The course provides an overview of professional nursing with a focus on reflective thinking. A synthesis of current and projected trends in nursing practice and education, with an introduction to topics on ethical, social, and legislative issues, are explored. This course is divided into five modules: nursing as a career, nursing as a profession, nursing as art and science, nursing as communication, and nursing and relationship-centered care. Prereq: BMS 507-508; majors only. Pre- or Coreq: BMS 501. Special fee.

The course focuses on the translation of current evidence into nursing practice through the identification of practice issues, appraisal and application of evidence, and the evaluation of outcomes. Development of evidence is examined using the research process. Concepts explored include research ethics and legal precepts, clinical judgment in knowledge development and application, and the integration of client values and preferences. Students learn to use reliable evidence to inform practice and make clinical judgments to promote nursing best practice.

The course emphasizes human development, interaction and learning across the lifespan as essential to safe, effective relationship-centered care. An exploration of selected theoretical perspectives on human development, education and learning and group development prepares students to engage in professional practice. Prereq: NURS 500; or by permission.

This course focuses on continued development of nursing skills necessary for promoting health in adults. Clinical practicum focuses on restorative care by providing supervised professional nursing practice for development of multidimensional assessment skills, decision-making processes, and evidence-based strategies and interventions for patients transitioning across the health care continuum. Application of evidence-based practice may include rehabilitative, end of life and palliative care. Prereq: majors only. Special fee.