Apr 23, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog Archived Catalog

Course Descriptions


The courses listed below and described in this section of the catalog constitute the curriculum of Neumann University. Each course description is preceded by a content area abbreviation and numeric designation, e.g., ENG 103 , along with the course title and the number of credits assigned for the course. Specific enrollment directives, e.g., prerequisites, corequisites, or special permissions, apply to students of all levels and programs.

Only those courses which are numbered at the 100 level or above are applicable toward a degree at Neumann University. Uniform numbers are used for additional experiences which are available in major discipline areas. These courses or experiences are provided for individuals or groups of students as deemed appropriate. For the most part, all Core courses are assigned in the 100 and 200 levels. Exceptions to these Core numeric designations are determined by the appropriate Division Dean. Special topics in specific disciplines are listed under the numbers 126/226/326/426. Independent Study Projects (ISPs) are listed as 480; major seminars as 460; Internships experiences use numbers from 394–396 and 494–496.

Practica/Rotations are supervised practice-setting learning experiences which are an intrinsic part of a student’s major program of study, i.e., required for satisfactory completion of the course and academic program.

The Division Deans of Neumann University have established minimum and maximum class sizes for each course offered in any given semester. Neumann University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course or related activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. For availability of courses, refer to either the Neumann University web site (www.neumann.edu) or contact the Office of the Registrar.

NOTE: Unless otherwise stipulated, courses with an LS [Liberal Studies] designation are open ONLY to those non-traditional students who are pursuing one of the accelerated degree/certificate program options offered by the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS).

 

Nursing: Major Courses (NUR)

  
  • NUR 205 Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice

    3 Credits

    This required pre-major course introduces the profession of nursing and the nursing process. Students explore the development of professional values and ethics related to nursing practice. Basic legal concepts affecting nursing are presented. The connection between Neumann University Core Values and the provision of care, and understanding the person as a holistic being are introduced. Using select databases, students work together to understand the nurse’s role in health promotion. Students learn to demonstrate teamwork and collaboration through a group project.

    Prerequisite(s): BIO 106 /BIO 116 , BIO 130 / BIO 135 BIO 131 /BIO 136 , CHEM 101 /CHEM 111 , ENG 102 , PSYCH 101 , and SOC 101 .

  
  • NUR 206 Health Assessment and Modalities

    2 Credits

    This first course in the nursing major focuses on development of the knowledge base essential for gathering, analyzing, and documenting assessed patient data and in performance of select fundamental nursing skills.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 205  

    NOTE:   NUR 206 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 216 .
  
  • NUR 216 Health Assessment and Modalities Lab

    1 Credit

    This course is the laboratory practicum for NUR 206 Health Assessement and Modalities . Within the laboratory environment, students develop skills required for beginning clinical practice.  Basic techniques necessary for gathering, analyzing, and documenting assessed patient data are emphasized. Students practice and perform basic nursing skills required for patient care.  This course includes 28 laboratory hours. 

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 205  

    Note:  NUR 216 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 206 .
  
  • NUR 305 Adult Health Nursing I

    2 Credits

    This Junior level course examines the holistic care of adults and older adults with chronic illness. Students begin to analyze evidence-based principles in the delivery of health promotion, injury prevention, and management of illness across the adult life span. Patient safety and quality of care are emphasized.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 206  and NUR 216  

    NOTE: NUR 305 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 305CL .
  
  • NUR 305CL Adult Health I Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Junior-level clinical practicum course applies the nursing process in the holistic care of adult and older adult patients with chronic illness. Students begin to demonstrate clinical reasoning in the delivery of safe, effective nursing care. Beginning leadership skills to promote quality nursing care are practiced through communication, advocacy, and collaboration with members of the health care team. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 206  and NUR 216  

    NOTE:  NUR 305CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 305 .
  
  • NUR 306 Adult Health Nursing II

    2 Credits

    This Junior-level course builds on previous learning that applies the nursing process to the holistic, compassionate care of adults across the life span. Students examine common acute and chronic conditions affecting adults and older adults. Evidence-based principles and beginning skills in clinical reasoning are addressed when examining health promotion, injury prevention, and management of illness. Issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice are explored. 

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 305 , NUR 305CL  , NUR 330  and NUR 330CL .

    NOTE:  NUR 306 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 306CL .
  
  • NUR 306CL Adult Health II Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Junior level clinical practicum course integrates the nursing process in the holistic care of adult patients with acute and chronic health problems. Students employ clinical reasoning in the delivery of safe and effective nursing care. Emphasis is placed on the practice and refinement of more advanced clinical and organizational abilities through psychomotor skills performance, simulation, and direct patient care. Communication, collaboration, coordination, and consultation are emphasized in caring for individuals and families. Personal responsibility and conduct consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics and University core values are stressed. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 305  , NUR 305CL  , NUR 330  and NUR 330CL  

    NOTE: NUR 306CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 306  .
  
  • NUR 330 Mental Health Nursing

    2 Credits

    This Junior level course applies the nursing process in the holistic care of individuals with mental health problems and psychiatric disorders. Students reflect on their own behavior and methods of therapeutic communication. Legal and ethical issues unique to mental health care are discussed. Principles related to advocacy, collaboration and evidence-based practice are examined as they apply to the delivery of safe and effective nursing care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 206  and NUR 216  

     

    NOTE:  NUR 330 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 330CL .

  
  • NUR 330CL Mental Health Nursing Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Junior level clinical practicum course applies the nursing process to the holistic care of individuals with acute and chronic mental illness. Students reflect on their own behavior and methods of therapeutic communication. Students begin to demonstrate clinical reasoning and ethical practice in the delivery of safe and effective nursing care to patients. Students begin to apply principles of advocacy, collaboration and evidence-based nursing practice during laboratory simulation and clinical experiences. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 206  and NUR 216  

    NOTE:  NUR 330CL is to be taken in conjunction with NUR 330 .
  
  • NUR 335 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I

    3 Credits

    This junior level course introduces basic pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts applied to patient care. Conditions associated with inflammation and infection, as well as selected illness states are studied. Pharmacologic treatment for identified conditions and illnesses, and related patient rights and nursing responsibilities are explored.

    Prerequisite(s): BIO 106 /BIO 116 , BIO 130 /BIO 131 , BIO 135 /BIO 136 , CHEM 101 /CHEM 111  and NUR 206 .


  
  • NUR 336 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II

    3 Credits

    This junior level course introduces basic pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts applied to patient care. Conditions associated with selected illnesses are studied. Pharmacologic treatments for identified illness states are studied. Related patient rights and nursing responsibilities are explored.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 335 .

  
  • NUR 340 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family

    2 Credits

    This Junior-level course builds on previous learning that applies the nursing process in the holistic, compassionate care of the childbearing family. Evidence-based principles and beginning skills in clinical reasoning are addressed when examining health promotion of the childbearing family from pre-conception through the post-partum period. Common complications of pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, and the neonate are analyzed. Legal, ethical, and social justice issues unique to maternal-newborn nursing are discussed. Principles related to advocacy, collaboration, and quality improvement are examined as they apply to the delivery of safe and effective nursing care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 305 , NUR 305CL , NUR 330  and NUR 330CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 340 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 340CL .
  
  • NUR 340CL Childbearing Family Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Junior level clinical practicum course enables students to apply the nursing process to the care of the new mother, neonate, and the family. Students apply principles of advocacy, therapeutic communication, collaboration, coordination, and patient education as they provide care. Students demonstrate critical thinking as they address quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and individualized needs of the childbearing family in the community through a series of clinical activities and exemplars. Students engage in self-evaluation to determine strengths and areas of personal improvement. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 305 , NUR 305CL , NUR 330 , and NUR 330CL  

    NOTE: NUR 330CL must be takin in conjunction with NUR 340 .
  
  • NUR 360 Nursing Research

    3 Credits

    This Junior-level course enables students to examine current clinical practice through critical analysis of research literature. Qualitative and quantitative research processes are examined. The ethics of research is included.

    Prerequisite(s): MATH 102  and one (1) 300-level Nursing clinical course

  
  • NUR 361 Nursing Research for the RN Student

    3 Credits

    The practicing RN has acquired, at the minimum, a basic understanding of nursing research. In this course, the fundamentals of nursing research, including a survey of different research designs and their applications, are reviewed. Concepts of critical appraisal and outcomes research are also presented. The RN student builds upon basic research skills and the ability to read and analyze research critically as well as understand the application of research to clinical practice and nursing education. Students are challenged to integrate principles of nursing research in the context of a Service-Learning experience. Additionally, students identify and analyze strengths and weaknesses of published nursing research.

  
  • NUR 371 Health Assessment for the RN Student

    3 Credits

    This course builds upon the RN’s health assessment skills and introduces the student to specialty assessments relevant to their practice areas, and/or expanding skills in areas, such as genomics and culture. Students engage in self-directed study to enhance their physical assessment skills. Simulation laboratory experiences provide an opportunity for practice and refinement of skills.

    Laboratory/Clinical Requirement(s): (This course includes 14 laboratory hours.)

  
  • NUR 405 Adult Health Nursing III

    2 Credits

    This Senior level course applies the nursing process to holistic care of adults and older adults. Students are introduced to concepts needed to provide safe effective nursing care to acutely ill individuals with complex health problems. Evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills are addressed when examining health promotion, injury prevention, and management of illness.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 306 , NUR 306CL  , NUR 340  and NUR 340CL .

    NOTE:  NUR 405 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 405CL .
  
  • NUR 405CL Adult Health III Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Senior level clinical practicum course provides students with the opportunity to administer holistic, compassionate nursing care to adults and older adults with complex health care needs.  Students demonstrate integration of evidence-based knowledge and clinical reasoning in the development and implementation of comprehensive plans of care.  Students incorporate principles of advocacy, communication, collaboration, and coordination to meet complex needs of patients and their families.  Integration of the ANA Code of Ethics and Neumann University Core Values are emphasized. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 306  , NUR 306 CL  , NUR 340  and NUR 340CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 405CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 405 .
  
  • NUR 410 Issues in Professional Nursing

    3 Credits

    This Senior-level course explores issues in health care delivery, health policy, and other forces shaping nursing practice. Legal, ethical, historical, and socioeconomic influences on client care are examined. Students analyze issues related to advocacy, health disparities, and continuity of care. Collaboration and coordination with members of the interdisciplinary health care team are emphasized.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 306  and NUR 340 .

  
  • NUR 430 Nursing of Children and Families

    2 Credits

    This Senior level course applies the nursing process to holistic, compassionate care of infants, children, adolescents and their families. Students are introduced to concepts needed to provide safe, effective nursing care to pediatric patients with acute, chronic, and /or complex health problems. Issues unique to care of children and their families are analyzed with emphasis on growth and development. Evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills are addressed when examining health promotion, injury prevention, and management of illness.

    Laboratory/Clinical Requirement(s): (This course includes 14 laboratory and 63 clinical hours.)

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 306 , NUR 306CL , NUR 340 , and NUR 340CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 430 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 430CL .
  
  • NUR 430CL Nursing of Children and Families Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Senior-level clinical experience applies the nursing practice to the care of children and their families to a number of actual and modeled situations. Principles of pediatric growth and development are applied to the management of acute and chronic illnesses encountered by children from infancy through adolescence. Students analyze and apply the principles of advocacy, collaboration, coordination, and evidence-based practice to meet complex needs of children and families in clinical practice, case study and critical thinking exercises. Integration of the Nursing Code of Ethics and Neumann University Core Values are emphasized. This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 306  , NUR 306CL , NUR 340  and NUR 340CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 430 CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 430  .
  
  • NUR 440 Community Health Nursing

    2 Credits

    This Senior level course facilitates synthesis of theoretical concepts and principles needed for professional nursing practice in community settings. Emphasis is placed on delivery of primary, secondary, and tertiary health services for individuals, families, and aggregates with sensitivity to diversity, economics, sociocultural, and environmental influences encountered in the community. Students explore determinants of health, with emphasis on health promotion and disease and/or injury prevention. Implications of health care policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice are examined. Opportunities are provided to evaluate various population-based approaches to practice.

    Laboratory/Clinical Requirement(s): (This course includes 14 laboratory hours and 63 clinical hours.)

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 405 , NUR 405CL , NUR 430  and NUR 430CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 440 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 440CL .
  
  • NUR 440CL Community Health Nursing Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    This Senior level course facilitates synthesis of theoretical concepts and principles needed for professional nursing practice in community settings. Emphasis is placed on delivery of primary, secondary, and tertiary health services for individuals, families, and aggregates with sensitivity to diversity, economics, sociocultural, and environmental influences encountered in the community. Students explore determinants of health, with emphasis on health promotion and disease and/or injury prevention. Implications of health care policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice are examined. Opportunities are provided to evaluate various population-based approaches to practice.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 405 , NUR 405CL , NUR 430   and NUR 430CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 440CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 440 .
  
  • NUR 441 Community Health Nursing for the RN Student

    4 Credits

    This upper division course applies the nursing process in delivery of primary, secondary, and tertiary health services with individuals, families, and aggregates in community settings. Course content focuses on the concepts of community and public health nursing, public health science, and roles, responsibilities, and practice setting of community health nurses. RN students analyze community health nursing from the perspectives of their current practice and future practice. Relevant literature is critiqued for applicability to nursing theory and practice in community health settings. The RN student collaborates with course faculty to design community-based experience(s) to meet course outcomes that is consistent with practice needs and professional goals.

    Laboratory/Clinical Requirement(s): (This course includes 63 clinical hours.)

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 371  and NUR 451 .

  
  • NUR 451 RN Transition Course

    3 Credits

    This course builds on the student’s nursing knowledge and experience as preparation to begin studies leading to the Bachelor of Science degree.  The course assumes that the individual is an adult learner who is able to identify his/her learning needs and objectives, and junction at a high level of motivation and independence.  Focal points of the course include:  structure and history of nursing knowledge; conceptual models of nursing; application of critical thinking in professional practice; policies affecting the nurse in health care; and transitional topics essential to the baccalaureate nursing student in the health care system including leadership style, personal values, and personal philosophy of nursing.

  
  • NUR 491 Capstone Experience for the RN Student

    3 Credits

    Throughout this course, students analyze their current role in the health care system. This course, specifically designed for RN students, facilitates a synthesis of theoretical concepts and evidence- based practice principles which are relevant to professional nursing practice. By examining leadership issues, students develop a skill set which assists them in professional and academic transition. RN students, in collaboration with a nursing faculty member with expertise in the chosen area of study, design and complete a capstone project. Students may select a clinical practicum as a component for this course.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 361 , NUR 371 , NUR 441 , and NUR 451 .

  
  • NUR 499 Nursing Synthesis

    2 Credits

    This course facilitates synthesis of theoretical concepts and evidence-based practice principles needed for entry-level professional nursing practice. Leadership and management strategies are explored. Case studies and concepts associated with practice are analyzed.  Case management and ethical decision making are emphasized. Standardized, comprehensive examinations are integrated and serve to assist the students in identification of personal strengths and areas for professional growth. Students develop and implement selected strategies to address identified needs.

    Laboratory/Clinical Requirement(s): (This course includes 84 clinical hours.)

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 405 , NUR 405CL , NUR 430  and NUR 430CL .

    NOTE:  NUR 499 must be taken in conjunction with NUR 400CL .
  
  • NUR 499CL Nursing Synthesis Clinical Practicum

    2 Credits

    In this clinical practicum course, students apply the nursing process to provide comprehensive, holistic, compassionate care to groups of patients in acute care, medical-surgical settings. Clinical reasoning is integrated to inform delivery of safe, effective nursing care for individuals and families across the health care continuum. Students integrate leadership strategies to foster communication, collaboration, coordination, and consultation among interdisciplinary health team members. Demonstration of personal responsibility and integration of the Nursing Code of Ethics and Neumann University Core Values are emphasized.  This course includes 84 hours of nursing skills, simulations, and direct patient care.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 405 , NUR 405CL , NUR 430  and NUR 430CL  

    NOTE:  NUR 499CL must be taken in conjunction with NUR 499 .

Nursing: Elective Courses (NUR)

  
  • NUR 126 Special Topics in Nursing

    Credit Varies

    Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Nursing [NUR] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. Special Topics courses in Nursing that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified prerequisites, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.

    Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.
  
  • NUR 226 Special Topics in Nursing

    Credit Varies

    Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Nursing [NUR] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. Special Topics courses in Nursing that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified prerequisites, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.

  
  • NUR 308 Nursing and Spirituality

    3 Credits

    This course explores the spiritual dimension of human nature. Students differentiate spirituality from religious practices and develop awareness of the spiritual dimension present in all people. Cultural aspects of spirituality are explored. Students examine their personal spiritual dimensions, and reflect on how the nurse-patient relationship may be enhanced through spiritual care. Contemporary issues influencing spirituality will be discussed. Spiritual needs associated with chronic illness, disability, and serious illness in children and their families, dying, loss and grieving will be discussed. Through reflection and service, students enhance their ability to connect with and be present to others. Students also consider the healing aspects of nature and beauty as part of their personal spiritual care.

    Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of at least two 300 level clinical nursing courses, or licensure as an LPN or RN> 

    Open to Nursing majors, RNs, and LPNs.
  
  • NUR 319 The Practice of Self-Care

    3 Credits

    Neumann nursing faculty strongly believe that students cannot care for others unless they first care for themselves. This course provides students with techniques and interventions for self-care during their academic years and beyond. Self-care requires attention to the mind, body, and spirit, with the goal of optimal wellness. This holistic approach to self-care provides the structure and content for the course, as students engage in practice and reflection to nurture themselves. Emphasis is placed on fostering students’ self-care practices to achieve optimal wellness in the students’ personal and professional lives.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 205  (with a minimum grade of C).

  
  • NUR 326 Special Topics in Nursing

    Credit Varies

    Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Nursing [NUR] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. Special Topics courses in Nursing that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified prerequisites, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.

  
  • NUR 415 Critical Care Nursing

    3 Credits

    This course focuses on the development of knowledge, techniques, and skills needed for the delivery of complex nursing care to adults experiencing health problems requiring critical care interventions. The course builds on knowledge from previous nursing courses. Core concepts of current treatment modalities and nursing roles are integrated in discussions of providing holistic care to critically ill patients.

    Prerequisite(s): NUR 405  and NUR 430 .

  
  • NUR 426 Special Topics in Nursing

    Credit Varies

    Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Nursing [NUR] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. Special Topics courses in Nursing that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified prerequisites, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.

  
  • NUR 480 Independent Study Project (ISP)

    Credit Varies

    Qualified students who seek individualized advanced study in some area of nursing that is not covered in scheduled courses may apply for an Independent Study Project (ISP). Students assume responsibility for special readings and research under the supervision of a designated faculty member. Any particular prerequisites for an ISP in Nursing are determined by the Division Dean. Regular meetings with faculty and completion of all assignments are required.

    Prerequisite(s): Conditions of the University’s ISP Policy.