Nursing

Students are introduced to the profession of nursing as a lifelong career in health care. A historical perspective of nursing will include significant individuals and their contribution to the profession. College of Saint Mary Nursing Philosophy will serve as a basis for discussion related to curriculum strands of patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional role. Students will also be introduced to introductory nursing skills in the skills laboratory.

This nursing course will provide the theoretical framework upon which subsequent nursing courses will build. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, communication, safety, leadership, professional role, and the nursing process. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on the adult in a variety of clinical and health care settings.

Students are introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories. The concepts of patient-centered care and drug management with a focus on the geriatric population will be included.

The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of community health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of settings.

Students are introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic, and over-the counter medications in the community.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities, and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. Course will focus on, health promotion, health maintenance, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents, and families along the health-illness continuum. Concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of pediatric inpatient and community-based settings.

Students will apply principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications, and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients. Nursing assessment and evaluation of patient responses to medications in relation to health, age, lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, and other cultural factors are explored.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society.  The student will develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs as they impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking healthcare. Cultural concepts and principles are discussed as related to provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and public health settings. This course provides a balance between acquiring some background knowledge of select cultural groups encountered in clinical practice, and developing attitudes and skills that are not specific to any particular culture but are universally relevant.

The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.

Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in medical/surgical settings. Emphasis is on skill development in systematic assessment utilizing the nursing process, developing competency in selected nursing therapies, and developing a role as a professional nurse.

Students continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population.

This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. Students will integrate and expand on previously learned skills and theories. Students will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation, and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team.

Student will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations.

This baccalaureate nursing course provides students with the opportunity to apply leadership and management concepts/principles relevant to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership and management affect patient-centered care, safety, professional role, and communication.