Nursing Curriculum and Course Descriptions

*CURRICULUM SUBJECT TO CHANGE – The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Reinhardt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Reinhardt’s BSN has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing.

NUR 301 Introduction to Professional Nursing (3)

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse and the foundational concepts of nursing theory.  Students analyze the historical, contemporary, adversary, and global aspects of the ethical and legal foundations of nursing.  Evidence-based practice and the collaborative aspects associated with the profession are examined.

NUR 302 Foundations of Pharmacology (1)

This course includes a study of arithmetic/calculation of dosages and solutions for medication administration and the basic principles of pharmacology. Legal and ethical responsibilities of the professional nurse in administering medications are also emphasized.

NUR 303 Clinical Pharmacology 1 (2)

This course focuses on fundamental pathophysiological and pharmacological principles as applicable to nursing care across the lifespan.  Drug actions/interactions and therapeutic applications of major pharmacological classifications of drugs are emphasized.  Various manifestations of disease are illustrated through the specific etiology, signs, symptoms, and diagnostics. Exploring the relationship of pharmacologic knowledge with nursing practice, integration of the nursing process and nursing implications with various drug classifications is emphasized.  Nursing implications of drugs and drug therapy, including drug interactions, is examined.

NUR 304 Clinical Pharmacology 2 (2)

This course focuses on fundamental pathophysiological and pharmacological principles as applicable to nursing care across the lifespan.  Drug actions/interactions and therapeutic applications of major pharmacological classifications of drugs are emphasized.  Various manifestations of disease are illustrated through the specific etiology, signs, symptoms, and diagnostics. Exploring the relationship of pharmacologic knowledge with nursing practice, integration of the nursing process and nursing implications with various drug classifications is emphasized.  Nursing implications of drugs and drug therapy, including drug interactions, is examined.  This is a continuation course for NUR 303.

NUR 305 Holistic Health Assessment (3)

This course introduces the basic interviewing and physical assessment techniques involved in the process of assessing the health of individuals across the lifespan.  A systematic approach in the use of skills in data collection and healthcare assessment in recognizing normal findings and common deviations associated with pathologies is emphasized to create the underpinnings for professional practice.   Lecture and laboratory instruction are included in this course.

NUR 306 Nursing Evidence-Based Practice and Research (3)

This course prepares students to understand the role of research in evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare.  Critical thinking skills through the review and process of research are emphasized.  The reliability of sources of evidence and the critique of research studies in synthesizing research concepts and findings into nursing practice are addressed in the scholarly endeavor to promote the evaluation of research studies for applicability to nursing practice.

NUR 307 Clinical Foundations of Nursing Practice (6)

This course focuses on the nursing process, interventions, and nursing skills necessary for basic nursing practice in the care of individuals across the life span in diverse clinical settings.  Introduction to the problem solving process for the professional nurse, the nursing process, provides a foundation necessary for decision-making, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking skills Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 308 Nutrition, Health Promotion and Wellness (2)

This course is a study of nutrition in health and altered health states during the life-cycle as well as promotion of health, prevention of illness and factors that impact health status.  Application of nutritional principles and analysis of diets in health and wellness as well as illness are emphasized.  The role and benefit of nutritional support and therapy in the metabolic and pathophysiological changes associated with disease and wellness are investigated as applicable to the nursing process. Health behaviors of different cultures and age groups as well as relevant nursing research on nutrition, health promotion, and disease prevention are discussed.

NUR 401 Nursing Care of the Adult (6)

This course explores the pathophysiological aspects of adults with acute or chronic health conditions.  Application of theory, the nursing process, the understanding of pharmacology, medical therapeutic interventions, and utilization of a holistic approach in the care of this population is studied. This course also addresses the pathophysiological stages of aging.  The normal aging process, health promotion strategies, common disease processes, treatment regimes, and end of life issues are studied in regard to this population.   Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 402 Mental Health (4)

This course focuses on nursing care for individuals or groups with emotional, behavioral, or communication alterations acquired from changes in personal structure or neurological physiology.  Principles of abnormal psychology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology will be integrated into the design of appropriate nursing interventions for acute and long-term conditions of mental health clients.  Communication skills, cultural sensitivity, empathetic care of others, and professional development are components developed in the care of this population. Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 403 Nursing Care of the Adult with High Acuity Needs (6)

This course explores the pathophysiological aspects of adults with acute or chronic health conditions.  Application of theory to the nursing process, understanding of pharmacology, medical therapeutic interventions, and utilization of the holistic approach in the care of this population is studied. This course also addresses the pathophysiological stages of aging.  The normal aging process, health promotion strategies, common disease processes, treatment regimes, and end of life issues are studied regarding this population.  As a continuation of NUR 401, this course also emphasizes nursing care associated with complex health alterations.  The clinical focus is placed on assimilation and application of knowledge for care of the adult with complex and multiple physiological and psychosocial needs in a highly technical health care environment.  The impact of life-threatening illnesses and injuries on individuals, families, groups, and communities is explored as the student designs holistic and culturally competent care during times of death, dying, and bereavement.  Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 404 Maternal-Child Health (4)

This course focuses on the theories and principles utilized in the care of women across the life span.  Issues impacting reproduction and fertility and comparison of variations in normal and abnormal conditions are included.  Exploration of the childbearing experience as it affects individuals, families, and communities is presented regarding the impact of culture, economics, and advocacy in this experience.  Antepartal, intrapartal, postpartal, and newborn populations managed by the professional nurse will be emphasized.  Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 405 Nursing Care of Children and Families (5)

This course addresses the care of families with children from infancy through adolescence during wellness and altered health states.  Theories and principles used in caring for the child-rearing family are presented.  The framework for the course content is based on theories of growth and development within the context of a diverse global population.  Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 406 Leadership and Management, Immersion into Practice (6)

This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse as a leader and manager.  Content features those inherent responsibilities the registered nurse assumes as designer, manager, coordinator, and patient care provider.  Essential skills for the development of team building, collaboration with various health care providers, and delegation are addressed.  Students build on exercising critical thinking and decision-making in the care of individuals and groups of patients.  Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 407 Community and Population Health (5)

This course examines theories and principles of community health and public health issues of individuals, families, and communities.  Emphasis is placed on prevention of illness, promotion of health, and provision of care to vulnerable populations.  Emergent infections are explored in relation to communicable disease prevention, control, and pharmacotherapeutics.  Multidisciplinary care is addressed regarding the role of the community health nurse in case management, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.  Lecture and clinical instruction are included in this course.

NUR 408 Synthesis of Nursing Practice (2)

This course focuses on nursing practice and concept synthesis in order to prepare the new graduate for entry into the role of the generalist professional nurse.  Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills needed for the practicing nurse to address the needs of individuals in the ever changing healthcare landscape.

Total Nursing Credit Hours - 61

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General Education Curriculum (Required)