General Education Courses
These are the course descriptions from courses offered at our affiliated academic institution – Westchester Community College.
| Writing and Research | |
| ENGLISH 101 | 3 credits |
| Students in this class conduct research and write proposals, annotated bibliographies or literature reviews, and research essays. They develop research topics and questions; identify, summarize, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize relevant sources; and present arguments based on their findings. Students document where information and ideas come from by using MLA style. They enter academic conversations by doing research that builds upon existing knowledge. |
| Writing and Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102 | 3 credits |
|
The second semester of a two-semester English sequence. Students are introduced to literary terminology and methodology. They demonstrate in writing and discussion the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret works representing (but not limited to) the genres of drama, fiction, and poetry. Students enter broader conversations about literature by conducting research, evaluating sources, and documenting where information and ideas come from using MLA style. Prerequisites: ENG 101 – Writing and Research or equivalent at another college. |
| Introduction to Sociology | |
| SOC 101 | 3 credits |
|
Basic theories and concepts relating to the study of groups in human society are studied. Emphasis is placed on the concept of culture; the reciprocal relationships of culture and the individual. It is designed to introduce interested students to the basic principles of this discipline. Prerequisites: English 101-Ready |
| Introduction to Psychology | |
| PSYCH 101 | 3 credits |
|
An introduction to psychological science. Core topics include the theoretical perspectives of psychology, research methodology, neuroscience, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning, and memory. Other topics may be added at the instructor’s discretion. While primarily a lecture and discussion course, other pedagogies including online testing and assignments may be used. Prerequisites: English 101 |
| Lifespan Development | |
| PSYCH 116 | 3 credits |
|
This is a survey course focusing on human development from conception to death. Development in the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains is discussed in relation to traditional and contemporary theoretical perspectives, current social and ethical issues, and recent empirical findings. Prerequisites: PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology. |
| Nutrition for Health Care | |
| NUTR 109 | 3 credits |
|
Introduction to the process of assessing nutritional status; a study of the nutrients, their functions, sources, requirements, and utilization in the body across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the role of the health care practitioner. |
CSN Nursing Course Descriptions
| Math Dosage and Calculation for Nursing (Nur 100) | |
| Placement: | First Semester, First Year |
| Credits: | 1 credit |
| Lecture Hours: | 15 hours |
| Clinical Hours: | N/A |
| Pre-Requisites: | BIOL 121 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 with Lab and BIOL 123 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 with Lab |
| This Math Dosage Calculation for Nursing Course introduces the student nurse to the math principles necessary for nursing students to correctly calculate medication doses. Students will learn theoretical concepts and practical application of skills required for correct calculation of medications. This course includes a review of basic mathematics, methods of calculation, and systems of measurement. The student will also learn heparin drip calculations and be introduced to principles of pediatric dosage calculations based on weight, and safe dose ranges. |
| Fundamentals of Nursing (Nur 101) | |
| Placement: | First Year, Spring or Fall Semester |
| Credits: | 7.5 |
| Lecture Hours: | 4 credits (60hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 3.5 credits (157.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | BIOL 121 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 with Lab and BIOL 123 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 with Lab |
| Co-Requisites: | BIOL 221 Microbiology with Lab |
| Basics introduce the students to the theory and practice of nursing. The nursing process, a systematic and dynamic means of providing nursing care, is introduced. Assessment, including the collection of information from multiple sources, to provide a comprehensive data base for nursing care is implemented. The concept of caring, as defined by Watson, is incorporated into all aspects of nursing practice. Effective communication demonstrating care, compassion and cultural awareness is emphasized. Learning experiences are provided in the campus laboratories and a variety of diverse clinical settings. |
| Medical Surgical Nursing ( Nur 102) | |
| Placement: | First Year: Spring or Fall Semester |
| Credits: | 8.5 |
| Lecture Hours: | 5 credits (75hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 3.5 credits (157.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | Nursing Basics 101 |
| Co-Requisites: | NUTR 109 Nutrition for Health Care |
| Medical Surgical Nursing 102 is designed to expand the use of the Nursing Process, nursing theory, and caring interventions to the adult in the acute care setting. Watson’s theory of caring is incorporated into the clinical component when the students develop individual concept maps that focus on patient needs on all levels of health, wellness and disease. Critical thinking skills provide the foundation for clinical decision making in providing individualized safe effective nursing care. Effective communication skills, essential elements of the teaching and learning processes are implemented and integrated into the acute care setting. Individualized clinical experiences are provided for the student to provide caring interventions within the standards of nursing practice to become an effective member of the health care team in acute care settings. |
| Maternity Nursing (NUR 201) | |
| Placement: | Second Year: Fall or Spring Semester |
| Credits: | 4.5 |
| Lecture Hours: | 3 credits (45hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 1.5 credits (67.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | Medical Surgical Nursing (NUR102) |
| Maternity Nursing is designed to provide nursing theory and skills needed to promote the comfort, health and safety of the mother and newborn during the childbearing process. The course is family-centered and utilizes the nursing process to meet the needs of the childbearing family. The Human Patient Simulator is utilized to supplement class and clinical practice. Relationships among family members, the newborn, health care providers, and community are discussed. Clinical settings provide an opportunity to integrate and correlate theory by caring for mothers and newborns. Emphasis is placed on communication, providing patient education, and facilitating continuity of care following discharge. The science of caring as postulated by Jean Watson integrates biophysical theory with knowledge of human behavior to promote health. Watson’s concept that health is the unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul is woven throughout the maternity cycle. |
| Nursing of Children (NUR 202) | |
| Placement: | Second Year: Fall or Spring Semester |
| Credits: | 5 |
| Lecture Hours: | 3.5 credits (52.5hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 1.5 credits (67.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | NUR 102 and PSYCH 116 Lifespan Development |
| Nursing of Children is designed to give the student opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills necessary for the nursing care of children and families in the acute care and community settings. Emphasis is placed on the application of the nursing process, as a tool for critical thinking, in the care of children with health problems from infancy through adolescence. The course considers normal patterns of growth and development with physiological and psychological factors that impact these expected developmental patterns. Students integrate Watson’s theory of caring in the performance of therapeutic and supportive nursing care in various clinical settings. |
| Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (NUR 203) | |
| Placement: | Second Year: Fall or Spring Semester |
| Credits: | 7 |
| Lecture Hours: | 4.5 credits (67.5hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 2.5 credits (112.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | Medical Surgical Nursing 102 |
| Advanced Medical- Surgical Nursing is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to learn and process an increased level of complexity necessary to care for the acutely ill adult aging patient. Building upon previously integrated knowledge, this course utilizes the nursing process to expand upon and synthesize select pathologies. Emphasis is on assessment, critical thinking skills and communication techniques with patient, family and the interdisciplinary team. Opportunity is provided for increased self-direction in the utilization of the nursing process and accountability for nursing practice. Individualized psychosocial, spiritual and caring needs are considered in relationship to circumstances surrounding acute care practice standards. Varied acute care and community clinical settings provide opportunities to integrate theory and performance objectives while demonstrating patient advocacy and support. |
| Behavioral and Mental Health (NUR 204) | |
| Placement: | Second Year: Fall or Spring Semester |
| Credits: | 5 |
| Lecture Hours: | 3.5 credits (52.5hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | 1.5 credits (67.5hrs) |
| Pre-Requisites: | PSYCH 101 and NUR 102 |
| The Psychiatric Nursing Course uses Watson’s Caring theory as a framework to provide the student with the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary to assess, plan, intervene and evaluate clients with behavioral health issues. Bio-psychosocial approaches are emphasized. Development of insight, self awareness and therapeutic communication skills based on authenticity and regard are fostered. This will enable the student to become an articulate and caring member of the interdisciplinary health care team. |
| Trends in Nursing ( NUR 205) | |
| Placement: | Second Year: Fall or Spring Semester |
| Credits: | 2 |
| Lecture Hours: | 2 credits (30hrs) |
| Clinical Hours: | N/A |
| Pre-Requisites: | NUR 203 and two NUR 200 Level courses |
| This course describes the social, political, legal, economic ideological and cultural influences in decision making in the health care delivery system. Identification of theories of power, influence, empowerment, leadership, change and communication provides students with a background to assume a position of professional self advocate and client advocate with a sense of professional responsibility and accountability. Emphasis is placed on incorporating the concept of caring, as defined by Watson, into all aspects of nursing process. |