Become a Nurse - Select the Only 3-Year BSN Offered in the Region or Our 4-Year Option
Becoming a nurse is a decision that comes from the heart. We know you enroll with a desire to help others, and to build upon your intellect to discover how best to care for patients. Our programs promise to immerse you in the knowledge you need to do just that! You have the option to complete your bachelor of science in nursing degree in either three or four years. College of Saint Mary offers a three-year generic bachelor of science in nursing, saving you both time and tuition.
Either way you'll benefit from learning in our new, state-of-the-art simulation labs in small classes and from some of the most knowledgeable professors around. Our goal is seeing you fulfilled in this important, noble career field.
College of Saint Mary Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program
Licensure Examination Pass Rates
College of Saint Mary strives to ensure success academically and professionally to each of our students. In addition, our national accreditor expects a high degree of success. One way to measure this success is through our licensure examination pass rates (NCLEX-RN). Licensure examination pass rates are calculated by the annual performance on the NCLEX-RN for all first-time test-takers only. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement for licensure examination pass rates to be that 80% of our students will pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.
| Year | NCLEX-RN Pass Rates |
| 2019 | 82.14% |
| 2018 | 86.79% |
| 2017 | 74.47% |
Program Completion Rate
College of Saint Mary strives to ensure success academically and professionally for each of our students. In addition, our national accreditor expects a high degree of success. One way to measure this success is through our program completion rates. Program completion rates are calculated by finding the percentage of students who graduate within 150% of the stated program length beginning with enrollment in the first nursing course. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement to be that 70% of our students will graduate within 150% of the stated program length beginning with the first nursing course.
| Year | Program Completion Rate |
| 2019 | 80.3% |
| 2018 | 76.9% |
| 2017 | 81.4% |
Job Placement Rate
College of Saint Mary recognizes the importance for our graduates to begin their careers shortly after graduation. The job placement rate is the percentage of graduates, within 6-months of graduation, employed in a position for which the program prepared them. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement to be that 80% of graduates will be employed in a position for which the program prepared them within 6-months of graduation.
| Year | Job Placement Rate |
| 2019 | Results available January 2020 |
| 2018 | 94% |
| 2017 | 89% |
Required Courses in Your Major
Program of Study: 3-Year Track | 4-Year Track
NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing – Theory
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to the profession of nursing as a lifelong career in health care. A historical perspective of nursing will include significant individuals and their contribution to the profession. College of Saint Mary Nursing Philosophy will serve as a basis for discussion related to curriculum concepts of patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional role. Classroom discussion related to time management, personal commitment, educational requirements, and career opportunities will allow the student to identify a personal plan for academic success. Students will also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the skills laboratory. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: CHM 100, CHM 100L, BIO 200, BIO 201, MTH 112
NUR 101: Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
9 credit hours
This nursing course will provide the theoretical framework upon which subsequent nursing courses will build. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety, and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care settings. Prerequisite: NUR 100, Co-requisite: NUR 102. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: BIO 202/203
NUR 102: Pharmacology - Fundamentals of Nursing
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories. The concepts of patient centered-care and drug management with a focus on the geriatric population will be included. Prerequisites: NUR 100, Co-requisite: NUR 101, Prerequisites/Co-requisites: BIO 202/203
NUR 200: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nursing – Theory/ Clinical
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 201/202, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 201: Population Based Community Health Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 200/202, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 202: Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic, and over-the-counter medications in the community. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 200/201, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 203: Maternal Newborn Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities, and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 204/205, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 204: Pediatric Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents, and families along the health-illness continuum. Concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of pediatric inpatient and community-based settings. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 203/205, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 205: Maternal/Child Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications, and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients. Nursing assessment and evaluation of patient responses to medications in relation to health, age, lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, and other cultural factors is explored. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 203/204, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 207: Introduction to Nursing Research/ EBP
3 credit hours
The focus of this nursing course is to provide an overview of nursing theories, prepare the student to critically evaluate nursing research, and discuss the importance of evidence-based practice at the baccalaureate level. This course will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research. The course emphasizes correlations between patient-centered care, safety, professional role, evidence-based practice, and patient outcomes. Prerequisite: All Nursing 100 level courses, Prerequisites/Co-requisites: MTH 242
NUR 208: Health Assessment
3 credit hours
The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366
NUR 300: Acute Medical/Surgical Nursing
8 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in medical/surgical settings. Emphasis is on skill development in systematic assessment utilizing the nursing process, developing competency in selected nursing therapies, and developing a role as professional nurse. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366, Co-requisite: NUR 301
NUR 301: Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366, Co-requisites: NUR 300
NUR 303: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Nursing–Theory/Clinical
8 credit hours
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. Students will integrate and expand on previously learned skills and theories. Students will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation, and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301, Co-requisite: NUR 304
NUR 304: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Student will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301, Co-requisite: NUR 303
NUR 305: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
2 credit hours
This course focuses on knowledge and skills that professional nurses need to effectively respond to challenges in the rapidly changing healthcare system. Students examine issues regarding access to care, affordability, equity, and social justice along with select social, political, legal, and organizational communication factors which influence professional nursing practice and the healthcare system. Topics include organizational communication, legal issues, healthcare policy, regulatory influences, professional advocacy, use of technology in the professional environment, and transition into practice. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301
NUR 306: Nursing Management and Leadership
3 credit hours
This baccalaureate nursing course provides students with the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, professional role, and communication. Synthesis of content will be demonstrated through a capstone project. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301
NUR 307: Professional Nursing Preceptorship
6 clinical credit hours
In this course, students will provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse preceptor. This preceptorship experience is structured to foster synthesis of theoretical concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills, and demonstration of the ability to work effectively as a team member. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, patient-centered care, as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches and informatics, consistent with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) core competencies and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) guidelines. This course also incorporates a virtual and live review to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 306
NUR 308: Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing (GCD)
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society. The student will develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care. Cultural concepts and principles are discussed as related to provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable patients, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and public health settings. This course provides a balance between acquiring some background knowledge of select cultural groups encountered in clinical practice, and developing attitudes and skills that are not specific to any particular culture but are universally relevant. Prerequisite: All Nursing 100 level courses
NUR 355: Internship
1 credit hour
This elective clinical course places intermediate students in a clinical setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse preceptor. Students will apply the nursing process to multiple clients with predictable outcomes. Sites and supervisions are individual arranged. Prerequisites: NUR 100/170 (or their equivalent), NUR 110 (or its equivalent), faculty recommendation, and interview/acceptance by contractual facility.
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The BSN program requires the completion of 128 credit hours. Of that, 69 credit hours are major program courses, 41 credit hours are general education, 15 credit hours are supporting courses, and three credit hours are electives.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Our bachelor of science in nursing degree program has Nebraska State Board of Nursing Approval and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, 404-975-5000.
Admission Criteria for Recent High School Graduates*
BSN Three-Year Track
ACT:
Composite Score of 23 or Above
Math 19 or Above
English 21 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
BSN Four-Year Track
ACT:
Composite Score of 21 or Above
Math 19 or Above
English 21 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Nursing: Aspiring to BSN Program
ACT:
Composite Score of 18 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Undeclared: Aspiring to Acceptance into BSN Program
ACT:
less than 18
Cumulative High School GPA:
less than 2.0
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Admission Criteria for Applicant with College Transfer Credit
BSN Three-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development course) including two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses OR satisfactory completion of at least 21 CSM nursing program required (general education curriculum) course credits.
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission.
BSN Four-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development course) including two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses OR satisfactory completion of at least 21 CSM nursing program required (general education curriculum) course credits.
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission.
Pre-Nursing: Aspiring to BSN Program
Cumulative College GPA:
2.0 to 2.74
Undeclared: Aspiring to BSN Program
Cumulative College GPA:
less than 2.0
Admission Criteria for Pre-Nursing and Undeclared Students
BSN Three-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses AND satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development courses)
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission
BSN Four-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses AND satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development courses)
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission
Academic Description
Become a Nurse - Select the Only 3-Year BSN Offered in the Region or Our 4-Year Option
Becoming a nurse is a decision that comes from the heart. We know you enroll with a desire to help others, and to build upon your intellect to discover how best to care for patients. Our programs promise to immerse you in the knowledge you need to do just that! You have the option to complete your bachelor of science in nursing degree in either three or four years. College of Saint Mary offers a three-year generic bachelor of science in nursing, saving you both time and tuition.
Either way you'll benefit from learning in our new, state-of-the-art simulation labs in small classes and from some of the most knowledgeable professors around. Our goal is seeing you fulfilled in this important, noble career field.
College of Saint Mary Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program
Licensure Examination Pass Rates
College of Saint Mary strives to ensure success academically and professionally to each of our students. In addition, our national accreditor expects a high degree of success. One way to measure this success is through our licensure examination pass rates (NCLEX-RN). Licensure examination pass rates are calculated by the annual performance on the NCLEX-RN for all first-time test-takers only. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement for licensure examination pass rates to be that 80% of our students will pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.
| Year | NCLEX-RN Pass Rates |
| 2019 | 82.14% |
| 2018 | 86.79% |
| 2017 | 74.47% |
Program Completion Rate
College of Saint Mary strives to ensure success academically and professionally for each of our students. In addition, our national accreditor expects a high degree of success. One way to measure this success is through our program completion rates. Program completion rates are calculated by finding the percentage of students who graduate within 150% of the stated program length beginning with enrollment in the first nursing course. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement to be that 70% of our students will graduate within 150% of the stated program length beginning with the first nursing course.
| Year | Program Completion Rate |
| 2019 | 80.3% |
| 2018 | 76.9% |
| 2017 | 81.4% |
Job Placement Rate
College of Saint Mary recognizes the importance for our graduates to begin their careers shortly after graduation. The job placement rate is the percentage of graduates, within 6-months of graduation, employed in a position for which the program prepared them. College of Saint Mary has established the expected level of achievement to be that 80% of graduates will be employed in a position for which the program prepared them within 6-months of graduation.
| Year | Job Placement Rate |
| 2019 | Results available January 2020 |
| 2018 | 94% |
| 2017 | 89% |
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Our bachelor of science in nursing degree program has Nebraska State Board of Nursing Approval and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, 404-975-5000.
Admissions Requirements
Admission Criteria for Recent High School Graduates*
BSN Three-Year Track
ACT:
Composite Score of 23 or Above
Math 19 or Above
English 21 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
BSN Four-Year Track
ACT:
Composite Score of 21 or Above
Math 19 or Above
English 21 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Nursing: Aspiring to BSN Program
ACT:
Composite Score of 18 or Above
Cumulative High School GPA:
at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Undeclared: Aspiring to Acceptance into BSN Program
ACT:
less than 18
Cumulative High School GPA:
less than 2.0
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Admission Criteria for Applicant with College Transfer Credit
BSN Three-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development course) including two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses OR satisfactory completion of at least 21 CSM nursing program required (general education curriculum) course credits.
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission.
BSN Four-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development course) including two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses OR satisfactory completion of at least 21 CSM nursing program required (general education curriculum) course credits.
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission.
Pre-Nursing: Aspiring to BSN Program
Cumulative College GPA:
2.0 to 2.74
Undeclared: Aspiring to BSN Program
Cumulative College GPA:
less than 2.0
Admission Criteria for Pre-Nursing and Undeclared Students
BSN Three-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses AND satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development courses)
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission
BSN Four-Year Track
Cumulative College GPA:
at least 2.75 (C+) on a 4.0 scale
Pre-Requisites:
Satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required science supporting courses AND satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include development courses)
Withdraw or unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of 2 required supporting sciences may result in a denial of admission
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Program of Study: 3-Year Track | 4-Year Track
NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing – Theory
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to the profession of nursing as a lifelong career in health care. A historical perspective of nursing will include significant individuals and their contribution to the profession. College of Saint Mary Nursing Philosophy will serve as a basis for discussion related to curriculum concepts of patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional role. Classroom discussion related to time management, personal commitment, educational requirements, and career opportunities will allow the student to identify a personal plan for academic success. Students will also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the skills laboratory. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: CHM 100, CHM 100L, BIO 200, BIO 201, MTH 112
NUR 101: Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
9 credit hours
This nursing course will provide the theoretical framework upon which subsequent nursing courses will build. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety, and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care settings. Prerequisite: NUR 100, Co-requisite: NUR 102. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: BIO 202/203
NUR 102: Pharmacology - Fundamentals of Nursing
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories. The concepts of patient centered-care and drug management with a focus on the geriatric population will be included. Prerequisites: NUR 100, Co-requisite: NUR 101, Prerequisites/Co-requisites: BIO 202/203
NUR 200: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nursing – Theory/ Clinical
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 201/202, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 201: Population Based Community Health Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 200/202, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 202: Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic, and over-the-counter medications in the community. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 200/201, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 203: Maternal Newborn Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities, and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 204/205, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 204: Pediatric Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents, and families along the health-illness continuum. Concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of pediatric inpatient and community-based settings. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 203/205, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 205: Maternal/Child Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications, and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients. Nursing assessment and evaluation of patient responses to medications in relation to health, age, lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, and other cultural factors is explored. Prerequisites: All Nursing 100 level courses, PSY 101, Co-requisite: NUR 203/204, Prerequisites/Co-requisite: BIO 230/231
NUR 207: Introduction to Nursing Research/ EBP
3 credit hours
The focus of this nursing course is to provide an overview of nursing theories, prepare the student to critically evaluate nursing research, and discuss the importance of evidence-based practice at the baccalaureate level. This course will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research. The course emphasizes correlations between patient-centered care, safety, professional role, evidence-based practice, and patient outcomes. Prerequisite: All Nursing 100 level courses, Prerequisites/Co-requisites: MTH 242
NUR 208: Health Assessment
3 credit hours
The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366
NUR 300: Acute Medical/Surgical Nursing
8 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in medical/surgical settings. Emphasis is on skill development in systematic assessment utilizing the nursing process, developing competency in selected nursing therapies, and developing a role as professional nurse. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366, Co-requisite: NUR 301
NUR 301: Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population. Prerequisite: All Nursing 200 level courses and BIO 366, Co-requisites: NUR 300
NUR 303: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Nursing–Theory/Clinical
8 credit hours
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. Students will integrate and expand on previously learned skills and theories. Students will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation, and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301, Co-requisite: NUR 304
NUR 304: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Student will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301, Co-requisite: NUR 303
NUR 305: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
2 credit hours
This course focuses on knowledge and skills that professional nurses need to effectively respond to challenges in the rapidly changing healthcare system. Students examine issues regarding access to care, affordability, equity, and social justice along with select social, political, legal, and organizational communication factors which influence professional nursing practice and the healthcare system. Topics include organizational communication, legal issues, healthcare policy, regulatory influences, professional advocacy, use of technology in the professional environment, and transition into practice. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301
NUR 306: Nursing Management and Leadership
3 credit hours
This baccalaureate nursing course provides students with the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, professional role, and communication. Synthesis of content will be demonstrated through a capstone project. Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 301
NUR 307: Professional Nursing Preceptorship
6 clinical credit hours
In this course, students will provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse preceptor. This preceptorship experience is structured to foster synthesis of theoretical concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills, and demonstration of the ability to work effectively as a team member. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, patient-centered care, as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches and informatics, consistent with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) core competencies and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) guidelines. This course also incorporates a virtual and live review to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Prerequisite: All Nursing courses through NUR 306
NUR 308: Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing (GCD)
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society. The student will develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care. Cultural concepts and principles are discussed as related to provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable patients, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and public health settings. This course provides a balance between acquiring some background knowledge of select cultural groups encountered in clinical practice, and developing attitudes and skills that are not specific to any particular culture but are universally relevant. Prerequisite: All Nursing 100 level courses
NUR 355: Internship
1 credit hour
This elective clinical course places intermediate students in a clinical setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse preceptor. Students will apply the nursing process to multiple clients with predictable outcomes. Sites and supervisions are individual arranged. Prerequisites: NUR 100/170 (or their equivalent), NUR 110 (or its equivalent), faculty recommendation, and interview/acceptance by contractual facility.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The BSN program requires the completion of 128 credit hours. Of that, 69 credit hours are major program courses, 41 credit hours are general education, 15 credit hours are supporting courses, and three credit hours are electives.
