BSN Pre-Licensure - Nursing Courses
For curriculum and course descriptions, please Download the course descriptions here.
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Schedule (Course Descriptions Below)
| Semester |
Term |
Nursing Course |
Credits & Format |
| Semester 1 |
Term 1 |
NRSG 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing
|
3 credits; On Campus
|
| |
|
NRSG 32006 Human Pathophysiology
|
3 credits; Online
|
| |
Term 2 |
NRSG 33000 Fundamentals of Nursing I
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 32007 Health Assessment
|
3 credits; Hybrid
(online with some in-person requirements)
|
| |
|
NRSG 32004 Introduction to Pharmacology
|
2 credits; On Campus
|
| Semester 2 |
Term 3 |
NRSG 33001 Fundamentals of Nursing II |
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 32010 Pharmacology |
3 credits; On Campus
|
| |
Term 4 |
NRSG 34000 Adult Health I
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 46002 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice in a Global Context
|
3 credits; Online |
| Semester 3 |
Term 5 |
NRSG 44000 Adult Health II
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 32010 Health Promotion & Population Health
|
4 credits; Hybrid
60 hours in onsite clinical; (online with some in-person requirements)
|
| |
Term 6 |
NRSG 44001 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 44002 Maternal & Newborn Nursing
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| Semester 4 |
Term 7 |
NRSG 44100 Adult Health III
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
|
NRSG 44003 Pediatric Nursing
|
4 credits; On Campus
60 hours in onsite clinical
|
| |
Term 8 |
NRSG 46001 Leadership and Management in Nursing
|
3 credits; Online |
| |
|
NRSG 49100 Capstone
|
4 credits; On Campus
120 hours in onsite clinical |
| |
|
Total Nursing Credits |
60 |
Required Major Courses
NRS 30001 | Introduction to Professional Nursing (3 Credits)
This course introduces the pre-licensure student to the art and science of professional nursing that integrates knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences (four breadth areas). Competencies for entry-level practice are explored. Historical perspectives of nursing are examined and correlated with current trends in practice. Fundamental professional communication, including writing and skills, is further refined. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program.
NRS 32004 | Introduction to Pharmacology (2 Credits)
This course is designed to develop foundational theoretical knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics for nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of pharmacology, drug therapy across the lifespan, dosage calculation, and safe medication administration. Nursing implications relative to the utilization of drug therapy are examined. Pharmacology as it relates to the various body systems is introduced. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program: NRS 30000 Introduction to Professional Nursing and NRS 32006 Pathophysiology with a grade of C or better.
NRS 32006 | Human Pathophysiology (3 Credits)
Examines the basic pathophysiology of selected disease processes that may occur across the lifespan. Major pathophysiological concepts are explored using a body systems approach while emphasizing the application of this knowledge to the assessment, planning, and interventions for holistic, person-centered care. Prerequisites: BIO 20433 Human Anatomy and Lab, BIO 30433 Human Physiology and Lab, and BIO 30243 Microbiology and Lab.
NRS 32007 | Health Assessment in Nursing Practice (3 Credits)
This course introduces the pre-licensure nursing student to the foundational skills required to perform a comprehensive physical health assessment across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the critical thinking skills required for obtaining an accurate collection and analysis of patient health information, as well as the development of fundamental physical assessment techniques as a basis for clinicla judgement. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program and NRS 32006 Human Pathophysiology.
NRS 32010 | Pharmacology (3 Credits)
This course is designed to develop theoretical knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics for nursing practice, expanding on knowledge gained in Introduction to Pharmacology. Emphasis is placed on the major classes of clinically important medications and their safe administration. For each therapeutic drug classification, the basic mechanism of drug actions, side effects, routes of administration, and common indications will be reviewed. Nursing implications relative to the utilization of drug therapy are examined. Prerequisistes: NRS 32004 Introduction to Pharmacology.
NRS 33000 | Fundamentals I With Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course introduces students to basic nursing concepts and skills, including the nursing process as a bassis for developing clinical judgement. The four spheres of care - promotion of health and well-being/disease prevention, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care are introduced. Theoretical knowledge is applied to skills laboratories and clinical experiences. Essential ethical, legal, and professional standards pertaining to quality, safety, asepsis, infection control, and documentation are emphasized throughout. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program and NRSG 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing.
NRS 33001 | Fundamentals II With Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course is a continuation of Fundamentals I to build upon fundational nursing skills and concepts previously introduced. Students will apply evidence-based practice in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical care situations. There is an integration of lab and diagnostics tests as well as assessment skills to underpin care planning, intervention, and evaluation. The four spheres of care are expanded with a focus on health and well-being promotion/disease prevention as well as an emphasis on the teaching/learning process in person-centered care. Legal and ethical aspects of safe, quality care is emphasized in all situations including medication administration, infection control, and documentation. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment, and NRS 33000 Fundamentals I with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 34000 | Adult Health I with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course applies the nursing process in providing person-centered care of adult and older adult patients. There is continued application of the four spheres of care with a focus on health promotion and well-being/disease prevention, chronic disease care, and regenerative or restorative care. Common health conditions are addressed with integration of pertinent lab and diagnostics testing to assist in safe, quality care. Emphasis is placed on the progressive development and application of clinical knowledge, clinical judgement, skills and professional values within a legal/ethical framework. Evidence-based practice is emphasized during didactic as well as laboratory, simulation, and clinical learning experiences. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, and NRS 33001 Fundamentals II w/Lab and Clinical.
NRS 34100 | Health Promotion/Population Health (4 Credits)
The concepts of community and public health management, health promotion, and disease prevention including the social determinants of health across the lifespan are explored. Health disparities of vulnerable population groups will be analyzed through epidemiologic approaches. Significance is placed on the nurse's role as it pertains to disaster or public health emergencies. Health agencies, policy, global health issues, and mass casualty disasters are included. Levels of preparation, risk factors, and major determinants of health are investigated. Skills will be acquired in the areas of community assessment, progrmaing planning, implementation, and evaluation of population-based interventions. Laboratory, simulation, and clinical learning experiences are included. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, and NRS 33001 Fundamentals II with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 44000 | Adult Health Nursing II with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course is a continuation of Adult Health Nursing I and builds upon acquired knowledge of the adult and older adult's select developmental, acute, or chronic health concerns. Expanding the utilization of the nursing process with increasingly complex health care problems of this population group will be emphasized. The learner will continue to cultivate professional role development in critical thinking, clinical judgment, communication, and evidence-based interventions through experiential learning in laboratory, simulation, and clinical learning experiences. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program and NRS 34000 Adult Health I with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 44001 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
In this course, students apply theories and best evidence to provide compassionate, person-centered care across the lifespan among diverse populations experiencing psychiatric/mental health issues. Professional standards, ethical and legal parameters, safety, and quality outcome measures are priorities. There is an emphasis on individualized care that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the context of family, community, and the socio-cultural environment. Psychopharmacology, and supervised learning experiences in the laboratory and at cooperating clinical agencies are a required part of this course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment and NRS 44000 Adult Health II with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 44002 | Maternal/Newborn Nursing with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course provides a holistic approach to the biological, psychological, and sociological concepts of nursing care involving reproductive, maternal, and newborn health. Female reproductive anatomy and physiology are reviewed, with emphasis on the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes associated with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Effective strategies utilizing critical thinking and clinical judgment in the application of risk assessment and interventions of professional nursing practice for childbearing women, their newborns, and their families will be explored. Legal and ethical issues and culturally sensitive care pertaining to the childbearing family will be evaluated. This course will provide opportunities for varied clinical experiential learning in women’s healthcare settings. Simulated laboratory experiences emphasize newborn and perinatal nursing care. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, and NRS 44000 Adult Health II w/ Lab and Clinical.
NRS 44003 | Pediatric Nursing with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in person-centered care of pediatric and adolescent patients. Emphasis is placed on normal growth and development, accident/injury prevention, quality improvement, safety, and care of acute and chronic pediatric disorders. Using the nursing process as a guide, the learner will integrate evidence-based knowledge and developmentally appropriate care in a family-centric approach to acheive positive healthcare outcomes in pediatric patients. Key concepts to be explored include developmentally appropriate anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, social determinants of health, and legal and ethical considerations unique to pediatrics and their role in health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention, and culturally and family sensitive care across the pediatric healthcare continuum of care. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, and NRS 44000 Adult Health II with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 44100 | Adult Health Nursing III with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
In the last of a 3-part course series, students will have an opportunity to sharpen their clinical judgement and prioritization of care abilities, as well as their procedural skills while working with adult patients who have unstable, emergent, and/or critical illnesses. There is integration of the nursing process, technological and scientific knowledge, and time management with logic and critical thinking to potentiate optimal health outcomes for diverse adult patient populations. Interprofessional partnerships skills are further developed to establish mutual healthcare goals for diverse adults. Specific legal, ethical, and policy issues are explored. Active learning strategies in didactic as well as simulated and clinic settings are employed. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NRS 32007 Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, and NRS 44000 Adult Health II with Lab and Clinical.
NRS 46001 | Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice (3 Credits)
Students apply principles of leadership and management theories for effective evidence-based practice. Specific ethical and legal issues are addressed in addition to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice. Systems-based practice, interprofessional partnerships, quality and safety principles, information, and healthcare technologies, as well as financial and regulatory management are explored. Today's complex health care setting is the context for various approaches to change management as a nurse leader. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Pre-licensure BSN Program, NRS 30001 Introduction to Professional Nursing and NRS 46003 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice.
NRS 46002 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice in a Global Context (3 Credits)
The course serves as an introduction to the concepts of nursing research methods and theoretical principles. It focuses on providing students with the knowledge base to define and critically analyze and evaluate clinical research problems and develop techniques to implement the evidence in leadership or professional practice roles practically. Students reflect on experience, knowledge, and skills in the hour breadth areas and apply learning as they examine current issues and concerns in global contexts. Prerequisites: PSY 36000 Statisitcs for Social Sciences.
NRS 49100 | Capstone with Lab and Clinical (4 Credits)
The Capstone course is the final nursing clinical immersion experience for the prelicensure nursing student which ensures readiness to enter practice and transition to the professional nurse practice role. This culminating nursing course provides (120) hours in a clinical setting with an assigned nurse preceptor under the supervision of the clinical faculty. Opportunities are provided for synthesis, integration, and application of knowledge and skill acquired in previous coursework and clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on demonstration of all BSN Program Student Learning Outcomes throughout the course including didactic, lab, and clinical experiences. Prerequisites: Completion of all Prelicensure BSN courses, prior approval by Academic Advisor, Clinical Coordinator, and Director of Nursing Program.
Prerequisite Courses
ENG 15525 | College Writing (3 Credits)
This course teaches students how to write effectively at the undergraduate level. Students will learn and practice the organizational, analytical, rhetorical, and technical skills foundational to success as college-level writers. Required of all first-year or transfer students during one of their first two semesters at Ottawa University. Fulfills Ottawa University's writing compentency requirement with a grade of "C" or higher. Cross-listed with LAS 15525.
Choice Between COM 10163 or COM 11023
COM 10163 | Intro to Human Communication (3 Credits)
Provides an example-based overview of interpersonal communication skills, including how these skills affect individuals and groups in society. Emphasis is on personal and interpersonal strategies for understanding, appreciating, and managing communication skills in personal and career relationships.
COM 11023 | Speech Preparation and Delivery (3 Credits)
Provides instruction in speaking before a group. Development of speech content, organization, research, and delivery is emphasized. Includes practice of impromptu, persuasive, and informative speeches.
Choice Between MAT 10443 or MAT 10643
MAT 10443 | Intermediate College Algebra (3 Credits)
Emphasizes algebraic skill development such as linear and quadratic equations, rational exponents, radicals and systems of equations. Designed to prepare students for college level mathematics.
MAT 10643 | College Algebra (3 Credits)
Emphasizes problem solving techniques using algebraic concepts. The focus of the course is directed toward exploring how algebra is used in the social and physical sciences. Topics covered include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, systems of linear equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, composition and inverse functions.
Choice Between BIO 10043 or BIO 12043
BIO 10043 | Principles of Biology and Lab (4 Credits)
Introduces major biological processes occurring in animals and plants and basic concepts underlying the biology field. Includes corresponding lab.
BIO 12043 | General Biology I and Lab (4 Credits)
A course for biology majors and those interested in health care professions. This course investigates fundamental principles of biology with emphasis on cell structure and function, biochemistry, natural selection, bioenergetics, biosynthesis, the cell cycle and genetics.
PSY 12053 | General Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduces basic elements in understanding human behavior. Emphasis on basic concepts and terminology of psychology including the biological basis of behavior, sensation, perception, history of psychology, growth and development, motivation, learning, measurement and scientific methodology, emotion, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy.
PSY 32353 | Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)
Examines theory and research on issues of human growth and development.
Choice Between MAT 20044 OR PSY 36000
MAT 20044 | Introduction to Statistics (4 Credits)
Offers the student an intuitive introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics covered include data organization, averages and variation, elementary probability theory, binomial and normal probability distributions, Central Limit Theorem, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation. Prerequisite: Score of 16 on non-math track initial placement or MAT 10443 Intermediate Algebra.
PSY 36000 | Statistics for Social Sciences (3 Credits)
Introduction to descriptive, inferential, and other statistical techniques used in the social sciences along with contemporary methods of graphical data presentation. Topics include data collection procedures, measures of dispersion, correlation designs, probability, statistical inference, measures of effect size, analysis of variance, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT 10743 Foundations of Mathematics or higher level MAT course. Cross-listed with HUS 36000.
BIO 21443 | Introduction to Nutrition (3 Credits)
Covers fundamental principles of nutrition. Discusses nutritional requirements of the human for the major segments of the life-span. Interrelationship of various nutrients also discussed.
BIO 20433 | Human Anatomy & Lab (4 Credits)
Systems approach to introduce the anatomy of the human body addressing all organ systems but emphaszing skeletal, muscular, neural, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary systems. Prerequisite: BIO 10043 Principles of Biology and Lab or BIO 12043 General Biology I.
BIO 30243 | Microbiology and Lab (4 Credits)
Course introduces students to microbiology with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics include prokaryote cell structure, metabolism, and growth; genetics and evolution, medical, industrial, and ecologically significant roles of bacteria. The lab develops skills in collection, aseptic culture, and bacterial identification via traditional staining methods and advanced molecular identification methods. Prerequisites: BIO 10043 Principles of Biology and Lab or BIO 12043 General Biology and Lab and at least sophomore standing.
BIO 30433 | Human Physiology & Lab (4 Credits)
Course builds on content found in Human Anatomy. Systems approach used to introduce the physiology of the human body addressing all organ systems but emphasizing skeletal, muscular, neural, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary systems. Prerequisite: BIO 20433 Human Anatomy & Lab.
General Electives to Total 60 Credit Hours
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