Course Descriptions

Freshman Year (Level I)

Nursing 100 - Introduction to the Art and Science of Nursing
This course serves as an introduction to the health-illness continuum as it relates to self and others. Emphasis is placed on learning and utilizing good communication techniques. Past, present, and future trends of the nursing profession are explored along with the role of the professional nurse as a member of the health care team. An emphasis is placed on the holistic needs of man as defined by Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs. The clinical component focuses on the development of basic nursing skills and client assessment, using the medical-surgical units and a long term care facility.

Nutrition 100 - Fundamental Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy
This course provides the framework for obtaining a fundamental knowledge of normal nutrition while emphasizing principles of medical nutrition therapy to prepare the student for further study in the first, second, and third levels of the nursing program. Emphasis is placed on holistic client care with nutrition as an integral component important to maintaining health and affecting the recovery process.

Health 1060* - Dosage Calculation for Medication Administration - Three Credits
This course is designed to meet the needs of the student to assure safe administration of medications. A working knowledge of dosage calculations is necessary within any given medication administration system. This course will assist the student to calculate dosages accurately.
Prerequisite: Standardized basic college math testing score of 65 or above or successful completion of a basic college math course.

Biology 1010* - Human Anatomy - Four Credits
The study of the human organism with respect to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the organ systems. Laboratory work includes dissection of the cat and appropriate isolated organs.
Prerequisite: Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students take General Biology before taking Anatomy.

Second Semester (January - May)

Nursing 101 - Introduction to Therapeutic Concepts and Skills
This course focuses on the scientific principles and skills basic to nursing practice. The art of performing a skill is integrated with the science of nursing. Nursing interventions designed to meet the basic physiologic and psychosocial needs of the client are emphasized and are based on the interrelationships of body systems. Principles of health promotion, illness prevention, and Medical Nutrition Therapy are integrated into the nursing process. The clinical component utilizes medical-surgical units and community settings.

Biology 1020* - Human Physiology - Four Credits
This course presents a study of the human organism, including basic chemical composition and function of the cell. The course stresses homeostatic control systems and coordinated body functions.

Prerequisite: 4 credits of Anatomy

Psychology 2010* - General Psychology - Three Credits
A survey of the core areas of the science of psychology. Emphasis is placed on theories, methods, and findings concerning learning, motivation, physiology, sensation-perception, social behavior, personality, behavior disorders and therapies.

Pharmacology 101 - Essentials of Pharmacology in Nursing
This course focuses on nursing pharmacology and therapeutics. The course reviews general principles, theories, and facts about drugs and their administration. Principles of action, uses, side effects, and client education are discussed to facilitate the student's learning in the clinical environment. Information is presented by integrating pharmacology into the nursing process. Specific drug information is discussed in relation to assessment, nursing diagnosis, client monitoring, interventions, client education and evaluation of safe and effective drug therapy.

Nursing 200 - Psychiatric / Mental Health and Medical / Surgical Nursing
This course introduces a variety of concepts related to the care of clients with psychological and physiological disorders. Emphasis is placed on identifying the effects stress and anxiety have on the client with endocrine, genitourinary and psychiatric disorders and the client with altered cell growth. A nursing process approach is utilized to address increasingly complex client care needs. The clinical component utilizes medical / surgical and psychiatric units, and various community agencies.

Sociology 1010 * - General Sociology - Three Credits
An introductory course presenting a description and analysis of the structure and dynamics of human society. It focuses on social norms, groups, intergroup relations, social change, stratification and institutions. Social interaction and the values which orient behavior in groups are examined. Contemporary society and its problems are discussed.

Second Semester (January - May)

Nursing 201 - Adult Medical / Surgical Nursing Across Acute Care and Community Settings
This course focuses on the care of the client in acute care and community settings. This includes the client with musculoskeletal, reproductive, sensory, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. The clinical component utilizes various specialized units, medical / surgical units, and community settings.

Psychology 2030 * - Developmental Psychology - Three Credits
A course designed to offer students an understanding of the significant dynamics of human development, with emphasis placed on normal rather than abnormal.

Prerequisite: Psychology 2010

First Semester (September - December)

Nursing 300 - Parent Child Health Nursing
This course deals with the provision of care for optimal health of the members of the childbearing and childrearing family. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, evaluate and modify nursing interventions for parents, children, and families. The clinical component utilizes labor, delivery, recovery and post-partum units, the newborn nursery and pediatric units as well as various community settings.

Philosophy 206 ** - Ethics - Three Credits
An examination and explanation of ethical judgements made. Clarification and analysis of ethical terms and the validity of norms of conduct from the standpoint of formalistic, intuitional, hedonistic, and naturalistic ethical theories are considered. Professional ethics and nursing ethics are also discussed.

Second Semester (January - May)

Nursing 301 - Comprehensive Nursing
This course addresses the provision of holistic nursing care of families, groups of clients and clients confronted with the multiple stresses of severe / critical illness. Emphasis is placed on assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying nursing interventions and on setting immediate and long-range client centered goals. Nursing leadership concepts are introduced and applied. The clinical component utilizes critical care, neurological and medical / surgical units, as well as rehabilitation facilities in the hospital and in the community.

* Community College of RI Course
** Rhode Island College Course