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A. Bulletin Description:
NU 541 Advanced Health Assessment – 3 credits (2 hours theory and 4 laboratory hours/week)
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of the instructor. This is a required course.
Grades for all activities will be based on a percentage scale which gives a letter grade (A-F).
B. Rationale:
Advanced health/physical assessment includes the comprehensive history, physical, and psychological assessment of signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the patient (individual, family, or community). This comprehensive assessment course is designed to assist students in developing advanced health/physical assessment skills in order to determine appropriate and effective health care including health promotion strategies.
C. Course Number: NU 541 entry level course for graduate nursing majors (see Appendices D and E for rationale for course numbering and sequencing).
D. Course Credits: 3 credit hours (2 hours theory and 4 laboratory hours/week)
E. Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate sound critical thinking and clinical decision making.
2. Develop a comprehensive database, including complete functional assessment, health history,
physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing.
3. Perform a risk assessment of the patient including the assessment of lifestyle and other risk
factors.
4. Identify signs and symptoms of common emotional illnesses.
5. Perform basic laboratory tests and interpret other laboratory and diagnostic data.
6. Relate assessment findings to underlying pathology or physiologic changes.
7. Establish a differential diagnosis based on assessment data.
8. Develop an effective and appropriate plan of care for the patient that takes into consideration
life circumstance and cultural, ethnic, and developmental variations.
Course Outline:
1. The history and interviewing process
2. Cultural awareness
3. Examination techniques and equipment
4. Putting it all together
5. Taking the next steps, critical thinking
6. Recording information
7. Radiography: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography
8. Integumentary system
9. Lymphatic system
10. Skin, hair, and nails
11. Thorax
12. Chest and lungs
13. Cardiovascular system
14. Heart and blood vessels
15. Breasts and axillae
16. Mammography
17. EKG: The basics, arrhythmias, conduction block
18. Abdomen
19. Pelvis and perineum
20. Female genitalia
21. Male genitalia
22. Anus, rectum, and prostate
23. EKG: Hypertrophy, enlargement of heart, pre-excitation syndrome
24. Facias, facial compartments, bursae and potential spaces
25. Musculoskeletal system
26. Head and Neck
27. Summary of cranial nerves
28. Ear, nose, and throat
29. History and physical assessment of the pregnant woman
30. Nervous system
31. Brain and mental status
32. EKG: Mycocardial ischemia and infarction
33. History and physical assessment of infants and children
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated using periodic examinations, written case studies, and standardized patients.
F. Staffing: No additional staffing required (See appendix B for a list of faculty who have competencies to teach this course and appendix C for faculty staffing requirements).
G. Equipment/Supplies: No additional equipment or supplies required.
H. Library and Required Reading:
Library holdings are adequate.
I. Costs: Costs are expected to stay within the current budget.
J. Effects on other Departments: No effect on other departments.
K. Deletion of Courses: No course has been deleted.
L. Sample Textbook(s):
1. Seidel, H. M., Bell, J., Dains, J. E., & Flynn, J. A. (2010). Mosby’s Physical Examination
Video Series, Version Two. Saunders Elsevier
2. Seidel, H. M. (2010). Mosby’s Guide to Physical Examination. (6th ed.). Saunders Elsevier
3. Ferri, F. F. (2011). Ferri’s Differential Diagnosis: A Practical Guide to the Differential
Diagnoses of Symptoms, Signs, and Clinical Disorders. (2nd ed.). Mosby Elsevier
M. Implementation Date: Summer 2016
A. Bulletin Description:
NU 552 Advanced Pathophysiology (Theory) 3 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of the instructor. This is a required course.
Grades for all activities will be based on a percentage scale which gives a letter grade (A-F).
The focus of this course is the application of advanced pathophysiologic concepts for frequently encountered conditions in clinical practice. It provides an in-depth analysis of epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests for selected acute and chronic illnesses across the life span. This is not an introductory course. It is expected that students already have a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, laboratory testing, and pharmacology.
B. Rationale:
The advanced practice nurse should possess a well-grounded understanding of normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease that serves as one primary component of the foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. This course assists students in gaining an understanding of the differences between normal physiology and pathophysiologic conditions in order to interpret changes in normal function that result in symptoms of illness.
C. Course Number: NU 552 entry level course for graduate nursing majors (see Appendices D and E for rationale for course numbering and sequencing).
D. Course Credits: 3 credit hours.
E. Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast physiologic changes over the life span.
2. Analyze the relationship between normal physiology and pathological phenomena produced by
altered states across the life span.
3. Synthesize and apply current research-based knowledge regarding pathological changes in
selected disease states.
4. Describe the developmental physiology, normal etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical
manifestations of commonly found/seen altered health states.
5. Analyze physiologic responses to illness and treatment modalities, incorporating diverse and
culturally sensitive approaches.
Course Outline:
1. Genes and genetic disease
2. Genes, environment, lifestyle, and common diseases
3. Nonspecific/Innate immunity
4. Specific/acquired immunity
5. Alterations in immunity and inflammation
6. Alterations in pulmonary function
Fluid and electrolyte
Acid-base disorders
7. Structure and function of the musculoskeletal system
Musculoskeletal disorders
8. Structure and function of the reproductive system
Female reproductive disorders
Male reproductive disorders
9. Structure and function of the digestive system
GI disorders
10. Structure and function of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
Cardiovascular alterations
11. Mechanisms of hormonal regulation
Endocrine disorders
12. Psychiatric disorders
13. Structure and function of the neurologic system
Central nervous system disorders
14. Structure and function of the renal and urologic systems
Kidney and bladder disorders
15. Accessory organs of digestion
16. Structure and function of hematologic system
Alterations in erythrocyte function
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated using periodic examinations and a cumulative final examination.
F. Staffing: No additional staffing required (See appendix B for a list of faculty who have competencies to teach this course and appendix C for faculty staffing requirements).
G. Equipment/Supplies: No additional equipment or supplies required.
H. Library and Required Reading: Library holdings are adequate.
I. Costs: Costs are expected to stay within the current budget.
J. Effects on other Departments: No effect on other departments.
K. Deletion of Courses: No course has been deleted.
L. Sample Textbook(s): McCance & Huether, S. E. (2009). Pathophysiology: The Biological Basis
for Disease in Adults and Children. (6th ed.). Mosby Elsevier
M. Implementation Date: Fall 2016
A. Bulletin Description:
NU 554 Advanced Pharmacology (Theory) 3 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of the instructor. This is a required course.
Grades for all activities will be based on a percentage scale which gives a letter grade (A-F).
This course is designed to provide the graduate nursing student with the knowledge and skills to select drug therapy for patients throughout the lifespan based on efficacy, safety, and cost for the management of select illnesses. The course also provides information about state legal requirements for advanced practice nurse prescriptive authority.
B. Rationale:
The focus of this course is to provide the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of basic pharmacologic principles so that the graduate is adequately prepared to manage common health problems in a safe, high quality, cost-effective manner. The core content includes both the pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics associated with broad categories of pharmacologic agents.
C. Course Number: NU 554 entry level course for graduate nursing majors (see Appendices D and E for rationale for course numbering and sequencing).
D. Course Credits: 3 credit hours.
E. Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Examine principles of pharmacotherapy in infants/children, pregnancy/lactation, adults and the elderly as a basis for high levels of nursing practice.
2. Select drug therapy based on efficacy, safety, and cost for the management of selected illnesses and to implement the best evidence for practice.
3. Review characteristics of drugs, including mechanisms of action, dosing, side effects, drug interactions, etc. that play a role in the choice of drugs for select disease states.
4. Examine the use of complementary and alternative therapies for safety, efficacy, and potential interactions.
5. Analyzes state legal requirements for advanced practice nurse prescriptive authority.
6. Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment when evaluating the effects of drug therapy to improve patient outcomes.
Course Outline:
1. Fundamentals of pharmacotherapeutics
2. Infectious disease pharmacology
3. Respiratory
4. Musculoskeletal
5. Women’s and men’s health/genitourinary
6. Gastrointestinal disorders
7. Cardiovascular #1
8. Cardiovascular #2
9. Endocrine
10. Psychiatric
11. Central Nervous system
12. Pain management
13. Psychosocial disorders
14. Dietary supplements
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated using periodic examinations and a cumulative final examination.
F. Staffing: No additional staffing required (See appendix B for a list of faculty who have competencies to teach this course and appendix C for faculty staffing requirements).
G. Equipment/Supplies: No additional equipment or supplies required.
H. Library and Required Reading: Library holdings are adequate.
I. Costs: Costs are expected to stay within the current budget.
J. Effects on other Departments: No effect on other departments.
K. Deletion of Courses: No course has been deleted.
L. Sample Textbook(s):
1. Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson. (2005). Pharmocotherapeutics for Advanced Practice: A
Practical Approach. (2nd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
M. Implementation Date: Winter 2017
A. Bulletin Description:
NU 612 Statistics for Health Care Professionals (Theory) 4 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of the instructor. This is a required course.
Grades for all activities will be based on a percentage scale which gives a letter grade (A-F).
This course is designed to develop the statistical skills required of the graduate level nursing student to understand, undertake, and evaluate health related research and patient care information systems. A combination of didactic, class presentations and class exercises will be utilized to develop these skills.
B. Rationale:
Advanced practice nurses, in addition to being knowledgeable and skilled in the clinical aspects of the profession, must utilize research to expand their practice. This requires the ability to obtain, describe, and interpret data through statistics for the purpose of answering research questions and testing hypotheses. This course is unique in comparison to other graduate level statistics courses because it provides an understanding of statistics that is used to critique heath care related research and patient care information systems.
C. Course Number: NU 612 entry level course for graduate nursing majors (see Appendices D and E for rationale for course numbering and sequencing).
D. Course Credits: 4 credit hours.
E. Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, the student will demonstrate knowledge of statistical skills and data analysis by:
1. Identifying correct statistical techniques for research questions and hypotheses
2. Analyzing environmental and biostatistical data related to individual, aggregate,
and population health.
3. Correctly running data using advanced level statistical software such as PASW (SPSS).
4. Correctly critiquing statistical findings from published research and health policy proposals to
determine the best evidence for practice
5. Accurately analyzing data and communicating the results of data analysis effectively
6. Integrating nursing science with knowledge from the analytical sciences to improve nursing
practice, health care and health care delivery
7. Using statistics and information technology in the design, use, and evaluation of patient care
information systems.
8. Serving as a patient advocate by developing and evaluating innovative ways to improve patient
information systems that are based on concepts of social justice, equity, and the ethical
treatment of individuals, aggregates, and populations.
Course Outline:
1. Organizing and displaying data
2. Tables and charts
3. Univariate and descriptive statistics
4. Statistical inference
5. Reliability
6. Nonparametric tests
7. t-Tests
8. ANOVA
9. Correlation
10. Critical appraisal of research
11. Patient care delivery models
12. Patient care technology
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated through examinations, written assignments, individual presentations, and a scholarly paper.
F. Staffing: No additional staffing required (See appendix B for a list of faculty who have competencies to teach this course and appendix C for faculty staffing requirements).
G. Equipment/Supplies: No additional equipment or supplies required.
H. Library and Required Reading:
Library holdings are adequate.
I. Costs: Costs are expected to stay within the current budget.
J. Effects on other Departments: No effect on other departments.
K. Deletion of Courses: No course has been deleted.
L. Sample Textbook(s):
1. Veney, J.E., Kros, J. F., & Rosenthal. (2009). Statistics for Health Care
Professionals (Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics). (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass: CA.
2. Devettere. R. J. (2009). Practical Decision Making in Health Care Ethics: Cases and Concepts. (3rd ed.). Georgetown University Press.
3. Grace, P. (2008). Nursing Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice. Jones and Bartlett.
M. Implementation Date: Winter 2015
A. Bulletin Description:
NU 710 Research Utilization (Theory) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of the instructor. This is a required course.
Grades for all activities will be based on a percentage scale which gives a letter grade (A-F).