The purpose of this elective course is to introduce the student to the Capstone College of Nursing and to help the student develop an awareness of and appreciation for the nursing profession. Emphasis is placed on the advisement process, study skills, professional nursing organizations, an overview of the CCN curriculum, and opportunities in nursing. (Theory).
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce the student to the Capstone College of Nursing and to help the student develop an awareness of and appreciation for the nursing profession. Emphasis is placed on the advisement process, study skills, professional nursing organizations, an overview of the CCN curriculum, and opportunities in nursing. (Theory) This is the honors section and is designated for honors students only.
This course will explore the biological basis of disease at the cellular, organ, and system levels, emphasizing applications for baccalaureate pre-registered nurses. It introduces students to the fundamental pathophysiology of the human body and examines physiological change that results in disruptive adaptive responses throughout the lifespan. Students will explore the body's compensatory mechanisms, including how these are manifested physically during illness. Upon completing this course, students will be able to apply knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms in major organ systems of the human body and apply this knowledge in the care of clients and families.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to review basic math concepts and problems; examine the different systems of measurement and abbreviations; examine methods of dosage calculation required for safe administration of adult and pediatric medications; interpret drug orders; and solve calculations of different medication preparations. Through didactic instruction, case studies, and multimedia, students will develop and enhance their knowledge of medication calculations.
Successful completion of this course is prerequisite for enrolling in semester II upper division courses. This course explores concepts, issues, and trends pertinent to professional nursing practice. Students will examine the values of professional nursing and the various challenges impacting the field. Additionally, students will be introduced to the CCN Vision, Mission, and Core Values that guide their educational experience.
This essential online course, designed for nursing majors with foundational computer experience, focuses on the role of technology in healthcare education, practice, research, and administration, with particular emphasis on applications in nursing. Key topics include HIPAA compliance, social media ethics, artificial intelligence (AI), information security, telehealth, and encryption software for protecting patient information. Students will gain hands-on experience with clinical information system, electronic health records (EHR), and specialized software such as UpToDate, AI applications, and Microsoft products. Additionally, students will explore free online resources to enhance technical proficiency. By integrating critical thinking and informed decision-making, this course prepares students to apply best practices in nursing informatics, ensuring secure, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare environments. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.
This course prepares the novice nursing student in the development of health assessment skills including the health history, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects necessary for critical thinking in professional nursing practice. Adult physical assessment techniques will be developed through simulation and practice within a practice lab setting.
This course focuses on selected BSN topics under the sponsorship of a nursing faculty member with relevant expertise.
This course focuses on individual independent study of a selected topic under the sponsorship of a nursing faculty member with relevant expertise. Prior approval of proposal by faculty sponsor and associate dean required. Elective.
This required online course is limited to nursing majors who have previous computer experience. The course focuses on utilization of computers in health care education, practice, research and administration with emphasis on nursing applications. The computer assignments provide experience with a clinical information system, Internet, PDAs, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics programs. This course requires the utilization of the current software including but not limited to: Free healthcare mobile device applications, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. In addition, students will also explore and utilize free online presentation software.
Integration of knowledge, theories and skills from the humanities, arts and sciences serves as the foundation for this clinical course. Students will further build upon adult assessment skills necessary for critical thinking in professional nursing practice. Clinical skills related to communication and basic care techniques will be developed through simulation and practice with clients on the clinical unit. The nursing process will be presented as a framework for critical thinking, decision-making and nursing practice. Levels of prevention will be introduced as a model for health care.
The purpose of this required course is to introduce the student to the role of pharmaceutical agents in assisting patients with health problems throughout the lifespan. A brief history and a discussion of the legal controls that regulate the field of pharmacology are included. Drug prototypes are utilized to examine the major classifications of drugs. Use of a handheld electronic devise and accompanying software facilitates discussion of major drug classification with regard to pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, precautions, and contraindications. Special considerations of diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnic factors, access to financial resources, lifespan issues, and genetic variations impacting drug therapy are included. Health teaching and nursing implications for drug classifications are discussed.
This required course introduces nursing students to the basics of the research process and methodology, enabling them to read and understand research articles. Emphasis is placed on nursing research within a framework of systems thinking, ethical considerations, and critical analysis, focusing on identifying practice issues, synthesizing levels of evidence, translating research into practice, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and evaluating patient care outcomes. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade. Students who do not demonstrate the writing skills expected of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, regardless of performance in other areas of the course.
This required course introduces nursing students to the basics of the research process and methodology, enabling them to read and understand research articles. Emphasis is placed on nursing research within a framework of systems thinking, ethical considerations, and critical analysis, focusing on identifying practices issues, synthesizing levels of evidence, translating research into practice, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and evaluating patient care outcomes. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade. Students who do not demonstrate the writing skills expected of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, regardless of performance in other areas of the course.
This required course introduces nursing students to the basics of the research process and methodology, enabling them to read and understand research articles. Emphasis is placed on nursing research within a framework of systems thinking, ethical considerations, and critical analysis, focusing on identifying practice issues, synthesizing levels of evidence, translating research into practice, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and evaluating patient care outcomes. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade. Students who do not demonstrate the writing skills expected of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, regardless of performance in other areas of the course.
The purpose of this course is to provide first semester upper division nursing students with an introduction to the nature of nursing education and to the function, resources, and activities of Capstone College of Nursing and The University of Alabama. The course will provide students with information about themselves as learners, a theoretical and practical understanding of nursing-specific learning strategies, and opportunities to apply these strategies—using processes of reflective decision-making and critical evaluation—for maximizing learning, academic success, and personal fulfillment. The course will explore topics for success, including: developing a better understanding of the learning process, acquiring basic academic survival skills, and ensuring maintenance of students’ physical and mental health and well-being. The ultimate goal of the course is to equip each student with the confidence and basic skills necessary for successful completion of the baccalaureate nursing degree program.
This elective course is designed to give students an opportunity to participate in multiple nursing roles in the perioperative environment. These activities are planned to enrich the student's knowledge and provide application of concepts relevant to operative and anesthesia standards of care.
This online theory course is designed to facilitate the transition for registered nurse students to the professional role of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse. This course will provide a foundation for continuing development of the students’ interprofessional communication, critical thinking, written expression, use of nursing informatics, and evidence-based practice. By examining complex healthcare systems, students will be prepared to understand their role in shaping high-quality, ethical care, and contribute to positive outcomes for patients and healthcare teams. This course will also guide students through an exploration of their leadership and wellbeing. This course meets the requirements for First-Year Compass Courses (FYCC).
The purpose of this elective course is to provide students with an opportunity to review and develop their pharmacological knowledge through practical application. The course is designed to cover general principles of medication administration as well as how medications influence body systems and physiological processes. Through didactic instruction, case studies, and interactive learning activities students will enhance their knowledge of pharmacological and parenteral therapies.
Integration of knowledge, theories and skills to work as a behavioral health paraprofessional to support the needs of individuals with substance use problems and their families. Students will further build upon their personal experiences with substance use problems to develop competencies to successfully work with communities and other stakeholders.
This essential course emphasizes strategies for identifying and addressing current or potential health issues in adults. It focuses on interventions that can alleviate or mitigate the impact of adult diseases through supportive care and rehabilitation. Clinical experiences are structured to enhance skills in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of both acute and chronic health conditions in adults, as well as preventing further disability.
This course focuses on theoretical framework, clinical concepts, and management strategies essential to professional mental health nursing practice. The students will learn essential skills, including therapeutic communication, identification and analysis of mental health nursing practice issues, interprofessional collaboration, evaluation of outcomes, and the application of evidence-based practice models. Students will also engage in quality improvement initiatives and explore strategies to reduce the impact of mental health disorders, improve patient outcomes, prevent further disability, and enhance recovery among individuals and communities.
This course prepares students to deliver holistic, evidence-based, patient-centered care for childbearing families across a range of health situations, from normal maturational processes to acute and chronic health conditions. Through classroom learning, clinical experiences, and technology-based simulations, students will integrate knowledge from nursing, the sciences, and the humanities to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on collaboration within interdisciplinary teams, quality improvement, and compassionate, culturally competent care that honors the unique needs and values of each family. Students will also explore the nurse's role in fostering accountability, safety, and ethical practice, promoting the well-being of diverse childbearing families.
This synthesis course provides opportunities for the student to examine complex, acute and chronic health problems. Students will apply concepts from prerequisite and concurrent courses and use clinical reasoning thinking and decision-making skills to evaluate interventions to ameliorate or reduce health problems. Clinical activities will focus on nursing actions used to intervene in care of complex clients. The first portion of this course serves as a bridge from adult health and mental health nursing concepts into a holistic approach to caring for clients with complex and critical health problems.
This course focuses on the holistic, patient-centered care of children and their families, emphasizing the early detection, assessment, and management of acute and chronic health conditions in pediatric populations. Students will integrate interdisciplinary knowledge and evidence-based practice to enhance clinical judgment and will develop skills to utilize technology and informatics for safe, high-quality care aimed to optimize health outcomes for diverse pediatric populations. Emphasis is placed on collaborative, developmentally-appropriate communication with children and families from diverse background, while practicing professional nursing standards to promote accountability and professionalism.
Community Health Nursing is a required course that focuses on the knowledge and skill competencies required for community/public health nursing practice. Educational and clinical experiences are community-based, community oriented and population focused. Health promotion, risk reduction and management, and disease prevention for individuals, families, and populations in community settings are emphasized. The course also emphasizes knowledge and practice of illness and disease management in non-institutional environments.
This course will pull together challenging concepts to better prepare the BSN graduate to transition into professional nursing practice. It will focus on team assessment, priorities and characteristics of a leader, time management, empowerment, change, personal growth, relationship management, and problem solving.
The purpose of this elective course is to provide students with an opportunity to participate in an American Heart Association approved ACLS provider course. The course is designed for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the management of acute cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies. Through didactic instruction and interactive participation in simulated case studies, students will be able to enhance their skills in the recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute arrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
Community Health Nursing is a required course that focuses on the knowledge and skill competencies required for community/public health nursing practice. Educational and clinical experiences are community-based, community oriented and population focused. Health promotion, risk reduction and management, and disease prevention for individuals, families, and populations in community settings are emphasized. The course also emphasizes knowledge and practice of illness and disease management in non-institutional environments. (Theory and Experiential Learning Experiences).
This online course focuses on leadership theory and essential management functions critical to professional nursing practice. An experiential learning approach will be utilized to complete a Capstone Leadership Project which applies core leadership and management principles within healthcare settings. The course emphasizes the synthesis of organizational and systems leadership concepts, including quality improvement, patient safety, interprofessional collaboration and integration of evidence-based practices to drive excellence in nursing practice. The course will foster professional growth through self-reflection, promotion of lifelong learning, and development for leadership opportunities. (Theory and Experiential Learning Experiences).
This online synthesis course offers registered nurses the opportunity to apply and integrate knowledge from nursing, the sciences, and the humanities to manage complex acute and chronic health conditions. Through clinical reasoning and decision-making, students will critically evaluate and implement evidence-based interventions that promote optimal health outcomes for diverse populations. Experiential learning experiences using virtual simulation with avatars will reinforce physical assessment skills, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care strategies in a safe, interactive environment. Emphasis is placed on fostering accountability, ethical practice, and professional growth, preparing students to deliver holistic, compassionate care and collaborate effectively within interprofessional healthcare teams. (Theory and Experiential Learning Experiences).
This required course focuses on leadership theory and management functions essential to professional nursing. Essential skills include communication, interprofessional collaboration, negotiation, delegation, coordination, evaluation of interdisciplinary work, and the application of evidence-based practice models. Leadership and management principles are applied through clinical experiences that emphasize the professional nurse’s role in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in acute care settings. Students will develop clinical judgment, critical thinking, systems-thinking, and decision-making skills, integrating patient safety protocols and education strategies. Clinical experiences will foster accountability, self-reflection, and professional growth, preparing students to lead within complex healthcare environments. Although prehospital emergency care hours are available, they are not required. Students will also explore advocacy for equitable care through leadership practices that address social justice principles in healthcare delivery.
This required course focuses on leadership theory and management functions essential to professional nursing. Essential skills include communication, interprofessional collaboration, negotiation, delegation, coordination, evaluation of interdisciplinary work, and the application of evidence-based practice models. Leadership and management principles are applied through clinical experiences that emphasize the professional nurse’s role in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in acute care settings. Students will develop clinical judgment, critical thinking, systems-thinking, and decision-making skills, integrating patient safety protocols and education strategies. Clinical experiences will foster accountability, self-reflection, and professional growth, preparing students to lead within complex healthcare environments. Although prehospital emergency care hours are available, they are not required. Students will also explore advocacy for equitable care through leadership practices that address social justice principles in healthcare delivery. For Nursing students enrolled in the Honors College, this course can fulfill the Honors Capstone requirement but requires negotiation with the faculty of the course, and approval of the Honors College, to determine the criteria for earning honors credit in addition to other course requirements. Examples of projects that meet Honors Capstone requirements might include a scholarly paper on a chosen topic, data collection and graphic reports on the leadership project topic, and/or a leadership/management problem analysis on the clinical unit.
This synthesis course provides opportunities for students to assess individual knowledge acquisition and to implement strategies to ameliorate deficiencies and maximize learning with faculty assistance. Students will have the opportunity to use individual, group, and technology-based methods to facilitate critical thinking and problem solving using hypothetical client situations. Students also will complete the licensure application process.