6). For non-RN students - NURS 4030, NURS 4520, and NURS 4540.
Prerequisite: For RN-BSN - Admission to the RN-BSN program.

NURS 4060. Leadership and Management. 6 Hours.

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills related to the delivery of health services from a nursing management knowledge-base. It presents theories, concepts, and models of health care delivery. Students explore creative roles for managing and leading in nursing. They will gain theoretical knowledge and skills to understand organizations, understand leadership theories, and utilize critical thinking in making nursing management decisions. (Class: 2 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 12 hours weekly.) Variable Credit (1-6). For Non-RN students - NURS 4030, NURS 4520, and NURS 4540.
Prerequisite: For RN-BSN program - Admission to the RN-BSN program.

NURS 4092. Independent Study Nursing. 1-3 Hours.

Independent Study. Individual study in specialized areas of nursing. To be directed and approved by the nursing advisor. Variable credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Admission to SHSU nursing program.

NURS 4095. Special Topics in Nursing. 1-3 Hours.

Special Topics. Individual or group study in specialized areas of nursing. To be directed and approved by the nursing advisor. This course is designed to be a multi-topic course. The student can take the course under various special topics being offered. Variable credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Admission to SHSU nursing program.

NURS 4250. Concepts in Nursing Practice II. 2 Hours.

This course provides the opportunity for students to synthesize issues such as career development, health policy, and workplace advocacy, into their working method. Other issues including information technology, ethics, and cultural awareness (which have been previously introduced) are explored more thoroughly to assist the graduate's entry into practice. 2 Credit Hours. Co-requisites: NURS 4620 and NURS 4060.
Prerequisite: NURS 4520, 4540, and 4030.

NURS 4372. RN-to-BSN Capstone. 3 Hours.

This course will integrate the knowledge, theories, and concepts RN-to-BSN students have learned throughout the program. Students will assimilate knowledge from nursing and related disciplines for analysis of a current health issue and the professional nurse's role in impacting change.
Prerequisite: NURS 3360 and NURS 4060.

NURS 4381. Legal & Ethical Issues in Nurs. 3 Hours.

This course explores current ethical and legal issues that affect the nursing profession. The course also looks at past and present legal issues that affect nursing. Students learn about various theories and tools that can be used to assist them in resolving ethical dilemmas.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN Program.

NURS 4382. Informatics. 3 Hours.

Students in this course will learn to integrate nursing science and computer technology in order to identify, collect, process, and manage information. Course emphasis is placed on health applications that support clinical, administrative, research, and educational decision making, as well as enhance the efficacy of nursing processes.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN Program.

NURS 4383. Rural Health Nursing. 3 Hours.

This course explores the various unique healthcare needs, trends, and issues faced by rural settings. Students will have an opportunity to explore possible solutions to healthcare problems as they examine evidence-based data in the literature. Rural nursing theories will be applied to standards of professional nursing practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN Program.

NURS 4384. Nursing Genetics and Genomics. 3 Hours.

This course will emphasize health promotion and maintenance for individuals and families within the context of human diversity and the implications for best practices associated with genomic information, including ethics and genetic counseling. Students will learn about the genomic determinants of health.
Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN program.

NURS 4520. Nursing Care of Infants, Children & Adolescents. 5 Hours.

This course uses the nursing process to promote, protect and maintain the health of infants, children and adolescents and it provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop the cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills necessary for therapeutic interventions of these populations. Students will examine the biological and psychosocial parameters, legal and ethical dimensions, resources, and cultural influences affecting nursing care strategies for infants, children and adolescents. (Class: 3 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 6 hours weekly) 5 Credit Hours. Corequisites: NURS 4540, NURS 4030. .
Prerequisite: NURS 3620 and NURS 3540.

NURS 4540. Women's Hlth and Matern NB Nur. 5 Hours.

This course examines childbearing families and women?s health in normal and high-risk situations and the role of the nurse in meeting health needs of women, families and their newborns. Supervised clinical experiences and/or simulation experiences in the application of the nursing process in meeting these health needs are offered and promotes the acquisition of skills in caring for women, families and newborns during uncomplicated and/or complicated health experiences in a variety of settings. (Class: 2 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 6 hours weekly) 4 Credit Hours. Corequisites: NURS 4520, NURS 4030.
Prerequisite: NURS 3620, NURS 3540.

NURS 4610. Adlt Hlth II/Psy Ment Hlth Lab. 6 Hours.

(Prior SH course id: NUR 461); This course focuses on the acquisition of knowledge necessary to meet clients' mental health needs across the lifespan. It also provides students with the opportunity to develop a foundation for clinical decision making which encompasses significant nursing interventions in providing appropriate and culturally relevant psychiatric/mental health nursing care. Pre-requisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.

NURS 4620. Adult Health II. 6 Hours.

This course presents to the senior students critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for care of adults with acute or complex illness and injuries. The effects of acute illness are examined in relation to the injury, as well as in relation to the individual's developmental stage, culture, and gender. Building on the Nursing Care of Adults Health I, a systems approach is used to analyze and intervene in alterations to the health of the individual and family, and to help them reach their optimal level of wellness. The course includes clinical laboratory to allow the student the opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts into clinical practice in diverse populations. (Class: 3 hours weekly Clinical/Lab: 9 hours weekly) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NURS 4030, NURS 4520 and NURS 4540.