Harris School of Nursing Program Goals
Accreditation and Licensure
Enrollment in the Nursing Major
Progression in the Nursing Major
General Information
Courses of Instruction

(NURS)

Available on the bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree.

Overview

Mission

Harris School of Nursing endorses the Mission and Vision of Texas Christian University. The mission of the School of Nursing is to prepare professional nurses to identify and respond with competence to multiple, complex human health-care needs. Graduates serve society through professional nursing roles and provide ethical leadership in practice, administration, teaching, and scholarship. The School is dedicated to professional nursing education based on a foundation of liberal arts, sciences, and humanities and to the promotion of an environment that encourages lifelong learning. The School further affirms a commitment to professional competence and civic and professional responsibilities in a global society. The Nursing program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Philosophy

The faculty of Harris School of Nursing, an academic unit of Texas Christian University, affirms that individuals are holistic beings who possess inherent worth. The faculty believes that the education of the professional nurse should prepare a graduate who exhibits qualities of mind and character that are necessary to live a fulfilling life, act in the public interest locally and globally, and promote health and the nursing profession. The teaching / learning process is multidimensional and interactive, involving affective, cognitive, and psychomotor changes. A liberal educational foundation assists persons to think critically and to seek improvement in themselves, the profession, and society. A liberal education provides the basis for the development of core competencies and knowledge of professional nursing. The Harris School of Nursing faculty embraces the professional values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice. Nursing practice, conduct, and relationships are guided by professional standards and the ANA Code for Nurses. Sound clinical judgments characterize the practice of the professional nurse in providing safe, humanistic care of individuals, families, and groups in and across diverse environments.

Portions of the above are based on the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1998), Washington, DC.

Program Goals

The program goals of Harris School of Nursing are as follows:

1.Support the University's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Goals.

2.Prepare graduates who are competent to meet the unique, multiple, and complex human health needs of a global society.

3.Promote values and behaviors that encourage respect for diversity, acknowledge human worth and dignity, and support professional nursing practice.

4.Foster an appreciation for the necessity of learning, thinking critically, and continuing to grow personally and professionally.

5.Contribute to the nursing profession and to society by engaging in scholarship, leadership, and service.

Accreditation and Licensure

The School, enabled by a trust fund established by the late Dr. Charles Houston Harris, was organized as an academic unit of TCU in 1946. Harris School of Nursing is accredited by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (BNE), P. O. Box 430, Austin, TX, 78767-0430, 512-305-7400. Graduates are eligible to sit for the examination for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.) in Texas or any other state in the United States. Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination in one state qualifies graduates to apply for licensure in any other state. Harris School of Nursing first achieved national accreditation in 1952 and has remained accredited since that time. In addition to the BNE, the School is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036-1120, 202-887-6791.

In compliance with the policy of the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, all applicants are informed that completion of the BSN degree does not guarantee eligibility for the registered nurse licensure examination. Professional character is necessary for an individual to conform to the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act. Individuals should seek special advising prior to enrolling in any professional nursing program in Texas if they have a personal history involving conditions that may endanger the health and safety of a person. Such conditions include but are not limited to: (1) a felony conviction involving acts likely to affect professional practice, (2) a misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude, or (3) physical or mental disability/illness, including prior or continued drug or alcohol abuse, that influences the ability to practice professional nursing. (Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, excerpts from the Rules and Regulations Relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure and Practice, §213.27-§213.30, November 1999, pp. B17-B23). Some clinical facilities may require criminal background checks and / or drug screenings of students. Further licensure information is available in the office of the Director, Harris School of Nursing, TCU Box 298620, Fort Worth, TX 76129. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a description of the abilities required for admission to and completion of the BSN curriculum is available upon request from the Director of the School.

Enrollment in the Nursing Major

TCU Students. TCU students must have a 2.5 TCU cumulative grade point average (GPA) to enroll in courses limited to the nursing major.

Change of Major. A TCU student may change to the nursing major if the student is not on academic warning or probation and has or can reasonably expect to have a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA by the time the student is ready to enroll in courses limited to the nursing major. The student must meet the requirements for graduation based upon the published TCU Bulletin at the time of entry into the major.

Reenrollment. The student who has been a nursing major and leaves TCU must apply for reenrollment after an absence of a full fall or spring semester. If the student meets enrollment criteria, the Registrar's Office will contact the Harris School of Nursing to receive approval for the student to reenroll as a nursing major. The student must meet the requirements for graduation based upon the published TCU Bulletin at the time of reentry into the nursing major. Reentering students may be required to pass comprehensive mastery exam(s).

Additional Bachelor's Degree. A student with a previous undergraduate degree from TCU must meet the same enrollment requirements as other TCU students. A student with a Bachelor's degree from another university is considered a transfer student.

Transfer Students (a student who has been out of high school for at least one full semester and has attempted college or university work elsewhere for credit). Individuals who plan to apply as transfer students are urged to contact the TCU Admission Office and Harris School of Nursing in order to receive current information. The number of new transfer students admitted to practicum courses each semester are determined by the availability of faculty, facilities, and the number of qualified continuing TCU students. Selection of transfer students for initial entry into practicum courses is based upon indicators of the applicant's likelihood of success in the nursing program and in professional practice.

Transfer students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA from other colleges/universities to be admitted to TCU as a nursing major. Transfer students are required to meet with an adviser to receive approval to enroll in nursing or prerequisite courses.

Deadlines for application for initial entry into practicum courses by transfer students is May 1 for the fall semester and November 15 for spring semester. Transfer applicants are advised to contact the School of Nursing as early as possible in the application process.

Transfer students will not be permitted to pursue a nursing major at TCU if they have been previously enrolled in another nursing program and were not in good standing upon exit or are not admissible to the previous program(s). All transfer student applicants who have been previously enrolled in a nursing program must submit, as part of their application, a letter from the dean or director of that nursing program indicating eligibility status for readmission.

Other Requirements. In addition to enrollment and progression policies, students must meet the following requirements to enter nursing courses.

  1. completion of prerequisite courses with grades of "C" or higher
  2. current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers card
  3. documentation of required immunizations
  4. no more than 12 credit hours of University Curriculum Requirements (UCR) that have not been completed

Progression in the Nursing Major

Nursing Prerequisites

The following courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher before entering the first practicum nursing courses

Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 20204 / Lab)4
Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 20214 / Lab4
Microbiology (BIOL 20233 / Lab)3
Lifespan Growth and Development (NURS 10303)3
Introductory Psychology (PSY 10213)3
Introductory Sociology (SOCI 20213)3
U.S. History3
Math - Elementary Statistics (MATH 10043)3
Nutrition (NTDT 10403)3
Enrollment in all nursing courses limited to the nursing major requires at least a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA.

Students may repeat one nursing course if less than a "C" or a "No Credit" (NC) grade is earned.

Students are discontinued from the major if grades of "D", "F", or "NC" are earned in two or more nursing courses (excluding NURS 10303 Human Development).

Students who are repeatedly unable to achieve or maintain a 2.5 GPA are discontinued from the major.

Students may be discontinued from the nursing major when their academic, practicum, or personal performance is determined to be inconsistent with professional responsibility and accountability. In rare instances, the safety of patients may necessitate removal of a student from practicum. Faculty members are responsible for recommending this action to the Director of the School when indicated.

As a minimum requirement for participating in a practicum, students' performance must be in compliance with the Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice published by the ANA and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiner's Rules and Regulations including ". . . not accepting an assignment when one's physical or emotional condition prevents the safe and effective delivery of care . . .". When in the opinion of the instructor a student is not prepared for the educational activity or is in violation of these rules for any reason, including but not limited to, impairment by reasons of alcohol and/or drug abuse, the student is dismissed from practicum for the day by the instructor. The instructor may recommend further action to the Director.

Requirements for Graduation. For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree a student must have:

A 2.0 cumulative GPA for all coursework completed at TCU.

Completed all nursing courses required for the major with grades of "C" or higher.

Completed all University Curriculum Requirements.

Multiple Majors. Nursing students may, with prior approval of appropriate academic deans, pursue an additional major concurrent with nursing. Such students must declare nursing as the first major and complete all degree requirements for both nursing and the additional major. Students interested in this option are encouraged to meet with advisers from both majors as soon as possible to develop an academic plan.

Practicum Course Requirements. Prior to patient contact, students must submit a copy of written verification of:

Measles in combination with rubella and mumps vaccines (MMR Trivalent vaccine)

One dose of tetanus-diphtheria vaccine within at least 10 years

A completed three-dose series of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Students must annually submit a copy of written verification of:

A negative tuberculosis mantoux test (or chest x-ray or physician's recommendation). If the student has previously tested positive or has recovered from tuberculosis, certification from a physician must be provided indicating the student is not contagious.

Current health care provider level CPR certification

All students enrolled in practicum nursing courses must attend mandatory practicum orientations and testing sessions each semester. The student may be dropped from the course(s) if absent. Students must demonstrate mastery of prerequisite material by passing examinations specified by the faculty and which are, in the opinion of the faculty, critical to the safe care of patients. Failure to pass mastery examination will result in mandatory enrollment in a special problems course. The student must successfully complete the special problems course in a timely manner in order to pass the related practicum.

Students may be required to complete a criminal background check or routine random drug screen as required by health care agencies.

General Information

Finances. Students enrolled in Harris School of Nursing are responsible for the related fees. Each practicum course carries a laboratory fee. Fees are charged for standardized achievement tests. Participation in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination including enrollment in a review course and purchase of review material may be required. The Board of Nurse Examiners Licensing fee is charged to all students planning licensure as registered nurses in the State of Texas and remitted to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. Purchase of uniforms is required. Professional liability insurance is required each year beginning in the sophomore year, second semester.

Transportation. Limited city bus service is available for transportation to practicum facilities. Plans should be made for the use of a car or shared transportation beginning with the first practicum nursing course.

Nursing Scholarships and Grants-in-Aid. A variety of scholarships and grants-in-aid are available to high school graduates and to students who have completed one or more years of college work. In addition, loans and tuition reimbursement are available from some area hospitals. Applications are made through the Director of Financial Aid, who can provide further information upon request.

Employment. Students may be employed on or off campus as opportunities are available and the course load and schedule permits. Work schedules should allow sufficient time for study. Students employed in clinical agencies may not wear the name tag or School patch during such employment. Students who are employed in a clinical setting must not sign their names as nursing students.

The Nursing Student Association. This organizational branch of the Texas Nursing Students' Association and the National Student Nurses' Association provides students opportunities to participate in local, state, and national affairs. These organizations are concerned with the role of the nursing student, the role of the nurse in the community and the future of nursing. Meetings are held monthly and regional meetings can be attended each semester. Participation is strongly encouraged.

Learning Center. A Learning Center in the Annie Richardson Bass Building is available to all nursing students to enhance independent learning and to provide access to computers, audiovisual materials, and a practice lab for mastering clinical skills. In the Learning Center, the student will become an active participant in an environment that facilitates both individual and small group learning situations. Computer assisted instruction and practical learning experiences enhance the students' knowledge gained through the classroom lecture component of the program. Students are required to use the labs for practice and demonstration of nursing skills. Faculty and staff are available to supervise the students during their lab experience. In addition to this facility and other University resources, nursing students have access to other libraries located in other universities and various clinical facilities in the area.

Testing Program. Students are required throughout the program to sit for standardized achievement tests. Results of these tests provide a basis for review of individual student achievement as well as program effectiveness.

Sigma Theta Tau International. Since 1970, the Beta Alpha Chapter of the International Honor Society for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, has selected members from the Harris School of Nursing student body on the basis of academic merit. Qualified students are invited to join during their junior or senior years.

Honors Program. Nursing majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the University Honors Program and are advised carefully for such achievement. The School supports and encourages participation in the Honors Program.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Curriculum Plan. Harris School has initiated an innovative curriculum designed to prepare graduates to work in a wide variety of agencies, clinics, home care agencies, and other community-based facilities in addition to hospitals and extended care facilities. Emphasis in classrooms and patient care settings is on the development of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making. Students are expected to assume considerable responsibility for their own learning. They are expected to become increasingly independent in the exercise of clinical judgment and in application of nursing process to a variety of nursing problems and situations.

Nursing courses constitute approximately one-half of the four-year program. The sequence of nursing courses provides learning experiences in all major practice areas and in a variety of institutions and agencies in and around Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

Typical Schedule

Schedules for University Curriculum courses may vary for individual students.

All of the nursing courses listed below in addition to all courses designated with # must be completed with grades of C or above.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Semester 1


English 10803 (Introduction to Composition)3
# BIOL 20204 (Human Anatomy & Physiology)4
# PSYC 10213 (General Psychology)3
# HIST, United States3
Foreign language3
Total hours16

Semester 2

Religion3
# BIOL 20214 (Human Anatomy & Physiology)4
NURS 10303 (Human Development)3
# SOCI 20213 (Introductory Sociology)3
Foreign language3
Total hours16

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Semester 1


English 20803 (Intermediate Composition)3
# NUTR 104033
# BIOL 20233 (Microbiology)3
# MATH 10043 (Elementary Statistics)13
Explorations Elective3
Total hours15


Semester 2


NURS 20033 Teaching Strategies for Professional Practice3
NURS 20222 Provider of Care I: Concepts2
NURS 20282 Provider of Care I: Practicum2
NURS 30043 Survey of Professional Nursing3
Fine Arts3
Free Elective3
Total hours16

JUNIOR YEAR***

Semester 1


NURS 30053 Critical Inquiry into Health Care Delivery3
NURS 30163 Introduction to Pharmacology3
NURS 30212 Provider of Care II: Concepts2
NURS 30282 Provider of Care II: Practicum2
NURS 30632 Gerontological Nursing2
Upper Division Elective3
Total hours15


Semester 2


NURS 30714 Adult Nursing I: Concepts4
NURS 30783 Adult Nursing I: Practicum3
NURS 30813 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Concepts3
NURS 30882 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Practicum2
NURS 30951 Professional Leadership Seminar I1
Social Science Elective3
Total hours16

SENIOR YEAR

Semester 1


NURS 40114 Adult Nursing II: Concepts4
NURS 40183 Adult Nursing II: Practicum3
NURS 40312 Maternity Nursing: Concepts2
NURS 40382 Maternity Nursing: Practicum2
NURS 40412 Pediatric Nursing: Concepts2
NURS 40482 Pediatric Nursing: Practicum2
NURS 40551 Professional Leadership Seminar II1
Total hours16


Semester 2


NURS 40632 Nursing Research and Theory2
NURS 40813 Community Health Nursing: Concepts3
NURS 40882 Community Health Nursing: Practicum2
NURS 40912 Nursing Management & Leadership: Concepts2
NURS 40982 Nursing Management & Leadership: Practicum2
NURS 40993 Role Transition: Nursing Internship3
Total hours14
GRAND TOTAL HOURS124

*** Summer work in non-nursing courses is recommended prior to junior year

1 MATH 10043 is a prerequisite to NURS 40632
16

Semester 2


NURS 40632 Nursing Research and Theory2
NURS 40813 Community Health Nursing: Concepts3
NURS 40882 Community Health Nursing: Practicum2
NURS 40912 Nursing Management & Leadership: Concepts2
NURS 40982 Nursing Management & Leadership: Practicum2
NURS 40993 Role Transition: Nursing Internship3
Total hours14
GRAND TOTAL HOURS124

*** Summer work in non-nursing courses is recommended prior to junior year

1 MATH 10043 is a prerequisite to NURS 40632

Courses of Instruction

NURS 10111, 10121, 10131, 10303, 20033, 30063, and 30053 ARE OPEN TO ALL MAJORS. SOME MAY REQUIRE PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

NURS 10111 Drugs and the Consumer. Open to all majors. Presentation and discussion of the major classes of both prescription and over the counter drugs in terms of use, safety, drug-drug, and drug-food interactions with emphasis on the role of the informed consumer. Students will be provided with the necessary tools to safely and intelligently evaluate drugs and to make an informed choice regarding their use.

NURS 10121 Healthy Lifestyles. Open to all majors. An introduction to health concepts and applications to daily life. Special emphasis placed on stress management, diet and exercise, sexual practices, and safety.

NURS 10131 HIV/Aids Facts and Issues. Open to all majors. Provides an understanding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome with a focus on prevention of this disease as well as related infections. A description of HIV and classification as well as epidemiology and related societal events will be discussed.

NURS 10303 Human Development. Open to all majors. Prerequisite or concurrent: PSYC 10213. Introduces the student to principles of growth and development throughout life cycle from conception to death. Provides an overview of the major theories of human development.

NURS 10433 Freshman Seminar in Nursing. Topics may vary each time it is offered.

NURS 20033 Teaching Strategies for Professional Practice. Open to all majors. Prerequisite: NURS 10303 or concurrent with permission from the instructor. Introduces theoretical framework for health education and change. Describes the health teaching/learning system and provides opportunity for practical application in multiple settings.

NURS 20222 Provider of Care I: Concepts. Prerequisites: BIOL 20204, 20214, 20233, NURS 10303, NTDT 10403; concurrent: NURS 20282; concurrent or prerequisite: NURS 20033, 30043. Principles of health assessment, health promotion and nursing process in the care of clients through the lifespan are addressed. Assessment of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems is covered. Application of health promotion is emphasized.

NURS 20231 Special Problems in Nursing. Supervised study for students who transfer into Nursing or for students who exhibit special needs during the freshman or sophomore years.

NURS 20232 Special Problems in Nursing. Supervised study for students who transfer into Nursing or for students who exhibit special needs during the freshman or sophomore years.

NURS 20282 Provider of Care I: Practicum. Prerequisites: BIOL 20204, 20214, 20233, NURS 10303, and NTDT 10403; concurrent: NURS 20222; concurrent or prerequisite: NURS 30043, 20033. The acquisition and application of health assessment, health promotion and nursing process in the care of clients throughout the lifespan. This course includes skills lab and practicum.

NURS 30002 Junior Honors Seminar. Prerequisite: Junior status. Students with GPA of 3.4 or above will be invited to enroll. Seminar related to contemporary issues related to health practices and behaviors relevant to professional nursing. Research studies emphasized.

NURS 30043 Survey of Professional Nursing. Prerequisite or concurrent: HIST 10613 or 10603, SOCI 20213. Exploration of key factors influencing development and practice of professional nursing. Emphasis on culture, ethics, values, and history as context of health care and professional practice. Includes legal foundations of practice, essential knowledge, behaviors, and skills of professional nursing. This course is NOT open to all majors.

NURS 30053 Critical Inquiry into Health Care Delivery. Prerequisite or concurrent: ENGL 10803, 20803. Open to all majors with Junior status. Analyzes the health care delivery system in the United States and selected countries. Focuses on society, values, rights, and responsibilities of individuals and groups within the health care delivery systems of the United States and selected countries. The role of the health care provider in influencing public policy related to health care is included. Students analyze the economic, human, and physical resources necessary and available for health care. (Approved for critical inquiry and writing emphasis credit in University Curriculum Requirements.)

NURS 30063 Global Perspectives in Health. The course examines selected cultures in an international setting. Social and scientific factors are related to health beliefs and practices and health care delivery systems of the country visited and examined. Critical analysis of selected topics will be accomplished. Open to all majors. Usually taught in summer abroad program.

NURS 30163 Introduction to Pharmacology. Prerequisites: NURS 20033, 20212, 20282, 30043. Introduction to pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Includes basic terminology and mathematical calculations used in medication administration and the study of specified classifications of medications, their actions, side effects, adverse actions, nursing implications, and drug administration. Three semester hours: two hours lecture, three hours laboratory

NURS 30212 Provider of Care II: Concepts. Prerequisite: NURS 20222, 20282, 20033, 30043; prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 30163; concurrent: NURS 30282. Health assessment, health promotion and nursing process in the care of clients throughout the lifespan continues in this course. Assessment of gastrointestinal; genitourinary; eyes, ear, nose and throat; and neurological systems is covered. Application of health promotion for the student continues. At the completion of NURS 20222, 20282, 30212, 30282 the student has completed three semester hours of health assessment through the lifespan.

NURS 30282 Provider of Care II: Practicum. Prerequisites: NURS 20033, 20222, 20282, 30043; prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 30163; concurrent: NURS 30212. A continuation of acquisition and application of health assessment, health promotion, and nursing process in the care of clients throughout the lifespan. The course includes a skills lab and clinical experience. At the completion on NURS 20222, 20282, 30212, 30282 the student has completed three semester hours of health assessment through the lifespan. This course includes skills lab and practicum.

NURS 30313 Contemporary Nursing Practice. (Open to Registered Nurse students only.) Forty-five class hours. Discussion of contemporary nursing practice in a changing health care system. Orientation to Harris College of Nursing's mission, philosophy, goals and curriculum with consideration of critical thinking, communication, and nursing process as basis for care of healthy individuals and families. Emphasis on health promotion and prevention across the life span.

NURS 30330 Special Problems in Nursing. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. A variable semester hour course of supervised study for students who transfer into Nursing or for those students who exhibit special needs during the junior or senior year. Offers instruction to the student who needs continued guided learning and practice in the calculation of dosages and solutions. The student will concentrate on the performance of the necessary math skills for calculation, the importance of accuracy, and application to specific kinds of nursing situations.

NURS 30503 Issues in Women's Health. Open to all majors. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of instructor. An overview of women's health issues using various social frameworks for analysis. Emphases include prevention, self-care, and social parameters of issues related to reproduction, aging, stress, and roles.

NURS 30632 Gerontological Nursing. Prerequisites: NURS 20033, 20222, 20282, 30043. Issues relating to an aging population such as demographics, ageism, attitudes, and intergenerational concerns. Focuses on healthy aging as well as the specialized needs and nursing care of older persons based on the common physical and psychosocial changes that occur during the aging process. The impact of selected physical and mental health conditions is discussed. Includes observational experiences with older persons in a variety of community settings.

NURS 30714 Adult Nursing I: Concepts. Prerequisites: NURS 30163, 30632, 30212, 30282; concurrent: NURS 30783. Application of nursing process and theories to the health restoration of clients and families experiencing acute disruptions of selected body systems. Concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nutrition are integrated.

NURS 30783 Adult Nursing I: Practicum. Prerequisites: NURS 30163, 30632, 30212, 30282; Concurrent: NURS 30714; Concurrent or prerequisite: NURS 30951 Professional Leadership Seminar I. Students use nursing process, theories, and research findings in caring for adult clients and families with acute disruptions of selected body systems.

NURS 30813 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Concepts. Prerequisites: NURS 30163, 30632, 30212, 30282; Concurrent: NURS 30882. Concepts and principles of individual, family, group and community systems experiencing psychopathology will be explored. Discussion of mental health alterations and the human responses evoked from those alterations will be introduced. The use of nursing strategies and actions in the promotion of mental health will be emphasized.

NURS 30882 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Practicum. Prerequisite: NURS 30163, 30632, 30212, 30282; Concurrent: NURS 30813. Application of the nursing process with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychosocial alteration or pathology.

NURS 30951 Professional Leadership Seminar I. Prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 30053, second Semester Junior Courses. Focuses on responsibilities, skills, and values of profession. Emphasizes strategies in professional role development. Explores communication, accountability, and responsibility for professional practice by analyzing issues in health care.

NURS 40003 Senior Honors Project. Prerequisites: Completion of junior honors seminar; grade point average 3.4. Scholarly project is required involving an area of nursing for in-depth investigations.

NURS 40113 Ethical Dilemmas in Health Care. Open to all majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 20213, 20233, or permission of instructor; junior standing. Provides the student an opportunity to explore ethical problems related to health care.

NURS 40114 Adult Nursing II: Concepts. Concurrent: NURS 40183; Prerequisites: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951. Application of nursing concepts and nursing process to adult clients and families who are experiencing complex acute or chronic disruptions of selected body systems. Concepts of related to chronic and terminal illness and rehabilitation and quality of life issues will be examined. Concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nutrition are integrated.

NURS 40183 Adult Nursing II: Practicum. Concurrent or prerequisite: NURS 40314; Prerequisite: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951. Students use the nursing process, nursing concepts and research-based nursing interventions in caring for adult clients with complex acute, chronic, or terminal disruptions of selected body systems and their families. Students work with interdisciplinary teams in providing acute and chronic care. Students will have experiences in critical, subacute care, and community agencies servicing clients with chronic and/or terminal illnesses.

NURS 40312 Maternity Nursing: Concepts. Prerequisites: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951; Concurrent: NURS 40382. Nursing process and theories will be used with childbearing women and infants, throughout the perinatal period, including normal adaptations and disruptions. The role of nursing in the restoration of health by cooperative relationships with these individuals and groups will be emphasized. Legal, research, socio-cultural, and ethical implications of nursing practice will also be considered.

NURS 40382 Maternity Nursing: Practicum. Prerequisites: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951; Concurrent: NURS 40312. Application of the nursing process to assist in health restoration of high risk childbearing women and their families. Emphasis will be placed on Case Management of families, collaboration with the health care delivery team and families, and a systems approach to the delivery of care.

NURS 40412 Pediatric Nursing: Concepts. Prerequisites: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951; Concurrent: NURS 40482. The nursing process will be applied to children experiencing acute and chronic disruptions to their health. The role of nursing in the restoration of health by cooperative relationships with the child and family will be emphasized. Legal, research, sociocultural, and ethical applications of nursing practice will also be considered.

NURS 40482 Pediatric Nursing: Practicum. Prerequisites: NURS 30714, 30783, 30813, 30882, 30951; Concurrent: 40412. Application of the nursing process to assist in health restoration of children experiencing chronic and acute disruptions of health. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration with the family and the health care delivery team and the family, and a systems approach to the delivery of care.

NURS 40543 Critical Aspects of Pediatric Nursing. Nursing elective. Fifteen class hours and 90 practicum hours. Prerequisites: NURS 40213, 40283, 40713, 40783. Designed to allow the student optimum opportunity for in-depth exploration of aspects of pediatric nursing of particular individual interest to the student.

NURS 40551 Professional Leadership Seminar II. Prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 30951 Professional Leadership Seminar I, First Semester Senior courses. Focuses on professional standards and accountability essential to the baccalaureate nursing graduate role. Explores role of the nurse as a member of the health care team. Emphasizes scope of professional practice and development of personal goals.

NURS 40593 The Trauma Continuum. Nursing elective. Twenty-two class hours and 70 practicum hours. Prerequisites: permission of instructor, NURS 40713, 40783. Focuses on trauma cycle of injury, transport, hospitalization, rehabilitation and disability. Emphasizes continuum of prevention to triage to rehabilitation including nursing care of clients experiencing emergencies or traumatic injuries and an in-depth study of nursing problems related to selected emergency situations including the management of malignant cardiac arrhythmias.

NURS 40632 Research and Theory in Nursing Practice. Prerequisite: MATH 10043; NURS 30053, 40114, 40183, 40312, 40382, 40412, 40482, 40551. The use of theory and research in the construction of a scientific knowledge base for nursing practice will be discussed. Research as a process for developing and examining clinically-based nursing questions will be examined. The importance of evidence-based practice will be emphasized.

NURS 40813 Community Health Nursing: Concepts. Prerequisites: NURS 30053, 40114, 40183, 40312, 40382, 40412, 40482, 40551; Concurrent: NURS 40882. The concept of community/aggregate as client is examined. Methods of community/aggregate assessment, diagnoses, planning, implementation, and evaluation are analyzed. Roles in Community Health Nursing are explored. Nursing's role in meeting the health care needs of a total population is examined. Systems theory, epidemiology, levels of prevention, and the nation's objectives for health are analyzed.

NURS 40882 Community Health Nursing Practicum. Prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 40303; concurrent: NURS 40813. The nursing process is applied to community/aggregate as client. Communities/aggregates are assessed, community/aggregate diagnoses are identified, macro-level interventions planned, implemented, and evaluated. Systems theory, epidemiology, levels of prevention, and the nation's objectives for health are discussed.

NURS 40912 Nursing Management and Leadership: Concepts. Prerequisites: 40213, 40283, 40713, 40783; concurrent: NURS 40983. Theories and principles of leadership and management, which provide the foundation for management of self, health care providers, multiple clients and the profession in the delivery of health care, are introduced. Career paths, job seeking skills and professional responsibilities are explored. The Texas Nurse Practice Act and the ANA Standards of Practice are analyzed. Management roles in various health care settings are reviewed within the context of selected theories and research.

NURS 40982 Nursing Management & Leadership: Practicum. Prerequisites: NURS 30053, 40114, 40183, 40312, 40382, 40412, 40482, 40551; Concurrent: NURS 40912. Students assume professional roles that require application of leadership principles and management skills for the provision of care to a group of clients and the management of a group of health care providers in a variety of clinical settings.

NURS 40993 Role Transition into Nursing Practice: Internship. Prerequisite or concurrent: NURS 40912, 40982, 40813, 40882, 40632. "Full-time" work week precepted internship in an inpatient clinical setting. The purpose of this capstone-nursing internship is to develop competencies and professional growth by working full-time with a nursing professional prior to graduation. Weekly seminars with faculty and class members will be held to review experiences.

NURS 50003 Advanced Pathophysiology. Prerequisites: Admission to the Graduate Program or permission of the instructor. This course provides an understanding of advanced knowledge base of pathophysiologic processes underlying human illness. Content includes systems approach to pathophysiologic processes associated with altered health states in adults.

NURS 50013 Advanced Health Assessment. Prerequisites: Admission to the Graduate Program or permission of the instructor. This course provides an advanced level of skill in the assessment of adults. Content includes comprehensive advanced assessment of adults. Diagnostic and inferential skills are developed. During the clinical portion students will complete three detailed assessments of each individual system, culminating in one comprehensive systems assessment at course completion.

NURS 50053 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. Prerequisites: Admission to the Graduate Program or permission of the instructor. This course emphasizes the pharmacological principles fundamental to the selection of pharmacologic agents in altered health states. Content includes the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacotherapeutic properties of drug categories and specific agents, clinical responses to the use of pharmacologic agents, efficacy and cost-effectiveness issues, client education, adherence, and legal requirements of prescriptive authority.