Course Catalog (2009-2010)
2009-2010 Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
Nursing (NURS)
NURS 102
• PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
This introductory course provides the student with a working knowledge of the professional behaviors and skills used in the practice of nursing. Nursing practice involves adherence to an established framework of ethical principles, legal regulations, and standards of practice in order to provide competent, high quality, and safe care. This course will explore professional standards and therapeutic communication with emphasis on the role of the nurse in assessment, documentation and critical thinking and the obligations of the individual nurse as a professional. *
NURS 130
• NURSING ASSISTANT
Prerequisite: Proof of negative two-step TB skin test or negative chest x-ray, current healthcare provider CPR card and proof of two MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella) if born after 1956.
The nursing assistant course is an occupational preparatory program offered by the Health Sciences Department. The student completing the nursing assistant course will be prepared to assist the professional nurse in direct client care, undertaking those tasks which are supportive to the care of the stable client. This course meets the Nevada State Board of Nursing requirements to prepare nursing assistants to be eligible to take the written and manual skills nursing assistant exams. Enrollment is open to the general community. *
NURS 131
• FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING CARE
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
In this introductory course, the student will develop a foundation of basic concepts, skills and techniques of nursing practice. This foundation will assist the student to address the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables related to client care. The five step nursing process will be the framework utilized in preparing the beginning nursing student to apply the skills and knowledge necessary in identifying client reactions/adaptations to stressors and in assisting clients to maintain optimum level of wellness. Four hours lecture weekly for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 132
• INTRODUCTION TO NURSING
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
This course introduces students to the nursing profession, the role of the associate degree nurse, general nursing theories and specifically Betty Neuman's Systems Model. Content includes the nursing process used in client care, individuals' needs, variables and stressors, communication skills and physical assessment skills. These concepts are essential to the care of all clients and provide the foundation for all future nursing. Three hours lecture weekly for 10 weeks.
NURS 138
• NURSING CARE I
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
This introductory course provides the students with the foundations of the arts and science of nursing. Students are exposed to the core competencies that define the roles and responsibilities of an associate degree nurse. Emphasis is placed on acquiring proficiency to provide direct and indirect nursing care; performing assessments that incorporate pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nutrition needs; and identifying age-appropriate care planning activities that assist clients in meeting health care needs. The lab/clinical portion of this course includes selected observations, and the use of computer simulation and skills laboratory. *
NURS 140
• MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
The development of a basic medical vocabulary used to describe the body's anatomical systems with emphasis on the definition, use, spelling and pronunciation of terms. Attention will be focused on disease, normal body structure and function and pharmacology terminology.
NURS 142
• FUNDAMENTALS OF PHARMACOLOGY
Prerequisite: BIOL 223 and 224.
Taught outside of nursing program both Fall and Spring. This course provides an introduction to the study of pharmacology as needed by nurses. Various groups of drugs will be studied in relationship to their actions upon various body systems and in relationship to the clients' physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables.
NURS 144
• PEDIATRIC NURSING CARE
Prerequisite: NURS 131, 132, 160, 161, 191 and HDFS 201.
This course will assist the student to develop a knowledge of nursing care of children from infancy through adolescence. This course focuses on the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables as they relate to alterations in the child's level of wellness due to interpersonal, intrapersonal and extrapersonal stressors.
NURS 145
• MATERNITY NURSING CARE
Prerequisite: NURS 131, 132, 160, 161, 191 and HDFS 201.
This course will develop knowledge of nursing care during the period of childbearing. Included will be the normal physiological process of pregnancy and childbirth, nursing interventions during the period and the family's adaptation to the stressors associated with childbirth. Emphasis will be placed on family structure which includes prevention of illness and promotion of health with individual and familial adaptation to changing health patterns. Attention will be focused on the various stressors impacting individuals during this childbearing period. Students will be expected to build upon their communication and interpersonal skills.
NURS 146
• PEDIATRIC NURSING CARE CLINICAL
Prerequisite: NURS 131, 132, 160, 161, 191 and HDFS 201.
This clinical experience is concurrent with NURS 144. It provides the student the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills necessary to plan and implement nursing care for hospitalized children and adolescents. The student will be able to identify the child's and family's responses to stressors and develop a plan of care to foster the client's achievement toward an optimal level of wellness. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 147
• MATERNITY NURSING CARE CLINICAL
Prerequisite: NURS 131, 132, 160, 161, 191 and HDFS 201.
This clinical laboratory experience will provide the student with a basic learning opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and implement care for expectant mothers, fathers and their families and share in the wonder of the birthing process. Maternity clinical laboratory will be offered in local agencies. During this clinical rotation students will have supervised practice with clients in pregnancy clinic, labor/delivery, admit nursery, normal newborn nursery and post partum. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 160
• MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CARE I
Prerequisite: NURS 131 and 191.
Open to students accepted to the nursing program only. Medical-Surgical Nursing Care focuses on the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables as they relate to alterations in levels of wellness due to pathophysiological and psychological stressors. The content of this course includes an orientation to the medical-surgical client, diseases of the muscular-skeletal system and respiratory system and care of the client with diabetes. The client undergoing surgery, diagnostic tests, fluid and electrolytes, stress and pain are also included in this course. Four hours lecture for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 161
• MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CARE I LAB
Prerequisite: NURS 131 and 191 and acceptance to the Nursing Program.
Open to students accepted to the nursing program only. NURS 161 is a required clinical course to be taken concurrently with NURS 160. This beginning level course focuses on the integration of basic nursing process skills to identify the client's reaction or adaptation to stressors and to develop nursing interventions to foster the client's achievement and/or maintenance of an optimal level of wellness. Attention is given to the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables as they affect the client's lines of defense. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 170
• NURSING CARE 2
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
The focus of this course is on management of patients/clients with an altered health status that affects both individuals and families across the lifespan. The child-bearing and child rearing family are also included as a population. The course applies the concepts of clinical pharmacology, psychopathology, health maintenance, promotion and restoration to the care of patients/clients. The lab/clinical portion of this course include selected observation, clinical assignments and the use of computer simulation and skills laboratory.
NURS 191
• FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING CARE LAB
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
Open to students accepted to the nursing program only. An introductory course taken concurrently with NURS 131. The course provides an opportunity for the beginning nursing student to learn and practice basic skills and techniques. Theory content from NURS 131 forms the foundation for implementation of basic nursing skills. Qualified practicing LPN's may be exempt from this course. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 193
• NURSING CARE IN THE FAMILY CYCLE LAB
Lab experience coordinated with class content (12 hours per week - total 180 hours).
NURS 202
• NURSING CARE 3
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
The focus of this course is a continuation of the nursing care and management of patients/clients with an altered health status that affects both individuals and families across the lifespan. The child-bearing and child rearing family are also included as a population. The course applies the concepts of clinical pharmacology, psychopathology, pathophysiology, health maintenance, promotion and restoration to the care of patients/clients. The lab/clinical portion of this course include selected observation, clinical assignments and the use of computer simulation and skills laboratory. *
NURS 204
• PALLIATIVE CARE NURSING
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program. First year students may enroll with instructor permission.
The content of this course addresses the competencies necessary for nurses to provide high quality care during the transition at the end of life. Emphasis is based on the integration of the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, developmental and spiritual variables together with communication and physical assessment skills. This course addresses all age groups across all care settings including clinics, home care, critical care units and nurseries.
NURS 209
• PRINCIPLES OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
This course is designed to offer students the opportunities to explore and apply the principles of Pathophysiology gained in this course to future nursing clinical courses, as well as, client care as a practicing Registered Nurse. The concepts of physiology and pathophysiology, dealing with disease caused by alteration of function will be the focus of the course. This theory course will utilize the body systems approach in the presentation of the principles of pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on the integration of physiological and developmental variables as they relate to client scenarios with altered body systems. The content of this course builds upon the knowledge from previous science and nursing courses. This course is recommended by the TMCC Nursing Faculty. This course is limited to currently enrolled students in the nursing program.
NURS 212
• CULTURAL ASPECTS OF NURSING CARE
Prerequisite: Restricted to enrolled nursing students only.
Nurse-client encounters involve the interaction of three cultural subsystems: the culture of the nurse, the culture of the client and the culture of the setting. This course explores the influence of culturally diverse backgrounds within the health care system of the United States. The weaving of gender, age, race, ethnic and religious diversities of the nurse and client will be emphasized. This course fulfills the diversity requirement at TMCC.
NURS 235
• PSYCHIATRIC NURSING CARE
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses, NUTR 223 and HDFS 201.
Open to students accepted to the nursing program only. This course is designed to further enhance the preparation of the student in giving care as a member of the health team. Content focuses on the client, with the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables which provide a line of defense and on the stressors which impact that defense and disturb the clients' stability. The client, is, therefore, in a dynamic state of wellness or illness, and nursing involves interventions to assist the client to achieve a state of wellness. Since the student is seen as possessing a unique system as does the client, the course will also assist the student to develop greater awareness of self and his/her own patterns of behavior and to develop ability in the use of self as a therapeutic tool. Causes, treatment and prevention of mental illness will be considered and community resources for aiding mental health and treating mental illness will be identified.
NURS 240
• RN REFRESHER-THEORY
The RN Refresher Course is designed to assist inactive professional nurses to update their knowledge and skills in order to renew their licenses and return to active nursing practice. This theory portion is an on-line program that spans one semester. Students who successfully complete this course can then take NURS 242 which includes 135 hours of clinical practice with an RN preceptor. *
NURS 242
• RN REFRESHER - CLINICAL
Prerequisite: NURS 240 and temporary Nevada RN license.
This RN Refresher Course is designed to assist inactive professional nurses to update their knowledge and skills in order to renew their nursing licenses and return to active nursing practice. NURS 240 must be taken prior to this course. This program includes 135 hours of clinical with an RN preceptor. This is a Pass/Withdraw class. Students must have a temporary nursing license from the Nevada State Board of Nursing and have taken NURS 240 (RN Refresher Course-Theory). *
NURS 251
• MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CARE II
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses plus required support courses to date. Open to accepted nursing students only.
Open to accepted nursing students only. This course is taken concurrently with NURS 293. A continuation of the study of major medical and surgical conditions affecting the individual throughout the adult life cycle. Focus is on the application and testing of concepts relevant to the care of clients who have encountered stressors with stable, reconstituted and/or impaired lines of defense. Emphasis is placed on integration of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables together with further development of communication and physical assessment skills. The content of this course builds upon the knowledge from previous nursing courses and includes the following: acid-base balance, hematological, renal and urinary, male reproductive, vascular and gastrointestinal disorders.
NURS 255
• MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CARE III
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses, NURS 235, 251, 293 and 295 plus required support courses to date.
Open to accepted nursing students only. This course is taken concurrently with NURS 294. A continuation of the study of major medical-surgical, critical care and extended care conditions affecting the individual throughout the adult life cycle. Focus is on the application and testing of concepts relevant to the care of clients who have encountered stressors with stable, reconstituted, impaired lines of defense and/or progressive degeneration. Emphasis is placed on integration of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables together with refinement of communication and physical assessment skills. The content of this course builds upon the knowledge from previous nursing courses and includes the following content: cardiovascular, neurological, integumentary, metabolic, endocrine, immunology, critical care respiratory, oncology and emergency nursing.
NURS 259
• NURSING TODAY
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses plus required support course to date. Open to accepted nursing students only.
The course is planned to help the students understand their future role as graduate nurses and to become aware of the career opportunities and education needs of the graduate. Legal and ethical aspects will be discussed and the present and future trends in nursing service and nursing education.
NURS 274
• NURSING CARE 4
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Nursing Program.
The focus of this course is the culmination of the study of the care and management of acutely-ill adult clients/patients across the lifespan. Emphasis is on acquisition of clinical decision making skills and achievement of clinical competence. Problem solving, personnel management, leadership, technology and resource utilization skills are developed. The lab/clinical portion of this course include a critical care and capstone experience as well as computer simulation and skills laboratory. *
NURS 285
• SELECTED TOPICS IN HEALTH SCIENCE
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. This course will be variable credit of one-half to six credits depending on the course content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits. *
NURS 293
• MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CARE II LAB
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses plus required support courses to date. Open to accepted nursing students only.
This course is taken concurrently with NURS 251 and builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in NURS 142, 160 and 161. The focus of this course is the integration of nursing process skills during the care of the client with stable, reconstituted and/or impaired lines of defense. The student will also examine the physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural and spiritual variables affecting the client's reaction to impaired lines of defense. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 294
• MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING CARE III LAB
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses, NURS 235, 251, 293, 295 and all support courses to date and acceptance into the nursing program.
A continuation of the clinical study of major medical-surgical, critical care and extended care conditions affecting the individual throughout the adult life cycle. The content of this course continues to build upon the knowledge from previous nursing courses. Emphasis is placed on the application of concepts relevant to the care of clients who have encountered stressors with stable, reconstituted, impaired lines of defense and/or progressive degeneration. Nursing care of clients will involve the integration of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual variables together with refinement of communication and physical assessment skills. Opportunity will be provided for nursing students to assist registered nurses in caring for clients in the critical care, medical-surgical or extended care settings. Twelve hours clinical practice for 11 weeks.
NURS 295
• PSYCHIATRIC NURSING CARE LAB
Prerequisite: All first year nursing courses, NUTR 223 and HDFS 201 and acceptance into the nursing program.
Open to accepted nursing students only. Lab experience coordinated with course content from NURS 235. Twelve hours clinical practice for 7-1/2 weeks.
NURS 297
• CLINICAL PRACTICUM
Prerequisite: Completion of NURS 255 and 294.
Allows students to utilize the nursing process to develop and practice clinical nursing skills, priority statement, time management and conflict resolution. Facilitates the transition from student to graduate nurse. The RN role will be explored in relation to expectations of the employer and the consumer. 90 hours clinical practice for four weeks.
Nutrition (NUTR)
NUTR 100
• INTRODUCTION TO DIETETIC TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
This course is designed for those students who have an interest in becoming a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR). It is an introductory directed study course designed to give the student a greater knowledge of what a DTR does and what career opportunities are open in the field. The goal of this course is to help the student in making an appropriate career choice. *
NUTR 121
• HUMAN NUTRITION
An introductory nutrition course for the beginning student. The course content will center on the major nutrients and their roles in maintaining good health. Students will also learn to recognize well-balanced diets and acquire helpful shopping tips and preparation techniques for optimum utilization of food dollars. Class meets for four lab experiences. Satisfies UNR core science Group B requirements.
NUTR 220
• FOOD SERVICE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Organization and operation of food service; management principles; food service personnel; labor laws; regulatory agencies; food cost control and record keeping.
NUTR 221
• QUANTITY FOOD PURCHASING
Food purchasing for food service systems, understanding cost factors, food laws, quality standards and basic manufacturing processes.
NUTR 223
• PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION
Prerequisite: BIOL 190 and 190L or BIOL 141 or permission of instructor.
A course designed for the student in the field of allied health and for students majoring in Dietetic Technology. Emphasis on the functions of the major nutrients and their role in maintaining good health, beginning at the cellular level and extending to include interactional properties of nutrients and diets.
NUTR 233
• COMMUNITY AND LIFECYCLE NUTRITION
Prerequisite: NUTR 223.
This course is designed for students majoring in the Dietetic Technician Program. Application of nutritional principles and practices in health care, public health and community nutrition services including community resources and governmental regulation. Lifecycle nutrition will be studied as it pertains to the general nutritional needs and problems associated with pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence and the aging population.
NUTR 243
• MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY FOR DIETETIC TECHS I
Prerequisite: NUTR 223.
A course designed for students in the Dietetic Technician Program or other allied health fields. Nutritional care of individuals, applications of nutrition in the clinical setting and specific disease states and nutrition related care for the patient will be studied. This is one part of a two-part course series.
NUTR 244
• MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY FOR DIETETIC TECHS II
Prerequisite: NUTR 243.
A course designed for students in the Dietetic Technician Program or other allied health field. Nutritional care of individuals, applications of nutrition in the clinical setting and specific disease states and nutrition related care for the patient/client will be studied. This is part of a two-part course series.
NUTR 253
• CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS IN NUTR AND HEALTH CARE
Four major non-western cultures are examined regarding cultural norms in the following areas. Cultural attitudes, beliefs and behaviors associated with access to biomedical health care and to traditional health practices (Complementary and Alternative medicine) among different cultural groups. Cultural attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding food consumption as it varies across cultural groups. Theoretical and practical approaches to cross cultural communication methods and the meaning of various communication models among groups. Satisfies TMCC Diversity requirement.
NUTR 291
• NUTRITION INTERNSHIP-FOOD SERVICE
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor.
Supervised experience in a food service setting. Application of classroom theories to actual operations. Registration requires approval of the instructor. This course is designed for students majoring in the Dietetic Technician Program. The Practicum provides a total of 150 hours supervised experience in the area of Food Service Management. The student will interact and apply appropriate assistance and leadership based on the mission of the facility where placed. *
NUTR 292
• NUTRITION INTERNSHIP-COMMUNITY
Prerequisite: NUTR 223, 233 and approval of instructor.
Supervised experience in a Community Nutrition setting. Application of classroom theories to actual situations. Registration requires approval of the instructor. This course is designed for students majoring in the Dietetic Technician Program. The Practicum provides a total of 150 hours supervised experience in the area of Community Nutrition. The student will interact and apply appropriate nutrition assistance based on the age, health, cultural background and medical needs of the patients/clients. Experience sites may include: senior residence facilities, senior centers, WIC offices, or public feeding programs. *
NUTR 293
• NUTRITION INTERNSHIP-CLINICAL
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience in a variety of health care and nutrition settings. Application of classroom theories to actual operations. Registration requires approval of the instructor. This course is designed for students majoring in the Dietetic Technician Program. The Practicum provides a total of 150 hours supervised experience in the area of Clinical Nutrition. The student will interact and apply appropriate nutrition assistance based on the age, health, cultural background and medical needs of the patients/clients. Experience sites may include hospitals or the practice of a Consulting Registered Dietitian. *
NUTR 298
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN NUTRITION
Covers selected topics of interest to students enrolled in the Dietetic Technician program or other Allied Health programs. May be repeated for up to six credits. *
* This course might not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). If you plan to pursue a four-year degree, check with the institution where you intend to transfer to learn whether this course will count toward the degree you intend to seek.