Graduate Course Descriptions

Graduate Students may take a course from a different track to meet the elective requirement if the prerequisites are met.

NUR 200 Advanced Health Assessment (4)
This course provides a compilation of a comprehensive database to establish the health status of the client/patient. Emphasis is placed on physiology, pathophysiology, psychopathology, physical, psychosocial, ethnic and cultural needs of clients. Upon this foundation, an individualized protocol for client care management will be established. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program

NUR 201 Theoretical/Conceptual Foundations of Nursing (3)
In this course, a historical view of the nursing profession will be presented and analyzed. The course will offer an opportunity for students to explore the relationships between theory, research, practice, and philosophical dimensions in nursing. The student will choose a theoretical framework upon which to design the graduate project. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program.

NUR 202 Current Health Care Issues and Nursing Roles (3) Online - or - Classroom
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore and analyze major health, federal and world wide issues that affect the nursing profession and its communities of interest. In addition, this seminar provides discussion regarding the economical, historical, social, political, ethical, and legal issues that require consideration and potential resolutions.Students will discuss and analyze developing andadvanced roles in nursing. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program.

NUR 206 Educational Theories, Principles and Methods (3)
This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced practice role as nurse educator. The focus of this course is on the design of course syllabi or class content based oneducational principles and the needs of particular aggregates. There will be discussion about the use of various teaching techniques and strategies to assist in the education of staff, students, health care professionals, clients and communities of interest. In the role of nursing educator, students will learn how to influence changes in how the client perceives health and his/her ability to seek information to reach optimal health. The content is taught online and in the classroom. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and successful completion of NUR 201.

NUR 208 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3)
This course is designed so that the student can explore curriculum theories, design and evaluation as they apply to nursing. The course is geared toward an examination of philosophical bases for the development of curriculum. The students design and critique a model curriculum and include outcome criteria to evaluate educational goal attainment. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program. Successful completion of NUR 201 and NUR 206.

NUR 240 Organizational Management and Economics in Nursing (3)
This course will provide a forum for discussion and analysis of current economic conditions that affect health care and health care systems. Course content will provide information that will assist the student to understand and plan cost-effective methods to increase quality care in various systems for diverse aggregates. The content will also enhance the understanding of strategic and fiscal planning. In addition, the course will afford opportunities to learn and analyze management and leadership theories and styles related to problem-solving in the work environment. There will also be opportunities to analyze work climates, interpersonal and group dynamics, communications, quality management, and the improvement of the work environment. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 241 Marketing Through the Art of Negotiation (Elective) (3)
This course is designed for graduate students who are interested in the art of negotiation. The course will provide a forum for discussion and analysis of negotiating techniques used to promote desired changes in a variety of settings including health care. Students will learn how to market their programs and ideas through the art of negotiation. Course content also provides skills that will assist students in developing their own strategies in the negotiation process with diverse aggregates.

NUR 242 Health Care Epidemiology/Infection Control (2)
This course will provide a forum for discussion and analysis of epidemiology and infection control in the healthcare setting. Course content will provide information that will assist the students in the appraisal of various methodologies and approaches to infection control. The content will also enhance the understanding of the administrative and educational aspects. In addition, the course will afford opportunities to evaluate specific infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, multiple-resistant organisms, emerging pathogens, etc. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 243 Theoretical Foundations of Community Health and Leadership in Nursing (Bridge Course) (1)
This course is considered as a graduate level bridge course specifically designed for graduates from non-BSN nursing programs. This course constitutes an exploration of concepts and theories related to nursing leadership roles and the community health specialty. Discussion will surround the roles, responsibilities, ethics and legal aspects of managing and leading in nursing positions. A secondary portion of the class is an introduction to community health nursing based on the components and domains of the Clinical Prevention and Population Health recommendations. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 144A Technology of Professional (TOP) Presentations (Elective) (1)
This course provides students with the skills necessary to integrate technology into their professional presentations. Professionals must possess superior skills in speaking and listening, writing and presenting, influencing and persuading, and in transferring knowledge. Communication has become more complex, with the introduction of technology presenting both opportunities and challenges. This course focuses on providing professionals the tools and techniques necessary to foster effective communication by introducing the students to the use and usefulness of technology in professional presentations. There is an emphasis on consistent and continuous practice of skills through individual and group presentations. The course helps students develop a professional voice more fitting to their personal communication style.
Prerequisite: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 144B Technology of Professional (TOP) Presentations (Elective) (1)
This course, the second of the NUR 144 series, focuses on providing students the necessary technological tools and techniques that can help them in their professional roles. Course content includes creating and managing websites, basic steps to enhance the look and function of text-based documents, and an introduction to the advanced features of PowerPoint. These skills will advance students in the technology-assisted dynamic industry and prepare them for presenting themselves before their professional communities.
Prerequisite: NUR 144A or consent of instructor.

NUR 245 Community Health Care Systems and Influence of Public Health Policies (3)
The focus of the course is on community health care systems, preventive services, community aspects of practice as well as the link to evidenced based practice. In addition, this class will provide knowledge about the importance of public health advocacy and the tools necessary to affect public policy. The course is highly interactive and is presented in a seminar format. This requires that the student be prepared for discussion during each session. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 246 Advanced Pathophysiology (2)
This course is designed to prepare nurses for expert clinical practice using advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of pathophysiology applied to a clinically based specialty area of practice. The focus is on complex physiological problems and the approaches to manage and improve patient care including a discussion on the influence of psychological and socioeconomic variables. Content will provide the advanced practice nurse the competencies necessary to work with health care professionals, patients, and communities to improve the delivery of nursing care through education, expert clinical practice, consultation, research and leadership. Prerequisite: Admission into the MSN Program.

NUR 247 Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation (2)
Critical exploration of the foundations and ethical principles required of leaders to create a responsible learning community within diverse organizational systems. Emphasis is on the analysis of emotional intelligence and an examination of individual characteristics inherent in the process of professional transformation balanced with personal growth.

NUR 248 Advanced Pharmacology (2)
This course is designed to prepare nurses for expert clinical practice using advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of pharmacology applied to a clinically based specialty area of practice. The focus is on pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics including a discussion at the cellular response level. Content will provide the advanced practice nurse the competencies necessary to work with health care professionals, patients, and communities to improve clinical care in a cost-effective manner. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program.

NUR 250 ABC Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum (5-5-5)
This course emphasis is on providing opportunities for the student to expand on existing nursing roles and experience professional growth as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in order to promote the health and well being of an identified aggregate. The five (5) areas of competency that must be addressed for the Clinical Nurse Specialist as outlined by the California Board of Registered Nursing are included: expert clinical practice, education, research, consultation, and clinical leadership. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program. Successful completion of NUR 201,206,247 and 290. N/A for post-MSN (CNS track).

NUR 251 AB Community Health Practicum (4-4)
This couse is designed to assist the student in gaining practical knowledge and develop expertise in the role of Community Health nursing. The focus of this practicum will be on the health issues, prevention, and management of individuals, families, vulnerable populations, aggregates, and communities. The student will complete this practicum with a preceptor in Public / Community Health settings. The seminar portion of the course is to allow the student with opportunities to debrief and problem-solve with faculty and other students. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program. Successful completion of NUR 201,206,245 and 290.

NUR 252 AB Leadership and Administration Practicum (4-4)
This course is designed to assist the student in gaining practical knowledge and experience regarding the leadership role in nursing by precepting with a nurse leader. The seminar portion of the course is to allow the student an opportunity to debrief and problem-solve with faculty and other students. This practicum will concentrate on human resource issues within health care systems. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program. Successful completion of NUR 201,240 (247 may be taken concurrently).

NUR 290 Nursing Research and Methodologies (3)
This course constitutes an in-depth exploration of the research process and strategies. Discussion will surround both quantitative as well as qualitative designs. It also provides an opportunity for students to prepare the first three chapters of their project proposal. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program. Successful completion of a mathematical statistics course or research course and NUR 201.

NUR 295 Nursing Education Practicum I (4 : 3 Lab/1 seminar)
This course is designed to provide teaching experiences for the graduate student with either college faculty or staff educators. The experience will provide an opportunity to participate in the development or revision of syllabi or education plans. Students will design a learning opportunity and will include a course description, learning objectives and methods of evaluating the course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of NUR 201, 206, and 208. (Nursing 208 can be taken concurrently.)

NUR 296 Thesis Project Seminar (3)
The student will assess the need for the nursing project, design and implement it and finally evaluate its effectiveness. The project needs to be aimed at solving a practical or clinical problem, or meeting an educational or administrative need in a service or academic setting. The project may include a nursing intervention program, a change project or an educational program that is designed in the form of a class, instructional module, computer program, videotape, or nursing education evaluation tool. A written report describing the project is the final assignment in this course. The project must first be approved by the course faculty. This seminar will provide the student with the opportunity to meet with the faculty throughout the semester to discuss the progress of the graduate project and to obtain guidance from the course faculty member. Prerequisites: Successful completion of NUR 201, 206 and 290.

NUR 297 Nursing Education Practicum II (5 : 4 lab/1 seminar)
This course will serve as the culminating experience in the preparation of the nurse educator. The student will choose a setting in which to enhance course preparation and presentations. The students will be responsible for completing evaluations on a designated number of participants in the education experience. The student will also collaborate with the lead faculty and the community agency preceptor to develop, evaluate and revise the course syllabus or class objectives. Prerequisites: Successful completion of NUR 201, 206, 208, and 290.