NUR 326   Nursing Introduction to Evidence Based Practice 3 credits

This course provides tools for understanding how evidence-based practice in nursing using research techniques and strategies improves client outcomes and the health of populations. Topics include research design and methodologies, ethical guidelines, how to translate research into practice, and beginning research writing and the role of the nurse as a collaborator in research and evidence-based practice. The student acquires the skills needed to use databases to search for and identify scientific resources, and to synthesize data to determine best practice in the care of clients. 3 credits theory (135 contact hours)

NUR 330   Ethics & Decision Making in Nursing Practice 4 credits

This course examines the fundamental ethical theories, principles, Christian virtues, and models of decision-making designed, to support the complex issues nurses face today. At the completion of this course students will have a greater understanding of the ethical principles applied to nursing practice and health care delivery settings. Basic ethical principles relating to research with human subjects will be explored. The Christian ethic of social justice is explored with the emphasis upon reducing health disparities. Students will begin to develop a personal model of decision making that is consistent with core personal values, legal and regulatory requirements, standards of care and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

NUR 345   Professional Practice and Role Development in Nursing 4 credits

This course explores the historical, current, and future outlook of nursing practice. Students will critically examine the current and emerging trends for the nurse's role in health care delivery. Professional accountability is emphasized through reinforcement of the profession’s Code of Ethics for Nurses and the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, and Nursing's Social Policy Statement. Emphasis will be placed on how social policy may influence nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Nursing theory is introduced. Students will draft a personal philosophy of nursing, to include his/her beliefs regarding the four major concepts of nursing (nurse, client, health, and environment) and their interface to the interprofessional team, and the evolving context of healthcare.

NUR 360   Transcultural Nursing & Advanced Health Assessment 4 credits

The content of this course is designed to advance skills in health assessment, including physical, behavioral, psychological, spiritual, family history, socioeconomic, and environmental, and will further broaden and advance the student’s knowledge of human diversity and global awareness. Frameworks that support culturally aware care will be analyzed. The student will gain understanding of specific cultural phenomena and apply knowledge of the phenomena to assessment and intervention techniques to diverse groups. The student will further explore ethnocentrism and reflect on his/her own biases, prejudices, and stereotypes and the impact they may have on providing culturally competent care that supports Christian acts of service and justice.

NUR 375   Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits

This course provides a basis for analysis and application of current nursing qualitative and quantitative research to the practice of nursing. The research process is examined and utilized to provide a foundation for students to critically examine published research articles and guidelines. Barriers to integrating evidence to practice will be analyzed with potential solutions explored within the course.

NUR 376   Applied Pathophysiology 3 credits

This course addresses the pathophysiology of health, illness, and disease in the adult lifespan. Using active learning strategies, students will identify health risk factors, clinical manifestations, and explore symptom assessment. (Pre-requisites: Admission to the Nursing Program). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours)

NUR 378   Pharmacology in Nursing 4 credits

This course examines the role of the nurse in comprehensive care of patients that require pharmacological therapy, including the awareness of integrative therapies. Medication administration content focuses on patient rights, safety, and methods of medication administration across the lifespan. Information technology including the electronic health record are utilized to support safe medication administration. (Pre-requisites: Admission to the Nursing Program). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours)

NUR 380   Fundamentals of Professional Nursing 6 credits

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse in the context of its historical foundations, professional ethics, and the Christian value of social justice. The nursing process is introduced, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions for patients experiencing alterations in integral components of client care. In the lab, students will learn basic foundational skills. (Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours), 2 credits clinical (90 contact hours).

NUR 382   Health Promotion and Assessment 3 credits

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse with a focus on health assessment and health promotion in adult and geriatric clients. Interviewing, history-taking, physical assessment, and documentation techniques are developed. The evaluation of assessment findings is explored and methods for communicating findings is demonstrated. Using a multitude of activities, students explore how to promote optimal patient health and maximize quality of life through health promotion coaching strategies and education. The skills lab enables the student to integrate and apply the knowledge of assessment and health promotion to the care of clients. (Pre-requisites: Admission to Nursing Program). 2 credits theory (90 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours)

NUR 384   Behavioral Health Nursing 4 credits

Students investigate implications and impact of clients living with an altered pattern of behavior, thought, or mood. The professional values of the nurse are explored through study of ethical issues and the therapeutic use of self in establishing nurse-client relationships. Students apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of clients experiencing alterations in mental health and identify the nurse’s role in interprofessional collaboration. (Prerequisites: NUR 376, NUR 378, NUR 380, NUR 382). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 1 credit clinical (45 contact hours).

NUR 388   Population Health 5 credits

This course focuses on the role of the nurse providing population focused nursing care supporting clinical prevention and health promotion. Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, social determinants of health, environmental health and emergency/disaster preparedness are explored. Students explore the role of the nurse as a change agent in influencing public health policy. (Prerequisites: NUR 376, NUR 378, NUR 380, NUR 382). ** The course includes a clinical experience designed to meet the requirements for the Minnesota Board of Nursing Public Health Nursing Registration, which involves completion of a community health assessment. 3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 2 credits clinical (90 contact hours).

NUR 390   Nursing Care of the Adult I 6 credits

This course introduces students to medical-surgical nursing and focuses on promoting and providing safe, holistic, client-focused care to adults experiencing acute and chronic alterations in health. Utilizing evidence-based practice, students apply theoretical knowledge, scientific principles, and nursing skills while exploring communication and collaboration with interprofessional teams to promote optimal health outcomes. (Prerequisites: NUR376, NUR 378, NUR 380, NUR 382). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours), 2 credits clinical (90 contact hours).

NUR 400   Leadership and Management in Nursing 4 credits

This course is focused on development of leadership and management skills necessary for effective nursing practice. Theories of leadership and management are introduced, and management roles and functions reviewed. An overview of finance and healthcare reimbursement will be provided along with nursing’s contribution to organizational finance explored. Collaboration and communication with interdisciplinary teams will be analyzed, and students will practice strategies for negotiation and conflict resolution. The role of the nurse within micro and macro systems of healthcare organizations will be explored. The purpose of the mission, vision, philosophy and values in relation to organizational structure and nursing’s role will be examined. The contributions of nursing and the nurse leader in creating and supporting a culture of safety and caring will be analyzed. Quality improvement models and structure, process, and outcome measures are explored with a focus on patient safety principles and care standards.

NUR 417   Nursing Care of the Adult II 6 credits

This course expands upon Nursing Care of the Adult I with a focus on promoting and providing safe, holistic care to adults experiencing acute, chronic, and complex alterations in health incorporating the nursing process. Students expand their role as effective communicators and collaborators in interprofessional healthcare teams. This course includes didactic, lab, clinical experiences and simulation. (Prerequisites: NUR 384, NUR 388, NUR 390).3 credits theory (135 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours), 2 credits clinical (90 contact hours).

NUR 418    Nursing Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Family 6 credits

In this course, the student studies both client and family-centered care of childbearing families, mothers, and newborns (obstetrical nursing) as well as client and family-centered care of children (pediatric nursing). Evidence-based practice in maternity, newborn and pediatric care is examined in the didactic, lab, and clinical setting. (Prerequisites: NUR 384, NUR 388, NUR 390). 4 credits theory (180 contact hours), 1 credit lab (45 contact hours), 1 credit clinical (45 contact hours).

NUR 419   Aging, Chronicity and Palliative Care 3 credits

Students synthesize knowledge and apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of patients with multiple complex health conditions. As accountable decision makers, students correlate patient assessment with pathophysiology and evaluate responses to interventions for patients requiring intensive nursing and medical care for the aging and chronically ill patient. Students further develop the roles of educator, collaborator, leader, and advocate to care for patients and families across the continuum of care. Students will apply concepts of spiritual and cultural influences on palliative and end of life care delivery. (Prerequisites: NUR 384, NUR 388, NUR 390). 2 credits theory (90 contact hours), 1 credit clinical (45 contact hours).

NUR 420   Nursing Informatics 2 credits

This course provides nursing students with introductory knowledge and skills to use information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe and effective care. The course assists nursing students to recognize when there is a need for information, and to identify, locate, evaluate, and apply that information. The course provides information about library science and how information literacy is used to locate appropriate resources for education of clients and the community about health and disease. (Prerequisites: NUR 417, NUR 418, NUR 419). 2 credits theory (90 contact hours)

NUR 424   Transition into Professional Nursing 7 credits

This capstone course prepares students for entry into professional nursing practice as a lifelong learner and leader. Students complete an internship experience focused on transition to practice to include exploration of the role of nurse as leader and manager in the context of contemporary issues within health care. The student will utilize knowledge, skill, and creativity to promote and manage safe, holistic care for diverse clients within complex and multifunctional health care delivery systems. (Prerequisites: NUR 417, NUR 418, NUR 419). 2 credits theory (90 contact hours), 5 credits clinical (225 contact hours).

NUR 426   Nursing Introduction to Evidence Based Practice 3 credits

This course utilizes an evidence-based practice model to identify a practice question, evaluate the evidence, and translate to practice with the goal of improving nursing practice and healthcare outcomes. Basic concepts of nursing research including research design and methodologies, ethical guidelines, and scholarly writing will also be explored. (Prerequisites: NUR 417, NUR 418, and NUR 419). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours)

NUR 428   Leadership in Nursing 3 credits

This course aims to cultivate professional maturity and foster a capacity for nursing leadership. Students will examine the responsibility of the individual nurse, nurse leader, and organization to sustain a just culture reflecting civility and respect. The application of leadership skills and concepts to identify the need for and to promote change will be emphasized. The value of emotional intelligence in promoting a collaborative and respectful environment in healthcare is explored. (Prerequisites: NUR 417, NUR 418, NUR 419). 3 credits theory (135 contact hours)

NUR 430   Nursing Informatics 4 credits

This course introduces students to healthcare information systems and basic informatics concepts. The impact of technology to safeguard nursing practice and patient outcomes will be examined. Emphasis is placed on the management of information, knowledge, and technology to support efficiency, encourage effective communication, enhance the quality and safety of patient care, and ensure accurate documentation and revenue capture. Efficiency and accuracy of data collection for regulatory purposes will be explored via extracted or abstracted methods. The use of data to influence changes in clinical practice aimed at the improvement of patient outcomes will be examined. Students will explore informatics concepts and continuous improvement models to support improved workflow and efficiency, encourage effective communication, drive decision support, and ensure accurate documentation. Resource stewardship and patient safety considerations will guide students throughout the course.

NUR 431   Nursing Introduction to Evidence Based Practice 3 credits

This course provides tools for understanding how evidence-based practice in nursing using research techniques and strategies improves patient outcomes and the health of populations. Topics include research design and methodologies, ethical guidelines, how to translate research into practice, and beginning research writing and the role of the nurse as a collaborator in research and evidence-based practice. The student acquires the skills needed to use databases to search for and identify scientific resources, and to synthesize data to determine best practice in the care of individuals, families, and populations. (Prerequisites: NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites NUR453, NUR464, and NUR465).

NUR 445   Introduction to Care Coordination & Case Management 4 credits

This course will compare health reform goals and the role of care coordination and case management in supporting improved quality and safety of care for individuals and populations, and controlling cost through the efficient and effective use of resources that mitigates fragmentation of communication of health information and delivery of services. The nurse’s role in patient-centered care coordination is explored with emphasis on care transitions and care coordination models for the different levels of care. Risk stratification tools will be examined with contrast to the public health prevention levels. Formulation of a collaborative, personalized, and proactive care plan to address the client’s needs and health risks based on their prevention level of risk will be explored. Ongoing evaluation methods with measurable outcomes will be identified with discussion of care plan revision based on the outcomes.

NUR 453   Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family 4 credits

Utilizing the nursing process, this course prepares the student to meet the developmental, biological, and psychosocial health and illness needs of the childrearing family within the context of family-centered care. Students analyze theories, concepts, research, issues and trends as well as genetic and environmental factors that affect the health of the childrearing family. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: PSY230, NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites: NUR431, NUR464, and NUR465).

NUR 460   Population Health Nursing 4 credits

This course focuses on the role of the nurse providing population focused nursing care supporting clinical prevention and health promotion. The history of community health will be reviewed and contrasted with the current roles in community health nursing. Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, social determinants of health, environmental health, and emergency/disaster preparedness are explored. Health policy will be analyzed within and outside the United States as to its impact on health disparities, health, and the healthcare experience. The unique cultural makeup of a community will be assessed with application to delivery of a population-focused intervention. A practice experience designed to meet the requirements for the Minnesota Board of Nursing Public Health Nursing Registration is included, which involves completion of a community health assessment.

NUR 461   Leadership and Management in Nursing 5 credits

This synthesis course focuses on nursing leadership and professional role development. Students consider principles of management, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and group process skills as they evaluate the role of the nurse as a designer, manager, and coordinator of interprofessional care. The course addresses methods to evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care and analyze cost-effective healthcare delivery systems. Students are required to complete and present a quality improvement project as part of their clinical experience. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 350, NUR 351, NUR 352)

NUR 463   Care of the Complex Patient 3 credits

Students synthesize knowledge and apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of patients with multiple complex health conditions. As accountable decision makers, students correlate patient assessment with pathophysiology and evaluate responses to interventions for patients requiring intensive nursing and medical care. Students further develop the roles of educator, collaborator, leader, and advocate to care for patients and families across the continuum of care. This course includes classroom instruction and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 350, NUR 351, NUR 352)

NUR 475   Nursing Capstone 4 credits

This capstone course emphasizes reflective practice and integration of learning obtained during student’s liberal arts and fundamental nursing course journey. An e-professional portfolio will be created and compiled by each student. The specific Action Plan for a population-focused health promotion activity, created during the NUR 460 Population Health course will be completed as the practice experience during this course. In addition, principles of health teaching for populations will be explored and a Teaching Module created for a specific health topic that demonstrates the application of these principles.

NUR 498   Nursing Practicum 1-12 credits

The goal of the Nursing Practicum is to advance student nursing skills and knowledge. This practicum places students in a setting where the student learns to apply entry-level and more advanced competencies, focusing on enhanced preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.

NUR 600   Foundations: The Art, Science, and Ethics of Graduate Nursing Practice 3 credits

This course will focus on the art and science of nursing for graduate nursing practice in formal and informal leadership roles. Students will reflect on their professional calling and affirm their moral compass including examining potential vulnerabilities that may challenge one’s integrity. Students will explore ethical theories and principles from a nursing leader perspective, analyze contextual factors contributing to ethical dilemmas in the healthcare environment, synthesize, and apply course concepts through the application of ethical decision-making models within the Christian context.

NUR 610   Integration of Epidemiology and Clinical Prevention to Improve Health with Practicum Application 3 credits

This course focuses on basic principles of epidemiology, which includes the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. Using concepts from biostatistics, students will analyze population data to inform and design population health interventions that advocate for social justice and health equity. The course includes a 35-hour practicum, which focuses on the application of epidemiologic concepts and biostatistical principles. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 600)

NUR 620   Translating Evidence into Practice 4 credits

This course focuses on the evidence base for practice decisions and will prepare students to evaluate the strength of the evidence from a statistical and a clinical significance perspective. Students will perform a literature review and a critical appraisal of evidence which will entail a critique of the study framework, research methods, data collection process, and the method of analysis. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 610)

NUR 630   Organizational and Systems Leadership with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course will develop an understanding of the organization of healthcare delivery systems along with the impact of factors that influence healthcare. Students will explore systems theory, change theory, and complexity science in healthcare. Students will examine how leaders develop themselves and others to create an alignment that engages change in addressing the future needs of healthcare. This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 620)

NUR 640   Leading Healthcare Systems and Quality Improvement with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course will examine current principles and practices for healthcare quality including quality improvement methodologies and evaluation of success based on structural, process and outcomes measures. Students will examine how leaders strategically create and influence organizational outcomes with a focus on a culture of safety thru a balanced lens of cost, quality and experience. This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 630)

NUR 650   Information Systems and Technologies to Improve Health Outcomes with Practicum Application 4 credits

Students will investigate the integration of evidence-based practice with organizational science and informatics while examining the role of the nurse leader to inform health information systems and technology to improve health outcomes. Students will also gain essential knowledge of informatics content to be prepared to address stakeholders and to advocate for effective and efficient health information systems and technology that supports improved health outcomes. Students will explore topics such as healthcare technologies such as telehealth and apps that promote wellness. The course includes a 35-hour practicum, which focuses on the application of use of information systems in healthcare.(Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 640)

NUR 660   Leading Care Coordination and Promoting Collaboration to Improve Health Outcomes 3 credits

Students will explore interprofessional considerations and communication strategies that facilitate care coordination across the healthcare continuum with a focus on care transitions. Students will propose ideas for a model of care design and explore outcome measures around quality, cost, and experience for identified individuals and populations. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 650)

NUR 670   Finance, Economics and Resource Management in Healthcare 3 credits

Students will investigate the role of human resource management from an operation manager’s perspective. Students will examine labor issues in nursing including recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. The course emphasizes business and economic principles and practices, including budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, and marketing. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 660)

NUR 680   Nurse as a Leader: Advocacy and Policy with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course explores the impact of policy on health care delivery from an institutional, local, state and federal level. Students learn about the policy making process and apply their learning by analyzing, implementing, and evaluating policy using multiple measures (i.e., ethics, economic, social justice). This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience.(Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 670)

NUR 690   Capstone Synthesis Practicum 4 credits

This capstone course includes a culmination deliverable that demonstrates the synthesis of program content, validates the student preparedness for a nurse leader role, and acts as a summative evaluation of the end of program student learning outcomes. This course includes a 140-hour practicum. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 680)