UMGC Europe

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) An overview of the basic concepts of nursing research. The aim is to examine the contribution of research to nursing knowledge and practice, demonstrate skill in conducting research using available scientific literature, critically appraise current evidence-based research, and apply the findings to promote clinical best practices in nursing. Evidence-based research is evaluated from a legal and ethical perspective in the protection of human subjects. Topics include scientific process, research methods, experimental protocols, informed consent, evaluation of research literature, and ethical issues in research.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) An overview of the basic concepts of nursing research. The aim is to examine the contribution of research to nursing knowledge and practice, demonstrate skill in conducting research using available scientific literature, critically appraise current evidence-based research, and apply the findings to promote clinical best practices in nursing. Evidence-based research is evaluated from a legal and ethical perspective in the protection of human subjects. Topics include scientific process, research methods, experimental protocols, informed consent, evaluation of research literature, and ethical issues in research.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) Prerequisite or corequisite: NURS 300. An overview of the role of informatics and technology used in nursing practice. The aim is to demonstrate how informatics and technology are used to improve safety and outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations and analyze how informatics used in nursing practice is a combination of knowledge and skills from nursing science, computer science, information science, and cognitive science. Topics include health literacy, regulation, standardization and security of patient data, implementation of health information systems, nursing ethics and informatics, and the role of nursing informatics in disaster preparedness.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) Prerequisite: NURS 300. An exploration of global health issues and strategies that promote the health of nations. The aim is to explore global perspectives on health issues and policies and analyze how disparities in health and access to healthcare can influence the burden of disease. Discussion covers the global burden of disease, determinants of health, and factors that affect the health of countries. Topics include nutrition, maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and disaster/emergency preparedness and response.

(Open only to students majoring in Nursing for Registered Nurses.) Prerequisite: NURS 300. An overview of the role of the professional nurse in performing comprehensive health assessments. The aim is to conduct comprehensive and holistic health assessments, recognize health deviations, formulate thorough individualized plans of care, and anticipate treatment outcomes. Focus is on demonstrating appropriate communication and interprofessional collaboration skills in promoting patient-centered care. Topics include diversity, special populations, care across the lifespan, recognizing deviations in health, health promotion and disease prevention. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: NURS 360 and NURS 362.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) Prerequisite: NURS 300. A study of the principles and models of evidence-based nursing practice. The objective is to demonstrate critical-thinking skills in applying the findings of evidence-based practice to the clinical environment. Focus is on evaluating patient outcomes data to identify clinical practice areas that are amenable to quality improvement projects. Assignments include selecting a problem area of clinical practice and developing a proposal for a solution.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) Prerequisite: HMGT 372. An overview of the basic principles involved with the legislative process and an examination of how nurses can use political advocacy strategies to influence healthcare policies. Focus is on applying interpersonal, communication, leadership, and advocacy skills to support the application of social justice principles in healthcare delivery practices to diverse populations and promote the nursing profession.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses.) Prerequisite: NURS 360 or NURS 362. An overview of the role of the professional nurse in the care of the family and community. Focus is on applying the nursing process to the care of families and communities. The goal is to identify health risks within a family and design a plan of care using evidence-based practices, obtain information about family and community health systems using systematic research practices, and develop a health promotion education plan for the community. Direct patient-care practice experiences include conducting a windshield survey and communicating and collaborating with community healthcare professionals in planning and implementing health promotion activities that address a community healthcare need. Topics include diversity, the community as a patient, environmental influences, families at risk, health promotion, risk reduction, vulnerable populations, disaster preparedness, and coalition building. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: NURS 460 or NURS 462.

(Open only to students majoring in nursing for registered nurses. Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in student's last 9 credits.) Prerequisite: NURS 410. A study of leadership concepts, theories, and techniques used in the nursing profession to promote high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. The aim is to integrate nursing leadership concepts and theories into the various roles of the professional nurse, promote professional development for self and others, and apply business principles in the management of patients in complex and diverse healthcare environments. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: NURS 485 or NURS 495.