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NURSING PROFESSIONAL (B.S.N.)
NURSING PROFESSIONAL (B.S.N.)
CAROLYN MASTERS, Ph.D., R.N., CARN, Director Villa Maria School of Nursing
PATRICIA MARSHALL, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, Undergraduate Program Director
FACULTY: Assistant Professors: Valerie Baker, Gary Berringer, Kimberly Blount, Susan
Calvano, Susan Carnes, Janet Friedman, Karen Lumia, Patricia Marshall, Dr. Suzanne O'Connell, Lisa Quinn,
Dr. Sharon Thompson. Associate Professors: Dr. Min Shik Kim, Dr. Carolynn Masters
Applicants to Gannon University College of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences are
admitted to the Villa Maria School of Nursing undergraduate program as freshman nursing
majors. The study of professional nursing starts in the freshman year with clinical nursing
courses beginning at the sophomore level. The curriculum is composed of three distinct but
interrelated elements: (1) a common liberal core which is the same for all baccalaureate
students in the University and which reflects the parent institution's concepts concerning a
liberal educations; (2) supportive courses which are required prerequisites for the
development of the major; and (3) major field courses which prepare the student for a
particular field of endeavor for the future. Of the total 128 credits required for graduation at
Gannon University, the nursing major comprises 60 credits or 46.8 % of the total program.
All students must meet the Core of Discovery requirements as well as prerequisite courses
established by the Villa Maria School of Nursing. The nursing curriculum is arranged in three
sequential levels. All nursing level one courses and support courses must be completed before
student progression to level two nursing courses. The level one support course include:
BIOL106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 118, 122 and 123 or their equivalents; CHEM 105 and 108 or their
equivalents; DIET 202 or its equivalent; PSYC 222 or its equivalent; Statistics (PSYC 211, SOCI
351 or MATH 213) or its equivalent. Level two courses must be completed prior to student
progression to level three courses. Exceptions will be reviewed by the Undergraduate
Program Director (See Villa Maria School of Nursing Handbook for complete listing of
Policies and Procedures).
Upon successful completion of the prescribed program of study, Gannon University awards
the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The student is eligible, upon certification by the
Villa Maria School of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Upon successfully
passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam the title Registered Nurse (R.N.) can be used.
The purpose of the professional nursing program is to prepare students for living a life as
well as for the practice of professional nursing. The community-based baccalaureate program
provides competencies, knowledge, values and roles that prepare professional nurses to provide high quality care to diverse populations, in and across all environments. The program
also prepares students for advanced study and to value life-long learning. The baccalaureate
program in Nursing provides for a balanced study of natural and social sciences in addition
to humanities within the content of professional education to promote critical thinking, effective communication, caring, respect, and concern for individuals.
The State Board of Nursing shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has
been convicted of a felonious act as identified in the Nurse Practice Act No. 1985-109. See
complete policy in Nursing Handbook.
Proof of current health records, child abuse clearance, criminal clearance and Health Care
Provider CPR are required prior to enrollment in NURS 206.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
(# indicates Clinical Laboratory Component)
NURS 101: Seminar: Nursing as a Profession I
This seminar explores the history of professional nursing and introduces concepts underlying
professionalism. The evolution of professional nursing, current educational patterns, nursing
roles and practice settings, and nursing as a research-based practice are addressed. Students
are introduced to: the key concept of caring as it relates to their professional nursing role; the
necessity of ongoing reflection and self evaluation; service learning and its role in personal
and professional development. Open to all University students.
1 credit, Fall
NURS 102: Seminar: Nursing as a Profession II
This seminar is the second in a series of two professional nursing seminars. This seminar
underscores nursing's role within the health care environment, and emphasizes nursing's
expertise in health promotion and risk reduction across the lifespan. The concept of the
health-illness continuum is discussed as is the impact of culture, ethnicity, and personal
values on health behaviors. Students are introduced to: legal and ethical principles that guide
nursing practice; the impact of personal and professional values on decision making and
professional behavior; basic models for delivery of nursing care; and human services
agencies. Open to all University students.
1 credit, Spring
NURS 204: Pharmacology and Nursing Implications of
Medication Administration
This course is designed to focus on nursing pharmacology by presenting a firm theoretical
foundation and a practical approach to drug therapy applicable in community-based settings.
The course presents general principles, theories, and facts about drugs. General characteristics
of major classifications of medications are discussed. Specific information regarding action,
dosage, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of selected medications within
each classification is addressed. Practical information is presented on how the nursing process
is integrated with pharmacology. Specific drug information is discussed in relation to
assessment, nursing diagnoses, client monitoring, interventions, client education, and
evaluation of safe and effective drug therapy.
Prerequisites: CHEM 105, 108, BIOL 106, 107, 122, 123
2 credits, Spring
#NURS 205: Nursing Practice Competencies
This course focuses on the acquisition and use of nursing practice competencies required
for the delivery of nursing care. Emphasis is placed on mastery of core scientific principles
that underlie all competencies. It is not within the scope of this course to cover every skill
encountered by the professional nurse. Strategies are employed which help the student identify
those competencies essential for baccalaureate nursing practice and understand
the scientific principles that underpin the application of those competencies.
Students are expected to apply concepts and assessment techniques learned during
previous courses. Supervised on-campus and off-campus labs are scheduled for
student learning. Concurrent with NURS 204, 207.
Prerequisite: NURS 206
2 clinical laboratory credits, Spring
#NURS 206: Health Assessment I
This is the first course in a two-course sequence in health assessment for the professional
nursing student. Successful completion of this course will provide the student a nursing
approach for conducting and documenting a comprehensive health assessment. The student
will learn to consider normal variations specific to gender, age, developmental level, and
culture. A major expectation is that the student applies appropriate health promotion
strategies to members of the peer group and to identified populations within the community.
Health Assessment I focuses on concepts specific to the nursing process, the environment, and
safety, as well as physical assessment techniques, interviewing and communication skills, the
taking of health histories, vital signs and physical measurements, including height, weight,
and body mass index.
In addition, specific health assessment data collection strategies are stressed, including general
health, nutritional, mental status, pain, spiritual, and sexual. Expected findings across the
lifespan are identified. The student learns documentation requirements, medical terminology
and abbreviations, and begins the application of the principles of teaching and learning.
Students are expected to identify appropriate health assessment data collection strategies and
to apply appropriate health promotion strategies as outlined by course faculty. Supervised oncampus
and off-campus clinical laboratory sessions are scheduled to enhance student learning.
Corequisite: BIOL 115, 116
1 clinical laboratory credit, Fall
#NURS 207: Health Assessment II
This is the second course in a two-course sequence in health assessment for the professional
nursing student. Successful completion of this course will enhance the nursing approach for
conducting and documenting a comprehensive health assessment. The student will add to the
knowledge gained in the first course in this series. A major expectation is that the student
applies appropriate health promotion strategies to identified populations within the
community.
Health Assessment II builds on all concepts learned in Health Assessment I, concepts specific
to the nursing process, the environment, and safety, as well as physical assessment
techniques, interviewing and communication skills, the taking of health histories, vital signs
and physical measurements, including height, weight, and body mass index. The student is expected
to incorporate specific health assessment data collection strategies, including general health,
nutritional, mental status, pain, spiritual, and sexual, as well as expected findings across the
lifespan into nursing care strategies. In addition, the student is expected to document appropriately,
use medical terminology and abbreviations correctly, and apply the principles of teaching and learning
effectively.
Systems are introduced to increase physical assessment capabilities. Systems presented during
this semester include: integumentary; head, eye, ear, nose, and throat [HEENT];
cardiovascular; respiratory; gastrointestinal [GI]; genitourinary [GU]; musculoskeletal;
reproductive; neurological; peripheral vascular; lymphatic; and endocrine.
Students are expected to use concepts learned in Health Assessment I and add knowledge
gained in Health Assessment II to increase competency in health assessment. Students are
required to conduct a comprehensive health assessment and to apply appropriate health
promotion strategies as outlined by course faculty. Supervised on-campus and off-campus
clinical laboratory sessions are scheduled to enhance student learning.
Prerequisites: NURS 206, BIOL 115, 116
Corequisites: NURS 204, 205, BIOL 117, 118
1 clinical laboratory credit, Spring
NURS 308: The Research Process in Nursing
Using a comprehensive approach, this course is designed to stimulate student interest in the
research process, theory development, and translation of findings to nursing practice.
Students learn the components, principles, and methods of scientific research to become
discerning consumers of research.
Prerequisite: PSYC 211, SOCI 351 or MATH 213
3 credits, Fall
NURS 309: Influences on Health and Disease
This course enables the student to explore values that underlie health seeking behaviors and
the provision of care. Students explore various behaviors that influence health, wellness, and
motivation to seek health care. The influences of family, culture, lifestyle choices, and at-risk
behaviors are considered. The course enables the student to understand the basic concepts of
biological, psychological, and spiritual processes and how these affect the health of an
individual across the life span. The concepts of homeostasis, mechanisms of disease, and crisis
and stress related to acute or chronic illness are explored specific to how these concepts affect
the patient and the patient's family. An overview of shock, inflammation, infection, altered
immune response, oncology, and fluid and electrolyte balance is presented. In addition, the
student will learn the nursing responsibilities associated with care of the patient during the
perioperative period.
Prerequisites: BIOL 106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 118, CHEM 105, 108, NURS 101, 102, 204, 205, 206, 207
2 credits, Fall
#NURS 310: Promoting Healthy Childbearing
In this course students will have the opportunity to participate in the excitement, wonder, and
mystery of birth - a learning experience that will forever influence the way they see the self,
the world, and the future. They also have the opportunity to examine theoretical and clinical
experiences from a personal perspective and to explore their beliefs and values
about childbirth and parenting.
Maternal-newborn nursing focuses on the health needs and responses of women,
their partners and their families. The practice of maternal-newborn nursing is
directed toward improving the quality of life for infants and the adults who
assume primary responsibility for the infants well being. Nursing not only
involves direct care to the childbearing family, but also includes health
teaching and counseling.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
#NURS 311: Promoting Health and Health Restoration of
Older Adults
This course is designed to assist the student to adopt the behaviors inherent in the role of
the professional nurse. Through lectures and planned clinical experiences, the student
applies concepts of health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and health restoration
for older adults. The student will work with older adults in a variety of community-based settings as
they assess and manage physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of older adults.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
#NURS 312: Promoting Health in Childrearing Families
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply
the nursing process in promoting the health of pediatric populations. Three
levels of prevention are addressed with students providing anticipatory
guidance, wellness care, age appropriate screenings and illness care. Health
promotion strategies are applied in such a manner as to recognize the family as
the primary caregiver. Clinical experiences are community-based and include
ambulatory clinics, educational and in-patient sites.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
#NURS 313: Promoting Health and Health Restoration in
Adults I
This course is designed to assist the student to gain an
understanding of the health care needs of the acute or chronically ill adult.
The course incorporates principles of developmental needs of adults, who have
socially and culturally diverse backgrounds, in a variety of settings.
Collaboration of the client and health care team in promoting and maintaining an
optimal level of functioning are addressed. Illness care in the adult client is
emphasized.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
NURS 404: Nurse Power Politics (Capstone)
This capstone Liberal Studies course is a seminar experience designed to provide
the student with an opportunity to explore contemporary health care issues, to
analyze these issues within the historical, professional context as well as the
context of his or her value system, and to adopt a position regarding such
issues. The student is engaged in an active exploration of his/her own
philosophy of nursing. Students are guided through this analysis by faculty who
facilitate open discussions and exchange of ideas. Students develop skill in
formulation of a position, consideration of others’ viewpoints and defense of
such a position, as well as to realize the potential impact and power of
political activity. Students also realize the importance of individual action
and commitment. Service learning is a required component of the course.
Prerequisites: NURS 408
3 credits (seminar), Spring
#NURS 406: Promoting Health and Health Restoration in
Adults II
This course provides the student with knowledge and nursing strategies that
can be applied to clients with complex health concerns including chronic,
multisystem, life threatening, and end of life care. The focus is on strategies
that recognize the quality of life and maintain optimal level of functioning.
Students build upon concepts learned in previous courses and apply concepts from
concurrent courses. Adult critical care nursing is emphasized.
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 313
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
#NURS 407: Promoting and Restoring Mental Health
This course incorporates nursing care of persons who are
mentally healthy as well as those with known psychiatric disorders. The course
provides students with an opportunity to explore a broad range of nursing
interventions to promote optimal mental health. The emphasis is placed on the
use of advanced therapeutic communication techniques.
Prerequisites: NURS 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
NURS 408: Management and Leadership in Nursing
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills related to
the delivery of health care services within a nursing management context.
Theories, concepts and models are presented which give the student an
understanding of the knowledge base required for effective management and
assuming a leadership role in professional nursing practice. The course provides
the knowledge and skills necessary to apply principles in planning and
delegating nursing care and discusses developing creative roles for managing and
leading in nursing. Concurrent with NURS 406 or 407 or 414
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
3 credits, Fall
#NURS 414: Promoting Healthy Communities
This course provides students with a perspective of professional
nursing at the community level of practice. Course content will provide an
overview of specific issues and societal concerns that affect community health
nursing practice; epidemiological applications in community health nursing;
educational theories, models, and principles applied in community health
nursing; risk factors and health problems for defined populations across the
lifespan; issues and approaches in providing for the health care of defined
populations in the community; specific health care needs and issues for
populations at risk; communicable disease risk and prevention; and the diversity
in the role of the community health nurse. Students apply previous knowledge and
the nursing process in maximizing the health status of individuals, families,
and defined populations within the community.
Prerequisites: NURS 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory ), Fall or Spring
#NURS 415: Comprehensive Nursing Practicum
This senior nursing practicum facilitates the students’
ability to synthesize knowledge, skills, and experiences in selected health care
settings. This experience enables the student to develop independence in
professional practice. Individual goals and objectives are mutually determined
by faculty and student to evaluate success in the practicum. Students are paired
with an agency preceptor to attain individualized course objectives. A
faculty-facilitated seminar is conducted weekly. Last semester of the Senior
year.
Prerequisites: NURS 408
6 clinical laboratory credits (12 hours clinical and 2 hours seminar per week)
Elective Courses
The following courses are offered as electives to provide
the student with the opportunity to investigate in more detail a specific area
of interest.
NURS 416: Special Topics in Nursing
Special topic courses are developed by faculty around a
specific area of interest. Objectives may be defined by faculty or mutually
identified by students and faculty.
1-3 credits, Fall or Spring
#NURS 417: Elective Clinical Practicum
The Elective Clinical Practicum provides senior professional
nursing majors with learning experiences to expand the student’s understanding
of the professional nurse role in a chosen clinical area. The course is limited
to seniors who have a demonstrated ability to work independently. The student
must follow the School of Nursing guidelines for practicum courses.
1-3 clinical laboratory credits, Fall or Spring
NURS 418: Basic Dysrhythmia Interpretation
This course is designed for professional nursing majors who
desire to develop skills in dysrhythmia interpretation. Identification of EKG
features, predisposing conditions and treatments; role of the nurse in client
care; and current ACLS interventions are emphasized.
Crosslisted with SPRT 425.
Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116, 117, 118.
2 credits
NURS 423/GNURS 523: Women's Health Issues
This course will provide the student an understanding of health issues affecting women.
Major health promotion strategies and their theoretical models will be presented. Analysis of
case studies will enhance student understanding of effective methods of promoting positive
health-seeking behaviors among women of all ages across cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic
backgrounds. The influence of social, economic and political issues on women's health will be
stressed. Open to all university students. The course is cross-listed for undergraduate and
graduate nursing curricula.
3 credits
#NURS 428: School Nursing
This course is designed to focus on the professional nurse’s
role in school health. Emphasis is placed on the dimensions of school nursing.
Attention is given to the role of paraprofessional school health workers.
Clinical facilities for this course include the Erie City School District and
other school systems within the County. Required for School Nurse Certification.
(3 hours lecture, 3 hours clinical laboratory. Not open to juniors.) Senior year
4 credits
NURS 435/GNURS 535 Fundamentals of Forensic Nursing
This introductory course provides the student with knowledge and nursing
strategy to better meet the needs of those affected by forensic related health
care situations and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The course explores the
history and development of forensic nursing as a scientific subspecialty of
nursing; the forensic nursing process; application of the forensic nursing role
(i.e. sexual assault management, death investigation, child death review,
abuse/neglect, emergency department, etc.), violence and victimology; injury
identification and interpretation; evidence recognition, collection,
preservation, and documentation; and finally, forensic nursing and the law/legal
interface.
The course is cross-listed for undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula.
3 credits
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BSN Nursing Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)
| FRESHMAN |
| Fall Semester | | Spring Semester |
| 3 | Introduction to Psychology/PSYC 111 |
| 3 | College Composition/LENG 111 |
| 3 | Hist of West & World/LHST 111 |
| 3 | Sacred Scriptures/LTHE 121 |
| 4 | Physiological Chem&Lab/CHEM 105, 108 |
| 1 | Seminar: Nsg as a Prof I/NURS 101 |
| 17 | Credits |
|
|
| 4 | Mol/Cell Biol & Lab/BIOL 122,123 |
| 3 | Basic Sociology/SOCI 110 |
| 3 | Crit Analysis & Comp/LENG 112 |
| 3 | Psych of Human Devel/PSYC 222 |
| 1 | Seminar:Nsg as a Prof II/NURS 102 |
| 3 | Inv. to Philosophy/LPHI 231 |
| 17 | Credits |
|
| |
| SOPHOMORE |
| Fall Semester | | Spring Semester |
| 3 | Literature Series/LENG |
| 4 | Anat and Phys I & Lab/BIOL115/116 |
| 3 | Stats/PSYC 211/SOCI 351 |
| 3 | Fine Art Series/LFIN |
| 1 | #Health Assessment I/NURS 206 |
| 4 | Microbiology & Lab/BIOL 106,107 |
| | |
| 18 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | Theology II Series/LTHE |
| 3 | Philosophy II Series/LPHI |
| 3 | Nutrition/DIET 202 |
| 4 | Anat and Phys II&Lab/BIOL 117,118 |
| 2 | #Nursing Practice Competencies/NURS 205 |
| 2 | Pharm & Nsg Implications of Med Admin/NURS 204 |
| 1 | #Health Assessment II/NURS 207 |
| 18 | Credits |
|
| |
| JUNIOR |
| Fall Semester | | Spring Semester |
| 3 | Nursing Research/NURS 308 |
| 2 | Influences Hlth / Disease/NURS 309 |
| 5 | #Prom Healthy Childbearing/NURS 310 |
| 5 | #Prom Hlth in Childrear Fam/NURS 312 |
| | |
| 15 | Credits |
|
|
| 5 | #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration of Older Adults/NURS 311 |
| 5 | #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration in Adults I/NURS 313 |
| 3 | Theo/Phil III Series/LTHE or LPHI |
| 3 | Elective |
| 16 | Credits |
|
| |
| SENIOR |
| Fall Semester | | Spring Semester |
| 5 | #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration in Adults II/NURS 406 |
| 5 | #Prom & Restoring Mental Health/NURS407 |
| 3 | Mgmt and Ldshp in Nsg/NURS 408 |
| 13 | Credits |
|
|
| 5 | #Prom Hlthy Com/NURS 414 |
| 6 | #Comp Nursing Prac/NURS
415 |
| 3 | Nurse Power Pol/NURS 404** |
| 14 | Credits |
|
| |
Total credits: 128
# clinical course - meets 3 hours per week per clinical laboratory credit.
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in nursing
courses and BIOL 115, 116, 117, and 118 to progress in the program.
Nursing requires a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above to progress in the program.
** Meets Core of Discovery requirements for LBST 383.
Total credit requirements for Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (B.S.N.) is 128 credits.
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