School of Nursing

Nursing Courses Undergraduate

Following are undergraduate nursing courses, listed in alphanumeric order.

The university reserves the right to cancel courses for insufficient enrollment.
P = prerequisite R = recommended C = co-requisite

  • NURS-B 216 Nursing Pharmacology (2 cr.) This course focuses on the physiological actions of drugs and their therapeutic use; the nurse’s role in administering drugs, and the need for continuous study of drug therapy.  (P: ANAT-A 215, PHSL-P 215)
  • NURS-B 231 Communication for Health Care Professionals: RN to BSN (3 cr.) Note: this course must be taken in the first semester for RN to BSN Students. This course addresses professional communication, inter/intra professional collaboration, and professional engagement to foster growth and development in nursing. This course also focuses on issues related to professional practice, theory, development and use, professional organization participation, service, continuing education, autonomy and accountability.
  • NURS-B 232 Introduction to the Discipline of Nursing: Theory, Practice, Research (2 cr.) This course focuses on the core theoretical concepts of nursing practice: health, wellness, illness, holism, caring environment, self-care, uniqueness of persons, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. This course helps the student understand nursing’s unique contribution to meeting societal needs through integrating theory, research and practice.
  • NURS-B 233 Health and Wellness (3 cr.)  This course focuses on the use of concepts from nursing, nutrition, pharmacology, and biopsycosocial sciences to critically examine the determines of health, wellness, and illness across the lifespan. Enviromental, socioculteral, and economic factors that influence health care practices are emphasized. Theories of health, wellness and illness are related to health promotion, disese prevention and illness prevention nursing interventions.
  • NURS-B 244 Comprehensive Health Assesment (2 cr.) This course focuses on helping students acquire skills to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, including the physical, psychological, social, functional, and environmental aspects of health. The process of data collection, interpretation, documentation, and dissemination of assessment data will be addressed. (C: NURS-B 245)
  • NURS-B 245 Comprehensive Health Assessment: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to use interview, observation, percussion, palpation, inspection, and auscultation in assessing clients across the life span in simulated and actual environments. (C: NURS-B 244)
  • NURS-B 248 Science and Technology of Nursing (3 cr.) This course focuses on the fundamentals of nursing from a theoretical research base. It provides an opportunity for basic care nursing skills development. Students will be challenged to use critical thinking and problem solving in developing the ability to apply an integrated nursing therapeutics approach for clients experiencing health alterations across the life span. (C: NURS-B 249)
  • NURS-B 249 Science and Technology of Nursing: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate fundamental nursing skills in the application of nursing care for clients across the life span. (C: NURS-B 248)
  • NURS-B 252 Pathophysiology (3 cr.) This course focuses on the development of student understanding of alterations in normal human physiological functioning. Students will explore alterations of health and related basic diagnostic tests related to the management of selected alterations. (P: ANAT-A 215, PHSL-P 215)
  • NURS-B 304 Professional Nursing Seminar 1: Health Policy (3 cr.) Social, ethical, cultural, economic, and political issues that affect the delivery of health and nursing services globally are critically analyzed. Government and entrepreneurial interests are examined. Emphasis is placed on the impact of policy decisions on professional nursing practice and health services. This course is restricted to RN to BSN students only.
  • NURS-B 403 Gerontological Nursing (3 cr.) This course promotes a holistic approach to persons in the later years of life. Death and dying, legal and ethical issues, family care giving, and future challenges will be discussed in the context of best practices as outlined by the John A Hartford Foundation: Institute for Geriatric Nursing. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-B 404 Professional Nursing Seminar 2: Informatics (3 cr.) This course addresses nursing informatics: state of the science and issues for research, development, and practice. It clarifies concepts of nursing, technology, and information management; and comprises theory, practice, and the social and ethical issues in nursing and health care informatics. This course is restricted to RN to BSN students only.
  • NURS-H 351 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health (3 cr.) This course focuses on individuals and small groups experiencing acute and chronic neuropsychological disorders. Content includes the effect of the brain-body disturbances on health functioning. Other content areas are growth and development, stress, mental status, nurse-client relationships, psychopharmacology, and nursing approaches for clients experiencing DSM-IV neuropsychological disorders. (P: All sophomore-level courses. C: NURS-H 352)
  • NURS-H 352 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will provide nursing care to individuals and small groups who are experiencing acute and chronic neuropsychological disturbances related to psychiatric disorders. Student experiences will be with individuals and small groups in supervised settings such as acute care, community-based, transitional, and/or the home. (C: NURS-H 351)
  • NURS-H 353 Alterations in Health I (3 cr.) This course focuses on the pathophysiology and holistic nursing care management of clients experiencing acute and chronic problems. Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills to plan interventions appropriate to health care needs. (P:  All sophomore-level courses.  C:  NURS-H354)
  • NURS-H 354 Alterations in Health I: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will apply the science and technology of nursing to perform all independent, dependent, and interdependent care functions. Student will engage clients in a variety of settings to address alteration in health functioning, identify health care needs, and determine the effectiveness of interventions given expected care outcomes. (C: NURS-H 353)
  • NURS-H 355 Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health Care Research (3 cr.) This course introduces nursing and other health sciences students to the basic concepts and techniques of data analysis needed in professional health-care practice. Principles of measurement, data summarization, and univariate and bivariate statistics are examined. Differences in types of qualitative data and methods by which these types of data can be interpreted are also explored. Emphasis is placed on the application of fundamental concepts to real-world situations in client care. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-H 361 Alterations in Health II (3 cr.) This course builds on Alterations in Health I and continues to focus on pathophysiology and holistic nursing care management of clients experiencing acute and chronic health problems and their associated needs. (P: NURS-H 351, NURS-H 352, NURS-H 353, NURS-H 354, all sophomore-level courses. C: NURS-H 362)
  • NURS-H 362 Alterations in Health II: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will continue to apply the science and technology of nursing to perform all independent, dependent, and interdependent care functions. Students will engage clients in a variety of settings to address alterations in health functioning. (C: NURS-H 361, P: NURS-H 351, NURS-H 352, NURS-H 353, NURS-H 354 and all sophomore courses)
  • NURS-H 363 The Developing Family and Child (4 cr.) This course focuses on the needs of individuals and their families who are facing the phenomena of growth and development during the childbearing and child raising phases of family development. Factors dealing with preserving, promoting, and restoring health status of family members will be emphasized. (C: NURS-H 364)
  • NURS-H 364 The Developing Family and Child: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to work with childbearing and child raising families, including those experiencing alterations in health. (C: NURS-H 363)
  • NURS-H 365 Nursing Research (2 cr.) This course is on development of students’ skills in using the research process to define clinical research problems and to determine the usefulness of research in clinical decisions related to practice. The critique of nursing and nursing related research studies will be emphasized in identifying applicability to nursing practice. (C: NURS-H 361, NURS-H 362, NURS-H 363, NURS-H 364)
  • NURS-J 360/K 490 Operating Room Nursing/Peri-operative Nursing (lecture -- 2 cr., clinical -- 2 cr. cr.) This course is designed to enable the student to participate in the professional and technical components of peri-operative nursing practice with supervision. Learning opportunities include care of the patient undergoing the stress of surgery in the pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases. The student participates as a member of the surgical team in the circulating and scrub nurse’s role. The student will also participate in the care of the patient pre-operatively by doing admission assessments.
  • NURS-K 301 The Art and Science of Complementary Health (3 cr.) This course will serve as an introduction to a variety of complementary therapies, including healing touch, guided imagery, hypnosis, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage. The class will critically examine each therapy through assigned readings, literature reviews, presentations, guest lecturers, and optional experiential activities. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-K 304 Nursing Specialty Elective (3 cr.) This course allows the RN to BSN student to apply nationally recognized specialty nursing knowledge and skills to the BSN degree, through a portfolio or independent study approach. National specialty standards will be used to devise learning objectives, implementation and evaluation plan. This course is restricted to RN to BSN students only.
  • NURS-K 305 New Innovation in Health and Health Care (3 cr.) This course explores emergent trends in health and health care, including technological advances in health care, developing approaches to care based on new knowledge and/ or research findings, and trends in health care delivery in a themed, survey or independent study format. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-K 415 Special Needs Children in the Community (2-4 cr.) This course focuses on children with special health needs in the community setting. Concepts of growth and development will be explored in relationship to the identified health needs. Principles of health education, health maintenance, and health promotion will be integrated in the experiential component of the course.
  • NURS-K 432 Korean Culture and Healthcare (1 cr.) This course provides a forum for students to explore Korean culture in terms of history, culture, language, business, foods, traditions, perspectives, and healthcare. Students interact with their peers from a Korean University.
  • NURS-K 433 Korean Culture and Healthcare: Practicum (2 cr.) This 2-week cultural immersion experience is based at a school of nursing in South Korea. Students will participate in classroom, laboratory, clinical, cultural and leisure time activities with Korean students. Prerequisites: Must be a student in good standing in the IU School of Nursing, successfully complete the Korean Culture & Healthcare course, and be selected to participate.
  • NURS-K 434 Global Health Issues in Nursing (3 cr.)

    This course is designed to provide learning opportunities to acquire knowledge about global health issues, the diverse conditions that contribute to health and global health disparities, and an understanding of nursing's role in addressing these health problems. Issues addressed include infectious and chronic illness, reproductive and womens health issues, politics and public health policy, economics and health care, and health in conflict environments. Conceptual models and health equity concepts, evidence-based  practice, and health care delivery systems are analyzed to explore strategies for addressing global health issues. Learning opportunities emphasize the knowledge and skills needed to use technology to investigate global health issues, advocate for health justice from a human rights perspective, and critically appraise global health issues.

  • NURS-K 440 Critical Care Elective (2 cr.) Students will hear presentations from physicians and advanced practice nurses and participate in discussions related to critical care concepts and hemodynamic monitoring. (P: Sophomore and junior level courses)
  • NURS-K 441 Critical Care Clinical (2 cr.)

    Students will participate in a preceptored critical care clinical experiences and simulations to promote critical thinking. 

  • NURS-K 490 Clinical Nursing Elective (1-6 cr.) Planned and supervised clinical experience in an area of concentration. Course is S/F graded. (P: Consent of instructor)
  • NURS-K 492 Nursing Elective (1-6 cr.) Opportunity for the student to pursue study in an area of interest. (P: Consent of instructor)
  • NURS-K 499 Genetics and Genomics (3 cr.) This course introduces a basic knowledge of genetics in health care, including genetic variation and inheritance; ethical, legal, and social issues in genetic health care; genetic therapeutics; nursing roles; genetic basis of selected alterations to health across the life span; and cultural considerations in genetic health care are all considered. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-P 216 Pharmacology (3 cr.) This course focuses on basic principles of pharmacology. It includes the pharmacologic properties of major drug classes and individual drugs, with an emphasis on the clinical application of drug therapy through the nursing process. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-S 470 Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures (3 cr.) This course focuses on the pathophysiology and nursing care management of clients experiencing multisystem alterations in health status. Correlations among complex system alterations and nursing interventions to maximize health potential are emphasized.  (P: All Sophomore and Junior level courses. C: NURS-S 471, NURS-S 472, NURS-S 473.)
  • NURS-S 471 Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures: Practicum (2 cr.) The students will apply the nursing process to the care of clients experiencing acute multi-system alterations in health.  (C: NURS-S 470, NURS-S 472, NURS-S 473.)
  • NURS-S 472 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community (3 cr.) This course focuses on the complexity and diversity of groups or aggregates within communities and their corresponding health care needs. Through a community assessment of health trends, demographics, epidemiological data, and social/political issues in local and global communities, the student will be able to determine effective interventions for community-centered care.  (P: All junior level courses. C: NURS-S 470, NURS-S 471, NURS-S 473.)
  • NURS-S 473 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to apply the concepts of community assessment, program planning, prevention, and epidemiology to implement and evaluate interventions for community- centered care to groups or aggregates. Professional nursing will be practiced in collaboration with diverse groups within a community.  (C: NURS-S 470, NURS-S 471, NURS-S 472.)
  • NURS-S 474 Applied Healthcare Ethics (3 cr.) Building on the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, this course explores the nurse’s role in ethical clinical practice, academic work, health policy, and research conduct, focusing particularly on the advocacy role of the nurse. Common ethical problems are discussed and strategies for resolution of ethical dilemmas are applied. Note: some sections of this course are restricted to RN to BSN students.
  • NURS-S 475 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community: RN to BSN (3 cr.) Basic epidemiological principles and community health nursing models are applied in collaboration with diverse groups. Disease prevention strategies are applied to individuals and populations to promote health. Students apply the concepts of community assessment, disease prevention, and health promotion to plan, implement, and evaluate interventions for populations in the community. This course is restricted to RN to BSN students only.
  • NURS-S 481 Nursing Management (2 cr.) This course focuses on the development of management skills assumed by professional nurses, including delegation of responsibilities, networking, facilitation of groups, conflict resolution, leadership, case management and collaboration. Concepts addressed include organizational structure, change, managing quality and performance, workplace diversity, budgeting and resource allocation, and delivery systems.  (P: All Sophomore, Junior, and First Semester Senior level courses. C: NURS-S 481, NURS-S 482, NURS-S 483, NURS-S 485.)
  • NURS-S 482 Nursing Management: Practicum (2 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to apply professional management skills in a variety of nursing leadership roles.  (C: NURS-S 481, NURS-S 483, NURS-S 485.)
  • NURS-S 483 Clinical Nursing Practice Capstone (3 cr.) Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate competencies consistent with program outcomes and to refine their nursing care practice skills. Students will collaborate with faculty and a preceptor in choosing a care setting, planning and organizing a learning experience, and practicing professional nursing in a safe and effective manner.  (C: NURS-S 481, NURS-S 482, NURS-S 485.)
  • NURS-S 485 Professional Growth and Employment (3 cr.) This course focuses on issues related to professional practice, career planning, personal goal setting, and empowerment of self and others. Students will discuss factors related to job performance, performance expectations and evaluation, reality orientation, and commitment to life-long learning.  (C: NURS-S 481, NURS-S 482, NURS-S 483.)
  • NURS-S 487 Nursing Management: RN to BSN (3 cr.) This course focuses on development of management skills assumed by professional nurses, including delegation of responsibilities, networking, and facilitation of groups, conflict resolution, leadership, case management, and collaboration. Concepts addressed include organizational structure, delivery systems, change, managing quality and performance, budgeting and resource allocation, staffing, scheduling, evaluation and career development. This course is restricted to RN to BSN students only.
  • NURS-Z 490 Clinical Experience in Nursing (1-6 cr.) P: consent of instructor. S/F graded. Planned and supervised clinical experiences in the area of the student’s major interest.
  • NURS-Z 492 Individual Study in Nursing (1-6 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Opportunity for the student to pursue independent study of topics in nursing under the guidance of a selected faculty member.

PDF Version

Click here for the PDF version.