Second Degree BSN Curriculum
First Semester
UPNS 140 Professional Development Seminar - 1 Credit
This course establishes a foundation for future study in the nursing curriculum for the adult learner with a baccalaureate degree and life experiences. The course strives to assist the student to begin the socialization process necessary to enter and practice nursing as a profession. The student is introduced to nursing as an academic discipline and human science profession according to the philosophy and conceptual framework of the School of Nursing. The concepts of health promotion and illness prevention will be examined. Professional nursing is explored from a historical perspective as it relates to present and emerging roles. The role of the nurse is examined as a vehicle for health and healing for individuals, families, and communities. Nursing practice, nursing roles, nursing image, nursing education, and nursing research will serve as the basis for dialogue of current and future nursing and health care issues.
UPNS 141 Transcultural Responses and Professional Communication in Health Care - 3 Credits
The course investigates the significance of transcultural health care and examines communication as the foundation of all human interaction. Models, theories and approaches of transcultural nursing will be presented to articulate the applicability to nursing practice. Principles of therapeutic communication and major communication theories will be utilized as a means of promoting therapeutic relationships in nursing. This course will emphasize the importance of using communication in the promotion of culturally congruent care.
UPNS 240 Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice - 4 Credits
This course orients the student to the ways nurses engage in critical thinking, promote the science of nursing, and emphasize the importance of caring. Inclusion of various ideas on how one comes to know helps students to gain insight their learning and prepares them to teach others. The art and science of nursing is presented through the synergy model which conceptualizes how nurse characteristics interact with patient needs. The course also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research to support clinical nursing practice. The steps of the research process are explored as they are applied to clinical practice. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are included
UPNS 242 Health Assessment in a Community Context - 5 Credits
This course uses the Synergy Model to assess the characteristics of individuals across the life span. It provides the foundation for health assessment critical to nursing practice. A systems approach is utilized to teach students to perform a physical assessment of the adult, child, pregnant woman, and older adult. Students learn to critically evaluate assessment findings and differentiate between normal and alterations indicative of actual or potential health problems. Community characteristics will be explored and strategies developed to promote the health of the community.
UPNS 243/243R Synergy in Nursing Practice: Healthy People - 3 Credits
This initial clinical course uses the Synergy Model of Patient Care to identify the characteristics of individuals in a variety of community settings. These clinical learning experiences provide the opportunity to apply concepts of communication, cultural diversity, growth and development, and nutrition through teaching of health promotion, disease prevention and wellness strategies. These clinical learning experiences provide a context for the exploration of threats to the health of the individual and the community. Appropriate nursing interventions are implemented to promote health and prevent disease. Community characteristics are assessed.
UPNS 244 Nursing Skills and Technology - 3 Credits
This course uses the AACN Synergy Model of Patient Care as the basis for the development of nurse competencies in specific patient care procedures. Emerging technology for use in patient care is included.
UPNS 245 Foundational Concepts in Nursing - 2 Credits
This course introduces the student to important fundamental concepts in the practice of professional nursing. The course uses the AACN Synergy Model of Patient Care as the basis for the development of nurse competencies in the care of the patient. Physiological concepts of immobility, fluid and electrolyte balance, and nursing care of the surgical patient are presented and serve as the foundation for future practice. Specific needs of the individual and strategies for caring for the individual across the lifespan will be closely examined. Information related to diagnostic lab tests and documentation will also be included. The concepts of nursing process, health promotion, health education, communication and the prevention of illness are integrated throughout the course.
UPNS 246 Concepts in Health Promotion & Human Development Across the Lifespan - 3 Credits
The student explores human development from conception through death. Emphasis is placed on an individual’s psychological, cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual development within the context of the family, community, and culture. Health promotion concepts and illness prevention practices are discussed within the context of the Synergy Model of Patient Care and with specific reference to health care disparities.
R - Recitation