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Are you interested in a career that combines close human care with strong science? Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Entry (BSN) at National University. Changes in our evolving healthcare system have fueled an increased need for skilled nurses. This varied and important work includes recording patient medical histories and symptoms, giving patients medicines and treatments, and setting up plans for patient care or contributing to existing plans.
In the nursing program, you’ll learn to carefully observe patients and record those observations to share with doctors. You may operate and monitor state-of-the-art medical equipment, and assist in performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results. You’ll also learn effective ways to teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries. The program also helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and therapeutic nursing skills within the framework of transcultural nursing.
This program is one of the BSN programs in California that is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Graduates are eligible to take the professional licensure exam (NCLEX) to earn a state license to practice as a registered nurse (RN).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Entry (BSN) program at National University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Entry (BSN) program at National University is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Required General Education Preparation
The following areas of General Education must be completed prior to beginning any Nursing Major core coursework: Area A1, A2, Area B, Area C, Area E, and Area F.
AREA A: ENGLISH COMMUNICATION
An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.
This class is an introduction to the principles and application of speaking effectively to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. Focus is on topic selection, organization, analysis of research, and delivery, with special attention on learning effective delivery skills.
AREA B: MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING
An introduction to concepts, procedures and software used in the statistical analysis of data in the health professions.
AREA C: INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A cross-disciplinary course that teaches effective report and research paper writing through the use of key computer technologies. Topics include library and Internet research; information organization, evaluation, and synthesis; MLA and APA style formats; and the use of document-production, image-editing, and presentation software.
AREA D: ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND LANGUAGES
See the General Education section of the catalog for applicable courses
This course provides English-speaking students the necessary tools for communication with Spanish speakers in the work place.
SPN 341 Cross-Cultural Communication – 4.50An examination of the basic cultural differences generally encountered in the workplace. Special emphasis is given to cross-cultural communication in the workplace.
For the remaining 9 units (2 courses), see the General Education section of the catalog for applicable courses.
AREA E: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.
SOC 100 Principles of Sociology – 4.50Prerequisite: ENG 102
Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.
AREA F: PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Corequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A
Areas of study include cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the effects of genetics, diet, lifestyle, and the environment.
BIO 201A Human Anatomy and Physiol LabI – 1.50Corequisite: BIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A or equivalent courses.
This laboratory course examines organ systems (skeletal, muscular and nervous). Students conduct cat/fetal pig dissections to identify and learn how skeletal muscles are organized according to body region. Sheep brain is used as a model to study human brain.
BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiol II – 4.50Corequisite: BIO 202A; Prerequisite: BIO 201 and BIO 201A
Organ systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the effects of genetics, diet, lifestyle, and the environment.
BIO 202A Human Anatomy andPhysiol LabII – 1.50Corequisite: BIO 202; Prerequisite: BIO 201; BIO 201A
This laboratory course examines homeostasis in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, along with digestive, and urinary systems. Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, development and different types of inheritance through the testing of vision, hearing and taste and smell. Cat/fetal pig is used to study the internal organs.
BIO 203 Introductory Microbiology – 4.50Corequisite: BIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A
Biology of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. The epidemiology of disease-causing agents is studied, along with the fundamentals of the human immune response. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.
BIO 203A Introductory Microbiology Lab – 1.50Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A
This laboratory course introduced students to procedures for handling microbes, methods of identification of microorganisms (microscopic and by diagnostic media), preparation of stained slides and wet mounts, aseptic techniques, isolation of a single colony, preparation of a pure culture, inoculation and interpretation of select diagnostic tests. This two-month course is a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.
AREA A-G: GENERAL EDUCATION
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Examines the origins of cultural pluralism in the USA and the valuing of diversity as a socio-cultural imperative. Explores the social history of race and ethnic relations in the USA from Colonial America to the present. Topics include voluntary and involuntary immigration, internal colonization, theoretical frameworks for understanding prejudice and discrimination, master narratives, the US Census, eugenics, immigration policy, and how gender and class complicate understandings of race and ethnicity in the USA.
OR HUB 500 Cross-Cultural Dynamics – 4.50Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
A curriculum-wide elective that studies the psycho-socio-cultural aspects of human differences and the enhancement of interpersonal/ intercultural communication skills. Increases the knowledge and understanding of differences in people and perspectives, enhances learning and performance in multicultural environments and fosters interactive diversity as a socio-cultural imperative and behavioral norm.
For the remaining 16.5 quarter units, use General Education section of the catalog for applicable courses or nursing elective courses.
Nursing Core Courses
Prerequisite: Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completion of all non-nursing pre-requisite courses is required to enroll in this course.
This course facilitates the practice of professional nursing by providing students with an opportunity to experiment with the application of various nursing theories to evaluate their impact on nursing practice. Professional identity, professional practice and professional development in nursing will be emphasized.
NSG 214 Health Assessment – 4.50Corequisite: NSG 214A; Recommended Preparation: Admission into the nursing program and completion of required general education preparation with a minimum GPA 2.75
Introduction to foundational concepts of health assessment to systematically gather and analyze data using a patient-centered care approach. Concepts include obtaining a health-history, using therapeutic interviewing skills, performing a comprehensive head-to-toe and problem-focused physical exam, psycho-social and socio-cultural influences, and application of related current evidence. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 214A is required.
NSG 214A Health Assessment Clinical Lab – 1.50Corequisite: NSG 214 Admission into the nursing program and completion of required general education preparation with a minimum GPA 2.75.
Students will learn and engage in the practical application of a holistic patient-centered approach to health assessment as a basis for providing safe, quality nursing care. Students will practice the concepts learned in NSG 214. Current evidence will be utilized to demonstrate sociocultural variations on health assessment.
NSG 422 Nursing Research – 4.50Prerequisite: BST 322
This course explores evidence-based practice as a foundation for improved nursing practice and healthcare outcomes. Strong emphasis is placed on the application of research theory to evidence-based practice, including ethics in research and application of the research process.
NSG 304 Pharmacology in Nursing I – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A
This course will present an overview of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, as well as drug classifications. Current issues in drug legislation, design, manufacturing and marketing will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the professional nurse in medication administration, including both expected and unexpected effects of drugs on patients.
NSG 240 Foundations of Nursing** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; NSG 304; NSG 403; NSG 422; Corequisite: NSG 240A
The purpose of this course is to introduce basic nursing concepts of health/illness continuum, patient-centered care, environment of care, legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, and professional nursing roles. This course implements the utilization of the nursing process based on scientific evidence to provide holistic care for adult and geriatric populations with stable health and chronic medical conditions. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 240A is required unless approved by the Department Chair.
NSG 240A Foundations Clinical Lab** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; NSG 304; NSG 403; NSG 422; Corequisite: NSG 240
Students will begin to develop basic plans of care for adult and geriatric patients using nursing language. Practical application of beginning knowledge and skills required for nursing care of the adult and geriatric patients is demonstrated in both Lab and clinical settings through simulation and patient interaction. Students will practice skills in the Skills lab and then will progress to caring for patients with chronic and stable conditions in clinical settings. Each student will have opportunities to integrate theoretical information into nursing practice. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 240 is required unless approved by the Department Chair. Grading is S, U or I.
NSG 245 Medical-Surgical Nursing I** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 240 and NSG 240A; Corequisite: NSG 245A
This course focuses on concepts relating to care of adult and geriatric populations with stable chronic and acute medical-surgical problems. Emphasis of this course is on the use of the nursing process and in developing competence in providing nursing care for individuals with specific health care needs and problems. In addition, the student is provided with an orientation to coordination of patient care. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 245A is required.
NSG 245A Medical-Surgical I Clinical** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 240 and NSG 240A; Corequisite: NSG 245
Practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care of adult and geriatric patients with commonly occurring acute and chronic medical-surgical problems in laboratory and clinical settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 245 is required. Grading is by S, U or I.
NSG 330 Medical-Surgical Nursing II** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; Corequisite: NSG 330A
This course focuses on concepts relating to care of the adult and geriatric patients with acute, complex, and critical medical-surgical problems. This course emphasizes the utilization of current evidence in providing and evaluating interdisciplinary management of adult and geriatric patients to support positive outcomes. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330A is required.
NSG 330A Medical-Surgical II Clinical** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; Corequisite: NSG 330
Practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care of adult and geriatric patients with acute and critical medical-surgical problems in laboratory and clinical settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330 is required. Grading is S, U or I.
NSG 333 Child-bearing Family Nursing** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 330; NSG 330A; Corequisite: NSG 333A
The course focuses on the specialized health care needs of the childbearing family. Building on concepts from medical-surgical, pharmacology, research, and foundational nursing courses, health promotion, assessment, critical-thinking and therapeutic communication skills will be developed as they apply to care of culturally diverse childbearing families during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Beginning with women’s health and infertility, fetal development, and normal physiology of pregnancy, acute pathophysiological disease processes affecting the mother and newborn will be included this course. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 333A is required.
NSG 333A Child-bearing Family Clinical** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 245; NSG 245A; Corequisite: NSG 333
This course covers practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care of families in the childbearing period. Using knowledge obtained in medical-surgical, foundational, pharmacological, and research courses along with knowledge gained in NSG333 theory, students will care for the patient and family during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and newborn period. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 333 is required. NSG 333A is graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory based upon successful completion of all course requirements.
NSG 334 Pediatric Nursing** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 333 and NSG 333A; Corequisite: NSG 334A
The primary purpose of this course is the continuing examination of the family as a unit, this course focuses on nursing care related to the health needs of children and adolescents and their families. Emphasis is placed on the variations in health care due to behavioral, genetic, cultural, environmental, and developmental factors. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 334A is required.
NSG 334A Pediatric Nursing Clinical** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 333 and NSG 333A; Corequisite: NSG 334
This course covers practical application of knowledge and skills required in nursing care for families with children. Using the language of nursing, students will care for the family with children as a unit, considering behavioral, life cycle, genetic, cultural and environmental factors. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 334 is required.
NSG 335 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nur** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 330; NSG 330A; Corequisite: NSG 335A
This course demonstrates the relevance of mental health nursing concepts to all areas of professional practice. It provides a conceptual integration of the nursing process, theories, and research from the biopsychosocial sciences and humanities to promote mental health and provide care to all patients with mental disorders. Emphasis is placed on the use of therapeutic self and effective therapeutic communication to establish a therapeutic relationship among clients with mental health disorders. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335A is required.
NSG 335A Psych-Mental Health Clinical** – 3.50Prerequisite: NSG 330; NSG 330A; Corequisite: NSG 335
This course covers practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care across the lifespan with mentally ill patients with commonly occurring problems. Demonstration of skills takes place in clinical, laboratory and outpatient settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335 is required. Clinical Laboratory is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.
NSG 305 Pathopharmacology in Nursing – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 304; NSG 335; NSG 335A Successful Completion of NSG 335 and 335A
This course builds upon basic knowledge in nursing pharmacology and provides content essential to understanding the diseases and disease processes that can affect the body systems across the lifespan. Students focus on pathophysiological processes, incorporating use of clinical judgment and reasoning skills to distinguish alterations across multiple physiological systems.
NSG 460 Community Healthcare I – 4.50Corequisite: NSG 460A Program requirement.
The primary purpose of this course is to examine the role of nursing in community health practice in the promotion of optimal health. Students will be exposed to the rich history of community and public health nursing and the importance of primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention in care delivery. Students will learn both family and community health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation as well as the economic, structural, and systems influences on community health from a national perspective. Completion of this course partially fulfills the California Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a Public Health Nurse. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 460A is required unless approved by the Department Chair.
NSG 460A Community Healthcare I Lab – 1.50Corequisite: NSG 460
The Community Health clinical experience is designed to give the student practical experience in community health nursing that allows for the design, implementation and evaluation of healthcare services for individuals, families, and communities with the aim of improving health status. Students will draw upon nursing theories and frameworks to create appropriate interventions. The students will be able to complete a community assessment and determine the strengths and opportunities that exist in the community. Special focus will be given to vulnerable populations in low-resource communities. The student will be introduced to nursing’s role in promoting and protecting the health of populations in accordance with The American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Public Health Nursing Practice. Completion of this course partially fulfills the California Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a Public Health NurseGrading is satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) only. Students must be enrolled concurrently in NSG 460.
NSG 462 Community Healthcare II – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 460 and NSG 460A; Corequisite: NSG 462A
The primary purpose of this course is to explore the national and global impact of community health nursing in population health. Students will learn how public health systems function to prevent diseases among vulnerable populations. They will learn how nurses function within healthcare teams to mobilize local, state, and national resources to mitigate disease and disasters. The student will also be introduced to various careers in public health. Completion of this course partially fulfills the California Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a Public Health Nurse. This course can be taught using face-to-face, online, or hybrid formats. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 462A is required.
NSG 462A Community Healthcare II Lab – 1.50Prerequisite: NSG 460 and NSG 460A; Corequisite: NSG 462
The community/public health clinical practicum experience focuses on nursing’s role in promoting and protecting the health of populations in accordance with The American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Public Health Nursing Practice. Theories, principles, and strategies of population-based health care are used to design, implement, and evaluate services and plans of care to promote, maintain, and restore health in a defined population. Students focus on population aggregates in structured or unstructured settings across care environments. Strategies to evaluate health outcomes and costs of care are emphasized. Completion of this course partially fulfills the California Board of Nursing requirements for certification. Grading is satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) only. Students must be enrolled concurrently in NSG 462.
NSG 340 Nursing Leadership/Management** – 4.50Prerequisite: NSG 335; NSG 335A; Corequisite: NSG 340A
The primary purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a broad view of the management of health care delivery systems and the nurse leader’s role in that arena. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340A is required unless approved by the Department Chair.
NSG 340A Leadership/Management Clinical** – 1.50Prerequisite: NSG 335; NSG 335A; Corequisite: NSG 340
This course covers practical application of skills and knowledge required to coordinate care for multiple patients in a multidisciplinary setting. Collaborate with the nurse leaders in various clinical settings to promote quality improvement initiatives utilizing evidence-based practice. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340 is required. Clinical Lab is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.
NSG 440 Professional Issues in Nursing – 4.50This course explores the historical roots and current impact on complex issues of nursing education, practice, and scholarship. Analysis of multiple interpretations of selected issues and strategies for resolving issues will be illustrated.
** Content required for licensure by CA Board of Registered Nursing
Optional Elective Course
Students may fulfill open units by completing the following courses.
NSG 470A Work Exp in Clinical Setting – 1.00 – 6.00 quarter unitsPrerequisite: NSG 214 course with C or higher; NSG 214A course with C or higher; NSG 240 course with C or higher; NSG 240A course with C or higher; NSG 245 course with C or higher; NSG 245A course with C or higher; NSG 330 course with C or higher; NSG 330A course with C or higher; Students must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all NU nursing courses.
This course covers practical application of skills and knowledge required to coordinate care for multiple patients in a multidisciplinary setting. This course combines work experience with regular college instruction. Participants earn college credit while working in a position related to the role of BSN graduate.
NSG 490 Guided Study – 0.50 – 6.00Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program and approve by Chair of Nursing
Elective course designed for students who demonstrate competency in nursing concepts and can work independently on specific project that does not fit into the context of regular scheduled nursing classes.
Requirements for LVNs and military students with approved Advanced Placement challenging NSG 245/A and higher
Prerequisite: Completed a Licensed Vocational Nursing/Licensed Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) Program and hold a current licensure as an LVN/LPN., or Completed the Corps School/Military Training
The purpose of this course is to transition licensed LVNs and if applicable military personnel with medical experience and coursework to registered nursing practice by introducing concepts: professional registered nursing roles, scope of practice, and planning and implementing nursing care. This course implements the utilization of the nursing process based on evidence-based practices to provide holistic care to adult and geriatric populations with stable chronic and acute medical conditions. LVNs/Medics accepted for admission to the NU nursing program may be eligible to challenge nursing courses by examination(s) or be considered for equivalency. This course will evaluate content completed at LVN/Corps School programs to award college-level credit using transcript evaluation, credit-by-examination options, and competency-based education assessment of knowledge proficiency. Students will receive nursing course credits when their LVN/Core School transcripts equivalency criteria (time limit, credit, and content) are met. The time limit equivalency is 7 years or less. If time limit equivalency is not met, students may receive credit through challenge by course examination and skill validation and/or medication dosage examination. Applicants will receive course credit and advanced placement for successfully challenged courses. Co-requisite nursing courses will have to be challenged together. In other to receive credit for challenge courses, students must pass both co-requisite nursing courses. All course challenges by examination must be completed prior to the beginning of the first term in NU nursing program. The student who successfully challenges a course will receive a revised plan of study and must meet NU residency requirements.
The mission of the Department of Nursing is to prepare nurses as professional leaders through interprofessional collaborative practice, promote person-centered care, utilize evidence-based practice, and use emerging technologies resulting in positive health outcomes in dynamic healthcare settings.
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