BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a four-year degree program designed to meet the needs of future health care delivery systems. The program serves traditional and non-traditional students, freshman and transfer students, LVNs and RNs.

The curriculum designed for nursing majors at the University of San Francisco is based on a conceptual framework and reflects the philosophy that a professional nurse needs a liberal background for professional development and personal growth. The program prepares men and women for beginning positions in nursing, provides the means for personal and professional advancement, and qualifies them for progression into programs that offer advanced degrees.

The curriculum combines a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with theory, practice and clinical laboratory experiences. Helping students to learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and provide therapeutic intervention are the goals that underlay the entire nursing program. Through hands-on use of health related equipment in the Learning Resource Center, students learn to strengthen their clinical skills, evaluation techniques and priority setting: all essential elements of professional nursing practice.

Beginning in the sophomore year, students will be able to put into practice the theory and skills they have learned through their extensive clinical experiences.

The BSN curriculum requires that students become more active learners. It will also prepare graduates for professional practice in the community as the number of community based opportunities increase.

The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the California State Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) and are eligible for the California Public Health Nursing Certificate.

A minimum of 128 semester units is required to fulfill all the University requirements for graduation and to earn the Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree with a major in nursing.

Nursing Support Courses (Pre-requisites)

Freshmen Year

BIOL 113 Human Anatomy Lecture
BIOL 114 Human Anatomy Lab
BIOL 115 Physiology Lecture and Lab
BIOL 134 Microbiology Lecture
BIOL 135 Microbiology Lab
PSYC 101 General Psychology

Nursing Courses

Sophomore Year

NURS 210 Intro to Pathophysiology
NURS 212 Nutrition in Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration of Health
NURS 230 Conceptual Foundations of Professional Practice
NURS 240 Assessment of Human Response I
NURS 250 Clinical Lab I

NURS 211 Pharmacology
NURS 231 Nursing Therapeutics I
NURS 241 Assessment of Human Responses II
NURS 251 Clinical Lab II

Junior Year

NURS 330 Nursing Therapeutics II
NURS 340 Principles & Methods of Practice I
NURS 350 Nursing Process in Restoration of Health I
NURS 323 Nursing Research

NURS 331 Family Health I - Therapeutics/Principles and Methods
NURS 341 Family Health II - Therapeutics/Principles and Methods
NURS 351 Clinical Lab IV-A
NURS 352 Clinical Lab IV-B
NURS xxx Nursing Elective

Senior Year

NURS 430 Nursing Therapeutics III
NURS 450 Clinical Lab V

NURS 451 Clinical Lab VI
NURS 461 Leadership in Managed Care Systems
NURS 481 Senior Seminar
NURS 491 NCLEX Review Seminar (optional)

Learning Core Requirements

Area A: Foundations of Communications

• Public Speaking
• Rhetoric and Composition

Area B: Mathematics and the Sciences

• Statistical Reasoning

Area C: Humanities

• Literature (e.g. Survey of English, American or World Literature)
• History (e.g. US History, Western Civilization)

Area D: Philosophy, Theology and Ethics

• Philosophy (Upper Division at USF)
• Theology (Upper Division at USF)
• Ethics (Upper Division at USF)

Area E: Social Sciences

• Introduction to Sociology

Area F: Visual and Performing Arts

• Fine Arts Elective (e.g. Art History/Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Introduction to Theater)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

NURS 210. Intro to Pathophysiology (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 212, 230, 240, 250, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course presents information on specific interruptions in normal function of the major human physiological systems. It includes clinical manifestations of specific diseases and general principles guiding medical and nursing interventions for these diseases. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding of the disease process and the pathological commonalties among these processes.

NURS 211. Pharmacology (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, N 210, 212, 230, 240, 250. Co-requisites: N 231, 241, 251, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course focuses on the effects of drugs and drug interactions of the individual throughout the life span. Emphasis is on the nursing role in medication administration with considerations of the impact of legal, social, and technological changes. Teaching plans for clients and their families are a major focus.

NURS 212. Nutrition in Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration of Health (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 230, 240, 250, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course focuses on the principles and practices of nutrition and diet therapy as applied to health and disease states of clients across the lifespan. The role of the nurse in promoting optimal nutrition is central to this course.

NURS 230. Conceptual Foundations of Professional Practice (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 212, 240, 250, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course introduces the student to the profession of nursing. Its history, theory, and essential skills such as, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and the nursing process will be major focus areas. Additionally, health care delivery systems, ethics, legal aspects of nursing, and caring for the person, family and self are explored.

NURS 231. Nursing Therapeutics I (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, N 210, 212, 230, 240, 250. Co-requisites: N 211, 241, 251, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course explores nursing mechanisms to categorize and diagnose human responses and formulate appropriate interventions. The concepts of environment and nursing are emphasized.

NURS 232. Conceptual Foundations of Professional Practice for the Master's Entry Option degree student (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 212, 240, 250, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course introduces the student to the profession of nursing. Its history, theory, and essential skills such as, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and the nursing process will be major focus areas. Additionally, health care delivery systems, ethics, legal aspects of nursing, and caring for the person, family and self are explored.

NURS 240. Assessment of Human Response I (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 212, 230, 250, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course assists the student to apply concepts of health and person. A holistic approach is used when assessing selected basic human responses. Culturally sensitive interventions are designed to meet client needs.

NURS 241. Assessment of Human Responses II (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, N 210, 212, 230, 240, 250. Co-requisites: N 211, 231, 251, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This theory course guides the student in differentiating between illness and wellness through a thorough and systematic assessment. The emphasis is on physiological assessment that builds on and incorporates the principles of psychosocial and cultural assessment.

NURS 250. Clinical Lab I (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 212, 230, 240, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This clinical application course focuses the student on practices of basic skills and nursing procedures with emphasis on psychosocial assessment of clients in a wide variety of community settings.

NURS 251. Clinical Lab II (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, N 210, 212, 230, 240, 250. Co-requisites: N 211, 231, 241, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This clinical application course focuses on the roles of communicator, caregiver, client advocate, and teacher. The student uses physical assessment skills and therapeutic interventions for stable hospitalized clients, administers medication, and implements a plan of care. Emphasis is given to the care of adults and aging adults with multiple needs in sub acute and skilled nursing facilities.

NURS 252. Clinical Lab I for the Master's Entry Option degree student (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101. Co-requisites: N 210, 212, 230, 240, EW 215, PSYCH 210. This clinical application course focuses the student on practices of basic skills and nursing procedures with emphasis on psychosocial assessment of clients in a wide variety of community settings.

NURS 323. Nursing Research (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 103. Co-requisites: N 330, 340, 350. This theory course introduces the student to the research process and its application to nursing practice and social problems. Introductory critiquing skills are used to examine each step of the research process to enhance students/ understanding of their role as nurse research consumers.

NURS 330. Nursing Therapeutics II (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251. Co-requisites: N 340, 350, 423. This theory course focuses on episodes of care and the principles of caseload management for adults. Students use selected human responses with an emphasis on physiological and psychological/cultural/spiritual assessment to identify and evaluate therapeutic interventions for adult clients. The course highlights the nurse' role in managing client care in acute care settings.

NURS 331. Family Health I - Therapeutics/Principles and Methods (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251, 330, 340, 350 423. Co-requisites: N 341, 351, 352. This theory course focuses on the principles of case management with an emphasis on the childbearing family. The nursing role of case manager is introduced in the context of the childbearing family. The course explores the nursing management in the care of childbearing women, their infant and their families.

NURS 340. Principles & Methods of Practice I (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 113, 114, 115, 134, 135, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251. Co-requisites: N 330, 350, 423. This theory course focuses on scientific concepts and principles related to monitoring and treatment of human responses. The student identifies, describes, and analyses selected nursing interventions and treatments appropriate to adults with acute and/or chronic health care problems.

NURS 341. Family Health II - Therapeutics/Principles and Methods (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251, 330, 340, 350 423. Co-requisites: N 331, 351, 352. This theory course focuses on family centered care in the childrearing years. The nursing role of case manager is introduced in the context of the childrearing family. The course focuses on the child as an individual and as a member of the family and community. Specific content related to the physical, emotional, and social growth and development of the child is introduced. The causes, treatment, and prevention of childhood conditions are explored.

NURS 350. Nursing Process in Restoration of Health I (4)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251. Co-requisites: N 330, 340, 423. This clinical application course guides the student in providing comprehensive care for acutely ill adults. The student has a variety of learning experiences in the hospital setting including performing nursing care on an adult medical surgical nursing unit, observing in the operating suite, and alternative experiences in other settings such as emergency department, clinics, or areas where specific diagnostic procedures are performed.

NURS 351. Clinical Lab IV-A (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251, 330, 340, 350 423. Co-requisites: N 331, 341, 352. This clinical application course focuses on family centered care in the childrearing years. The nursing role of case manager in the context of the childrearing family is applied in a variety of settings. There is an emphasis on the skills essential to meeting the physical, emotion, and social needs of well children and children with acute or chronic conditions.

NURS 352. Clinical Lab IV-B (2)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 241, 250, 251, 330, 340, 350 423. Co-requisites: N 331, 341, 351. This clinical application course focuses on the scientific concepts and principles related to monitoring and caring for human responses common to childbearing women, their infants and their families in hospitals and community settings. There is an emphasis on the skills essential to meeting the physical, emotion, and social needs of women experiencing healthy and complicated pregnancies.

NURS 430. Nursing Therapeutics III (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 250, 251, 330, 331, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 423. Co-requisites: N 450. This theory course focuses on health care delivery to vulnerable populations. The emphasis is on the care of individuals, groups, and aggregates in community settings. Students analyze nursing interventions appropriate for the persons experiencing complex physiological problems and/or severe and persistent mental illness. Research and epidemiological data are used to guide the class discussions and class analysis to facilitate student learning and clinical problem solving.

NURS 450. Clinical Lab V (5)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 250, 251, 330, 331, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 423. Co-requisites: N 430. This community based practical application course focuses on clients experiencing complex physiological and psychological problems. Nursing interventions for the care of vulnerable population is emphasized.

NURS 451. Clinical Lab VI (5)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 250, 251, 330, 331, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 423, 430, 450. Co-requisites: N 461, 481. This clinical application course centers on student practice a selected specialty with a clinical preceptor. The focus is on human responses appropriate to the client/client population throughout the continuum of care. Managed care and leadership skills are integrated within the practice setting. Students design, implement and evaluate a capstone project in the clinical setting.

NURS 461. Leadership in Managed Care Systems (3)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 250, 251, 330, 331, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 423, 430, 450. Co-requisites: N 451, 481. This theory course focuses on beginning practitioners in a managed care environment. Didactic content includes the philosophy of managed care, technology and managed care practice, quality improvement and case management in integrated delivery systems. Students will analyze strategies to develop programs for health promotion, disease prevention and client/provider health accountability in a restructured health care system. Students will discuss concepts, principles and theories related to leadership in organizations. Didactic content includes human resource management, budgeting, and finance.

NURS 481. Senior Seminar (1)

Prerequisites: BIO 115, 134, 135, 365, 366, CHEM 116, EW 215, PSYCH 101, PSYCH 210, N 210, 211, 212, 230, 231, 240, 250, 251, 330, 331, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 423, 430, 450. Co-requisites: N 451, 461. This clinical support course focuses on student participation and leadership in seminar discussions related to nursing and selected human responses appropriate to the client base served in the clinical setting of their precepted experience. Examination of the multiplicity of nursing roles and the expanding role of the nurse in a variety of settings are explored. Ethical and legal issues related to the profession of nursing are discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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