Custom Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Curriculum essay paper sample

In accordance with Peterson’s (2010), the first two years in nursing aim to provide a solid basis in scientific knowledge and additional skills that are health related (p.526). Basically, this information helps students to understand the theory behind their career as future nurses. The basic nursing courses to be undertaken during this two-year period include anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and psychology (p.526). These courses are intended to enable students to understand the chemical and biomechanical underpinnings of the human body. As a result, students will be in a better position to treat the body more effectively as compared to a situation whereby treatment skills have been learnt in a vacuum. Moreover, these nursing courses give students an opportunity to gain knowledge regarding wellness studies, principles of nutrition, and theory behind health studies. Statistics and sociology are also included in this list of courses.

In line with Peterson’s (2010), the last two years in Bachelor of Science Nursing degree take a complete turn around from theory to practice. During this period, students learn how to apply knowledge in their field of study and work. The general courses in nursing treatment give students a broader understanding in relation to treatment protocols. For example, students will learn about community health promotion, pharmacology, and mental health. The second part of the final two years in nursing program involves specific treatment courses for nurses. Needless to say, nursing students learn how to deal with specific populations such as small children, young adults, and the elderly. Moreover, obstetric and surgical medicine is also covered during this period of study (527). According to National league for nursing (2004), the Bachelor’s degree in nursing program course curriculum appears as follows.

BSN program students are required to maintain a 60% passing grade in all courses so as to advance in the program. A semester average mark of 65% is also required of all students.

First Year: First Semester: Personal Meaning of Health

NURS 111                 Health I: Styles of health

NURS 110                 Nursing practice 1

BIOL 103                   Human biology 1

NURS 112                 Self and other people I: Self awareness

ENGL 113                 Academic writing

NURS 113                 Professional growth I: The work of nurses

In order to enter the second semester of the first year, nursing students are required to successfully attain a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention course. Further information regarding this course will be made available prior to the beginning of the second semester and extra costs will be incurred.

First Year: Second Semester: Community experiences of chronic health related challenges.

NURS 120                 Nursing practice II

NURS 122                 Self and other people II: Creating relationships that promote health

NURS 121                 Health II: Facilitating healing and health in families

Elective                    English elective (in case of University transfer)

BIOL 123                   Human biology II

Second year: Third Semester: Community experiences regarding episodic health challenges

NURS 210                 Nursing practice III

NURS 213                 Professional growth II: Nursing as a profession

NURS 211                 Healing I: Challenges of episodic health

NURS 214                 Health science III: Pathophysiology

Second year: Fourth semester: Complex episodic health challenges among members of the community

NURS 220                 Nursing practice IV

NURS 224                 Health sciences IV: Pathophysiology

NURS 230                 Consolidated practice experience II

ELECTIVE                General elective

NURS 221                 Healing II: Complex episodic health challenges

Third Year: Fifth semester: Experiences of prevention among members of the community

NURS 310                 Nursing practice V

NURS 313                 Professional growth: Ethics of nursing

NURS 311                 Health III: Educating and learning for prevention

NURS 314                 Health/Healing science: Advanced health related challenges

Third Year: Sixth semester: Community development and health promotion

NURS 320                 Nursing practice VI

NURS 322                 Self and other people III: Caring practice reflection

NURS 330                 Consolidated practice experience III

NURS 331                 Consolidated practice experience IV

NURS 321                 Health IV: Community empowerment and health promotion

NURS 323                 Professional growth: Nursing inquest

Fourth Year: Seventh semester: Nurses influencing change and societal health

NURS 410                 Nursing practice VII

NURS 431                 Professional growth: Nurses influencing change

NURS 430                 Professional growth: Research

ELECTIVE                General elective

In line with National league for nursing (2004), all nursing students are required to successfully complete the courses below with at least a grade of “C” prior to the seventh semester: Computer studies, social sciences, physical education and one nursing elective: The program will identify courses that are acceptable (p.1215).

Fourth Year: Eighth semester: Clinical focus area

NURS 420                 Nursing practice VIII

NURS 421                 Consolidated practice experience V

In accordance with Keating (2010) Pathology is a core nursing course that gives students information regarding the effect of an illness in a human body that is functioning. Students study the various illnesses and disease patterns so as to understand the sickness and healing processes. Moreover, students learn the numerous ways in which a nurse may have an effect on change in a sick person. Basically, the course emphasizes on understanding the commonalities in a number of diseases (343).

On the other hand, pharmacology course mainly focuses on the relationship between the nursing profession and drug therapy. During this course, students will be able to learn about therapeutic drugs that are commonly used, their effects on the body system, and drug prescription. In addition, students are equipped with adequate information regarding legal and ethical aspects of medication prescriptions. However, health assessment course allows students to learn to thoroughly assess patients, including psychological and physiological components. This may involve assessment of lymphatic, cardiac, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and abdominal systems. Generally, the course focuses on offering information in relation to common health risks, serving diverse populations, and healthy behaviors.