Core Course Descriptions

NRS 310 Health Assessment (3 credits) - 2 credits theory / 1 credit practicum
This course provides the student with an opportunity to build on previously learned knowledge and skills.
Student will learn the care provider and related nursing roles by developing the communication and physical techniques needed to conduct and document a comprehensive assessment, thus to determine appropriate and effective health care including health promotion strategies for individuals as well as communities. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of data collected from clients of all ages. A physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual approach is used to assess the client and to incorporate consideration of the clients needs, state of wellness, developmental level, and responses to life experiences. The students will have an opportunity to practice health assessment skills mentored by an Advanced Practice Nurse in a clinical setting.

NRS 311 Disease Management and Health Promotion (3 credits)
This course focuses on the physiologic and structural changes that occur during a pathologic process. The impact of disease is then studied through its alteration of normal body processes. Emphasis is placed on interpreting changes in normal function that result in symptoms indicative of illness. In addition, physiologic and psychological responses to illness and treatment modalities will be analyzed. Using a problem solving approach, students will explore patient, family and community education strategies in order to promote optimal health outcomes for the patient. Prerequisite: NRS 310

NRS 312 Theoretical Foundations (4 credits)
This course provides a basis for examining theory construction and the role that theory plays in providing the scientific basis for nursing practice. Major strategies for theory development including concept analysis, synthesis, and theory derivation are analyzed. Students gain experience in critically examining major existing theoretical models in relation to meanings of health, healthy behavior, health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention. Students will also evaluate health policies and consider cross-cultural issues in responding to disparities in the provision of health care. Prerequisite: NRS 310

NRS 313 Nursing Research (3 credits)
This introductory course focuses on the basic research process and the importance of research to nursing practice. The course develops critical-thinking skills while analyzing qualitative and quantitative published nursing research. Basic statistical measurements and principles of validity and reliability are explored in relation to understanding nursing research. Ethical issues as they relate to research, theory, and practice will be discussed. Students will acquire the basic competencies necessary to read, evaluate, and interpret findings of nursing research. They will begin to explore ways to incorporate research findings into professional nursing practice. Prerequisite: Probability and Statistics, NRS 310, 311, 312

NRS 410 Community Health Nursing (4 credits) - 3 credits theory / 1 credit practicum
During this theory and clinical course, students will be guided to think critically about the role of community health nurse as a leader and change agent in promoting health, preventing disease and restoring health. The course focuses on complexity and diversity of individuals, families or aggregates within communities and their corresponding health care needs. The students will explore methods to promote, maintain, and restore health in the community across environments, as well as provide health care that is sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations across the lifespan. The students will use skills in community assessment; program planning and nursing intervention to help identified populations within the community attain and maintain their optimum level of health. During clinical practice, they apply the nursing process in delivering community health-nursing services in partnership with health agencies and communities. Emphasis will include strategies for healthcare delivery, application of health-related technologies and databases and multidisciplinary collaboration. Prerequisite: NRS 310, 311, 312, 313

NRS 411 Nursing Management and Leadership (4 credits)
This course will focus on the professional nurse’s role in applying the principles of leadership, management, and ethics in healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. The history and theories of leadership and management and current evolution of health care systems provide the framework for this course. Role competencies included for the nurse leader are designer/manager/coordinator of care. Concepts addressed include change theory, organizational structure, and facilitation of groups, conflict resolution, collaboration, budgeting, cost effectiveness, and resource allocation, managing quality and performance, workplace diversity, and staff development. Prerequisite: NRS 310, 311, 312, 313, 410

NRS 412 Nursing Capstone (4 credits) - 2 credits theory / 2 credits practicum
This final semester nursing capstone course is an opportunity for the professional nurse to demonstrate the cognitive and affective growth achieved while in the RN-BSN Completion Program. Students will have the opportunity to apply decision-making, communication, and leadership skills in the development and implementation of a service project during a practicum of 44 hours. In addition, synthesis of knowledge and achievement of program outcomes will be evidenced by compilation of a professional portfolio.  Prerequisite: NRS 310, 311, 312, 313, 410, 411

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program contact Kathi Calabresa, Program Director, at (920) 686-6213 or kcalabresa@silver.sl.edu