School of Nursing
Suzanne Wright, Interim Dean
Lynn Wiles, Undergraduate Program Director
lwiles@odu.edu
The School of Nursing offers programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The School of Nursing pre-licensure undergraduate curriculum admits a cohort of students each fall semester. This is a full-time program where all nursing courses are completed in five consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring). Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national licensure exam (NCLEX) to become registered nurses.
The curriculum incorporates current recommendations for undergraduate nursing education and is designed to get graduates into the workforce and enrolled in graduate nursing programs more quickly. There are 66 upper-division credit hours in the nursing curriculum and the number of total credits required to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is 120. Students applying to the pre-licensure curriculum are required to have all lower-division departmental and general education courses fully completed before admission to the nursing major; there are no exceptions to this requirement. The minimum GPA for admission to the pre-licensure program is 3.00.
The School of Nursing concurrent and post-licensure undergraduate curriculum admits a cohort of students each semester. The RN to BSN and Concurrent curriculum is offered using a year-round schedule with part-time and full-time options.
Post-licensure students are already registered nurses who are returning to complete their BSN degree.
Concurrent students are enrolled in an associate degree nursing program (AAS/ADN) and desire to take BSN courses concurrently. Concurrent students typically take one-two RN-BSN courses in addition to their courses at their pre-licensure program.
For additional information on the curriculum or admission requirements, please contact:
- Chief Academic Advisor for the Undergraduate Nursing Program, Suzanne Van Orden, svanorde@odu.edu
Courses
Nursing (NURS)
This didactic and laboratory course emphasizes the assessment phase of the nursing process. Supervised practice, faculty demonstration, and self-paced learning in the audio-visual laboratory, simulation laboratory and selected clinical sites facilitate skill acquisition in health assessment and health history interviewing. Pre- or
This course emphasizes the physical assessment phase of the nursing process. For registered nurse students only.
This course focuses on selected nursing models, concepts, and theories as supporting frameworks for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of nursing theory as a methodology for improving nursing practice in various client situations and practice settings. For registered nurse students only.
This course focuses on concepts of normal nutrition. Emphasis is placed on understanding the impact of various nutrients on the body.
This course builds upon NURS 310 and introduces the student to selected therapeutic diets. Emphasis is placed on specific diets associated with selected alterations in adaptation and the adult with behavioral issues.
Emphasis is on concepts and theories that are fundamental to professional nursing practice, the nursing process, and therapeutic nurse-patient communication.
This course focuses on concepts and theories underlying professional clinical nursing practice. This course also includes laboratory application of health assessment skills, the nursing process, and clinical nursing techniques.
This clinical course focuses on the assessment and basic care of the hospitalized adult client. Application of the nursing process, health assessment, and clinical nursing techniques are implemented using concepts and theories that underlie professional nursing practice.
This lecture course focuses on the adult who is experiencing selected alterations and/or adaptations in organ system function such as elimination, immune system/cellular regulation, hematological system, fluid balance, temperature regulation and nutritional balances. Focus is also on the adult experiencing pain, inflammation and other selected system alterations. Emphasis is on the use of the nursing process to assist adult patients to adapt to alterations/adaptations in function of systems.
This clinical course focuses on the nursing process with adult clients experiencing alterations/adaptations in bodily defense mechanisms. The concepts inclusive in the didactic component will be actualized in general medical surgical units and oncology units.
This lecture course focuses on the theoretical and applied concepts related to the care of families experiencing pregnancy and childbirth. Emphasis is on the dynamic familial, societal, psychological and physiological changes that occur in this stage of family and personal development. The assistive role of the nurse and as a family-centered provider of care is a major focus.
This clinical course provides the opportunity for planning and provision of nursing care to the childbearing family. Emphasis is on the use of the nursing process to plan, provide and coordinate quality care. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal actions as well as a respect for families and clients.
This lecture course focuses on psychotherapeutic processes across the lifespan. Building on foundations from the social and behavioral sciences, emphasis is on the use of the nursing process in providing care to clients with acute and chronic illness in a variety of psychiatric settings.
This clinical course provides a mechanism for students to perform mental health assessments, plan nursing care, practice therapeutic communication techniques and observe group processes in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Emphasis is placed on current information and research findings about the role of genetics in health. Students completing this course will be better prepared to incorporate genetic information and technology when providing care to clients. A student receiving credit for NURS 355 cannot receive credit for NURS 455.
This introductory course to global health emphasizes the major underlying determinants of poor health and the relationship between health and political, social, and economic development. Students will be introduced to global effects on the health of populations worldwide, current and future challenges to global health and the role of primary health care providers in meeting that challenge. (A student receiving credit for NURS 356 cannot receive credit for NURS 456.)
This course provides an overview of the need to improve end of life care and the role of nursing as a member of the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care. Basic principals of palliative care are presented within a quality of life (QOL) framework. Palliative care nursing care combines caring, communication, knowledge, and skill. Clinical issues to include expert assessment skills and aggressive pain and symptom management as well as the psychological, social, and spiritual care of patients and families experiencing a life threatening progressive illness will be discussed. Caring for the dying means not only "doing for" but also "being with". Students will be provided the opportunity to use introspection to clarify their own feelings related to the dying process. A student receiving credit for NURS 357 cannot receive credit for NURS 457.
The study of selected topics in professional nursing practice; designed to provide an in-depth exploration of current nursing issues.
This course focuses on the theories and concepts utilized in the scientific investigation of nursing practice. Content emphasizes the development of skills necessary to be a consumer of nursing research. Pre- or
The study of selected clinical practice applications in professional nursing practice; designed to provide an in-depth practicum in selected nursing practice areas. Students must have specific practicum arrangements (ex: externship) prior to registration.
This course is designed to involve the student in the application of the nursing process to clinical situations involving drug therapy. Pre- or
This course is designed to involve nursing students in the practical application of the nursing process in clinical pharmaco-therapeutics related to selected concepts.
This is an advanced placement course for nursing students concurrently enrolled in level 1 nursing coursework with an approved partner nursing program. After successful completion of the didactic coursework and clinical requirements at the partner institution, the student will be awarded experiential learning credits.
This is an advanced placement course for nursing students concurrently enrolled in level 2 nursing coursework with an approved partner nursing program. After successful completion of the didactic coursework and clinical requirements at the partner institution, the student will be awarded experiential learning credits.
This is an advanced placement course for nursing students concurrently enrolled in level 3 nursing coursework with an approved partner nursing program. After successful completion of the didactic coursework and clinical requirements at the partner institution, the student will be awarded experiential learning credits.
This is an advanced placement course for nursing students concurrently enrolled in level 4 nursing coursework with an approved partner nursing program. After successful completion of the didactic coursework and clinical requirements at the partner institution, the student will be awarded experiential learning credits. Proof of licensure as a registered nurse is required prior to awarding the level 4 experiential learning credits.
This course focuses on the theories and concepts utilized in the scientific investigation of nursing practice. Content emphasizes the development of skills necessary to be a consumer of nursing research. Open to Honors Program students only. Pre- or
Focuses on basic hygiene, comfort and safety skills required of health professionals providing diagnostic and/or supportive therapies to clients in a health care facility. May not be taken as required elective by nursing majors. Open to nuclear medicine technology students only.
Selected health-related topics of interest. Course descriptions and prerequisites are available from the chief academic advisor.
Nursing majors only. Selected health-related topics of interest to nursing majors. Course descriptions and prerequisites are available from the chief academic advisor.
Independent study of selected topics.
This advanced placement credit is awarded to the registered nurse who has demonstrated knowledge of selected basic clinical nursing concepts for the provision of nursing care to individuals experiencing health deviations. Awarded upon completion of 14 credits in major. Registered nurse students only.
This course focuses on basic skills required for success in the post-licensure baccalaureate nursing program. Emphasis is placed on professional development for baccalaureate nursing practice. Selected skills to be acquired include introduction to the development of a professional portfolio, APA professional writing format, information literacy in nursing literature and professional communication strategies. For registered nurse students only.
This course focuses on further development of the baccalaureate nursing student with an emphasis on expanding critical thinking skills, teaching-learning theories and application, professional resume development and exploration of nursing specialties and practice roles. For registered nursing students only.
This course facilitates the completion of a professional portfolio for the post-licensure baccalaureate nursing student. Emphasis is on advanced professional communication strategies and reflective processes for professional role expansion and development. For registered nurse students only. NURS 403 may only be taken in the final semester of the nursing curriculum. Pre- or
This lecture course focuses on the adult experiencing multisystem alterations/adaptations. Emphasis is on the use of the nursing process to assist adult clients to adapt to multisystem alterations/adaptations related insults.
This course examines ethics, law, economics and health policy that influence nursing practice, the health care system, and quality patient care.
This course focuses on information management and the utilization of patient care technologies to improve the patient experience of care (quality, satisfaction, safety), improve the health of populations, and reduce cost. Students will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes related to nursing informatics through readings, online discussions, case studies and exploration and use of electronic modalities.
This clinical course emphasizes the provision of nursing care to infants and children suffering from acute and chronic illnesses. Through the use of the nursing process, students provide and coordinate care, serving as client advocates. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility for personal actions related to the practice of nursing.
This lecture course provides a basis for understanding the nursing care of children of various ages. Emphasis is on the use of the nursing process to assist children as they encounter acute and chronic illnesses. The nurse's communication with and education of the family and child as individuals or as part of a group are discussed as a means of achieving the goal of comprehensive individualized child care in the home and health care settings.
This course focuses on the nursing needs of the well gerontological client. Emphasis is on the multi-complex needs of the older adult.
This course introduces the theoretical and applied concepts necessary to assist individuals with potential or actual disabilities prevent further functional dependence or restore maximum levels of function.
This clinical course focuses on using the nursing process to assist the recovery of individuals with disabilities prevent further functional dependence or restore maximum levels of function. Collaborative team approaches are stressed. Pre- or
This clinical course emphasizes the provision of nursing care to clients who are experiencing alterations/adaptations in organ system functions. Through the use of the nursing process, students will provide and coordinate care and serve as client advocates in a variety of settings.
This elective clinical and didactic course is designed for final semester pre-licensure students who are requesting adult critical care (CC) or emergency department (ED) Role Transition preceptorship placement.
Emphasis is placed on current information & research findings about the role of genetics in health. Students completing this course will be better prepared to incorporate genetic information and technology when providing care to clients. A student receiving credit for NURS 355 cannot receive credit for NURS 455.
This introductory course to global health emphasizes the major underlying determinants of poor health and the relationship between health and political, social, and economic development. Students will be introduced to. global effects on the health of populations worldwide, current and future challenges to global health and the role of primary health care providers in meeting that challenge. (A student receiving credit for NURS 456 cannot receive credit for NURS 356.)
This course provides an overview of the need to improve end of life care and the role of nursing as a member of the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care. Basic principles of palliative care are presented within a quality of life (QOL) framework. Palliative care nursing care combines caring, communication, knowledge, and skill. Clinical issues to include expert assessment skills and aggressive pain and symptom management as well as the psychological, social, and spiritual care of patients and families experiencing a life threatening progressive illness will be discussed. Caring for the dying means not only "doing for" but also "being with". Students will be provided the opportunity to use introspection to clarify their own feelings related to the dying process. A student receiving credit for NURS 357 cannot receive credit for NURS 457.
The study of selected topics in professional nursing practice; designed to provide an in-depth exploration of current nursing issues.
In this course, students learn to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities in primary care settings. Emphasis is on health education, health promotion and disease prevention, and management of chronic illnesses, especially for underserved populations and veterans.
This course focuses on family and community health nursing. Content emphasizes concepts and themes of families and communities and the use of the nursing process to assist in promoting and maintaining health. Application of course concepts through experience and interactions with health care coalition groups is emphasized.
This clinical course provides opportunity for application of concepts and themes of families and communities through experience and interactions with health care coalition groups.
This course focuses on the continued development of concepts related to family and community health nursing. Content emphasizes development of strategies to facilitate application of concepts and themes of families and communities. The nursing process is used to assist in promoting and maintaining health.
Application of course concepts through experience and interactions with healthcare coalition groups are emphasized.
This course is designed to involve nursing students in the practical application of the nursing process in clinical pharmacotherapeutics related to selected concepts.
This course focuses on utilization of strategies from leadership, management systems and change theories to facilitate professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the professional nurse as a leader in the health care system. The influence of organizational behavior, professional image and case management on nursing practice is examined. This is a writing intensive course.
This capstone course is a practicum experience in which students apply theoretical, conceptual and psychomotor learning in a structured clinical environment under the supervision of a staff preceptor. The experience is designed to assist the student to facilitate the transition to the role of the baccalaureate generalist nurse.
This course focuses on utilization of strategies from leadership, management, systems and change theories to facilitate professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the professional nurse as a leader in the health care system. The influence of organizational behavior, proactive political action, professional image and case management on nursing practice is examined. For registered nurse students only. This is a writing intensive course.
This capstone course is a practicum experience in which students apply theoretical, conceptual and psychomotor learning in a structured clinical environment under the supervision of a staff preceptor. The experience is designed to assist the student to facilitate the transition to the role of the baccalaureate generalist nurse.
This course focuses on professional nursing practice with families and communities as clients. Emphasis is on community wellness, interaction with political influences and epidemiological principles. For registered nurse students only.
The study of selected topics that may not be offered regularly. Special topics will appear in the schedule of classes each semester.
This advanced placement credit is awarded to the registered nurse who has demonstrated knowledge of selected complex nursing concepts for the provision of nursing care to individuals and families experiencing health deviations. Awarded upon completion of 26 credits in the major. For registered nurse students only.
This is an advanced placement course for registered nurse students. After verification of registered nurse licensure, the student will be awarded 33 experiential learning credits.