Curriculum

An introduction to the essential aspects of the nursing profession, including the formation and cultivation of a sustainable professional identity, including accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment. Emphasizing ethical practice, accountability, and resilience, students will explore the role of the nurse in diverse settings, including patient care, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. Strategies for stress management and work-life harmony are promoted to sustain professional growth. Through case studies and reflective practice, students will develop the skills needed to navigate the challenges of modern nursing with integrity, humility, and compassion in order to positively enact the nursing profession’s characteristics and values.

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive head-to-toe health assessments across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in physical examination techniques, history taking, and the use of clinical reasoning to identify normal and abnormal findings. Students will learn to integrate data from health assessments to inform nursing care plans, with a focus on accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication. Co-requisite: NURS 210P.

This course distinguishes the practice of professional nursing and forms the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. As an introduction to essential nursing care for pediatric, maternity, adult, and older adult patients, students will learn and use the nursing process to develop clinical judgment, assess patient needs, create care plans, and implement nursing interventions. Throughout the course, the integration, translation, and application of established knowledge from other disciplines and evolving nursing knowledge is emphasized and practiced. Co-requisite: NURS 220P.

Examines the principles and practices of community and population health nursing. The course emphasizes the nursing process applied to diverse communities and populations. With an emphasis on assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of health interventions, students are trained to effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations. Students will also explore key concepts such as health promotion, disease prevention, and the impact of social determinants of health on community well-being. Prerequisite: NURS 210 and NURS 210P. Co-requisite: NURS 230P.

A comprehensive study of the pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the lifespan by examination of the etiology, symptoms, physical responses, and psychological reactions to disease and injury. Students will explore drug classifications and actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, routes of administration, and dosage calculations. The course integrates knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology to enhance understanding of disease processes, focusing on the body’s responses and manifestations resulting from homeostatic imbalances. Basic principles of pharmacology, including receptor mechanisms, drug distribution and metabolism, and pharmacokinetics, are introduced. Prerequisite: BIOL 280.

Building on the knowledge of pharmacology and pathophysiology in NURS 260, this course deepens the understanding of the relationship between pharmacological therapies and patient health outcomes. Students will explore the actions and effects of medications, as well as complementary and alternative therapies, on the human system across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the integration of advanced pharmacological principles with pathophysiological conditions to inform clinical decision-making and optimize patient health outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 260.

Studies the nursing care of the diverse adult population across the health-illness continuum, emphasizing health promotion, illness prevention, and the management of acute and chronic conditions. Students will engage in the nursing process to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care, with an emphasis on patient-centered approaches. The course establishes quality and safety as core values of nursing practice in order to enhance quality of care and minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers. Interprofessional collaboration and the integration of spiritual care, cultural humility, and ethical practice are emphasized in optimizing patient outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 300P.

An in-depth exploration of gerontological nursing emphasizing compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care across a variety of complicated contexts.Students will learn to address the unique physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of older adults. The course covers key topics such as the aging process, chronic illness management, dementia care, end-of-life care, and the impact of social determinants of health on aging populations. Students will engage in the nursing process, applying assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to promote quality care and enhance the well-being of elders. Interprofessional education and cultural humility are integral components of the course, preparing students to collaborate effectively to provide ethical, sensitive care to diverse elderly populations. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 310P.

This course develops the essential skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, holistic, and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges across the lifespan. The integration of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) with a focus on therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and psychopharmacology is emphasized. Students will explore the impact of social determinants of health, cultural humility, and ethical considerations in mental health care. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 320P.

A comprehensive exploration of maternity nursing, focusing on the care of women, newborns, and families during the childbearing period. Students will learn to deliver care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. Emphasis will be placed on the nursing process, with special attention to culturally sensitive care and social determinants of health. Through interprofessional collaboration, students will develop skills to support quality and ethical care in diverse maternity settings, ensuring positive health outcomes for mothers and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 330P.

A comprehensive examination of family-centered pediatric nursing, emphasizing the nursing process and focusing on the delivery of quality and ethical care. Through case studies, clinical simulations, and reflective practice, students will develop the clinical skills necessary to provide empathetic, culturally competent, and evidence-based care to children and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 340P.

An examination of the interconnected roles of health promotion and nutrition across the lifespan. Students will learn nutritional and health promotion strategies and develop the ability to integrate both factors into patient care across the lifespan. The course covers the impact of diet on growth, development, and disease prevention, as well as the design of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health and wellness. Prerequisite: BIOL 270.

The exploration of the ethical principles that guide nursing decisions, the development and influence of healthcare policies, and effective communication strategies with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Students will learn to navigate ethical dilemmas and advocate for patients within the complex healthcare environment.

This course introduces the principles and applications of healthcare technology systems and informatics in modern healthcare settings. Students will explore the role of electronic health records, data management, and information systems in improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. Information and communication technologies, along with informatics processes, are emphasized as tools to provide care, gather data, drive decision-making, and support professional development. The course covers topics such as health informatics, data security, interoperability, and the integration of technology into clinical practice. It also examines how these technologies are used to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services, in line with best practices and regulatory standards. 
Prerequisite: STAT 250.

Grounded in the foundational concepts of adult health nursing in NURS 300, this course examines the care of adults with more complex and chronic health conditions. Emphasizing the nursing process and integrating advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based interventions, students learn to manage the evolving needs of adult patients. Students will explore conditions related to cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and neurological systems, with an emphasis on promoting optimal health outcomes. Through a combination of classroom learning, simulations, and clinical practice, students will refine their skills in managing long-term care and coordinating interdisciplinary care for adults with complex health needs. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P. Co-requisite: NURS 400P.

This course examines care management models across multiple practice settings and throughout the life span. It prepares nursing students to manage transitions for vulnerable, chronically ill patients using a systems-thinking approach. Emphasizing patient-centered care planning, interprofessional collaboration, and resource allocation, students will learn strategies to address root causes of poor outcomes, integrate community resources, and enhance continuity across settings. Through evidence-based practices, they will develop skills to support patients and families during critical transitions in health and healthcare.

The role of spirituality in fostering compassionate healthcare practices is examined. Students will study the spiritual dimensions of patient care, including how different belief systems, values, cultures and faith-based practices influence health and healing. Emphasis is placed on developing a compassionate approach to care that honors the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and enabling students to effectively integrate spiritual awareness into their clinical practice.

An introduction to the principles of evidence-based practice and their application in nursing. Through an emphasis on research methodology, data analysis, and critical thinking, developing nurses gain experience in the generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care. In the course, students will learn to critically appraise scientific literature and integrate proven practices into clinical decision-making in order to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P.

This course prepares nursing students for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional practice. It focuses on key nursing concepts, critical thinking, and test-taking strategies. Students will engage in content review, practice exams, and activities to strengthen clinical knowledge and decision-making skills to ensure readiness for licensure examination. Students will also participate in self-reflection that fosters personal health, resilience, and well-being; contributes to lifelong learning; and supports the acquisition of nursing expertise and leadership to ensure readiness for a successful nursing career. The course must be completed in the final semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: NURS 170.

Utilizing the clinical assessment laboratory, students will perform assessments of individuals ranging from infants to elders. This course offers experience in comprehensive assessments, allowing students to refine physical examination techniques, enhance patient history-taking skills, and develop systematic clinical reasoning, data collection, and documentation processes. Co-requisite: NURS 210.

The practicum provides simulated and clinical experiences essential to nursing care for pediatric, maternity, adult, and older adult patients. Students will apply the nursing process in clinical settings, developing clinical judgment and essential skills in patient assessment, care planning, and nursing interventions. Co-requisite: NURS 220.

This clinical practicum provides students experiential learning that allows for the application of theoretical knowledge to community-based, real-world scenarios. Under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals, students engage in direct patient care, focusing on community health assessment, disease prevention, therapeutic communication, and the management of health conditions for communities and populations. Co-requisite: NURS 230.

Provides clinical experience in the care of adult patients with a variety of medical-surgical conditions. Students will apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings, enhancing their skills in patient assessment, care planning, and intervention. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and collaborative skills within the healthcare team. Students will engage in compassionate and ethical care, considering the unique needs of each patient, and will learn to integrate evidence-based practices into their nursing care. The course fosters the development of professional behaviors and the ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high-acuity environments. Co-requisite: NURS 300.

Enables students to obtain clinical experience in gerontological nursing. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, students will engage in direct elder patient care, focusing on the nursing process and compassionate, culturally competent care in diverse clinical settings. Co-requisite: NURS 310.

This clinical practicum provides students with clinical experience in psychiatric and mental health settings. Students will engage in direct patient care, focusing on assessment, therapeutic communication, and the management of mental health conditions. Co-requisite: NURS 320.

This clinical practicum provides direct patient care experience in family-centered maternity nursing under the guidance of experienced professionals. Co-requisite: NURS 330.

Clinical experience in providing family-centered direct patient care to pediatric patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. Co-requisite: NURS 340.

A clinical practicum designed to deepen students’ expertise in the care of adult patients with complex and multi-system, medical-surgical conditions. Students will build on their foundational knowledge and hone advanced clinical skills, including critical thinking, complex care planning, and high-level clinical interventions. The course emphasizes the integration of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practices into patient care. Students will engage in interprofessional collaboration, ethical decision-making, and the provision of culturally sensitive, compassionate care. Co-requisite: NURS 400.

This capstone course is the culmination of the nursing program, designed to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences gained throughout the curriculum. Students will engage in complex clinical scenarios, evidence-based practice projects, and interprofessional collaboration to demonstrate their readiness for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on leadership, healthcare business principles, critical thinking, and reflective practice, preparing students to transition confidently into their roles as registered nurses. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P.

This course builds on the undergraduate foundation in health assessment and integrates advanced knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to synthesize person-centered assessment data. Students will assess a patient's current and ongoing health status, predict risks to health, and identify culturally sensitive, health-promoting activities utilizing evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced skills in conducting comprehensive and systematic assessments, including physical, spiritual, psychosocial, risk, and functional evaluations in diverse populations. A weekly laboratory practicum (45 hours, 1 unit) is included to refine advanced assessment competencies and documentation. Prerequisite: NURS 470 and NURS 480P.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of population health management and care coordination across diverse healthcare settings. Students will examine strategies for integrating clinical care, public health, and social determinants of health, with a focus on leadership, data-driven decision-making, health promotion, and illness prevention. Through learning advanced care coordination and financial models, students will be equipped to optimize healthcare systems and improve patient and community engagement.

This course provides an in-depth examination of epidemiology and its vital role in shaping healthcare policy and clinical practice. Students will explore key concepts such as disease surveillance, study design, and data analysis to assess health patterns and determinants in diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on applying epidemiological evidence to inform policy decisions, improve patient outcomes, and address health disparities. Interprofessional collaboration is central to the curriculum, preparing students to work with healthcare teams in developing practical, evidence-based solutions for real-world health challenges. The course also fosters leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills necessary to promote equitable healthcare in complex systems, equipping students to influence policy and practice at local, national, and global levels.

This course prepares Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) to integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) into clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and healthcare leadership. Students will critically appraise and apply research to enhance patient outcomes, lead evidence-based initiatives, and implement clinical guidelines across diverse healthcare settings. Emphasizing the CNL's role as a change agent, the course focuses on managing care coordination, reducing health disparities, and improving system-level practices. Students will develop the skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, influence policy, and optimize care through innovative, evidence-based interventions. Prerequisite: NURS 460.

This course examines pathophysiology and disruptions in normal body function across the lifespan. Students will explore theoretical and clinical principles of common diseases, focusing on health disparities related to genetic, environmental, and stress factors. Through analyzing assessment findings, diagnostic tests, and targeted interventions, students will develop advanced critical thinking skills for identifying disease causes and determining appropriate treatments. Prerequisite: NURS 270.

This course integrates pharmacological principles with clinical decision-making, emphasizing safe, evidence-based medication management. It explores drug mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and patient-centered care across diverse populations, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and chronic conditions. Students examine advanced pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacoeconomics across the lifespan to enhance outcomes and promote quality care. Current national guidelines, along with legal and ethical principles, are integrated to inform clinical decision-making. Prerequisite: NURS 560.

This course introduces students to core leadership principles and the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role. Emphasizing communication, relationship building, ethical decision-making, and change management, the course prepares students to lead clinical teams, coordinate care, and drive quality improvement. Students will develop skills in patient safety, evidence-based practice integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while also gaining knowledge in business principles such as financial stewardship and operational decision-making. By the end of the course, students will possess the foundational leadership competencies necessary to succeed as Clinical Nurse Leaders in complex healthcare environments.

This course provides Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) with advanced systems leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of health systems finance, managed care plans, and the economic drivers of healthcare delivery. Students will explore critical business concepts, including financial stewardship, budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and operational decision-making, with a focus on optimizing reimbursement, navigating payer systems, and aligning care coordination with financial performance. Emphasis is placed on improving clinical outcomes by integrating patient safety, evidence-based practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the financial acumen, strategic thinking, and innovative leadership skills necessary to drive value-based care and improve system-wide healthcare outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 580.

This course serves as the summative assessment for students in the ELM-CNL program. It is designed to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired throughout the curriculum. Students will demonstrate mastery in areas such as healthcare finance, strategic management, quality improvement, leadership, and health policy. Prerequisite: NURS 580 and NURS 590.

In this practicum, students will demonstrate core Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) competencies by applying theoretical skills in a practice setting. Emphasis will be placed on leading clinical teams, coordinating care, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of care, and increase healthcare performance. Co-requisite: NURS 580.

In this practicum, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) students will apply advanced systems leadership principles and financial strategies in real-world healthcare settings. Students will develop and implement financial and quality improvement strategies to optimize reimbursement and enhance value-based care within a complex healthcare system. Co-requisite: NURS 590.

This course is designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired throughout the ELM-CNL program. Students will demonstrate proficiency in key areas such as healthcare finance, strategic management, quality improvement, leadership, and health policy. Emphasis is placed on applying leadership theory and practical skills to real-world healthcare challenges. Co-requisite: NURS 600.