Course Descriptions

 
NURS 110L Introduction to Professional Nursing (4)
Fall: All Years       
Introduction to the profession of nursing and basic nursing concepts and skills.


NURS 112 The Professional Nurse of the Future (2)
Fall: All Years       
Professional roles, evidence-based practice, and legal and ethical foundations for accountability.


NURS 120 Adult Health I (4)
Spring: All Years       
Provides an understanding of the complexity of the human being and the underlying nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills required to respond to health care needs.
Prerequisite:  NURS 110L  NURS 112  BIOL 125 

NURS 120L Clinical Nursing I (3)
Spring: All Years       
Simulated and clinical practice sessions. Emphasis is placed on normal vs. abnormal clinical signs.
Prerequisite:  NURS 110L  NURS 112  BIOL 125 

NURS 220L Family Nursing I (3)
Summer: All Years
Nursing care of the family unit, including pregnancy, childbirth and care of newborns.
Prerequisite:  NURS 120  NURS 120L  NURS 225  BIOL 126 

NURS 225 Nursing Pharmacology (3)
Spring: All Years       
Provides students with basic knowledge and skill to safely administer medications to clients of all ages.
Prerequisite:  NURS 112  NURS 110L 

NURS 230L Family Nursing II (3)
Summer: All Years
Nursing care of a child within a family context from infancy through adolescence, including common stressors (both physiological and psychological).
Prerequisite:  NURS 120  NURS 120L  NURS 225  BIOL 126 

NURS 240 Adult Health II (4)
Fall: All Years       
Addresses the complexity of the human being underlying nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. Content includes expanded assessment skills and knowledge, plus the integral role of health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention.
Prerequisite:  NURS 220L  NURS 230L 

NURS 240L Clinical Nursing II (3)
Fall: All Years       
Clinical course focuses on complex clinical experiences related to the content in Adult Health II. Integrates pharmacology and health assessment content.
Prerequisite:  NURS 220L  NURS 230L 

NURS 302 Bridge to BSN Education (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This on-line course examines professional practice standards and role expectations of baccalaureate level nursing, personal development, teaching-learning process and theoretical concepts of the discipline of nursing. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the nursing major for RN-BSN students.


NURS 303L Family Health Nursing (4)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This course examines nursing care to the family at all stages of life. Theory will be examined and then applied through family health visiting. Concurrent registration in NURS 302 is required if not already completed.


NURS 318 Ethics in Nursing (2)
Fall: On Demand       
Ethical theory and decision making in nursing practice.


NURS 340L Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice (4)
Fall: All Years       
Focus on the understanding of dynamics of human behavior. Promotion of mental health, prevention of mental illness. Specific topics include affective, personality and thought disorders. Concurrent registration in NURS 302 is required if not already completed.


NURS 347 Transcultural Nursing [  W ] (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This on-line, writing intensive course focuses on the nursing care of a diverse client population, including culturally competent care, with a specific emphasis on those populations increasing in numbers in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Prerequisite:  NURS 110L  NURS 112  OR NURS 302 

NURS 348L Public Health Nursing (4)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This on-line course combines the theory base with clinical experiences in nursing care to complex systems and aggregates in the community. Emphasis is placed on the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and wellness and the prevention of disease.
Prerequisite:  NURS 340L  NURS 347  OR NURS 350 

NURS 350 Applied Pathophysiology (4)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Correlation of pathophysiology with signs and symptoms of body dysfunction; analysis of selected adaptive mechanisms that maintain homeostasis; application of learning in clinical experience or simulation. Complete prerequisites OR Concurrent registration in NURS 302 is required if not already completed.
Prerequisite:  OR NURS 302  OR NURS 220L  NURS 230L 

NURS 352 End of Life Nursing Care (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This on-line course addresses critical aspects of palliative end-of-life nursing care. The course is based on the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) curriculum.


NURS 360L Designing and Managing Nursing Care (2)
Spring: All Years       
Focuses on the professional nurse's role in planning and managing care for groups of clients. Complete prerequisites OR Concurrent registration in NURS 302 is required if not already completed.
Prerequisite:  NURS 340L  OR NURS 302 

NURS 403 Sexuality: A Nursing Perspective (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
A holistic approach which focuses on fostering healthy sexuality in illness and wellness through effective nursing practice.


NURS 413 Nursing and Health Promotion in Special Populations (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Health promotion and lifestyle change concepts and strategies are discussed and applied in a nursing framework. Special populations are described and health promotion strategies are adapted for use with these populations.


NURS 420 Gerontological Nursing (2)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Nursing management of elderly clients and their families. Focuses on normal aging, common health problems, and ethical and sociopolitical issues in health care of the elderly. Complete prerequisites OR Concurrent registration in NURS 302 is required if not already completed.
Prerequisite:  OR NURS 302  OR NURS 120  NURS 120L 

NURS 430 Research in Nursing [  W ] (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Introduction to nursing research process and its application in nursing practice.
Prerequisite:  OR NURS 302  OR NURS 240  NURS 240L 

NURS 465 Adult Health III (3)
Fall: All Years        Summer: All Years
Course includes nursing care of clients with critical, complex health problems who are cared for in intensive care or specialty settings. Concurrent registration in NURS 465L is required.
Prerequisite:  NURS 340L  NURS 348L 

NURS 465L Clinical Nursing III (5)
Summer: All Years
Clinical course with a specific focus on caring for clients in specialty settings such as critical care, cardiovascular care, respiratory care, operating room, recovery room and dialysis. Focus also on specific complex problems such as cardiac and respiratory system problems, neurotrauma, cancer, pain management and multisystem stressors. Concurrent registration in NURS 465 is required.


NURS 470 Leadership and Professional Issues (2)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
In this on-line course, students will explore the leadership behaviors and organizational structures that enhance the delivery of client care. A major emphasis will be on the critical role of the interdisciplinary approach to delivery of high quality accessible health care.
Prerequisite:  OR NURS 302  OR NURS 303L  NURS 350 

NURS 474 Nursing Preceptorship Seminar (1)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This seminar course is the preparation for the capstone course, NURS 475, for the nursing major. It provides an opportunity for synthesis of prior work and educational experiences with present learning. This knowledge is applied in a self-selected area of nursing practice that may occur in a wide variety of settings. In this seminar, in collaboration with a preceptor and a faculty advisor, the student develops their learning contract specific to the student's learning interests and needs.
Prerequisite:  NURS 465  NURS 465L  OR NURS 302  OR NURS 303L  NURS 350 

NURS 475L Nursing Preceptorship (4)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This clinical course is the capstone writing intensive course for synthesis of prior work and educational experiences in a student's self-selected area of nursing practice. Prior completion of all Nursing courses is required except concurrent registration in NURS 470.


NURS 490 Topics in Professional Nursing (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Study of selected practices, issues and/or problems in health care delivery as they impact the consumer and the nursing profession. Topics change each semester. This course may be repeated when the topic changes.


NURS 497 Independent Study (1-2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Individual intensive study, clinical project or research activity of a nursing issue under guidance of a faculty member. Extends intellectual pursuit beyond regular curriculum.


NURS 590 Special Topics (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Special topics related to specific areas of study. The course may be interdisciplinary in nature, and may be repeated when the topic varies.


NURS 600 Theoretical Perspectives of the Discipline (3)
Fall: All Years       
This core course is designed to help the student analyze, critique and apply a variety of ethical theories, nursing theories, and behavioral science theories that are applicable to advanced nursing practice.


NURS 604 Advanced Nursing Research (3)
Spring: All Years       
Research in Nursing includes an exploration of the research process and the methodologies appropriate to nursing. The analysis and critique of research studies and reports is a primary method for developing the knowledge and skills relevant to application and implementation of research studies.
Prerequisite:  ED 602 

NURS 606 Health Care Delivery Systems, Policy, and Financing (3)
Fall: All Years       
This course is focused on how health care delivery systems are configured, how policies are developed, and how health care systems are financed. Students will learn how to interpret selected policies and systems to the general public and how to impact these processes. Budget development, planning personnel and resources from a fiscal perspective, outcome analysis, cost-effectiveness of services and parameters for seeking consultative fiscal advice will be highlighted.


NURS 608 Transcultural and Social Perspectives (3)
Summer: All Years
Core course that broadens understanding of diversities in races, cultures, individuals, families, communities, populations, lifestyles, gender, and age groups. Explores changing demographics, major health needs, health promotion and disease prevention, and mental health issues in all cultures.


NURS 610 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2)
Spring: All Years       
Critically examines patterns of health behaviors, risk assessment, lifestyles, developmental stages, sociocultural, psychological, and spiritual contributions to well-being. Includes data-based assessment and management of preventive health services and common acute and chronic conditions.


NURS 612 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
Fall: All Years       
The course will focus on theory and research based assessment, health histories, complete physical assessment, and developmental assessment. Incorporates communication and interviewing skills.


NURS 614 Advanced Pathophysiology I (2)
Fall: All Years       
Theory and research-based findings are integrated in the presentation of information regarding pathophysiological responses of body systems to disease processes. Physiological developmental stage expectations are reviewed in relation to synergistic effects and total body responses to system alterations. Prevention of pathophysiological responses is emphasized.


NURS 616 Advanced Pathophysiology II (2)
Spring: All Years       
The courses builds on knowledge of pathophysiological basis of common disease symptoms. Reviews pathological processes of all body systems with an emphasis on tertiary prevention and adaptation to altered physiological states.
Prerequisite:  NURS 614 

NURS 621 Integrative Health Practices (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
An overview of integrative therapies with a focus on selected systems of healing and specific modalities widely used by health care consumers. Addresses philosophical and spiritual paradigms, scientific foundation and evidence of efficacy and safety of philosophical and spiritual paradigms, scientific foundation and evidence of efficacy and safety of integrative health systems and modalities. Assessing use by patients and providers will be emphasized.


NURS 622 Teaching Technology and Information Management (3)
Spring: All Years       
Theoretical basis for information systems, teaching, and learning enhanced through the use of technology. Emphasis is on selecting databases for health professions, examining environmental, social, political and financial factors influencing current technology in the delivery of nursing education.


NURS 623 Nurse as Educator (3)
Spring: All Years       
Provides an opportunity for analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the nurse educator's role and responsibilities. Incorporates patterns of nursing education, instructional design, and professional, social, and political issues influencing nursing education.


NURS 627 Program/Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3)
Fall: All Years       
Curriculum philosophies, methods, and processes provide a framework for planning nursing education models that create a learner-centered environment; consideration given to program evaluation, data collection methods, and the ethics and standards of evaluation practice; strategies for a relevant curriculum/program are influenced by current health profession issues and future societal trends.
Prerequisite:  NURS 623 

NURS 631 Pharmacology I (2)
Fall: All Years       
Information relative to therapeutic management guidelines for treatment of selected disease processes will be presented. Drug information by classification and basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, clinical uses, mechanisms of action, contraindications, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and client education implications will be presented. Students will be instructed in how to best prescribe pharmacological modalities, how to monitor and manage prescribed treatments. Implications for uses with pediatric and geriatric populations will also be included.


NURS 632 Pharmacology II (2)
Spring: All Years       
Continuation of content presented in Pharmacology I. Information relative to therapeutic management guidelines for treatment of selected disease processes will be presented. Drug information by classification and basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, clinical uses, mechanisms of action, contraindications, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and client education implications will be presented. Students will be instructed in how to best prescribe pharmacological modalities, how to monitor and manage prescribed treatments. Implications for uses with pediatric and geriatric populations will also be included. Guidelines for prescriptive privilege application will be presented.
Prerequisite:  NURS 631 

NURS 640 Adult Nursing I (3)
Spring: All Years       
Evaluation and synthesis of advanced pathophysiology concepts applied to nursing and health-related theories, and research related to client outcomes. Health and illness phenomena, symptom management, and nursing interventions will be studied. Clinical decision-making, consultation/management and teaching/learning theories are emphasized.
Prerequisite:  NURS 612  NURS 616 

NURS 640P Advanced Nursing Practicum I (2-6)
Fall: All Years       
Application of knowledge and skills in self-selected settings. Precepted clinical experience in academic or clinical speciality area. Focus on expanded role expectations for speciality practice.
Prerequisite:  NURS 640  NURS 623 

NURS 641 Adult Nursing II (3)
Fall: All Years       
Continuation of Adult Nursing I. Focus on evaluation of client outcomes of symptom management. Pathophysiological concepts, nursing and health-related theories, and research related to adult client health and illness phenomena are analyzed. Emphasis on clinical decision-making, teaching/learning theory and formulation of researchable questions for advanced nursing practice as a CNS for adults.
Prerequisite:  NURS 640 

NURS 641P Advanced Nursing Practicum II (3-6)
Fall: All Years       
Provides opportunities for a capstone experience in a client care setting. Extended practicum in the student's area of specialization allows a chance to more fully integrate skills and knowledge learned throughout the program. Emphasis is on consultation, program planning, education, health promotion, and prevention of disease. Course requires concurrent registration in NURS 620, and NURS 641 or NURS 697.
Prerequisite:  NURS 641 

NURS 690 Special Topics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Special topics related to specific areas of study. The course may be interdisciplinary in nature, and may be repeated when the topic varies.


NURS 696 Master's Project (1-2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
A project is selected which will contribute to the student's preparation for advanced practice in nursing. A committee comprised of three faculty members is chosen; two from nursing (one will serve as advisor), and one faculty member from a related field. A final examination is required.
Prerequisite:  NURS 604 

NURS 697 Independent Study (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Seminar and/or individual study in any area not covered in regular coursework or in a topic which the student(s) wish to study in greater depth.


NURS 698 Continuing Registration (1)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Continuing enrollment in graduate studies. This option is to be used for registration after completion of all course requirements or when not otherwise actively enrolled. This course may not be used to meet any program or graduation requirement.
Prerequisite:  NURS 696  OR NURS 699 

NURS 699 Thesis for Nursing (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Scientific study in selected area carried out under the supervision of a nursing faculty advisor.
Prerequisite:  NURS 604 

NURS 700 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice (4)
Fall: All Years       
This course focuses on structure of nursing knowledge (phenomena, concepts, theories) for inquire in the discipline. The interrelationships among theory, research, and practice will be analyzed.


NURS 702 Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)
Spring: All Years       
This course focuses on analysis of approaches for conduct of clinical scholarship building on core research methods and statistical courses.
Prerequisite:  NURS 700 

NURS 704 Clinical Prevention and Population Health (4)
Summer: All Years
Conceptual foundations of culturally sensitive clinical prevention and population health in advanced practice nursing will be evaluated. A global perspective to clinical prevention and population health that bridges illness and preventive care models will be investigated and designed.
Prerequisite:  NURS 700  NURS 740 

NURS 706 Organizational and Systems Leadership (4)
Fall: All Years       
Organizational and systems leadership skills critical for nursing practice programs to improve clinical care and health outcomes are evaluated. The focus is on legal and business realities of leading large systems, including large individual organizations, and large systems composed of many organizations.
Prerequisite:  NURS 704  NURS 750 

NURS 740 Clinical Scholarship I (3)

Clinical seminar that focuses on collaboration of interprofessional teams. Major emphasis on development of framework for collaboration that can be used to address a clinical nursing practice problem.
Prerequisite:  NURS 700 

NURS 750 Clinical Scholarship II (3)
Summer: All Years
Focus on setting and implementing health care policies, including the critical issues of access to care, quality of care, and financing of care. Students will develop a context-sensitive clinical practice guideline to address a clinical nursing practice problem.
Prerequisite:  NURS 702  NURS 740 

NURS 760 Clinical Scholarship III (3)
Fall: All Years       
Focus on the development of consultative and leadership strategies in implementing an approach to the identified clinical practice problem. Emphasis is placed on various information technologies and information systems.
Prerequisite:  NURS 704  NURS 750 

NURS 770 Clinical Scholarship IV (3)
Spring: All Years       
Focus on accountability, advocacy for the profession and health care, and contributions to the advancement of nursing practice knowledge. Students will disseminate clinical scholarship knowledge based upon implementation and evaluation of context-sensitive clinical practice guideline that addressed a clinical nursing practice problem.
Prerequisite:  NURS 706  NURS 760 

NURS 790 Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This course consists of a study of selected practices, issues, and/or problems in health care as they impact the health care consumer and the nursing profession. It may be interdisciplinary in nature, and may be repeated under various topics. A specific title is required for each topic. The same topic may be offered twice without specific APAC approval for a permanent course. A topics course may be used as an elective for the DNP program.


NURS 798 Continuing Registration (1)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This course allows continuing enrollment in the Consortium DNP program to complete the capstone project. It continues registration after completion of all other course requirements and may not be used to meet any other program or graduation requirement.