PATRICIA MARSHALL, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, Interim Director, Villa Maria School of Nursing;
Undergraduate Program Director
FACULTY: Associate Professors: Dr. Min Shik Kim, Dr. Sharon Thompson. Assistant Professors:
Valerie Baker, Gary Berringer, Kimberly Blount, Susan Calvano, Susan Carnes, Janet Friedman,
Karen Lumia, Patricia Marshall, Melissa Peterson, Lisa Quinn. Instructor: Carol Amann.
The Villa Maria School of Nursing programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of
Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Applicants to Gannon University Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, Villa
Maria School of Nursing are admitted to the undergraduate nursing major as freshmen. The
study of professional nursing starts in the freshman year with clinical nursing courses
beginning at the sophomore level. The curriculum is composed of three distinct but
interrelated elements: (1) a common liberal core which is the same for all baccalaureate
students in the University and which reflects the parent institution's concepts concerning a
liberal education; (2) supportive courses which are required prerequisites for the development
of the major; and (3) major field courses which prepare the student for a particular field of
endeavor for the future. Of the total 128 credits required for graduation at Gannon University,
the nursing major comprises 60 credits or 46.8 % of the total program.
All students must meet the Core of Discovery requirements as well as prerequisite courses
established by the Villa Maria School of Nursing. The nursing curriculum is arranged in three
sequential levels. All nursing level one courses and support courses must be completed before
student progression to level two nursing courses. The level one support courses include: BIOL
106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 118, 122 and 123 or their equivalents; CHEM 105 and 108 or their
equivalents; DIET 202 or its equivalent; PSYC 222 or its equivalent; Statistics (PSYC 211, SOCI
351 or MATH 213) or its equivalent. Level two courses must be completed prior to student
progression to level three courses. Exceptions will be reviewed by the Undergraduate
Program Director (See Villa Maria School of Nursing Handbook for complete listing of
Policies and Procedures).
Upon successful completion of the prescribed program of study, Gannon University awards
the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The student is eligible, upon certification by the
Villa Maria School of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Upon successfully
passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam the title Registered Nurse (R.N.) can be used.
The purpose of the professional nursing program is to prepare students for living a life as
well as for the practice of professional nursing. The community-based baccalaureate program
provides competencies, knowledge, values and roles that prepare professional nurses to
provide high quality care to diverse populations, in and across all environments. The program
also prepares students for advanced study and to value life-long learning. The baccalaureate
program in Nursing provides for a balanced study of natural and social sciences in addition
to humanities within the content of professional education to promote critical thinking,
effective communication, caring, respect, and concern for individuals.
The State Board of Nursing shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has
been convicted of a felonious act as identified in the Nurse Practice Act No. 1985-109. See
complete policy in Nursing Handbook.
Proof of current health records, health insurance, child abuse clearance, criminal clearance,
Health Care Provider CPR and ability to meet the nursing student performance standards are
required.
Policies specific to nursing standards and the Villa Maria School of Nursing are published and
distributed annually in the Villa Maria School of Nursing handbook.
Students intending to apply to the graduate level physical therapy program may select
nursing as a major field of study for the undergraduate degree. Summer coursework is
required to obtain all the pre-requisites for the graduate level physical therapy program. A
separate curriculum planner for BSN-NURS/Pre-PT is available on request from the Villa
Maria School of Nursing.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
(# indicates Clinical Laboratory Component)
NURS 101: Seminar: Nursing as a Profession I
1 credit, Fall
This seminar explores the history of professional nursing and introduces concepts underlying
professionalism. The evolution of professional nursing, current educational patterns, nursing
roles and practice settings, and nursing as a research-based practice are addressed. Students
are introduced to: the key concept of caring as it relates to their professional nursing role; the
necessity of ongoing reflection and self evaluation; service learning and its role in personal
and professional development. Open to all University students.
NURS 102: Seminar: Nursing as a Profession II
1 credit, Spring
This seminar is the second in a series of two professional nursing seminars. This seminar
underscores nursing's role within the health care environment, and emphasizes nursing's
expertise in health promotion and risk reduction across the lifespan. The concept of the
health-illness continuum is discussed as is the impact of culture, ethnicity, and personal
values on health behaviors. Students are introduced to: legal and ethical principles that guide
nursing practice; the impact of personal and professional values on decision making and
professional behavior; basic models for delivery of nursing care; and human services
agencies. Open to all University students.
NURS 204: Pharmacology and Nursing Implications of Medication Administration
2 credits, Spring
This course is designed to focus on nursing pharmacology by presenting a firm theoretical
foundation and a practical approach to drug therapy applicable in community-based settings.
The course presents general principles, theories, and facts about drugs. General characteristics
of major classifications of medications are discussed. Specific information regarding action,
dosage, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of selected medications within
each classification is addressed. Practical information is presented on how the nursing process
is integrated with pharmacology. Specific drug information is discussed in relation to
assessment, nursing diagnoses, client monitoring, interventions, client education, and
evaluation of safe and effective drug therapy. Concurrent with NURS 205, BIOL 117, 118.
Prerequisites: CHEM 105, 108, BIOL 106, 107, 115, 116, 122, 123, PSYC 222
#NURS 205: Nursing Practice Competencies
2 clinical laboratory credits, Spring
This course focuses on the acquisition and use of nursing practice competencies required for the
delivery of nursing care. Emphasis is placed on mastery of core scientific principles that underlie
all competencies. It is not within the scope of this course to cover every skill encountered by the
professional nurse. Strategies are employed which help the student identify those competencies
essential for baccalaureate nursing practice and understand the scientific principles that underpin
the application of those competencies. Students are expected to apply concepts and assessment
techniques learned during previous courses. Supervised on-campus and off-campus labs are
scheduled for student learning. Concurrent with NURS 204, 207, BIOL 117, 118.
Prerequisite: NURS 206, BIOL 115, 116
#NURS 206: Health Assessment I
1 clinical laboratory credit, Fall
This is the first course in a two-course sequence in health assessment for the professional
nursing student. Successful completion of this course will provide the student a nursing
approach for conducting and documenting a comprehensive health assessment. The student
will learn to consider normal variations specific to gender, age, developmental level, and
culture. A major expectation is that the student applies appropriate health promotion
strategies to members of the peer group and to identified populations within the community.
Health Assessment I focuses on concepts specific to the nursing process, the environment, and
safety, as well as physical assessment techniques, interviewing and communication skills, the
taking of health histories, vital signs and physical measurements, including height, weight,
and body mass index.
In addition, specific health assessment data collection strategies are stressed, including general
health, nutritional, mental status, pain, spiritual, and sexual. Expected findings across the
lifespan are identified. The student learns documentation requirements, medical terminology
and abbreviations, and begins the application of the principles of teaching and learning.
Students are expected to identify appropriate health assessment data collection strategies and
to apply appropriate health promotion strategies as outlined by course faculty. Supervised on-
campus and off-campus clinical laboratory sessions are scheduled to enhance student learning.
Prerequisite: PSYC 222
Corequisite: BIOL 115, 116
#NURS 207: Health Assessment II
1 clinical laboratory credit, Spring
This is the second course in a two-course sequence in health assessment for the professional
nursing student. Successful completion of this course will enhance the nursing approach for
conducting and documenting a comprehensive health assessment. The student will add to the
knowledge gained in the first course in this series. A major expectation is that the student
applies appropriate health promotion strategies to identified populations within the community.
Health Assessment II builds on all concepts learned in Health Assessment I, concepts specific
to the nursing process, the environment, and safety, as well as physical assessment
techniques, interviewing and communication skills, the taking of health histories, vital signs
and physical measurements, including height, weight, and body mass index.
The student is expected to incorporate specific health assessment data collection strategies,
including general health, nutritional, mental status, pain, spiritual, and sexual, as well as
expected findings across the lifespan into nursing care strategies. In addition, the student is
expected to document appropriately, use medical terminology and abbreviations correctly,
and apply the principles of teaching and learning effectively.
Systems are introduced to increase physical assessment capabilities. Systems presented during
this semester include: integumentary; head, eye, ear, nose, and throat [HEENT];
cardiovascular; respiratory; gastrointestinal [GI]; genitourinary [GU]; musculoskeletal;
reproductive; neurological; peripheral vascular; lymphatic; and endocrine.
Students are expected to use concepts learned in Health Assessment I and add knowledge
gained in Health Assessment II to increase competency in health assessment. Students are
required to conduct a comprehensive health assessment and to apply appropriate health
promotion strategies as outlined by course faculty. Supervised on-campus and off-campus
clinical laboratory sessions are scheduled to enhance student learning.
Prerequisites: NURS 206, BIOL 115, 116; Corequisites: BIOL 117, 118
NURS 308: The Research Process in Nursing
3 credits, Fall or Spring
Using a comprehensive approach, this course is designed to stimulate student interest in the
research process, theory development, and translation of findings to nursing practice.
Students learn the components, principles, and methods of scientific research to become
discerning consumers of research.
Prerequisite: PSYC 211, SOCI 351 or MATH 213
NURS 309: Influences on Health and Disease
2 credits, Fall
This course enables the student to explore values that underlie health seeking behaviors and
the provision of care. Students explore various behaviors that influence health, wellness, and
motivation to seek health care. The influences of family, culture, lifestyle choices, and at-risk
behaviors are considered. The course enables the student to understand the basic concepts of
biological, psychological, and spiritual processes and how these affect the health of an
individual across the life span. The concepts of homeostasis, mechanisms of disease, and crisis
and stress related to acute or chronic illness are explored specific to how these concepts affect
the patient and the patient's family. An overview of shock, inflammation, infection, altered
immune response, oncology, and fluid and electrolyte balance is presented. In addition, the
student will learn the nursing responsibilities associated with care of the patient during the
perioperative period. This course must be taken in the fall semester, at the beginning of the
Junior level of nursing courses.
Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116, 117, 118, CHEM 105, 108,
NURS 101, 102, 204, 205, 206, 207
#NURS 310: Promoting Healthy Childbearing
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
In this course students will have the opportunity to participate in the excitement, wonder, and
mystery of birth - a learning experience that will forever influence the way they see the self,
the world, and the future. They also have the opportunity to examine theoretical and clinical
experiences from a personal perspective and to explore their beliefs and values about
childbirth and parenting.
Maternal-newborn nursing focuses on the health needs and responses of women, their
partners and their families. The practice of maternal-newborn nursing is directed toward
improving the quality of life for infants and the adults who assume primary responsibility for
the infants well being. Nursing not only involves direct care to the childbearing family, but
also includes health teaching and counseling. Concurrent with NURS 309.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
#NURS 311: Promoting Health and Health Restoration of Older Adults
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
This course is designed to assist the student to adopt the behaviors inherent in the role of the
professional nurse. Through lectures and planned clinical experiences, the student applies
concepts of health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and health restoration for
older adults. The student will work with older adults in a variety of community-based settings
as they assess and manage physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of older adults.
Concurrent with NURS 309.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
#NURS 312: Promoting Health in Childrearing Families
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the nursing process in promoting
the health of pediatric populations. Three levels of prevention are addressed with students
providing anticipatory guidance, wellness care, age appropriate screenings and illness care.
Health promotion strategies are applied in such a manner as to recognize the family as the
primary caregiver. Clinical experiences are community-based and include ambulatory clinics,
educational and in-patient sites. Concurrent with NURS 309.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
#NURS 313: Promoting Health and Health Restoration in Adults I
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
This course is designed to assist the student to gain an understanding of the health care needs
of the acute or chronically ill adult. The course incorporates principles of developmental
needs of adults, who have socially and culturally diverse backgrounds, in a variety of
settings. Collaboration of the client and health care team in promoting and maintaining an
optimal level of functioning are addressed. Illness care in the adult client is emphasized.
Concurrent with NURS 309.
Prerequisites: PSYC 222, NURS 204, 205, 206, 207
NURS 404: Nurse Power Politics (Capstone)
3 credits (seminar), Spring
This capstone Liberal Studies course is a seminar experience designed to provide the student
with an opportunity to explore contemporary health care issues, to analyze these issues within
the historical, professional context as well as the context of his or her value system, and to
adopt a position regarding such issues. The student is engaged in an active exploration of his/
her own philosophy of nursing. Students are guided through this analysis by faculty who
facilitate open discussions and exchange of ideas. Students develop skill in formulation of a
position, consideration of others' viewpoints and defense of such a position, as well as to
realize the potential impact and power of political activity. Students also realize the importance
of individual action and commitment. Service learning is a required component of the course.
Prerequisites: NURS 408
#NURS 406: Promoting Health and Health Restoration in Adults II
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
This course provides the student with knowledge and nursing strategies that can be applied
to clients with complex health concerns including chronic, multisystem, life threatening, and
end of life care. The focus is on strategies that recognize the quality of life and maintain
optimal level of functioning. Students build upon concepts learned in previous courses and
apply concepts from concurrent courses. Adult critical care nursing is emphasized.
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
#NURS 407: Promoting and Restoring Mental Health
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory), Fall or Spring
This course incorporates nursing care of persons who are mentally healthy as well as those
with known psychiatric disorders. The course provides students with an opportunity to
explore a broad range of nursing interventions to promote optimal mental health. The
emphasis is placed on the use of advanced therapeutic communication techniques.
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
NURS 408: Management and Leadership in Nursing
3 credits, Fall
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills related to the delivery of health care services
within a nursing management context. Theories, concepts and models are presented which
give the student an understanding of the knowledge base required for effective management
and assuming a leadership role in professional nursing practice. The course provides the
knowledge and skills necessary to apply principles in planning and delegating nursing care
and discusses developing creative roles for managing and leading in nursing. Concurrent
with NURS 406 or 407 or 414
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
#NURS 414: Promoting Healthy Communities
5 credits (3 theory, 2 clinical laboratory ), Fall or Spring
This course provides students a perspective of professional nursing at the community level of
practice. Course content will provide an overview of specific issues and societal concerns that
affect community health nursing practice; epidemiological applications in community health
nursing; educational theories, models, and principles applied in community health nursing;
risk factors and health problems for defined populations across the lifespan; issues and
approaches in providing for the health care of defined populations in the community; specific
health care needs and issues for populations at risk; communicable disease risk and
prevention; and the diversity in the role of the community health nurse. Students apply
previous knowledge and the nursing process in maximizing the health status of individuals,
families, and defined populations within the community.
Prerequisites: NURS 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313
#NURS 415: Comprehensive Nursing Practicum
6 clinical laboratory credits (6 hours clinical and 2 hours seminar per week)
This senior nursing practicum facilitates the students' ability to synthesize knowledge, skills,
and experiences in selected health care settings. This experience enables the student to
develop independence in professional practice. Individual goals and objectives are mutually
determined by faculty and student to evaluate success in the practicum. Students are paired
with an agency preceptor to attain individualized course objectives. A faculty-facilitated
seminar is conducted weekly. Last semester of the Senior year.
Prerequisites: NURS 408
Elective Courses
The following courses are offered as electives to provide the student with the opportunity to
investigate in more detail a specific area of interest.
NURS 215/GNURS 515 Native American Peoples: State of the Nation's Health.
3 credits
This course provides learners with an opportunity to explore the state of Native American
health. Students explore the historical, legal, socioeconomic and cultural factors which impact
the current health status of Native Americans. Students also explore their own attitudes and
beliefs regarding the Native American culture. Students are guided to an understanding of
these concepts through exposure to art, music and literature as well as contact with Native
American persons. Themes of sovereignty and native healing practices are central to the
course. Open to all majors.
Prerequisites: Sophomore level standing or higher
NURS 416: Special Topics in Nursing
1-3 credits, Fall or Spring
Special topic courses are developed by faculty around a specific area of interest. Objectives may
be defined by faculty or mutually identified by students and faculty.
#NURS 417: Elective Clinical Practicum
1-3 clinical laboratory credits, Fall or Spring
The Elective Clinical Practicum provides senior professional nursing majors with learning
experiences to expand the student's understanding of the professional nurse role in a chosen
clinical area. The course is limited to seniors who have a demonstrated ability to work
independently. The student must follow the School of Nursing guidelines for practicum
courses.
NURS 418: Basic Dysrhythmia Interpretation
2 credits
This course is designed for professional nursing majors who desire to develop skills in
dysrhythmia interpretation. Identification of EKG features, predisposing conditions and
treatments; role of the nurse in patient care; and current ACLS interventions are emphasized.
Crosslisted with SPRT 425.
Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116, 117, 118.
NURS 423/GNURS 523: Women's Health Issues
3 credits
This course will provide the student an understanding of health issues affecting women.
Major health promotion strategies and their theoretical models will be presented. Analysis of
case studies will enhance student understanding of effective methods of promoting positive
health-seeking behaviors among women of all ages across cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic
backgrounds. The influence of social, economic and political issues on women's health will be
stressed. Open to all university students. The course is cross-listed for undergraduate and
graduate nursing curricula.
#NURS 428: School Nursing
5 credits
This course is designed to focus on the professional nurse's role in school health. Emphasis is
placed on the dimensions of school nursing. Clinical facilities for this course include the Erie
City School District and other school systems within the County. Required for School Nurse
Certification. 100 hours supervised clinical in school nursing. Not open to juniors. Senior year
standing.
NURS 435/GNURS 535 Fundamentals of Forensic Nursing
3 credits
This introductory course provides the student with knowledge and nursing strategy to better
meet the needs of those affected by forensic related health care situations and ultimately
improve patient outcomes. The course explores the history and development of forensic
nursing as a scientific subspecialty of nursing; the forensic nursing process; application of the
forensic nursing role (i.e. sexual assault management, death investigation, child death review,
abuse/neglect, emergency department, etc.), violence and victimology; injury identification
and interpretation; evidence recognition, collection, preservation, and documentation; and
finally, forensic nursing and the law/legal interface.
The course is cross-listed for undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula.
BSN Nursing Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
3 Introduction to Psychology/PSYC 111
3 College Composition/LENG 111
3 Hist of West & World/LHST 111
3 Sacred Scripture/LTHE 121
4 Physiological Chem&Lab/CHEM 105, 108
1 Seminar: Nsg as a Prof I/NURS 101
17
Spring Semester
4 Mol/Cell Biol & Lab/BIOL 122,123
3 Basic Sociology/SOCI 110
3 Crit Analysis & Comp/LENG 112
3 Psych of Human Devel/PSYC 222
1 Seminar:Nsg as a Prof II/NURS 102
3 Intro to Philosophy/LPHI 131
17
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
3 Literature Series/LENG
4 Anat and Phys I & Lab/BIOL115/116
3 Stats/PSYC 211 or SOCI 351 or MATH 213
3 Fine Art Series/LFIN
1 #Health Assessment I/NURS 206
4 Microbiology & Lab/BIOL 106,107
18
Spring Semester
3 Theology II Series/LTHE
3 Philosophy II Series/LPHI
3 Nutrition/DIET 202
4 Anat and Phys II&Lab/BIOL 117,118
2 #Nursing Practice Competencies /NURS 205
2 Pharm & Nsg Implications of Med Admin/NURS 204
1 #Health Assessment II/NURS 207
18
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
3 Nursing Research/NURS 308
2 Influences Hlth / Disease/NURS 309
5 #Prom Healthy Childbearing/NURS 310
5 #Prom Hlth in Childrear Fam/NURS 312
15
Spring Semester
5 #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration of Older Adults/NURS 311
5 #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration in Adults I/NURS 313
3 Theol/Phil III Series/LTHE or LPHI
3 Elective
16
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester
5 #Prom Hlth & Hlth Restoration in Adults II/NURS 406
5 #Prom & Restoring Mental Health/ NURS407
3 Mgmt and Ldshp in Nsg/NURS 408
13
Spring Semester
5 #Prom Hlthy Com/NURS 414
6 #Comp Nursing Prac/NURS 415
3 Nurse Power Pol/NURS 404**
14
Total credits: 128
# clinical course - meets 3 hours per week per clinical laboratory credit.
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each nursing course and BIOL 115, 116, 117,
and 118 to progress in the program. Nursing requires a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above to
progress in the program.
** Meets Core of Discovery requirements for LBST 383.
Total credit requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) is 128 credits.
| 