RN to BS Recommended Course Sequence

Emphasis is placed on the relationship of usual health patterns of major body systems to changes that occur during the illness experience. Major pathophysiologic concepts are explored using a body systems approach. Theories relating etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations are used to study common disease processes. Concepts from anatomy and physiology provide the foundation for exploring human dysfunction. Prerequisites: BIO 120

MAHN 111: An introductory course in mathematical skills and techniques which are necessary for further undergraduate college study. Fundamental principles of algebraic calculations such as operations with signed numbers, exponents, negative exponents and operations with fractions; verbal problems and solution of equations; graphical methods; linear equations and systems of linear equations. Prerequisites: Placement by departmental examination.

MAHN 120: Functions, solution of equations and systems of equations, the trigonometric functions and their graphs, addition theorems and identities, logarithmic and exponential functions, and elementary analytic geometry. Prerequisites: MAT 111 or exemption.

This course focuses on the development of comprehensive health assessment skills for the adult client, including measures of physical and functional status, documentation of the assessment findings, and health promotion strategies for each body system. Considerations of cultural differences are discussed with respect to health assessment as well as health promotion strategies.

The course consists of a lecture and lab component. Labs are conducted in-person with no more than 12 students per lab, and supervised by a lab instructor. Lab involves hands-on practice of physical assessment skills with a dedicated lab partner. A final graded lab practicum consists of the demonstration of a head to toe physical examination on the lab partner. Please note that no clothing will be removed and no sensitive areas will be examined.

BIHN 122 or BIHN 223, or BION 223, or BION118, or BIHN118, or GSBN 118 (pre-requisite)

This course is designed to build upon core concepts of teaching-learning principles, therapeutic communication and the nurse-patient relationship in meeting the learning needs of patients and their families/significant others throughout the life span. A patient-centered and nursing process-driven approach will be employed with emphasis on assessing learner readiness and preference, cultural and spiritual practices, developmental level and cognitive and language considerations. Bloom’s taxonomy of learning domains will provide a framework for the development of effective nursing interventions. Theories of patient education, including the health belief model, locus of control, cognitive dissonance and diffusion theories, will be explored in terms of their impact on the learning process.

NURN 200 and NUR 130 (pre-requisites)

A study of human genetics in order to elucidate the basic laws of heredity and their physical basis (classical genetics); structure and function of the gene (molecular genetics); and population genetics, with attention to human abnormalities as illustrations of these principles. Prerequisites: BIO 120

Basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, including measurement scales, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and distribution, correlation coefficients, linear regression, probability theory, binomial distribution, and parametric and non-parametric tests of significant differences. Introduction to hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: MAT 111 or examination

Extensive practice in the composition of clear, concise, and grammatically-correct sentences and paragraphs with special emphasis on the five-paragraph essay and the research paper. (Admission by assignment following placement test.)

This course is designed to study the needs of populations with risk factors that affect their health status, such as the elderly, those with socio-economic challenges, or with complex needs or chronic conditions like HIV or cancer. The course will emphasize variables that may be modified to increase quality of care and life. An epidemiological model is used to understand health status as it is affected by environment, lifestyle, heredity, socio-economic status, and community access to healthcare. Students will assess populations and patients for specific factors which contribute to health disparities.

BIHN 355 or GSBN 355 (pre-requisite)

Explores the history and development of professional nursing, including past and current issues and trends relevant to the profession. The role of the Registered Nurse, as well as values and ethical and legal issues are also included. Students become acquainted with health care systems within which professional nurses practice. Prerequisites: NUR 320

This course focuses on community assessment, environmental factors affecting health and illness, concepts and principles of epidemiology, and problems of the urban environment. In collaboration with the Home Care Agencies, Community Outreach Agencies and selected ambulatory clinics, and under faculty supervision, students will provide nursing care in the patient’s home setting.

NURN 200 and NUR 130 (pre-requisites), NURN 300 (co-requisite)