The goals of the B.S.N. program are to prepare graduates to meet the complex health care needs of New Mexicans in an evolving health care environment and to prepare graduates for advanced nursing education.
The graduates of the B.S.N. program will:
All students seeking acceptance to the College of Nursing must meet requirements for admission to the University. See the section in this catalog on the Undergraduate Program for information on University admission requirements.
Applications are only accepted through an online application process. Check the College of Nursing website at http://nursing.unm.edu/ for application information. This application is in addition to the application for admission to the University as an undergraduate.
Screening for admission to the College is conducted at periodic intervals. All applications, fees and official transcripts must be received by the deadline. Students should submit applications early to allow for adequate advisement and processing of applications.
The College of Nursing reserves the right to request the student to supply any additional information as necessary. Students are expected to be fluent in the English language.
The prelicensure option is an accelerated program of studies in which students are admitted to the College of Nursing to complete the upper-division nursing courses in 16 months. Sixteen credit hours of science courses (graded “C” or better), as delineated in the current College of Nursing curriculum worksheet, must be completed before submitting application. All freshman and sophomore classes must be completed prior to the start of Level 1.
The R.N. to B.S.N. Degree Completion Option is available primarily through online courses. Individual arrangements are made for clinical hours. See College of Nursing for advisement details.
All registered nurses seeking entrance into the College of Nursing must meet requirements for admission to the University and to the College of Nursing. Also needed are: a valid R.N. license (which must be kept current throughout enrollment) and at least 26 hours of college course work applicable to the B.S.N. degree.
A requirement of the College of Nursing is that all students complete ENGL 102, Composition II: Analysis and Argument prior to enrolling in any upper-division nursing courses. The Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE) II must be taken within two terms of enrollment in upper-division nursing course work.
College credit earned in associate degree nursing programs or in hospital-based diploma schools of nursing is transferable to the University, provided the original program was offered in a regionally accredited institution and the nursing program was accredited by the National League for Nursing. Such credit may be applied toward meeting the graduation requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. See Transfer of Credit.
R.N. students are allowed to progress through the upper-division major according to individual capacity based upon a credit by examination process and enrollment in required nursing courses. Each R.N. student must demonstrate achievement of the outcomes expected of all College of Nursing baccalaureate students.
Each registered nurse student is counseled individually to help clarify career goals and to plan an educational program which will be of greatest benefit in meeting those goals.
Prospective registered nurse students are urged to contact the College of Nursing Student Advisement Office prior to registration. The College of Nursing supports career mobility for nurses.
This program allows academically qualified R.N. to B.S.N. students to take substitution courses in the Master’s program while completing the B.S.N., on a space available basis. The program is intended for the student whose career goals extend beyond the B.S.N. and whose professional experiences and capabilities indicate a potential for success in advanced study. Other courses are then selected to complete the M.S.N. degree.
A qualified student may be able to substitute NURS 503 and NURS 505 for other courses. Students who complete the substitution courses for graduate credit with grades of B or better will have these courses waived (but not the credits) as part of their program of studies for the Master’s degree. Graduation from the B.S.N. program occurs upon completion of all requirements with the substitution courses listed above. Graduation from the M.S.N. program occurs upon completion of all requirements for the degree and concentration. Students apply in writing for permission to enroll in substitution courses. A grade point average of at least 3.00 and senior standing is required for permission to take the substitution courses. The courses are waived if the M.S.N. is completed within 7 years from the date of enrollment in the first substitution course.
The purposes of the Departmental Honors Program are: 1) to utilize knowledge in nursing and related fields in the study process; and 2) to provide the honors student a full opportunity for participating in scholarly activities in small-group discussion and written and oral expression.
Requirements for Departmental Honors are as follows: 1) a University of New Mexico grade point average of at least a 3.50 prior to enrollment in the required course; 2) 6 hours in honor study (NURS 498 and NURS 499); 3) at least 60 hours earned at the University; and 4) application for honors with approval of the faculty.
Students in the nursing program are subject to the general regulations of the University and, in addition, to the specific regulations in the College of Nursing.
Students in the College of Nursing must be enrolled in nursing courses and/or progressing toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students failing to meet this requirement are subject to administrative enrollment cancellation.
Because of constraints in clinical facilities, a student must notify the College of Nursing in writing of his or her intent to return, even if an absence in enrollment has been for one term. Notice must be received by March 1 for return in the Summer or Fall term and by November 1 for the Spring term. College of Nursing students who do not enroll in the University for three terms or more must reapply for admission to the College of Nursing. Because a returning student is subject to the regulations of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission, a re-evaluation of the student’s academic standing is done. The student must receive academic advisement prior to registration.
Prior to entering Level 1, students are required to document and verify competency in basic nursing skills. These skills may be obtained through work experience or completion of basic nursing skills course(s).
Because clinical spaces are limited, all students are expected to preregister for clinical courses prior to the end of the current term. Priority for clinical space is given to full-time students who are progressing satisfactorily, then to part-time progressing students with a pre-approved plan of studies, and last to students who are repeating or returning after an absence from the program.
The passing grade for all core, prerequisite, and nursing courses is “C” (not C-). Students who do not earn a grade of “C” or better in any upper-division Nursing course on the second attempt are not allowed to progress. Students receiving a grade less than a “C” in any two upper-division required nursing courses are also not allowed to progress in the College of Nursing. Prior to repeating a nursing course the student’s record is reviewed by the academic advisor; progress will be monitored by the advisor.
An undergraduate student will be placed on academic probation when the overall grade point average drops below 2.00. The student is subject to suspension if the cumulative grade point average does not rise during the first probationary period or if the cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 at the end of the second term of the probationary period. Students who do not earn a grade of “C” or better must have an approved learning plan for progression.
Students may reapply to the College of Nursing after three calendar years. An evaluation of the student’s application is done. Should the student gain readmission, the student will be subject to the regulations of the catalog at the time of readmission. The student must receive academic advisement prior to registration. If a student is readmitted, they will be required to start at the beginning of the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is granted to prelicensure students upon fulfillment of the following:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is granted to R.N. to B.S.N. degree completion students upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
“First Year” and “Second Year” course work, which applies only to prelicensure students, should be completed before beginning Level 1. It is strongly recommended that students take Sociology, Anthropology, or Psychology to meet the Social/Behavioral Sciences core requirement.
The four levels of the upper-division nursing curriculum are delivered on a schedule that includes three equal length sessions per year. One level is completed each term, with the four levels completed in 16 months. The curriculum for the upper-division nursing major follows:
Pre-level 1: Basic nursing skills competencies or completion of NURS 223 Introduction to Nursing Skills and Concepts.
Contact the College of Nursing Academic Advisement Office for curricular planning.
Students who participate in the University Honors Program may apply General Studies seminars to satisfy appropriate requirements upon approval by the Dean, College of Nursing.
Students who wish to make substitutions or exceptions to the program may present their request to the Executive Dean.
It is the student’s responsibility to meet all departmental requirements.
Courses
NURS 129.
Topics.
(1-3 )
An opportunity for nurses to update their knowledge and skills in nursing process in maintenance of preventive, therapeutic and restorative health care.
NURS 223.
Introduction to Nursing Skills and Concepts.
(2)
The goal of this course is to facilitate acquisition of the basic nursing skills of communication, safety, body mechanics, medical asepsis, comfort and hygiene, impaired mobility management, oral intake, elimination, specimen collection, and hot and cold therapy.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 224.
Application of Growth and Development to Health Care.
(3)
Presentation of theories of psychosocial and biological growth and development across the life span. Stresses application of concepts to health care delivery.
NURS 229.
Topics.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 ∆)
Courses related to preparation for a career in nursing. Variety of topic courses may be offered based upon demand.
NURS 238.
Pharmacology in Nursing and the Health Professions.
(3)
Introduction to pharmacologic principles, application of these principles to major classes of drugs, common drugs and their use in the clinical setting.
Pre- or Corequisite: 239 or 240.
NURS 239.
Pathophysiology I.
(3)
An introduction to human pathophysiology. The course focuses on forming a basic understanding of pathophysiology for nursing students.
Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 237 and BIOL 247L and BIOL 239L.
NURS 240.
Pathophysiology II.
(3)
This course is a continuation of Pathophysiology I. The course focuses on forming a basic understanding of Pathophysiology for nursing students.
Pre- or Corequisite: 238 and BIOL 238 and BIOL 248L.
NURS 297.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit ∆)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 311L.
Nursing Skills and Assessment.
(5)
The application of the nursing process in health assessment and performance of psychomotor skills. Focus on clients across the lifespan.
Corequisite: 312L and 313L and 351 and 390.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 312L.
Core Nursing Practicum I.
(4)
Introduction to clinical nursing care of patients in the inpatient hospital setting. Clinical hours may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.
Corequisite: 311L and 313L and 351 and 390.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 313L.
Nursing Practicum II.
(1)
Introduction to clinical nursing care of patients in the community, outpatient setting. Clinical hours may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.
Corequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 390.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 314L.
Core Nursing Practicum III .
(4)
Delivery of clinical nursing care to clients in the inpatient setting. Clinical may include days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 390.
NURS 315L.
Core Nursing Practicum IV .
(3)
Delivery of clinical nursing care for parenting families in various health care settings in the community. Clinical experiences will include individuals and families, and may include days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 390.
NURS 329.
Topics.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 ∆)
Courses related to preparation for a career in nursing. Variety of topic courses may be offered based upon demand.
NURS 331L.
Principles and Application, Community Assessment.
(2)
Application of the principles of community assessment related to the role of the community health nurse. Identification of health disparities, recognition of cultural diversity, and interdisciplinary work will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 390.
NURS 332.
Introduction to Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice.
(3)
This course emphasizes the development of skills needed to critically read and evaluate research for its application to clinical practice. Emphasis is on the identification of clinical questions, critique of evidence, and application of finds to nursing practice. Writing Intensive.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 340.
Advancement of Professional Nursing.
(3)
Self evaluation of nursing knowledge and professional development goals. Topics: contemporary nursing roles and issues; exploration of intellectual skills and strategies used by nurses; personal philosophy of nursing professionalism; leadership; conflict management skills. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.
NURS 351.
Health and Illness Concepts I.
(3)
Introductory course involving concepts associated with an individual’s physical health and illness requiring nursing care. Concept categories covered include health and health maintenance, regulation and homeostasis, activity, protection, comfort, social interactions, and emotions.
Corequisite: 311L and 312L and 313L and 390.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 352.
Health and Illness Concepts II.
(3)
This is the 2nd of 3 courses involving concepts associated with an individual’s physical health and illness that require nursing care. Concept categories include regulation and homeostasis, oxygenation/hemostasis, activity, social interactions, and cognition.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 390.
NURS 390.
Professional Nursing Concepts I.
(3)
Addresses fundamental concepts associated with understanding oneself and others in the context of professional nursing practice.
Corequisite: 311L and 312L and 313L and 351.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 391.
Nursing Roles and Values.
(3)
Addresses the roles and values and the art and science of the nursing profession. Writing intensive.
Corequisite: 311L and 312L and 351.
NURS 392.
Nursing Leadership Strategies.
(3)
Addresses professional practice strategies including conflict management, decision making, interdisciplinary practice and working with teams. Legal principles of documentation. Application of standards of care to risk management and the organization of care delivery.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 391.
Corequisite: 314L and 352.
NURS 397.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit ∆)
Upper-division standing.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 411L.
Child Clinical Intensive.
(4)
Clinical practicum and didactic that focuses on the nursing knowledge and skills relevant to the care of children in various health care settings. Clinical may include days, evenings, nights and/or weekends.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 412L.
Maternal-Newborn Clinical Intensive.
(4)
Clinical practicum and didactic that focus on the nursing knowledge and skills relevant to the care of pregnant women and their newborns in various health care settings. Clinical may include days, evenings, nights and/or weekends.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 413L.
Gerontology Clinical Intensive.
(4)
Clinical practicum in nursing care of older adults in health care and community settings. Didactic will develop specialty knowledge and skills relevant to specific settings and situations. Clinical may include days, evenings, nights and/or weekends.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 414L.
Mental Health Clinical Intensive.
(4)
Clinical practice and didactic in nursing care of clients with mental health problems in various health care settings. Clinical may include inpatient and outpatient settings and days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 415L.
Specialty Focus Clinical Intensive Special Topics.
(4)
Clinical practice and didactic in nursing care of clients in various health care settings. Clinical may include inpatient and outpatient care and days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 416L.
High Acuity Nursing Clinical Intensive.
(4)
Clinical practice and didactic in nursing care of clients in various high acuity health care settings. Clinical may include inpatient and outpatient care and days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 419L.
Capstone Clinical.
(3)
After successfully passing the HESI exam, students have clinical practice with preceptor in various health care settings. Clinical may include inpatient and outpatient care; and days, evenings, nights and/or weekend experiences.
Prerequisite: 453 and 491.
NURS 421.
Nurse Intern Professional Knowledge Development.
(1 to a maximum of 2 ∆)
This course will assist currently enrolled students who have secured a position as a nurse intern to increase competence in the professional role of the nurse. This seminar will examine student identified learning issues.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 422.
Nurse Intern Professional Role Development.
(1 to a maximum of 2 ∆)
This course will assist students who have secured a position as a nurse intern to increase competence in professional nursing. This seminar will examine communication problems in the current health care setting.
NURS *429.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit ∆)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 431L.
Community Assessment.
(3)
Addresses community as client; determinants and indicators of community health. Student groups partner with communities to assess the health of a defined population and share planning for an evidence-based intervention for an identified problem.
Prerequisite: 314L and 332 and 352 and 392.
NURS 441.
Evidence-Based Application of Health Assessment Skills.
(4)
Validation of core physical assessment skills is followed by development of holistic assessment strategies for clients across the lifespan. Application of evidence base and nursing judgment in selecting assessment strategies, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 442.
Nursing Leadership in Health Policy and Systems.
(3)
Evaluation of health care systems, processes, and practice environments. Power, politics, and health policy; professional nursing roles in improving health systems. Legal principles of documentation. Standards of care and risk management strategies. Writing intensive.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 447L.
Family and Community Health Practicum. .
(4)
Focus on nursing roles working with families and communities as clients. Clinical experiences in case management and other community health roles will focus on understanding overall population health through contact with individuals and families.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 448.
Application of Health and Illness Concepts.
(4)
Allows R.N. to B.S.N. students opportunity to explore in depth select concepts associated with an individual’s physical health and illness. Concept categories include regulation and homeostasis, oxygen and hemostasis, protection, maladaptive behavior, emotions, and cognition.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 453.
Health and Illness Concepts III.
(3)
This course is the final course involving concepts associated with an individual’s physical health and illness that require nursing care. Concept categories include regulation and homeostasis, sexual reproductive, protection, comfort, sensory perceptual, coping-stress, and behavior.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
NURS 454L.
Nursing Synthesis.
(3)
This course is a synthesis of professional nursing and health and illness concepts. Clusters of concepts will be applied in simulation and other learning activities.
Prerequisites: NURS 453 and NURS 491.
NURS 462.
Special Populations in Pediatrics.
(3)
This course explores issues relevant to the nursing care of special pediatric populations. It builds on content presented in previous nursing courses, including biophysical and psychosocial concepts, growth and development principles, and evidence-based practice.
Prerequisites: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Pre- or Corequisite: 340.
NURS 463 / 573.
Wound Care Management.
(3)
This course introduces the student to the concepts of prevention, evaluation and treatment of various types of wounds based on national certification criteria.
NURS 472.
Victimology.
(3)
This course examines the wide range of victimization experiences from the perspective of the victim, the offender, the families, and society. Assessment and intervention with victims, perpetrators and the community are explored.
NURS 473/570.
End of Life Care.
(3)
Exploration of end of life care with focus on symptom management, pain management, and social, cultural and emotional issues. Themes include family, nurse as advocate, culture, and interdisciplinary care.
Restriction: Admitted to College of Nursing.
NURS 474.
Patient Education.
(3)
Intensive exploration of the role of nurse as educator. Review adult learning principles and application of principles to patients in clinical settings.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 476 / 576.
Critical Care Nursing.
(3)
This didactic course will introduce the student to the problems most commonly encountered in critical care units.
NURS 491.
Professional Nursing Concepts II.
(3)
Addresses concepts associated with nursing roles and behaviors in the delivery of health care and the application of these in multiple settings.
Prequisites: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
NURS 492.
Professional Nursing Concepts III.
(3)
Addresses concepts related to health care organizations and health care systems.
Prerequisites: NURS 453 and NURS 491.
NURS 493.
Analysis and Evaluation of Health Care Systems.
(3)
Evaluation of health care systems, processes, and ethicolegal practice environments. Power, politics, and health policy; the role of professional nursing advocacy in improving health systems. Nursing practice self-evaluation strategies; self-development planning. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: 392.
NURS 494.
Reflective Nursing Practice Seminar.
(2)
Reflective strategies for coping and for analysis of own practice; development of personal philosophy of professional nursing; development of career plan for post-graduation. Writing intensive.
Corequisite: 419L, enrollment in final semester of nursing program.
NURS 497.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit ∆)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 498.
Honors Study in Nursing I.
(3)
First of two departmental honors courses. Small groups apply the scientific inquiry process to selected nursing problems. Knowledge synthesis is demonstrated by developing a community-based intervention or scholarly paper addressing the problem of interest.
Prerequisite: 311L and 312L and 351 and 391.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 499.
Honors Study in Nursing II.
(1-3, may be repeated once ∆)
Second of two departmental honors courses. Small groups apply the scientific inquiry process to selected nursing problems. Knowledge synthesis is demonstrated by developing a community-based intervention or scholarly paper addressing the problem of interest.
Prerequisite: 498.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 501.
Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing.
(3)
Examines selected theories in nursing and health. Approaches to the analysis, critique and utilization of theories in nursing practice and scholarship are emphasized. Students develop and apply a theory and analysis to an area of interest.
Restriction: admission to MSN program.
NURS 503.
Research in Nursing.
(3)
Examines methods used to research nursing problems and measure outcomes of therapeutic interventions. Emphasis on problem generation, framing problem theoretically, research designs and data measurement and analysis.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 504.
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care .
(3)
Systematic examination and application of health-related research in relation to advanced nursing practice, including: clinical practice, nursing education, nursing and health care administration, community and public health, or health policy.
Prerequisite: 503.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 505.
Health Care Policy, Systems and Financing for Advanced Practice Roles.
(3)
Provides opportunity for in-depth discussion of concepts related to advanced practice. Focus in on issues affectingscope of practice, health policy, economics of health care, ethical decision making and advanced nursing roles and collaborative practice.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 509.
Teaching in Nursing.
(3)
Focuses on development of teaching strategies to enhance learning in academic nursing education, continuing education, staff development, and patient teaching. Students analyze educational philosophies, learning theories, educational principles, and instructional processes in nursing educational programs.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 510.
Educational Program Development and Evaluation.
(3)
Explores educational program development and evaluation in health related courses. Students analyze the curricular process, develop a philosophy, examine characteristics of the graduate, develop level/course objectives, and evaluate both courses and program outcomes.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 512.
Resource Utilization in Nursing.
(3)
This course focuses upon the issues surrounding human and material resource management. The student uses knowledge of the health care delivery environments and institutional requirements to explore issues regarding personnel and budgetary management.
NURS 513.
Administration to Facilitate Quality Clinical Care.
(3)
Focuses on quality care in health institutions. Explores nursing practice issues for their organizational factors. Reviews methods of assessing clinical outcomes. Explores relationship of quality care with values, ethics, philosophies and models of care.
NURS 514.
Nursing Administration in Health Institutions/ Agencies.
(3)
Focuses on understanding the forces and trends which impact health care organizational behavior. Concepts from organizational, management and nursing administrative frameworks which serve as the basis for practice are investigated.
NURS 515.
Faculty Roles and Professional Issues.
(3)
Roles and competencies of nurse educators are examined within the context of various educational settings and philosophical perspectives. Current political, social, cultural, ethical, and pedagogical issues affecting the nurse educator are explored.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 516.
Advanced Community Health Nursing I.
(2-3)
Investigation of contemporary health problems for rural and urban populations from epidemiological perspective. Emphasis on assessing communities, defining and prioritizing health problems.
Pre -or corequisite: graduate-level epidemiology course and 514.
(Three hours lab per week.)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 517.
Advanced Community Health Nursing II.
(3)
Examines the role of nurses working with aggregates including using epidemiological methods and developing strategies for intervention and evaluation. Implementation of the refined intervention strategies is a course expectation.
Prerequisite: 516.
(Three hours lab per week.)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 522.
Applications of Epidemiology to Community Health Problems.
(3)
Prepares students to utilize principles and methods of epidemiology in analyzing community health problems.
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 526.
Pathophysiology in Advanced Practice Nursing.
(3)
Application of analytical reasoning and problem solving based on pathophysiology and clinical presentations of a broad variety of diseases of children and adults across the life span.
NURS 535.
Adult Health I.
(3)
This course focuses on management of common primary health care problems of the young, middle, and older adult.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540 and 543.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 536.
Adult Health II.
(3)
This course focuses on management of complex primary health care problems of the young, middle, and older adult. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 535.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 539.
Advanced Pediatric Health and Developmental Assessment.
(4)
This course builds on basic health assessment skills and presents a systematic approach to the advanced physical and developmental assessment of children (newborns through adolescents).
Pre- or corequisite: 526.
NURS 540.
Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning.
(4)
Presents theoretical principles of health assessment throughout the life cycle. Topics include methodologies of data gathering and data analysis essential to comprehensive health assessment. Principles of diagnostic reasoning are presented to enhance critical thinking skills.
NURS 541.
Antepartum-Postpartum for FNP.
(2)
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to conduct antepartum/postpartum visits in primary health care settings.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Pre- or corequisite: 543.
Corequisite: 548.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 542.
Ambulatory Pediatrics I.
(4)
This course focuses on theories and concepts applied by nurse practitioners in the promotion of health in children with emphasis on health education, prevention, culturally and developmentally appropriate care, and the context of family.
NURS 543.
Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics.
(3)
Course focuses on the application of advanced pharmacological and pharmacokinetic principles of drug categories commonly used in health care across the life span. Modules are completed specific to focus of major for portion of course.
NURS 544.
Antepartum and Postpartum Care.
(1-7, may be repeated once ∆ )
Primary Care students study, analyze and apply concepts of management process to ante/postpartum periods. Within cultural and rural context, health maintenance preventive care and health policy throughout the life span is covered. Twelve hours lab per week.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Restricted: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 546.
Ambulatory Pediatrics II.
(4)
This course focuses on the management of complex primary health care problems of children from birth through adolescence, with a strong emphasis on the importance of health education, prevention, culturally and developmentally appropriate care.
Prerequisite: 542.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 547.
Pediatric Chronic Illness/Special Needs.
(5)
This course focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of children with chronic illness and special needs and their families. Emphasis is on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Prerequisite: 549 and 542 and 543.
Corequisite: 546.
NURS 548.
Women’s Health.
(1-4, may be repeated once ∆)
Theories and concepts applied in the promotion of the health of adolescent and adult women. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 549.
Adolescent Health.
(3)
This course builds on basic health and developmental assessment skills and emphasizes health promotion, anticipatory guidance, and prevention of illness for adolescents. Content includes assessment and management of illnesses affecting adolescents and their families.
Prerequisite: 539.
NURS 550.
Intrapartum Care.
(1-9, may be repeated once ∆)
Management of labor and birth, triage of complications and cultural dimensions foundational to the nurse-midwifery model of intrapartum care are studied. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540 and 544 and 548.
NURS 551.
Newborn Care.
(1-3 )
Study of the normal neonate within the cultural structure of the family. Common physiological, pathological problems and their management by nurse-midwife emphasized.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Restriction: Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice concentration students.
NURS 552.
Evidence-Based Care in Nurse Midwifery.
(1)
This course focuses on skill-building in the assessment of the quality and relevance of clinical research in obstetrics and midwifery. Evaluation of the current science base and identification of biases and weaknesses therein are required to articulate and support options in women’s health care. Current research topics are explored from historical and scientific perspectives.
Prerequisite: 544, 548.
Corequisite: 550, 551.
NURS 553.
Nurse-Midwifery Professional Practice.
(1)
This advanced class in nurse-midwifery standards of professional practice analyzes variations based upon populations, geography, practice teams and delivery systems. Historical and ethical frames are used in the analysis of clinical, organization and international issues.
NURS 558.
Brain and Behavioral Correlates of Health and Illness.
(3)
Examines the application of biopsychosocial concepts in patient care delivery settings. Provides a broad systems perspective of nursing practice by building on these concepts as they influence decision-making toward health and illness.
NURS 559.
Physiologic Concepts in Health and Illness.
(3)
Focus on biophysical concepts (lifespan) by examining application in context of patient-care delivery settings providing student with a broad systems perspective of nursing practice by building upon physiologic correlates of health and illness.
NURS 560.
Differential Diagnosis for Advanced Practice.
(3)
Builds on content covered in advanced courses of physical assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Concepts of developing differential diagnosis related to health problems in acutely, chronically, and critically ill adults (all ages) based on case studies.
Prerequisite: 566.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 561.
ACNP Applications to Practice I.
(5)
This course will cover content related to acute health problems in hospitalized adults focusing on history, advanced physical assessment, and documentation related to system specific health problems seen in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: 566.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 562.
Complex Patient Analyses and Treatment [Complex Patient Analysis and Treatment].
(3)
Focuses on diagnosis and management of the most complex patients, including those with acute illness in addition to chronic illness, multiple co-morbidities, treatment complications, adverse outcomes as well as end stage disease.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 563.
ACNP Applications to Practice II.
(5)
This course builds on content from NURS 561 including diagnosis and management of more complex acute, chronic and critical health problems in adults of all ages including anticipation of post-hospitalization needs.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 566.
Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Skills.
(3)
Focuses on specific skills, diagnostic and technical interventions used to diagnose, sustain or stabilize the acutely ill patient. Includes electrocardiogram interpretation, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, analysis of laboratory values, suturing, and radiological film interpretation.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 567.
Emerging Issues in Adult-Geriatric Advanced Practice Nursing [Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Ethical Considerations].
(1)
This course will cover new developments and emerging issues in clinical and professional practice as well as current issues related to regional health disparities and ethical controversies.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 568.
ACNP Clinical Topics I.
(3 to a maximum of 12 ∆)
Covers content related to areas of advanced practice that require specialized training and skills. Student chooses from operating room R.N. first assistant, flight nursing, disaster management, or specialized acute care topics approved by the instructor.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 569.
ACNP Clinical Topics II.
(3 to a maximum of 12 ∆)
Builds on ACNP Clinical Topics I. The student continues in the chosen topic of operating room R.N. first assistant, flight nursing, disaster management, or in the specialized acute care topic approved by the instructor.
Prerequisite: 568.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 570/473.
End of Life Care.
(3)
Exploration of end of life care with focus on symptom management, pain management, and social, cultural and emotional issues. Themes include family, nurse as advocate, culture, and interdisciplinary care.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 571.
Geriatric and End of Life Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
Explores ACNP role in adults/end of life care. Theories of aging and disease processes are applied to the changes which accompany normal aging, aging in the face of chronic illness, and end of life care.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 572.
Iatrogenesis in the Elderly.
(2)
This course will build on geriatric and end of life concepts. The focus of this course is the hospitalized elder and prevention and management of iatrogenic processes. Ethical, legal, and psychosocial complexities are addressed.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 573 / 463.
Wound Care Management.
(3)
This course introduces the student to the concepts of prevention, evaluation and treatment of various types of wounds based on national certification criteria.
NURS 574.
Primary Care Issues in Adult Acute Care Advanced Practice Nursing.
(3)
Addresses roles of the adult-geriatric ACNP in primary care management. Includes health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with acute and chronic illnesses. Evidence-based guidelines provide the basis for strategies for screening and treatment.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 576 / 476.
Critical Care Nursing.
(3)
This didactic course will introduce the student to the problems most commonly encountered in critical care units.
NURS 591.
Graduate Problems.
(1-6, no limit ∆)
Independent study and research on a topic agreed upon by instructor and student.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 593.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit ∆)
Specialized courses about a particular topic in nursing. A variety of topic courses are offered according to demand. Different sections indicate different topic content.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 594.
Advanced Practice Seminar.
(1)
The focus of the course is entry into practice for the advanced practice nurse.
Prerequisite: students must have completed the majority of their clinical courses specific to their concentration. Coordinators for the advance practice nursing concentrations must approve students’ admission into this course.
NURS 595.
Advanced Nursing Field Work.
(1-7, no limit ∆)
A minimum of 4 field work credits is required. Taken after core and specialty required courses in the concentration have been completed. Students enroll with faculty in specialty area. Faculty member oversees experience and monitors students progress. (3 lab hours per week, per credit.)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 596.
Professional Paper.
(1)
Scholarly, comprehensive paper written during the final semester of the course of study for completion of Plan II. Topic agreed upon with appointed professional advisor.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NURS 597.
Applied Examination.
(1)
Comprehensive examination taken during the final term of the course of study for completion of Plan II requirements.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NURS 599.
Nursing Thesis I.
(1-6, no limit ∆)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NURS 600.
Philosophy of Science in Nursing.
(3)
Philosophy of Science analyzes ontological and epistemological questions about knowledge, natural science, human science, nursing science and contexts of care. Learning strategies incorporate rigorous critical reflection and dialogue, analysis and synthesis of ideas, and the creative expression of thought.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 601.
Theory I: Nursing Knowledge Development.
(3)
Course focuses on developments in nursing disciplinary knowledge. Emphasis is on the critique of both nursing knowledge content and process and implications of theory and formalized knowledge for nursing research, practice and education.
NURS 602.
Theory II: Substantive Nursing Knowledge.
(3)
Course focus is on existing and evolving substantive nursing knowledge and thought. Attention will be given to the construction, analysis, critique and application of middle range theories.
Prerequisite: 601.
NURS 606.
Quantitative Methods in Nursing Research.
(3)
The course is focused on approaches to developing nursing knowledge by means of quantitative research methods as applied to clinical problems, theoretical modeling of human responses to health and illness, and health policy issues.
Prerequisite: 620 and 621.
NURS 607.
Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research.
(3)
This course introduces major methodological traditions of qualitative research and their application in nursing research. Through didactic read-ings, presentations and discussion students become conversant with philosophical, methodological, and practical issues and challenges in qualitative research.
NURS 608.
Environments of Human Health.
(3)
Analysis of constructions of health as related to different personal, familial, societal, political and biological environments. Focus on nursing care as a social process that is interactive with the human experience of health and healing.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 609.
Family Nursing: Concepts, Issues and Outcomes.
(3)
Survey course emphasizing the family as the unit of nursing care. Analyzes factors affecting health outcomes, including vulnerability and resilience, health promotion, risk reduction, with health policy implications for enhancement of family health and capacity.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 610.
Nursing Education: Pedagogy and Roles.
(3)
Explores teaching-learning process in clinical and classroom settings. Examines issues impacting educational process, such as student and faculty recruitment, healthcare environment, differentiation of practice, advanced practice, reduced resources, and links with theory and research.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 611.
Rural and Cultural Health.
(3)
Rural and cultural health analyzes unique characteristics, current issues, cultural competence and future trends for professional nursing in rural environments. Learning strategies incorporate critical reflection, dialogue, analysis and synthesis of ideas, problem-solving, rural experiences and the creative expression of thought.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 612.
Clinical Nursing Therapeutics and Outcomes.
(3)
Critical analysis of therapeutic modalities to assist with maintenance and improvement of health or palliation. Theory and research of behaviors and health outcomes experienced by clients and care providers during wellness, illness, and end-of-life care.
Prerequisite: 606.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 614.
Instrumentation.
(3)
Provides a knowledge base for Ph.D. students in the methods used for evaluating or constructing and testing instruments to measure health-related, psychosocial, and behavioral phenomena.
Prerequisite: 621.
NURS 615.
Critical Ethnography and CBPR in Health Care Research.
(3)
Examines conceptual/philosophical traditions, foundations, characteristics, procedures, applications and contexts for health care research involving critical ethnographic and CBPR methods. Focuses on strategies for designing and implementing studies in multicultural settings and diverse populations.
Prerequisite: 607.
NURS 620.
Advanced Health Care Statistics I.
(3)
Provides knowledge, skills and practice analyzing and interpreting quantitative data for nursing research. Content includes: probability, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, point estimates and confidence intervals, univariate and bivariate parametric and nonparametric tests.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 621.
Advanced Health Care Statistics II.
(3)
Provides knowledge, skills and practice analyzing and interpreting quantitative data using multivariate statistical techniques, including: multiple linear and logistic regression, factorial and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, and exploratory factor analysis.
Prerequisite: 620.
NURS 624.
Behavioral Observation Methods.
(3)
This course will be an in-depth introduction to observational research measurement. Development of data collection strategies, inter-observer reliability and data analysis strategies will be covered.
Prerequisite: 606 and 607.
NURS 627.
Qualitative Data Analysis.
(3)
Focuses on the management of critical analysis of qualitative data using both inductive and deductive strategies.
Prerequisite: 607.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 630.
Personal and Social Context of Illness.
(3)
Drawing broadly from health and social and behavior sciences, this course is an exploration into the personal and social contexts that frame the illness experience.
NURS 640.
Evidence, Health Policy, and Politics.
(3)
This course focuses on the use of evidence to influence institutional, local, state, federal and global health policies. Advocacy for influencing health policy is emphasized.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in Nursing.
NURS 641.
Health Disparities and Policy.
(3)
Focuses on underlying influences on health disparities in vulnerable and underserved populations. Examine the influence of health policy in the increase and decrease of health disparities.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 642.
Applied Health Economics.
(3)
Concepts and methods in health economics analysis with emphasis on healthcare evaluation and policy decision-making. Interdisciplinary approach provides interaction among students in different fields regarding the impact of economics on patient care and healthcare delivery.
Restriction: must be graduate student in Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Medicine.
NURS 648.
Introduction to Health Policy Field Placement.
(1)
In consultation with course faculty, Health Policy students identify field placement goals and finalize field placement arrangements, including sites and preceptors.
Prerequisite: 640 and 641. Restriction: admission to Ph.D. in Nursing and permission of instructor.
NURS 649.
Health Policy Field Placement.
(3)
Building upon objectives from NURS 648, Health Policy, students in the health policy concentration apply knowledge from prior courses in health policy, research methods, and other areas through field placements in public or private sector settings.
Prerequisite: 640 and 641 and 642 and 648. Restriction: admission to Ph.D. in Nursing and permission of instructor.
NURS 690.
Ph.D. Seminar.
(1-3, no limit ∆)
Specialized courses about a particular topic applicable to advanced graduate students. Different sections indicate different topic content.
NURS 691.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit ∆)
Intensive, directed study at the doctoral level on a specific topic or issue pertaining to nursing. The focus for this independent study, objectives, and strategies to achieve the objectives are agreed upon by instructor and student.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 693.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit ∆)
Specific topics relevant to Ph.D. studies in Nursing, as identified by the course title.
Restriction: admitted to Ph.D. program in Nursing.
NURS 699.
Dissertation.
(3-9, no limit ∆)
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NURS 701.
Applied Research in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course serves as an introduction to the research process. Students will identify and refine a research problem, conduct a review of the literature, and distinguish selected clinical research methods and related analysis strategies.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 702.
Applied Epidemiology in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
Using group discussion, literature reviews, and primary and secondary data services, students will gain knowledge regarding the historical dimensions leading to health disparities, social injustice, and concepts of marginalization, poverty, race, class, and gender.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 703.
Applied Clinical Research in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course will focus on the systematic examination and application of health-related research in relation to advanced nursing practice, including clinical practice, nursing and health care administration, community and public health, or health policy.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 705.
Financial Economics and the Business of Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course will focus on health care systems and economics and the issues involved in obtaining and managing the financial resources in health care organizations from the perspectives of leading, managing, and practicing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 706.
Organizational Systems and Quality Management for Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
Advanced practice nursing student will focus on the process of quality management, improvement, and outcomes through management and coordination of care in ambulatory and in-patient organizational systems. Individual settings and system-wide performance improvement plans will be developed.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 713.
Applied Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs.
(2)
This course expands the advanced practice nurse's ability to safely prescribe in complex clinical situations. Current and emerging knowledge is analyzed while developing appropriate pharmacotherapeutics applied to specific clinical cases. A clinical component is included.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P.program.
NURS 723.
Effective Human Resource Management in Health Care Settings.
(3)
In this course students will acquire knowledge and obtain a deeper understanding of issues related to the complex area of human resource management as it applies to the doctorally-prepared nurse working in a health care setting.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 725.
Principles of Advanced Nursing Management.
(3)
This course introduces the importance of management skills, identifies essential management skills, and presents a learning model for developing management skills. Essential management skills are organized into three categories: personal, interpersonal, and group.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 726.
Leading Organizational Change.
(3)
In this course students explore leadership challenges in a changing workplace. The role and nature of leadership is discussed, as is the role of the nurse leader in promoting institutional change.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 727.
Health Care Innovations and Informatics.
(3)
This course focuses on nursing informatics. Topics include: (1) introduction to the nursing informatics; (2) health care informatics applications; (3) evidence-based decision support; (4) information systems design; and (5) new opportunities and emerging trends.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 746.
Mental Health Concepts for APRNs.
(3)
This course prepares the advanced practice nurse to support emotional and mental well-being and treat common mental health issues in primary care practice. Legal and clinical challenges in mental health care will be discussed.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 751.
Chronic and Complex Illness in Adults.
(3)
The focus of this course is on the assessment, diagnosis and management of complex and chronic illness in adults with special emphasis on the geriatric patient.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 769.
Comparative Models of Maternal and Child Health Care Delivery.
(3)
This course will compare models of maternal and child health care. Programmatic features, models of delivery, and their associated outcomes are examined.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 770.
Cultural and Complementary Healing.
(3)
Health care traditions and practices in historic New Mexico communities are explored. Students examine use and effectiveness of common complementary therapies in primary health care.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 771.
Midwifery Leadership and Change.
(1)
Midwifery students analyze the underpinnings and current issues of the midwifery profession and practice while learning to take a leadership role to facilitate change.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 784.
Pediatric Chronic and Complex Illness.
(4)
This course for advanced practice nurses focuses on the diagnosis and management of chronic and complex illness in children from birth through adolescence. Students will apply these concepts in a variety of clinical settings.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 795.
Residency.
(1-8, may be repeated twice to a maximum of 12 Δ )
This is a supervised, intensive clinical immersion which addresses the full spectrum of advanced nursing practice. Students are expected to demonstrate national DNP competencies in professional health care delivery.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 796.
DNP Capstone Seminar.
(1)
The DNP capstone project is explored, including project concept, assessment of needed resources, assessment of need for IRB approval, and other components required for conducting the capstone project.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 797.
DNP Capstone Project.
(1-6, may be repeated twice Δ)
In this course the student builds on the foundation of core and specialty content in the DNP program to develop a rigorous project which reflects the achievement of DNP program outcomes.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
