Academic Catalog

Nursing (NUR)

NUR 1001  Orientation to Nursing  

A one hour elective course for students interested in pursuing nursing as a professional career. The student is introduced to the history of nursing, issues and trends, basic nursing education, advanced education for nurses, and nursing career opportunities. Students interested in nursing or a career in science are encouraged to take this course during the fall semester of their freshman year.

NUR 2023  Introduction to Professional Nursing  
Prerequisite: Admission to upper division nursing.

A non-clinical three-hour course which introduces the student to selected basic concepts in professional nursing. The course focuses on nursing as a caring profession and encompasses nurse roles and functions, ethics, standards, legal aspects, holism, wellness, health care delivery, mathematical concepts, communication, teaching/learning, clinical judgment and reasoning. The Conceptual Framework and Philosophy of the ATU Department of Nursing will be explored.

NUR 2303  Nutrition  

Principles of normal nutrition at all stages of the life cycle are emphasized. Growth and development needs are incorporated into the maintenance, restoration of nutritional health, and in the prevention of nutritional deficit. Exploration is conducted of the social, religious, and cultural factors which affect nutritional health.

NUR 3103  Nursing Skills I  
Prerequisite: Admission into upper division nursing courses.

This course provides the student with theory and guided practice of basic psychomotor nursing skills using interactive media and simulated laboratory settings. Emphasis is placed on the quality and safety of nursing care. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours equal to one credit hour.

NUR 3204  Concepts in Nursing I  
Co-requisite: NUR 3404. his course is an introduction to the cognitive framework of the curriculum which emphasizes holistic man, environment, and nursing as an interacting system.
Prerequisite: NUR 2023, 3103, 3303, 3803 and admission into upper level junior nursing courses.

The course focuses on bio psycho social and spiritual behaviors as indicators of health throughout the life cycle. The nursing process and the scientific method of problem solving are presented as systematic approaches to nursing care. Further emphasis is placed on assessment of health needs and health practices of individuals in structured episodic health care settings. Beginning concepts of professionalism and care of clients with self-limiting alterations to health are integral parts of this course. Lecture four hours.

NUR 3213  Care of the Older Adult  
Prerequisite: NUR 3103, NUR 2023, and PSY 3813.

This course will provide an enhanced foundation for the professional care of older adults and their families. This course introduces trends, theories and multidimensional changes of aging along with addressing issues related to wellness, communication, health promotion, and disease prevention in older adults.

NUR 3303  Health Assessment  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or admission to upper division.

The student uses clinical judgment to assess the client using specific assessment techniques and enables differentiation between normal and abnormal assessment findings throughout the life cycle. The student understands the importance of communication with patients and healthcare professionals. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hour.

NUR 3402  Pharmacology I  
Co-requisite: NUR 3404.

This introductory course focuses on the use, effects, mode of action, and study of the body's reaction to drugs. Emphasis is placed on nursing considerations related to safe medication administration.

Note: If a student withdraws from this course, student must also withdraw from NUR 3404.
NUR 3404  Clinical Nursing I  
Co-requisite: NUR 3204 and 3402.
Prerequisite: NUR 2023, NUR 3103, NUR 3303, and 3803.

Clinical provides opportunities for the integration and application of nursing concepts, skills, reasoning and judgment in adult medical-surgical health. 12 Clinical hours equal to 4 credit hours.

NUR 3503  End-of-Life Care  

This course is designed to offer basic skills and knowledge needed to recognize and intervene with a client at the end of life. Emphasis is to implement the nursing process with clients at the end of life. Students will apply concepts, theories, principals and techniques gained from their general education and previous nursing courses.

NUR 3513  Nursing Skills II  
Prerequisite: NUR 3103.

This course provides the student with theory and guided practice of intermediate psychomotor nursing skills using interactive media and simulated laboratory settings. Emphasis is placed on the quality and safety of nursing care. Lecture 2 hour, laboratory 3 hours equal to one credit hour.

NUR 3606  Concepts in Nursing II  
Co-requisite: NUR 3805.
Prerequisite: NUR 3204, 3402, 3404, 3513.

This course explores concepts of person-centered and family nursing care of obstetric, pediatric, and surgical populations. A clinical judgment model is utilized to guide students in developing clinical reasoning and subsequent clinical judgment. Lecture six hours.

NUR 3792  Concepts Competency I  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

A competency course for the junior level student who has failed a clinical course but passed the co-requisite concepts course; or had a break in enrollment from the nursing curriculum. NUR 3792 should be taken concurrently with the accompanying clinical course the student is repeating. Students who have been absent from the nursing curriculum must prove competence at the level of the last concepts course completed before reentry into the nursing curriculum (ATU DON Progression Policy).

NUR 3802  Pharmacology II  
Prerequisite: NUR 3204, NUR 3402, NUR 3404.

This secondary course focuses on the use, effects, mode of action, and study of the body's reaction to drugs. Emphasis is placed on nursing considerations related to safe medication administration.

NUR 3803  Applied Pathophysiology  
Cross-listed: BIOL 3803.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2014 or BIOL 2404 and BIOL 2414 or BIOL 3074.

This course focuses on the mechanisms and concepts of selected pathological disturbances in the human body. Emphasis is placed on how the specific pathological condition affects the functioning of the system involved, as well as its impact on all other body systems.

NUR 3805  Clinical Nursing II  
Co-requisite: NUR 3606.
Prerequisite: NUR 3204, 3402, 3404, 3513.

Clinical Nursing II provides opportunities for the integration and application of nursing concepts, skills, reasoning and judgment in obstetric, pediatric and surgical populations. 15 clinical hours equal to 5 credit hours.

NUR 3892  Clinical Competency I  

A competency course for the junior level student who has failed a Concepts course but passed the co-requisite Clinical course; or had a break in enrollment from the nursing curriculum. NUR 3892 should be taken concurrently with the accompanying Concepts course the student is repeating. Students who have been absent from the nursing curriculum must prove competence at the level of the last clinical/lab course completed before reentry into the nursing curriculum (ATU DON Progression Policy).

NUR 4206  Concepts in Nursing III  
Co-requisite: NUR 4405.
Prerequisite: NUR 3606, 3802, 3805.

This course explores concepts of advanced medical-surgical, intensive care, and psychiatric health. A clinical judgment model is utilized to guide students in developing clinical reasoning and subsequent clinical judgment.

NUR 4303  Nursing Research  
Prerequisite: Admission to upper division nursing, senior standing or consent of instructor.

This introductory research course focuses on the validity and applicability of research findings for the improvement of nursing practice. Emphasis is on scientific inquiry and the role of the nurse as an intelligent consumer of research.

NUR 4405  Clinical Nursing III  
Co-requisite: NUR 4206.
Prerequisite: NUR 3606, 3802, and 3805.

Clinical provides opportunities for the integration and application of nursing concepts, skills, reasoning and judgment in advanced adult medical-surgical, intensive care, and psychiatric health. 15 clinical hours equal to 5 credit hours.

NUR 4502  Principles of ACLS  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or consent of the instructor.

This course is designed to offer the student the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate early treatment for cardiopulmonary arrest in the adult patient. Students will examine ethical considerations in resuscitation as it applies to clinical practice. Simulated laboratory experiences will be provided utilizing current ACLS protocols as guidelines for emergency care.

NUR 4606  Concepts in Nursing IV  
Prerequisite: NUR 4206, 4303, and 4405.

This course explores concepts of community/population health, professional role and leadership, interprofessional partnership, management theories, techniques, and systems-based practice. A clinical judgment model is utilized to guide students in developing clinical reasoning and subsequent clinical judgment. Lecture six hours.

NUR 4792  Concepts Competency II  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

A competency course for the senior level student who has failed a Clinical course but passed the co-requisite Concepts course; or had a break in enrollment from the nursing curriculum. NUR 3792 should be taken concurrently with the accompanying clinical course the student is repeating. Students who have been absent from the nursing curriculum must prove competence at the level of the last concepts course completed before reentry into the nursing curriculum (ATU DON Progression Policy).

NUR 4804  Clinical Nursing IV  
Co-requisite: NUR 4606 and 4903.
Prerequisite: NUR 4206 and 4405.

Clinical provides opportunities for the integration and application of nursing concepts, skills, reasoning and judgment in community/population health and systems-based practice environments. 12 clinical hours.

NUR 4892  Clinical Competency II  

A competency course for the senior level student who has failed a concepts course but passed the co-requisite clinical course; or had a break in enrollment from the nursing curriculum. NUR 3892 should be taken concurrently with the accompanying concepts course the student is repeating. Students who have been absent from the nursing curriculum must prove competence at the level of the last clinical/lab course completed before reentry into the nursing curriculum (ATU DON Progression Policy).

NUR 4903  Synthesis of Clinical and Theoretical Concepts  

A capstone course to demonstrate academic achievement, clinical reasoning, and judgment through preceptorship and NCLEX preparation.

NUR 4951  Undergraduate Research in Nursing  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

NUR 4952  Undergraduate Research in Nursing  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

NUR 4953  Undergraduate Research in Nursing  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

NUR 4954  Undergraduate Research in Nursing  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

NUR 4971  Pharmacology Review  
Prerequisite: NUR 3402 and 3802.

This course is designed as a review of pharmacology for the licensed nurse or nursing major.

NUR 4981  Introduction to Oncology  
Prerequisite: Admission to upper division nursing.

This course is an overview of the different aspects of treatment of patients with cancer. It will include a short synopsis on the cellular changes that occur with cancer, the different preventives and diagnostics that are done, the modalities of treatment and management of side effects, as well as the emotional and psychological impact of cancer on the patient and their significant others. This course builds upon and expands core knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and psychology.

NUR 4983  Nursing Perspectives on Aging  
Prerequisite: Admission to upper division nursing.

As the "baby boom" generation turns 65 the percentage of older Americans will increase to over 30% of the population by 2030. This course will prepare nurses to meet the needs of this increasing population in Arkansas and the U.S. Content will focus on preserving health and promoting wellness in aging individuals. The course will also build a knowledge base for nurses' participation in managing health care problems and developing strategies for promoting wellness in aging individuals.

NUR 4990  Independent Study  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or NUR 4303.

Faculty and student collaborate on the selection, development, and evaluation of an individual project or topic in an area of nursing or health.

NUR 4991  Independent Study  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or NUR 4303.

Faculty and student collaborate on the selection, development, and evaluation of an individual project or topic in an area of nursing or health. 15 clock hours per credit hour.

NUR 4992  Independent Study  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or NUR 4303.

Faculty and student collaborate on the selection, development, and evaluation of an individual project or topic in an area of nursing or health. 15 clock hours per credit hour.

NUR 4993  Independent Study  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or NUR 4303.

Faculty and student collaborate on the selection, development, and evaluation of an individual project or topic in an area of nursing or health. 15 clock hours per credit hour.

NUR 4994  Independent Study  
Prerequisite: Departmental permission or NUR 4303.

Faculty and student collaborate on the selection, development, and evaluation of an individual project or topic in an area of nursing or health. 15 clock hours per credit hour.

NUR 6103  Theoretical Perspectives  

This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to critique, evaluate, and apply theories from nursing and related healthcare disciplines. Philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of the nursing discipline will be explored with in depth discussion of knowledge development and theory analysis. Students will study a selected phenomenon in depth and learn the strategies for concept analysis and development, and application of theory to practice. $15 course fee.

NUR 6113  Foundations of Nursing Education  

This graduate level course introduces the students to fundamental principles of teaching and learning among a diverse population in academia and clinical environments. Students will develop innovative teaching strategies along with traditional and online methods.

NUR 6203  Research Design and Methods  

This course focuses on quantitative and qualitative research design with an emphasis on strategies for incorporating current research findings into the provision of healthcare to improve quality of care and care delivery. Students will identify common problems in nursing and healthcare systems, and determine the most appropriate research methodology for finding or creating solutions. Students are expected to critically appraise published research and develop appropriate and creative methods for utilizing current research findings in a variety of healthcare settings. $15 course fee.

NUR 6213  Epidemiology  

This course will prepare the nurse administrator to study the health-related states of client populations and apply epidemiological, social, and environmental data to the health status of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students will examine environmental and occupational hazards leading to disease and evaluate preventative and therapeutic measures that are available within healthcare delivery systems. Current epidemic and pandemic issues will be discussed in addition to biological, chemical, and radiological threats. $15 course fee.

NUR 6303  Law, Ethics, and Policy in Healthcare  

This course is an overview of current trends in healthcare today and the legal, ethical, and policy issues that may be confronted. Students will examine contemporary social, economic, ethical, and legislative issues influencing healthcare policy. Legal liability of professionals, personal law, legal compliance, professional practice standards, ethical standards, and laws related to information management and patient records will be addressed. $15 course fee.

NUR 6313  Role of the Healthcare Administrator  

This course will prepare the graduate to analyze theories and research relevant to the role of the healthcare administrator as leader and manager. Emphasis will be placed on the internal and external forces influencing the administrator role. Seminars will focus on leadership and management theory, healthcare policy, organization, healthcare delivery systems. The graduate will be able to assume a leadership role in the managing of human, fiscal, and physical healthcare resources in a variety of healthcare settings. $15 course fee.

NUR 6333  Epidemics and Pandemics  

This course introduces students to the history of infectious diseases and their causative agents, emerging and reemerging diseases that lead to epidemics and pandemics, fundamental epidemiological principles, and surveillance and mitigation strategies. Factors such as urbanization, modern transportation systems, environment, and disrupted ecosystems contributing to the emergence of new infectious diseases and the spread of older diseases will be explored. This course will also examine societal responses to disease, public policy considerations, and the emerging threat of bioweapons.

NUR 6403  Non-Thesis Project  

Directed research study of a topic selected by the student, incorporating literature review of current research findings and a written project proposal. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to identify a topic of interest and propose a strategy for implementation of a new program of system change. $15 course fee.

NUR 6503  Organizational Behavior in Healthcare  
Prerequisite: NUR 6313.

This course deals both with human resource issues in the healthcare organizations and with the theoretical foundations of organizational development as an applied behavioral science. Attention will be directed to the dynamics of contemporary human relations in healthcare organizations. $15 course fee.

NUR 6513  Fiscal Management in Health Care System  
Prerequisite: NUR 6313.

Financial management and systems development in a changing health care environment are the focus of this course. This course begins with a basic review of accounting systems in health care facilities. Key concepts such as cost behavior and analysis, budgeting, and internal controls are all explored. Strategic planning and implementation will also be examined. $15 course fee.

NUR 6526  Nursing Administration Practicum  
Prerequisite: 24 hours of core courses and NUR 6503 and NUR 6513.

This course is designed to promote student application of theory to practice. Students, with faculty approval, will select the healthcare setting and nurse administrator for the practicum. Students will be required to plan their studies, set specific learning objectives, and provide formal written reports on their findings. The nurse administrator should work closely with his/her preceptor to assess job requirements, analyze budgets and budgetary needs, and develop a plan to provide quality, cost-effective nursing care to patients. $30 course fee.

NUR 6603  Crisis Intervention in Disasters  

This course is designed to prepare the nurse administrator to develop a crisis intervention program and to understand a wide range of crisis intervention strategies including pre and post incident crisis education, crisis intervention for individuals, significant other support services, demobilizations after large scale traumas/disaster, small group defusing, and group intervention. The nurse administrator should have the knowledge necessary to assess, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate a crisis intervention program. $15 course fee.

NUR 6991  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.
NUR 6992  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.
NUR 6993  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.
NUR 6994  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.
NUR 6995  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.
NUR 6996  Research Thesis  

This course is directed research on a thesis topic selected by the student in consultation with a supervising professor. The student will be required to present the thesis in a seminar to faculty and other graduate students. $5 course fee per credit hour.

Note: May be repeated for credit.