Course Description For Fall 2008 Courses

PSYC 303 - SELECTED ELECTIVES (300+) - GERONTOLOGY/AGING (3 credits) : Courses acceptable for this selected elective option must focus on the biological, psychological, and/or social aspects of the adult or older adult populations, including research and theory related to issues, needs, and realities of the aging process in these developmental stages of life.
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ENGL 325 - PROFESSIONAL WRITING (3 credits)
Reviewing the use of primary and secondary research materials, this course also covers copyright procedures, government documentation and annotated bibliography. The course stresses publication in professional journals and presentations at professional conferences.
Pre/corequisites: None. Fall and Spring semesters.
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NURS 326 - CONCEPTUAL BASES IN NURSING (3 credits)
This course is the socialization course for the upper division Registered Nurse. Differences between educational preparations for RNs are analyzed. Components of a profession and the professional role are discussed and debated. This course focuses on identifying the scope of professional nursing practice from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis is on exploring the historical trends on the development and implementation of the professional nursing role. The mission and philosophy of the College of Nursing are discussed and students articulate their philosophy from a professional and personal perspective.  An overview of the theoretical bases for professional nursing is interrelated with current models of practice, particularly the principles of evidence- based practice.  Students also apply principles of group dynamics.
Pre/corequisites: none. Fall semester.
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PATH 360 - PATHOLOGY (3 credits)
This course covers basic pathologic mechanisms and specific diseases/disorders affecting the major organ systems of the human body. Commonly encountered diseases/disorders will be covered in detail. Pathophysiologic mechanisms and concepts are included, especially for most commonly encountered disease states. Topics such as genetics/heredity, immune system disease, and malignant processes are presented as well.
Pre/corequisites: None. Fall semester.
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NURS 387 - HEALTH CARE POLICY AND POLITICS (3 credits)
The focus of this course is on the role of the professional nurse as a participant in the political process in the practice setting and in the broader public sector. Particular attention is given to the development of public policy related to health care. Consideration is given to historic, sociologic, technologic, economic, legal, and political factors which influence health care delivery. Attention also is given to the local, state, and federal systems for financing and delivering health care with consideration of the issues of access and distribution of services. Analysis of the political action process is used to operationalize the concept of the nurse as an agent of change, client advocate, and participant in decision-making related to health policy. Opportunity is provided for the student to study a political issue and to meet with appropriate legislative representatives to discuss his/her position on current legislation related to the issue.
Pre/corequisites: none. Spring semester.
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NURS 565 - NURSE AS EDUCATOR (3 credits)
The focus of this course is on role development of the nurse as an educator. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student to perform effectively as a communicator of information which will enable the client to act as a responsible partner in his/her own health care. Recognizing teaching as an important clinical skill, this course engages students in formal inquiry into key components of patient education. Students have the opportunity to participate in the processes of needs assessment, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs. Students conduct critical analysis of educational materials, apply research findings to patient education, and conduct a cost analysis of educational programs. The impact of legal issues, ethical dilemmas, and changes in the health care delivery system on patient education is discussed.
Pre/requisite: NURS 481 for BS students
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