Curriculum Overview and Course Descriptions

The focus of this course is to provide a strong foundation for students preparing for a career in nursing.  It is an intensive course designed to stress correlations between the structures and functions of the various body systems.  Each system discussed is treated from microscopic to macroscopic levels of organization.  Topics include: organic molecules, the cell, cellular metabolism, tissues, skin, bones, muscles, the nervous system, special senses, and the endocrine system. Homeostatic imbalances that result in disease will be discussed.  Laboratory work includes the microscopic examination of tissues, dissections of preserved organ specimens and the cat, and the investigation of various human physiological processes.

• 3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab weekly.
• Co-requisite: NU 101, NU 1101A
• Minimum passing grade is a C+ (77)
• Students who do not achieve the minimum grade will not be allowed to advance to: HE 102, NU 102, NU 2102A

The study of the human organism relating to structure and function is intensified in this course.  Topics include: blood, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, water and electrolyte balance, and reproductive system.  Since this course is designed for nursing students, common health problems will be introduced to explore the underlying concepts of normal function as they apply to the basic processes of pathogenesis.  Specimen dissection continues to be an integral part of the course

• 3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab weekly.
• Prerequisite: HE 101
• Minimum passing grade is a C+ (77)
• Students who do not achieve the minimum grade will not be allowed to advance to HE 221, HE 213, NU 105, NU 2105

This course is designed for nursing students and emphasis is placed on the role of the healthcare professional in the prevention of infectious disease.  Class lectures correlate the structure, function, growth, and development of microorganisms to the modes of action of various antimicrobials and physical and chemical methods of microbial control.  The student will survey causative agents, methods of transmission, mechanisms of pathogenicity, signs and symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments for common and emerging infectious diseases.  The innate and adaptive defense mechanisms of the host will be explored.  Laboratory deals with the use of the microscope, aseptic techniques, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic susceptibility, and the physiological, nutritional, and environmental needs of microbes.  In addition, peer-reviewed journals will be used to prepare presentations on current topics in microbiology

• 3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab weekly.
• Prerequisite: HE 102, HE 221, NU 105 and NU 2105. Co-requisite: NU 210, NU 3210A
• Minimum passing grade is a C+ (77)
• Students who do not achieve the minimum grade will not be allowed to advance to: NU 220 and NU 4220A

This course provides a review and understanding of basic college level mathematics concepts for nurses and other health science careers who do not intend to progress to college algebra or other conceptual courses in mathematics. The emphasis in the course is on developing practical skills using basic mathematics to solve practical problems in the context of health sciences

• Co-requisite: NU 101, NU 1101A
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)
• Students who do not achieve the minimum passing grade will not be allowed to advance to NU 102, NU 2102A
• College Mathematics for Nursing Applications may be repeated one (1) time only. A second failure will result in dismissal from the SH/BHSN program

This course will introduce the student to the life-cycle study of human development from conception to death. It will include physical, emotional and cognitive development at each significant developmental stage. This life-cycle approach will emphasize the works of Elkind, Erikson, Piaget and Levinson.

• 3 hours class weekly.
• Pre-requisite: NU 105, NU 2105B
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

This course is a skills-based introduction to critical reading, writing, and critical thinking. Through interdisciplinary reading assignments, in-class work, and a series of papers, students will develop an approach to analyzing and responding to ideas presented in class in writing and orally. In addition, students will develop their research techniques and their ability to understand the mechanics of writing, including punctuation, grammar, and spelling

• 3 hours class weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

In this course, students apply critical reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to analyze and develop ideas in written and oral forms. Through interdisciplinary reading assignments, a series of papers, a research paper, and an oral presentation, students will evaluate and formulate their own arguments in response to ideas presented in class. In addition, students will continue to develop their research techniques and their abilities to understand the mechanics of good writing

• 3 hours class weekly.
• Pre-requisite: EN 101
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

This course examines major theorists and theories regarding ethical decisions. Students will explore how these theories apply to contemporary moral issues, both societal and individual, such as gene altering, abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, sexual relations, cheating and business conduct. A library component will be included.

• 3 hours class weekly
• Pre-requisite NU120
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

An introductory course in communication and oral presentation skills. Students will explore the theory and process of human communication. Emphasis is placed on oral and written communication, organization of thinking and material,, and techniques of public presentation. A library component will be included.

• 3 hours class weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

Explores the basic concepts, research methods and theories concerning the relationship between individuals and society.  This course will emphasize the influences of culture, social structure, and institutions in explaining human activity.  The topics of deviance, collective behavior and social change will also be examined and discussed.

• Semester Hours 45 lecture
• Minimum passing grade C+ (77)

Open elective for Day or Evening Division  An introduction to the basic elements of pre-calculus statistics. Topics of central tendency, measures of variation, sampling techniques, basic probability theory, statistical inference, and linear correlation and regression. A library component is included.

• 3 hour lecture weekly.
• Prerequisite: MA 130
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

This course examines the history, beliefs, doctrines, and contemorary practices of the world's most influential religions.  Religions studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

• 3 hour lecture weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

Open elective for Day or Evening Division  Provides an introduction to the study of the use and abuse of alcohol and controlled drugs, of addiction to them, and rehabilitation counseling.  Examines the sociological, psychological, and biological bases of abuse and addiction, and the effects of drugs on the brain and normal human functioning.  Reviews the most commonly abused drugs and the characteristics of persons most likely at risk for abuse or addiction.  Reviews different theories of addiction, including the biological, psychodynamic, social learning, and socio-cultural.  Develops skills in intervention, assessment and the administration of screening tests, diagnosis, treatment selection, and referral.  Reviews relapse-prevention and community-based education programs.  Explores substance abuse policy in the United States in its social, cultural, historical, economic, and political contexts.  Examines contemporary debates regarding drug control and legalization.

• 3 hour lecture weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

This course presents an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural view of the family.  Readings from history, anthropology, human growth and development, and sociology will be studied.  A number of popular beliefs and myths will be examined critically.  A library component is included.

• 3 hour lecture weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

Open elective for Day or Evening Division  A sociological introduction to the historical and current influence of race, ethnicity, gender and class on individuals and families, regarding inequality of social status, political power, access to education, health care housing other human services, career opportunity, and economic well-being. Examines both theoretical approaches and empirical evidence regarding the ways inequality is created, maintained, and over come in society, and the harmful effects on individuals, families and society as a whole. Topics addressed included: the social causes of racial, ethnic, gender and class discrimination in American society; the nature of oppression and historical and current social justice and liberation movements seeking to combat it; individual and institutional forms of social injustice; social conditions promoting prejudice, racism, discrimination, segregation, and inequality of opportunity; social constructions of race and gender roles; and the responsibilities of the healthcare and human services professionals in combating injustice.

• 3 hours lecture weekly.
• Minimum passing grade is C+ (77)

Prerequisite : EN102 (or by permission from Program Director)

This course explores the concepts of cultural diversity, cultural competency, cultural heritage, and history as they relate to health from a global perspective. Students will gain an appreciation of the human experience of various cultures in order to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges these populations face when navigating a healthcare system that is foreign to them. The dimensions and complexities of providing healthcare for people from around the world, with many ethnicities and various cultural, religious, and social practices, are discussed. Selected populations are explored to illustrate a panorama of traditional health and illness beliefs and practices.

This cours is an introduction to genontology.  Using a multidisciplianry approach, it focuses on the process and the experience of aging.  The physical, cognitive, social and emotional processes of aging will be discussed.  The course will focus on major theories of aging, demographic trends, ageism and global and cultural diversity issues. 

Nursing 101 introduces contemporary nursing and nurses’ roles in health care delivery systems. Concepts of human beings and health include the relatedness of physical, intellectual, emotional, sociocultural and spiritual aspects that compose the whole person. Nursing interventions assist students to promote, maintain and restore the maximum strengths of patients and families. The nursing process is taught as a systematic, problem-solving method that assists students to help patients adapt to both internal and external environmental demands. Students develop nursing skills in the simulation laboratory. At Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital and community affiliations, students care for patients with basic, well-defined health care needs. Day, evening and weekend hours may be used for clinical / classroom teaching. Clinical placements are two week days.

• Semester hours: 60 lecture, 240 clinical /simulation laboratory/ATI
• Co-requisite: HE 101, MA 130

Nursing 102 focuses on the concept that the family is the basic unit in society and that children grow both individually and as part of a family. Concepts include developmental tasks of families during the parenting process and families experiencing common medical and surgical disorders. Nursing interventions assist students to promote, maintain and restore family health to ensure cycles of optimal childbearing and childrearing and overall health. At Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital and community affiliations, students care for healthy families during child bearing years, as well as children and families experiencing acute and chronic illnesses. Day, evening and weekend hours may be used for clinical / classroom teaching. Clinical placements may be two week days and / or evenings or Friday evenings or every Saturday or every other weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Semester hours: 60 lecture, 240 clinical / laboratory.
• Pre-requisite: NU 101, MA 130, HE101

Nursing 101 introduces contemporary nursing and nurses’ roles in health care delivery systems.  Concepts of human beings and health include the relatedness of physical, intellectual, emotional, sociocultural and spiritual aspects that compose the whole person.  Nursing interventions assist students to promote, maintain and restore maximum strengths of patients and families.  The nursing process is taught as a systematic, problem-solving method that assists students to help patients adapt to both internal and external environmental demands.  This course incorporates the concept of aging as a complex and natural process.  Concepts of aging,  health promotion, risk reduction, health restoration and maintenance of functional ability in the older adult will be examined.  Students develop nursing skills in the simulation lab.  At community affiliations, students care for patients with basic, well defined health care needs.  Day evening and weekend hours may be used for clinical/classroom teaching.  Clinical placements are two week days.

• Semester Hours: 72 lecture, 240 clinical/simulation laboratory/ATI
• Co- requisite: HE 101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I , MA 130 Math for Nursing Applications, NU 115 Student Success Seminar

This course is designed to assist the student in developing, adopting and strengthening learning strategies and attitudes necessary to attain academic success.  Concepts that encourage self-directed learning are explored to assist the student in assuming responsibility for learning.  Weekly seminars empower the student to examine and adopt best practice techniques for studying and test taking.  Content areas include goal setting, problem solving, study skills, test taking strategies, test anxiety and stress reduction.

• Semester Hours: 15 lecture
• Minimum passing grade C+ (77)

Nursing NU120 focuses on the concept that the family is the basic unit in society and that children grow both individually and as part of a family.  Concepts include developmental tasks of families during the parenting process and families experiencing common medical and surgical disorders.  Nursing interventions assist students to promote, maintain and restore family health to ensure cycles of optimal childbearing and childrearing and overall health.  At Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital and community affiliations, students care for health families during child bearing years, as well as children and families experiencing acute and chronic illnesses.  Seven hours of review added.  Day, evening and weekend hours may be used for clinical/classroom teaching.  Clinical placements may be two week days and or evenings or Friday evenings, or every Saturday or every other weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Semesters Hours: 67 lecture, 240 clinical/laboratory
• Pre-requisite: NU110 Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice, MA130 College Mathematics with Nursing Applications, HE101 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, PS105 Human Development

This course introduces the student to the pharmacological principles that will assist the student to promote, maintain and restore optimal level of wellness. Pharmacological concepts such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic and pharmacotherapeutics will be explored with an emphasis on the nursing process and safe administration of medications. The course will cover diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Specific areas of study will include family health and elder health.

• Semester Hours: 15
• Pre-requisite: NU110 Foundational Concepts for Nursing Practice, HE101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

This course will expand the student’s understanding of various pharmacological agents used in adult health to assist in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of optimal level of wellness. Utilizing the nursing process, the student will focus on various disorders and diseases requiring pharmacological intervention Specific areas of study will include Adult Health I.

• Semester Hours: 15
• Pre-requisite: NU120 Care of the Family, NU116 Pharmacology for Nursing I, HE102 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

This course will expand the student’s understanding of various pharmacological agents used in adult health to assist in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of optimal level of wellness. Utilizing the nursing process, the student will focus on various disorders and diseases requiring pharmacological intervention Specific areas of study will include Adult Health II and mental health.

• Semester Hours: 15
• Pre-requisite: NU210 Adult Health I, NU117 Pharmacology for Nursing II

This course focuses on the concept of aging as a complex and natural process. Concepts of aging, family impact, health promotion, risk reduction, health restoration and maintenance of functional ability in the older adult will be examined. Application of the new information will allow students to holistically assess, plan specific nursing interventions, implement, and evaluate optimal nursing care to older adults. At Brockton Hospital and local short-term, sub acute older adult agencies, students care for older adults and their families. Clinical placements are for one eight hour day or evening shift each week for six weeks. In addition all students spend 8 hours in the simulation lab and 2 hours ATI Practice Assessment with focused review.

• Semester hours: 24 lecture, 58 clinical / laboratory, self directed computerized NCLEX practice sessions with remediation.
• Prerequisite: NU 102, HE 102, PS 105

Nursing 210 promotes the thought that the mind and body are inseparable and include physical, intellectual, emotional, sociocultural, and environmental parts. Concepts of human caring and human relationships are related and contain clinical empathy. Students apply the best current evidence to choose nursing interventions which assist patients in promoting, maintaining, and restoring optimal levels of wellness. Students apply the nursing process to provide safe basic nursing care with minimal risk of harm to self and others. At Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital and local community affiliations, students care for patients and families dealing with frequently occurring illnesses. Clinical placements may be two weekdays and/or evenings.

• Semester hours: 60 lecture, 240 clinical / laboratory, self directed computerized NCLEX practice sessions with remediation.
• Prerequisite NU 105, NU115, NU120, NU116, HE 221; Co-requisite: HE 213.

This course continues to promote the thought that the mind and body are inseparable and include physical, intellectual, emotional, sociocultural, and environmental parts. Nursing 220 integrates ideas of holistic nursing and challenges of caring for those patients who have complex emotional and physical needs. Students synthesize nursing interventions to promote, maintain, and restore the optimal level of wellness of their patients in acute care, psychiatric, and community settings. Classroom and clinical experiences guide students to integrate the best current evidence and enhance clinical expertise. At Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital and local community affiliations, students are offered the opportunity to provide high quality, safe nursing care with minimal risk of harm to self and others. Day and evening hours may be used for clinical/classroom teaching. Clinical placements are two weekdays and/or evenings.

• Semester hours: 60 lecture, 240 clinical / laboratory, self directed computerized NCLEX practice sessions with remediation.
• Prerequisite: NU 210, HE 213.

NU 250, the final course in the RN Diploma program, assists the student to transition into the role of the professional nurse.  Students work to synthesize prior learning and gain new knowledge through precepted experiences, simulation, NCLEX-RN preparation and study of topics related to current nursing practice in seminar format.  Internships with an RN in a healthcare setting enhance the student’s role transition and ability to achieve the SLOs.  As students begin the transition to the RN role, concepts related to leadership, decision making, and prioritization in contemporary nursing practice are integrated.  Virtual ATI NCLEX-RN review program is utilized to promote NCLEX-RN preparation and success.  Independent work and preparation are integral components of this course.

• 48 hours evenly distributed over 4 weeks to include 32 hours internship, 3 hours simulation laboratory, 8 hours NCLEX-RN preparation, and 5 hours seminar.
• Grades for this course are determined by a combination of seminar participation, NCLEX preparation, and satisfactory internship and simulation laboratory performance. A grade of C+ is required to pass this course.
• Pre-requisite: NU 220 Adult Health I; PH 103 Ethics, CM105 Public Speaking, NU118 Pharmacology for Nursing II, SO101 Sociology