Curricula

• Degree Plan
• Prerequisite Course Descriptions
• CSON Course Descriptions

Degree Plan

Courses in the School of Nursing are identified by a multiple digit number. The following diagram illustrates the meaning of each digit.

Prerequisites Course Descriptions

English I

A study of the writing process that requires students to write extensively in a variety of modes and styles, including personal, academic, and research essays. Includes an application of research techniques and critical thinking

English II

A critical examination of a variety of literary forms and a careful examination of the writing process, culminating in a research paper.

Speech (either of the following)

• Interpersonal: A study of the human communication process in one to one encounters.
• Public Speaking: An introduction to the basic theories of public speaking. An emphasis is placed on delivery skills and communication apprehension. Students learn to prepare and deliver informative and persuasive speeches in an appropriate manner.

Spanish

An introductory course emphasizing conversation, grammar, and Hispanic culture. Lab required.

Chemistry

• General Chemistry: An introduction to chemistry. Includes gas laws, bonding theory, atomic structure, solutions, acid-base and redox reactions.
• Inorganic Chemistry: The study of chemistry especially relating to the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds. The course should cover all chemical compounds except the myriad organic compounds.

Anatomy and Physiology I (or just Anatomy)

Structure and function of cells, tissues, and the general body plan; the integument, skeletal, and muscular systems.

Anatomy and Physiology II (or just Physiology)

A continuation Anatomy and Physiology I. Structure and function of the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and nervous systems, as well as a study of fluid, electrolyte and Ph balance of the body.

Microbiology

Characteristics of microorganisms, their culture, uses, control and immunological aspects in industrial, domestic, and medical areas. Concurrent registration in the complementary laboratory course is required.

Human Growth and Development (Lifespan)

The physical and psychological development of the individual from birth through the death/dying process.

Psychology

An introductory course concerning the major theories and recent research in the broad field of psychology.

Nutrition (Science of, or Personal)

Study of nutrients, their functions and food sources, recommended daily allowances, deficiency and toxicity symptoms, and sound principles for nutrition throughout the life cycle.

Political Science

• American Government, Organization: Fundamental principles of government including the American system of government and the development of the constitution for the United States.
• American Government, Functions: Study of the functions of the American system of government, at the national level.
• Texas State and Local Government: Introduction to the Texas state and local political system and comparison to state and local government throughout the United States.

History

• World History: World history from the beginning of civilization to 1600 with a related emphasis on world geography
• History of the United States I: The history of the United States from the discovery of America to 1877.
• History of the United States II: The history of the United States from 1877 to the present.

Elective

Must be a 3 hour non major class. This course cannot be one of the prerequisites listed and is in addition to the other prerequisites. The course must be considered an academic course (not vocational or technical) and cannot be a remedial course. This course also must be from an approved accredited program (any program accredited by a regional accrediting agency).

Covenant School of Nursing Course Descriptions

NURSING 101: Medical/Surgical Nursing I

Nursing Science 101 introduces the student to the fundamentals of nursing. The individual is presented as a whole person (body, mind, spirit) whose life style has been disrupted by illness. The application of the nursing process guides the student through the concepts of basic needs in health and illness. The development of interpersonal communication, cognitive and technical skills along with an understanding of ethical and legal issues provides a sound foundation for student learning and progression of their nursing education. The clinical instruction is coordinated with the formal classroom and simulated laboratory experiences. The student is encouraged to participate as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team to provide total care. Clinical experiences become more self-directed as the semester progresses.

Nursing 102: Pharmacology I

The focus of Nursing 102 is to help nursing students acquire and apply the scientific body of knowledge known as pharmacotherapy to the use of medications in the management of illness and the maintenance of wellness in the adult client. The nursing student is introduced to and will explore principles of pharmacotherapy in the context of classifications, application to wellness, and use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of specific disease processes within the framework of the nursing process - assessment, analysis, planning, intervention and evaluation.

Nursing 103: Pathophysiology I

The focus of Nursing Science 103 is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of pathophysiology. The alterations brought about by a pathophysiological state that results in illness or disease are explored in order to achieve a better understanding of the care for the individual. The concept that the individual as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual being whose life style has been disrupted by disease and/or illness is considered. This course begins the study of selected organ systems. These studies provide a foundation for student observations and a framework for actions taken in the planning and implementation of care of the client in Nursing 101.

Nursing 201: Medical/Surgical Nursing II

The concept of the client as a whole person (body, mind, and spirit) whose life style has been disrupted by illness is continued. Clinical instruction is coordinated with formal classroom instruction. Clinical conferences are planned to supplement both clinical and formal instruction. Nursing process principles are utilized to develop plans of care based on client needs and concepts of the health-illness continuum. The student continues to participate as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team to provide total patient care. Emphasis shifts to evaluation and modification of care, teaching and discharge planning. Clinical experience continues to become more self-directed as the semester progresses.

Nursing 202: Pharmacology II

Nursing 202 is a continuation of Nursing 102 designed to help nursing students acquire and apply the scientific body of knowledge known as pharmacotherapy to the use of medications in the management of illness and the maintenance of wellness in the adult client. The nursing student is introduced to and will explore basic principles of pharmacotherapy in the context of classifications, application to wellness, and use in the treatment of specific disease processes within the framework of the nursing process.

Nursing 203: Pathophysiology II

The focus of Nursing Science 203 is to provide a meaningful insight into the mechanisms that maintain the human body with its boundaries and explain the dynamic aspects of the disease process. The alterations brought about by the pathophysiological state results in disease or illnesses are explored. The concept that the individual as a bio -psych o-social - spiritual being whose life style has been disrupted by disease and/or illness is broadened through the study of pathophysiology. It is essential to know that disease is dynamic and the manifestations may vary from person to person and change from day to day. The knowledge can then be incorporated into the nursing process directing the care of the client.

Nursing 301: Family Centered Care of Specialty Populations

This course is an introduction to Maternal/Newborn, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. Special emphasis is placed on the biologic, psychologic and sociologic factors affecting these special populations in each unique individual, their family and their community. The clinical component of Nursing 301 seeks to apply scientific concepts and evidenced-based nursing practice in a variety of planned learning experiences. These experiences include but are not limited to acute care, long term care, community care and community resources. This course provides the student the opportunity to develop in the role of maternal/ newborn, pediatric, and psychiatric/mental health care team member. At the completion of this course the student should be competent to function in these areas in a beginning nursing position.

Nursing 401: Advanced Nursing Leadership

Advanced Nursing and Leadership is a study of the problems encountered by persons in altered health states in a variety of clinical settings. The course is structured to build on general nursing courses while preparing the student to provide nursing care to meet the specific complex needs of the client and family. The course facilitates transition from student to registered nurse role. Concepts, theories, and application of leadership and management modalities are incorporated. Current trends in health care delivery, legislation, ethics, and employment are discussed. Emphasis is placed on utilization of evidenced-based nursing practice in situations in which critical thinking, decision making, thorough assessment and timely nursing interventions are expected outcomes. This knowledge facilitates the student's development of cognitive, psychomotor, and effective abilities needed to function as an accountable nurse generalist capable of critical thinking, independent judgment, and self-direction. Career selection, career mobility, and the nurse's responsibility for continued professional growth are discussed.