Nursing Degree Program

Successful achievement in the humanities is basic to understanding the whole person and their response in health and illness. The well-prepared high school student usually spends four academic years completing the requirements for the Nursing major. The freshman and sophomore years are spent on the Lamoni campus, where the student enrolls in supporting science and humanities courses.* Then the 2-year RN program nursing courses are taught on the Independence Campus in Independence, Missouri. The first three nursing courses are taught the summer before the junior year. Students will go to a variety of healthcare agencies for hands-on clinical experience while simultaneously completing the general education and Nursing major requirements.

*Transfer students may take these courses at other colleges.

• BSN Degree – Nursing Major (Beginning Professional Students)

  In addition to the essential education requirements, beginning professional students majoring in Nursing must complete a concentration of 59.5 semester hours of professional Nursing courses and 38 semester hours of supporting course work. The minimum total of semester hours required for graduation in Nursing is 120.

  Required Nursing Courses:

  • NURS2420 Introduction to Nursing – 3 s.h.
  • NURS2460 Health Assessment – 4 s.h.
  • NURS2470 Informatics for Health Care – 2 s.h.
  • NURS3120 Fundamentals of Health Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS3160 Evidence Based Practice – 2 s.h.
  • NURS3250 Adult Health Care I – 4 s.h.
  • NURS3260 Adult Health Care II – 4 s.h.
  • NURS3270 Psychosocial Aspects of Client Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS3440 Pathophysiology – 3 s.h.
  • NURS3451 Pharmacology I – 3 s.h.
  • NURS3452 Pharmacology II – 2 s.h.
  • NURS4170 Manager of Patient Care – 3 s.h.
  • NURS4230 Care of the Mother and Child – 4 s.h.
  • NURS4260 Critical Care Nursing – 4 s.h.
  • NURS4340 Community Health Care – 3.5 s.h.
  • NURS4390 Capstone Practicum – 8 s.h.
  • NURS4480 Trends and Issues – 2 s.h.

  Required Supporting Courses:

  • ATHT2500 Medical Terminology – 2 s.h.
  • BIOL3420 Human Anatomy – 4 s.h.
  • BIOL3440 Human Physiology – 4 s.h.
  • BIOL2360 Microbiology – 4 s.h.
  • CHEM1330 Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry with Lab – 4 s.h.
  • HLTH2560 Nutrition – 3 s.h.
  • MATH1280 College Algebra (preferred) or
    MATH1310 Mathematical Concepts I – 3 s.h.
  • MATH1380 Introduction to Statistics – 3 s.h.
  • PHIL2300 Basic Issues in Philosophy – 3 s.h. or one of the following courses:
    
    • PHIL3100 World Philosophies and Religions
    • PHIL1120 Basic Ethics
    • PHIL2520 Medical Ethics
  • SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology (preferred) or
    SOCI1350 Cultural Anthropology – 3 s.h.
  • PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology – 3 s.h.
  • PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology – 3 s.h.

  Courses Offered

  • ATHT2500Medical Terminology
    ATHT2500 Medical Terminology - 2 s.h.

    A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.

  • BIOL2360Microbiology with Lab
    BIOL2360 Microbiology with Lab - 4 s.h.

    Students will learn about immunology, bacteriology, mycology, and virology. Emphasis will be placed on the cellular mechanism and role of microbial pathogens (bacteria) and agents (viruses, prions) affecting human health and how they are treated. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 or instructor's consent.

  • BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab
    BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.

    A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.

  • BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab
    BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.

    A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.

  • HLTH2560Nutrition
    HLTH2560 Nutrition - 3 s.h.

    A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information.

  • MATH1280College Algebra
    MATH1280 College Algebra - 3 s.h.

    Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials. Prerequisite: 2 years high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

  • MATH1310Mathematical Concepts
    MATH1310 Mathematical Concepts - 3 s.h.

    A systematic development of whole number systems, geometry, set theory, counting, measurement, and algebra. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

  • NURS2420Introduction to Nursing
    NURS2420 Introduction to Nursing - 3 s.h.

    Introduces the roles and responsibilities of professional nursing. Introduces students to the historical, economic, political and legal/ethical trends in nursing. Introduces concepts necessary for scholarly writing using APA formatting.

  • NURS2460Health Assessment
    NURS2460 Health Assessment - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on learning foundational assessment skills. Systematic holistic nursing process approach to health history and physical examination for the purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal states of health and critical assessment of client needs. Application of concepts are facilitated in the laboratory experience. (For on campus BSN-RN students only.) Prerequisite: NURS2010.

  • NURS2470Informatics for Health Care
    NURS2470 Informatics for Health Care - 2 s.h.

    An introduction to the basic concepts and skills associated with the use of technology as it relates to nursing and electronic healthcare systems. The content will provide a conceptual foundation and hands-on exposure to the use of information management in nursing which is necessary in providing quality patient care.

  • NURS3120Fundamentals of Health Care
    NURS3120 Fundamentals of Health Care - 4 s.h.

    Introduction to basic concepts and psychomotor skills necessary to provide therapeutic interventions for individual clients. Laboratory and clinical experience provided. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  • NURS3160Evidence Based Practice
    NURS3160 Evidence Based Practice - 2 s.h.

    Study of the evidence-based practice research process to develop informed consumers of nursing research. Exploration of the application of the research evidence to the health care environment. Prerequisites: BSN-RN students only, NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  • NURS3250Adult Health Care I
    NURS3250 Adult Health Care I - 4 s.h.

    Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing basic nursing care to clients and their families. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  • NURS3260NURS3260 Adult Health Care II
    NURS3260 NURS3260 Adult Health Care II - 4 s.h.

    Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing family centered nursing care to individuals and groups of clients. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  • NURS3270Psychosocial Aspects of Client Care
    NURS3270 Psychosocial Aspects of Client Care - 4 s.h.

    Emphasis on promotion of healthy individual and family system responses to psychosocial stressors (violence, poverty, substance abuse). Psychopathology will be explored with opportunities to practice primary, secondary, and tertiary nursing interventions in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  • NURS3440Pathophysiology
    NURS3440 Pathophysiology - 3 s.h.

    Study of the concepts and altered processes of organs, cells, and biochemical functions of the systems related to homeostasis, neural control and integration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  • NURS3451Pharmacology I
    NURS3451 Pharmacology I - 3 s.h.

    Introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and their application to nursing. Emphasizes drug classifications of pharmacological agents, their actions, side effects, uses and nursing responsibilities regarding administration and basic calculations of medication administration for all routes of administration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  • NURS3452Pharmacology II
    NURS3452 Pharmacology II - 2 s.h.

    Continues investigation of pharmacology with specific medications that are seen in the clinical setting from the various drug classifications and medications used in advanced adult health settings. Drug calculations include those for the critical care setting and those using the intravenous route.

  • NURS4170Manager of Patient Care
    NURS4170 Manager of Patient Care - 3 s.h.

    Discusses management of patient care in a clinical setting in the capacity of unit manager, charge nurse and patient care coordinator. Focuses on knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources required to lead an interdisciplinary team to achieve excellence and high quality outcomes. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.

  • NURS4230Care of the Mother and Child
    NURS4230 Care of the Mother and Child - 4 s.h.

    This course focuses on holistic approach to acute illnesses and health promotion of culturally diverse women, children (birth through adolescence) and families throughout their lifespans. Emphasis is placed on providing a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to health promotion and intervention in the care of newly formed families moving from preconception through the neonatal period. Additionally, emphasis is placed on quality of care, safety and developmental stages of childhood and appropriate nursing interventions in the home and acute care settings. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 3452, 4340.

  • NURS4260Critical Care Nursing
    NURS4260 Critical Care Nursing - 4 s.h.

    Emphasis on the key concepts required to deliver care to clients and their families during severe physiological stress. Importance placed on critical thinking to analyze the relationship between multidimensional stressors in the midst of critical illness. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.

  • NURS4340Community Health Care
    NURS4340 Community Health Care - 3.5 s.h.

    Focuses on community/public health issues with the family and community as clients, including community assessment and the examination of a variety of core concepts in the practice of community/public health nursing. Topics include epidemiology, community focused health promotion, and prevention within a sociopolitical environment. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  • NURS4390Capstone Practicum
    NURS4390 Capstone Practicum - 8 s.h.

    Emphasis on advanced cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills and therapeutic communication in the care of clients and families in acute-care settings. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.

  • NURS4480Trends and Issues
    NURS4480 Trends and Issues - 2 s.h.

    Examines the social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and ethical issues that surround the practice of professional nursing. Explores the concepts that prepare the graduate for entry into the professional role. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.

  • PHIL1120Basic Ethics (also RELG1120)
    PHIL1120 Basic Ethics (also RELG1120) - 3 s.h.

    Introduction to basic ways of thinking and acting ethically. Examines basic ethical theories, both religious and philosophical, but focuses on practical, daily application of sound values and ethical consciousness.

  • PHIL2300Basic Issues in Philosophy
    PHIL2300 Basic Issues in Philosophy - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to some of the traditional theories of knowledge, reality, and value, and an interpretation of their relevance to the modern world.

  • PHIL2520Medical Ethics
    PHIL2520 Medical Ethics - 3 s.h.

    An exploration of contemporary ethical issues in modern medicine. The course will begin with an introduction to ethical theories and principles, and then apply these to specific problems in health care.

  • PHIL3100World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (also RELG3100)
    PHIL3100 World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (also RELG3100) - 3 s.h.

    A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qur'an (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new.

  • PSYC1300Introductory Psychology
    PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.

    An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.

  • PSYC2250Developmental Psychology
    PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.

    The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

  • SOCI1300Introduction to Sociology
    SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology - 3 s.h.

    Introduction to the perspective of sociology, its basic concepts and principles and an overview of the field.Includes study of social classes, sex roles, crime and deviance, socialization, social movements and others. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace

  • SOCI1350Cultural Anthropology
    SOCI1350 Cultural Anthropology - 3 s.h.

    Survey and analysis of diverse cultural patterns. +This course is only offered every other year.

  ATHT2500Medical Terminology BIOL2360Microbiology with Lab BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab HLTH2560Nutrition MATH1280College Algebra MATH1310Mathematical Concepts NURS2420Introduction to Nursing NURS2460Health Assessment NURS2470Informatics for Health Care NURS3120Fundamentals of Health Care NURS3160Evidence Based Practice NURS3250Adult Health Care I NURS3260NURS3260 Adult Health Care II NURS3270Psychosocial Aspects of Client Care NURS3440Pathophysiology NURS3451Pharmacology I NURS3452Pharmacology II NURS4170Manager of Patient Care NURS4230Care of the Mother and Child NURS4260Critical Care Nursing NURS4340Community Health Care NURS4390Capstone Practicum NURS4480Trends and Issues PHIL1120Basic Ethics (also RELG1120) PHIL2300Basic Issues in Philosophy PHIL2520Medical Ethics PHIL3100World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (also RELG3100) PSYC1300Introductory Psychology PSYC2250Developmental Psychology SOCI1300Introduction to Sociology SOCI1350Cultural Anthropology

  Course Descriptions

  ATHT2500 Medical Terminology - 2 s.h.

  A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.

  BIOL2360 Microbiology with Lab - 4 s.h.

  Students will learn about immunology, bacteriology, mycology, and virology. Emphasis will be placed on the cellular mechanism and role of microbial pathogens (bacteria) and agents (viruses, prions) affecting human health and how they are treated. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 or instructor's consent.

  BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.

  A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.

  BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.

  A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.

  HLTH2560 Nutrition - 3 s.h.

  A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information.

  MATH1280 College Algebra - 3 s.h.

  Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials. Prerequisite: 2 years high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

  MATH1310 Mathematical Concepts - 3 s.h.

  A systematic development of whole number systems, geometry, set theory, counting, measurement, and algebra. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

  NURS2420 Introduction to Nursing - 3 s.h.

  Introduces the roles and responsibilities of professional nursing. Introduces students to the historical, economic, political and legal/ethical trends in nursing. Introduces concepts necessary for scholarly writing using APA formatting.

  NURS2460 Health Assessment - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on learning foundational assessment skills. Systematic holistic nursing process approach to health history and physical examination for the purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal states of health and critical assessment of client needs. Application of concepts are facilitated in the laboratory experience. (For on campus BSN-RN students only.) Prerequisite: NURS2010.

  NURS2470 Informatics for Health Care - 2 s.h.

  An introduction to the basic concepts and skills associated with the use of technology as it relates to nursing and electronic healthcare systems. The content will provide a conceptual foundation and hands-on exposure to the use of information management in nursing which is necessary in providing quality patient care.

  NURS3120 Fundamentals of Health Care - 4 s.h.

  Introduction to basic concepts and psychomotor skills necessary to provide therapeutic interventions for individual clients. Laboratory and clinical experience provided. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  NURS3160 Evidence Based Practice - 2 s.h.

  Study of the evidence-based practice research process to develop informed consumers of nursing research. Exploration of the application of the research evidence to the health care environment. Prerequisites: BSN-RN students only, NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  NURS3250 Adult Health Care I - 4 s.h.

  Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing basic nursing care to clients and their families. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  NURS3260 NURS3260 Adult Health Care II - 4 s.h.

  Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing family centered nursing care to individuals and groups of clients. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  NURS3270 Psychosocial Aspects of Client Care - 4 s.h.

  Emphasis on promotion of healthy individual and family system responses to psychosocial stressors (violence, poverty, substance abuse). Psychopathology will be explored with opportunities to practice primary, secondary, and tertiary nursing interventions in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  NURS3440 Pathophysiology - 3 s.h.

  Study of the concepts and altered processes of organs, cells, and biochemical functions of the systems related to homeostasis, neural control and integration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  NURS3451 Pharmacology I - 3 s.h.

  Introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and their application to nursing. Emphasizes drug classifications of pharmacological agents, their actions, side effects, uses and nursing responsibilities regarding administration and basic calculations of medication administration for all routes of administration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.

  NURS3452 Pharmacology II - 2 s.h.

  Continues investigation of pharmacology with specific medications that are seen in the clinical setting from the various drug classifications and medications used in advanced adult health settings. Drug calculations include those for the critical care setting and those using the intravenous route.

  NURS4170 Manager of Patient Care - 3 s.h.

  Discusses management of patient care in a clinical setting in the capacity of unit manager, charge nurse and patient care coordinator. Focuses on knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources required to lead an interdisciplinary team to achieve excellence and high quality outcomes. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.

  NURS4230 Care of the Mother and Child - 4 s.h.

  This course focuses on holistic approach to acute illnesses and health promotion of culturally diverse women, children (birth through adolescence) and families throughout their lifespans. Emphasis is placed on providing a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to health promotion and intervention in the care of newly formed families moving from preconception through the neonatal period. Additionally, emphasis is placed on quality of care, safety and developmental stages of childhood and appropriate nursing interventions in the home and acute care settings. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 3452, 4340.

  NURS4260 Critical Care Nursing - 4 s.h.

  Emphasis on the key concepts required to deliver care to clients and their families during severe physiological stress. Importance placed on critical thinking to analyze the relationship between multidimensional stressors in the midst of critical illness. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.

  NURS4340 Community Health Care - 3.5 s.h.

  Focuses on community/public health issues with the family and community as clients, including community assessment and the examination of a variety of core concepts in the practice of community/public health nursing. Topics include epidemiology, community focused health promotion, and prevention within a sociopolitical environment. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.

  NURS4390 Capstone Practicum - 8 s.h.

  Emphasis on advanced cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills and therapeutic communication in the care of clients and families in acute-care settings. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.

  NURS4480 Trends and Issues - 2 s.h.

  Examines the social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and ethical issues that surround the practice of professional nursing. Explores the concepts that prepare the graduate for entry into the professional role. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.

  PHIL1120 Basic Ethics (also RELG1120) - 3 s.h.

  Introduction to basic ways of thinking and acting ethically. Examines basic ethical theories, both religious and philosophical, but focuses on practical, daily application of sound values and ethical consciousness.

  PHIL2300 Basic Issues in Philosophy - 3 s.h.

  An introduction to some of the traditional theories of knowledge, reality, and value, and an interpretation of their relevance to the modern world.

  PHIL2520 Medical Ethics - 3 s.h.

  An exploration of contemporary ethical issues in modern medicine. The course will begin with an introduction to ethical theories and principles, and then apply these to specific problems in health care.

  PHIL3100 World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (also RELG3100) - 3 s.h.

  A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qur'an (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new.

  PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.

  An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.

  PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.

  The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

  SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology - 3 s.h.

  Introduction to the perspective of sociology, its basic concepts and principles and an overview of the field.Includes study of social classes, sex roles, crime and deviance, socialization, social movements and others. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace

  SOCI1350 Cultural Anthropology - 3 s.h.

  Survey and analysis of diverse cultural patterns. +This course is only offered every other year.