Nursing (NU)

NU 101 Answering the Call to Nursing: 1 semester hour

This course is a “call to adventure” that prepares students to embark on their journey as future nurses. The course is designed to facilitate transition into college, to create a mentoring relationship with nursing faculty, and begin the role identification and enculturation into the profession of nursing. This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences of the nursing profession. In the spirit of compassion as reflected in the Sisters of Mercy Mission, this course provides students with a foundation of commitment to serve human needs where they exist.

NU 110 Exploring Complementary Therapies: 1 semester hour

This elective course offers students the opportunity to explore various alternative therapies that may be encountered when determining treatment options for oneself or another. The course is designed to inform the student of current modalities available in the community for persons seeking to take greater responsibility for their health status. Reflective judgement will be required as one responds to the theory and practice of alternative therapies thus enabling the student to draw conclusions that are holistic and accurate. This course does not satisfy the Holistic Health Domain requirement.

NU 113 Medical Terminology: 1 semester hour

This course provides an overview of terminology used in the health care professions. Students will independently study a textbook of terminology and progress through a series of on-line learning activities and exams. No prerequisites.

NU 224 Nursing Skills for the Journey: 3 semester hours

This course provides theoretical and clinical application content for nursing skills. Students will have the opportunity for hands-on experiences, working independently and closely with faculty and peers learning from a variety of teaching methodologies. Upon completion of this course students will be expected to perform selected nursing skills safely and accurately under the direct supervision in the clinical setting. Equipped with skills and knowledge, students are empowered to continue their journey with confidence and competence. Prerequisites: 75 hour CNA course, NU 232, and BI 274.

NU 230 Pharmacotherapeutics: 3 semester hours

This course provides an introduction to the broad field of pharmacology. Several concepts will be covered with particular emphasis on pharmacotherapeutics, the use of drugs for therapeutic purposes. Major drug groups will be addressed in relation to specific drug prototypes, actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, uses, interactions, contraindications, methods of administration, and consumer information. Principles of safe administration of medications, including drug calculations, will be reinforced. In addition, drug effects on specific populations will be addressed. Prerequisite: NU 224 and NU 232. Co-requisite or prerequisite of NU 240 and NU 260 or permission of the College of Nursing Clinical, Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.

NU 232 Holistic Human Assessment: 4 semester hours

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform assessments of humans as holistic persons. Lecture will provide theory to guide the students in developing subjective and objective assessment skills. Clinical application in the acute care setting will focus on assessment, communication and nursing skills. Prerequisite: admission to major.

NU 240 Disease Paths: 4 semester hours

Pathophysiology is the study of altered physiological functioning caused by disease. This course provides an overview of the biologic basis for disease in adults and children. The focus will be on the etiological factors, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of altered physiological processes. Students will examine how altered physiological functioning impacts the individual's personal journey. Prerequisites: NU 232, NU 224, and BI 274.

NU 242 Concepts in Baccalaureate Nursing Education: 4 semester hours

This course is designed for RN-BSN students seeking a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing. The purpose of the course is to provide a transition between the student’s basic nursing education, associate degree or diploma and baccalaureate nursing education. Students will explore the philosophy of nursing along with studying the current issues in nursing practice and nursing education. Prerequisite: Current and valid RN licensure. This course is a prerequisite to all other RN to BSN nursing courses.

NU 260 Pathways to Professional Nursing: 5 semester hours

This course facilitates the integration of knowledge for the liberal arts, sciences and nursing as the foundation for the professional nursing practice. A variety of clinical experiences within the health care environment will be encountered as the students journey across the threshold toward professional nursing. Prerequisites: NU 224 and NU 232.

NU 320 Essentials of Nutrition: 2 semester hours

This course will provide the student with essential foundational nutrition background and the knowledge necessary for evaluation of the nutritional status of clients across the lifespan. This course will focus on nutritional applications and intervention for health promotion and disease/illness. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260.

NU 330 Beginnings: Maternal Newborn Nursing: 3 semester hours

This course focuses on the nursing care of families as they journey through the childbearing experiences. Junior level nursing students are introduced to the normal process of pregnancy and delivery in addition to typical complications. Knowledge acquired from this course and previous learning experiences is applied in health care settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.

NU 332 Challenges Along the Journey: Nursing Interventions for Clients with Mental Illness: 3 semester hours

Proposed change: This course is designed to prepare the student to provide competent nursing care to patients experiencing mental illness. Concepts will include etiological theories, diagnostic terminology and criteria, and therapeutic nursing interventions. Therapeutic use of self and the nursing process are utilized in providing care to individuals with mental illness in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.

NU 350 Challenges Along the Journey: Interventions for Core Body System Alterations: 6 semester hours

This course will prepare students to meet the challenges associated with caring for adults and children experiencing acute and chronic illnesses involving core body systems. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. Emphasis will be placed on assessing how illness impacts the holistic being as well as end-of-life, and the use of evidenced based practice in the clinical setting. The focus will be on nursing interventions for persons with alterations involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, genital/reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as those interventions required for persons experiencing multi-system failure. Interventions will be discussed in theory, applied in case scenarios, and in clinical settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260.

NU 352 Challenges Along the Journey: Intervention for Alterations in Regulatory and Protective Mechanisms: 6 semester hours

This course will prepare students to meet the challenges associated with providing holistic care for adults and children experiencing acute and chronic illnesses involving alteration in regulatory and protective mechanisms. The initial focus will be on health promotion, growth and development, children’s response to illness, and family support. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. The clinical judgment skills required to prioritize and delegate care appropriately will be introduced and then integrated throughout the course. Interventions for persons with fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, impaired immunity, infection, and cancer, as well as those required for alterations in the endocrine, renal, and musculoskeletal systems will be included. Interventions will be addressed in theory and applied in case scenarios and/or a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.

NU 360 Nursing Clinical Internship: 1 semester hour

This elective course will provide nursing students with oversight by a Mount Mercy faculty member while they participate in an established internship offered by a health care facility in Iowa. The student will be permitted to perform as a nursing student during the internship starting at the Junior level under the supervision of the clinical agency staff. Students will be expected to apply for the internship on their own and verify that they have been accepted by the clinical agency.

NU 404 Nursing Program: 6 semester hours

Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.

NU 405 Nursing Program: 6.5 semester hours

Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.

NU 406 Nursing Program: 6.5 semester hours

Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.

NU 411 Professional Preparation: 1 semester hour

The course will help students to gain an understanding of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) test plan, recommended testing and study strategies, anxiety-reduction techniques, and the overall licensure procedure. It involves activities to assist students in their preparation for their professional roles as registered nurses and for successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Students will work with the faculty to develop and carry out individual plans to prepare for the exam. They will be introduced to the responsibilities associated with obtaining and maintaining a professional license and communicating with professional licensing boards and organizations. To be completed in the final semester of the nursing program.

NU 425 Pathophysiology, Assessment & Genetics RNs: 3 semester hours

Building on the educational foundation and experiences of the registered nurse student this course focuses on pathological and genetic conditions encountered in clinical assessment and practice across the life span. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms as they relate to commonly occurring diseases. Specific disease processes are examined incorporating the role of development physiology, embryologic, genetic, and environmental factors in the epidemiology of disease.

NU 441 Independent Study: 1 semester hour

Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.

NU 442 Independent Study: 2 semester hours

Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.

NU 443 Independent Study: 3 semester hours

Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.

NU 465 Integrating the Journey: Complex Concepts and Clinical Immersion: 6 semester hours

This course supports the transition from nursing student to the role of professional nurse in an immersion experience in a clinical setting. The student, working with a registered nurse (RN) preceptor, develops clinical judgment skills to prioritize and delegate care for multiple patents. This course integrates evidence, collaboration with the interprofessional team, and the person’s perspectives in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care. There is an emphasis in quality and safety in caring for clients with multiple systems pathologies and /or critical incidents. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 320, NU 330, NU 350, NU 352.

NU 470 Extending the Journey: Population Based Nursing: 3 semester hours

This course engages students to focus on population based nursing and community health, through local, state, regional, national, & global health perspectives. Population health management will include systems thinking, crisis preparedness, and collaborative partnerships to address vulnerable population needs and achieve equitable population health outcomes. Prerequisite: Prelicensure nursing students: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260; Prerequisite or co-requisite of NU 350 or NU 352.

NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing: 4 semester hours

This course is organized around issues that are key to the success of professional nurses in today’s constantly changing health care environment. Course content will address leadership and management, evidence-based practice, professional development, legal issues, quality & safety and current trends and issues in nursing. Prerequisite: Prelicensure nursing students: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260; Prerequisite or co-requisite of NU 350 or NU 352. RN-BSN Prerequisites: NU 242, NU 230.

NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar: 3 semester hours

The course focuses on the clinical application of various skills covered in the RN-BSN courses. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for application of population and community health concepts in community health settings and the application of leadership, management, professional development, legal issues, and evidence-based practice in a variety of professional settings. Prerequisites: NU 470 and NU 471.