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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Notice to Prospective Applicants

In recent years there has been high student demand for this major. Students interested in this program should apply to the University during the initial filing period of the admissions cycle (October 1 - November 30 for any fall semester; August 1-31 for any spring semester). A supplemental Nursing application must be submitted by March 1 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. Information on any current enrollment restrictions is available from the Admissions Office and from the department office sponsoring the major.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Nursing Major

1. The cumulative grade point average for all college-level work must be a minimum of 3.0.

2. The cumulative grade point average for the two science courses and the two Area A courses used to earn points on the supplemental nursing application must be a minimum of 3.0.

3. The cumulative grade point average for all eight nursing prerequisites, once completed, must be a minimum of 3.0.

4. All nursing prerequisites must be completed with grades of C- or higher.

5. At the time of application, at least two courses from Area A and at least two pre-requisite science courses must be completed, with the remaining courses in progress.

Pre-Nursing Core: 40-41 units

The following courses, or their equivalents, must be completed before admission to the General Option for the BSN and the Advanced Placement Option for LVN to BSN. RNs admitted to the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN may take these courses along with the professional sequence, but must complete these courses prior to enrolling in NURS 475W and NURS 495W.

General Education Area A Skills: 12 units

Science Foundation: 16 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
BIOL 103 Human Anatomy   4.0 FS  GE
Study of the structure of the human body, to include muscles, bones, heart, brain, ear, eye, and other systems, as well as a short look at development of the fetus. Lab work entails dissection of the cat and study of the human skeleton. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001110)
BIOL 104 Human Physiology   4.0 FS  GE
Basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, including the brain and nervous system; vision and hearing; heart and circulation; blood and immunity; respiration, digestion and metabolism; muscles; excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001114)
BIOL 211 Allied Health Microbiology   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 151, or NSCI 102; CHEM 107, CHEM 108, or CHEM 111.
Introduction to structure/function, metabolism, genetics, ecological interactions and pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms. In addition, the roles of microorganisms in sanitation and in the food and biotechnology industries will be discussed. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001132)
CHEM 108 Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.
A survey of organic chemistry primarily for agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing students. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001828)

Concurrent Core: 12 units

See Concurrent Core below.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Students in the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN receive a detailed advising plan that outlines graduation requirements for this option. Advising is provided by the RN-BSN Advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Modifications in the General Education requirements have been approved for this major as follows: CHEM 108 may be applied to General Education Breadth Area B1. PSYC 101 may be applied to General Education Breadth Area D1. ANTH 113 or SOCI 100 may be applied to General Education Breadth Area D3.

Completion of General Education Area A Requirements: All Area A requirements must be completed before students enter the Nursing program. Two courses must be complete at the time a student applies, with the remaining two in progress.

Fulfillment of the GE Upper-Division Theme Requirement: Students majoring in Nursing are permitted to select an upper-division Humanities Thematic course and an upper-division Social Science Thematic course in the same theme. The Natural Sciences Thematic upper-division requirements may be fulfilled by NURS 303.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I (or equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 99-100 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Program

See Prerequisites to Admission to the Nursing Major above.

Concurrent Core: 12 units

The following four courses are required, but may be taken prior to admission or concurrently with the first semester of the Nursing program.

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHLD 252 Child Development   3.0 FS  GE
Designed for Nursing, Liberal Studies, Communication Sciences & Disorders, and other non-Child Development majors, this course studies the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence. The course explains genetic, biological, and environmental influences including cross-cultural issues. Scheduled observations are included. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001442)
PSYC 101 Principles of Psychology   3.0 FS  GE
Introduction to concepts and problems in psychology. Topics include perception, learning, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007881)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NFSC 100 Basic Nutrition   3.0 FS  GE
Physiological, social, and psychological factors affecting food intake are examined, as well as relationships of nutrients to health throughout life. Sustainable food practices are explored. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004273)
NFSC 340 Human Nutrition   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 104, CHEM 108.
Physiological and chemical roles of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water in the functioning of the human body. Factors affecting the digestion of foods, use of nutrients, and the body's need for nutrients. 3 hours discussion. (004296)

Transfer students may use as transfer credit any lower-division course of comparable content. Consult the department to determine acceptable courses.

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ANTH 113 Human Cultural Diversity   3.0 FS  GE  GC
The course explores culture as the basis for understanding the human experience, including an examination of cross-cultural diversity. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (000492)
ANTH 303 Cultural Anthropology   3.0 FS  
Case study examination of fundamental concepts, methods, and changing theoretical orientations of cultural anthropology. 3 hours lecture. (000507)
SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology   3.0 FS  GE
This course helps organize thinking about societies in general, the society we inhabit, and our place within it. Underlying questions are: Why do people have different values? Why do people act differently? Why is there inequality? And why and how does society; its values and norms, institutions, and groups influence our behavior. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008933)

General Option: 60 units

This option is for students who are just beginning in the nursing field. The curricular sequence meets all state requirements for initial RN licensure as well as Public Health Nursing certification. Students must be admitted to the General Option for the BSN (see supplemental admission criteria available from the department or at www.csuchico.edu/nurs/).

Professional Sequence

All courses must be taken in the sequence outlined.

Semester I

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 282 Nursing Role I   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 211, CHEM 108. The following courses may be taken concurrently: ANTH 113 or ANTH 303 or SOCI 100; CHLD 252, NFSC 100 or NFSC 340, PSYC 101.
 Corequisites: NURS 283, NURS 284, NURS 285.
This course is designed to address nursing competencies essential to the professional nursing role. The focus is on the nursing process. Skills in interpersonal communication, the history of nursing, and legal/ethical aspects of beginning nursing practice are emphasized. 2 hours lecture. (006453)
NURS 283 Nursing Foundations   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 211, CHEM 108. The following courses may be taken concurrently: ANTH 113 or ANTH 303 or SOCI 100; CHLD 252, NFSC 100 or NFSC 340, PSYC 101.
 Corequisites: NURS 282, NURS 284, NURS 285.
This course is an introduction to nursing therapeutics underlying the basic skills and concepts in the practice of professional nursing. The focus is on concepts related to physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural needs and mechanisms for maximizing health. Basic pharmacology is included. Emphasis is placed on the application of the nursing process in maintaining health for adults. 4 hours lecture. (006454)
NURS 284 Practicum in Nursing Foundations   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 211, CHEM 108. The following courses may be taken concurrently: ANTH 113 or ANTH 303 or SOCI 100; CHLD 252, NFSC 100 or NFSC 340, PSYC 101.
 Corequisites: NURS 282, NURS 283, NURS 285.
This nursing practicum provides the clinical opportunity to apply the theory, concepts, and principles of nursing care presented in NURS 282, NURS 283, and NURS 285. Emphasis is placed on the application of the nursing process in the care of adults in acute care facilities. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 12 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006438)
NURS 285 Nursing Assessment   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 211, CHEM 108. The following courses may be taken concurrently: ANTH 113 or ANTH 303 or SOCI 100; CHLD 252, NFSC 100 or NFSC 340, PSYC 101.
 Corequisites: NURS 282, NURS 283, NURS 284.
This course introduces the student to theory needed for application of the nursing process with emphasis on skills useful in data gathering and analysis for completing a health assessment. Normal and abnormal physical, social, and cultural structure and function are explored. 2 hours discussion. (006461)

Semester II

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 303 Nursing Concepts for Acute Care   6.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 282, NURS 283, NURS 284, NURS 285.
 Corequisites: NURS 304, NURS 305.
Therapeutic nursing interventions and physical, emotional/spiritual, social, and cultural concepts related to common acute conditions of the adult. The nursing process is used in relating theories to caring nursing practice. 6 hours discussion. (006463)
NURS 304 Practicum in Acute Care   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 282, NURS 283, NURS 284, NURS 285.
 Corequisites: NURS 303, NURS 305.
Directed and supervised practice in the care of the acutely ill adult. Active application of the nursing process and nursing therapeutics in planning and implementing nursing care. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 12 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006444)
NURS 305 Applied Pharmacology and Laboratory Data Analysis   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 282, NURS 283, NURS 284, NURS 285.
 Corequisites: NURS 303, NURS 304.
Therapeutic pharmacology related to selected pathophysiology and drug classifications will be explored. Focus will be on desired effects, adverse effect, and patient/family teaching parameters. Case studies will facilitate analysis of laboratory data including the complete blood count, chemistry panel, coagulation studies, and arterial blood gases. 2 hours lecture. (006464)

Semester III

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 313 Maternal-Child Nursing   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 303, NURS 304, NURS 305.
 Corequisites: NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
This course presents the theoretical basis for the practice of maternal-child nursing, including nursing knowledge basic to the professional nursing care of the mother/fetus, infants, children, fathers, and families in relationship to childbearing and childrearing. The study of normal childbearing/ childrearing families as well as high-risk families is included. Physiological adaptations and alterations during pregnancy and in the health of children are examined as well as the growth and development of the fetus and child through adolescence. The focus of the course is the promotion of optimum health and development for mothers, children, and families. 4 hours discussion. (006467)
NURS 314 Practicum Maternal-Child Nursing   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 303, NURS 304, NURS 305.
 Corequisites: NURS 313, NURS 315, NURS 342.
Directed and supervised practicum which focuses on maternal-fetal-neonatal and child nursing and includes nursing of childbearing and childrearing families. Experiences are provided in various settings including hospitals, offices, clinics, homes, schools, and teaching centers, to provide students with the opportunity to apply concurrent knowledge and the nursing process to the health of pregnant women, their fetuses, neonates, and children. Emphasis is placed on the development of assessment skills, and the application of nursing knowledge for the effective delivery of nursing care. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 9 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006470)
NURS 315 Family Nursing   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 303, NURS 304, NURS 305.
 Corequisites: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 342.
This course explores the application of nursing science principles, psychosocial theories, and the effect of the social and physical environment on the specialized health needs of the family-as-client. The use of the nursing process in unpredictable situations throughout the family lifespan is included with special emphasis on evaluating the aging family. The influence of psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors on the family and the delivery of nursing care to the family is stressed. The role of the nurse in assisting the family, utilizing family assessment, advocacy, and nursing support is discussed. The goal of family nursing is to meet the needs of persons of all ages in a wide variety of settings in multi-cultural societies through working with families. The health of the family influcences and is influenced by the health of its members. 2 hours lecture. (006469)
NURS 342 Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing   3.0 FS  
Prerequisite: NURS 303, NURS 304, NURS 305.
 Corequisite: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315.
This course provides an introduction to the leadership role of the professional nurse in improving nursing practice. The class will focus on evidence-based practice for nursing. This includes developing skills to question clinical practice and access best evidence to use when implementing clinical decision making in order to deliver high quality care. This evidence-based approach to clinical care will facilitate long term inquiry skills that will impact long range planning for the profession. 3 hours lecture. (020588)

Semester IV

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 422 Leadership/Management and Professional Issues in Nursing   3.0 FS  GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
 Corequisites: NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
Introduction to the management and leadership roles of the professional nurse within the structure of an organization. The focus is on accountability for quality assurance in the provision of nursing care, interdisciplinary communication, and consultative and collaborative relationships. Legal authority for nursing practice and the impact of political and legislative processes are emphasized. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (006480)
NURS 424 Practicum in Patient Care Management   2.5 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
 Corequisites: NURS 422, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
This is a preceptored clinical practicum in the application of principles of leadership and management from NURS 422. Students use leadership/management theory as well as the basic and applied sciences and humanities from previous courses as the basis for planning and implementing nursing therapeutics for groups of acutely ill patients. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, team building, communication, priority setting, collaborative decision making, and advocacy. Clinical time is blocked into a 7-8 week rotation, for a total of 90 hours. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet preceptor's schedule. 7.5 hours laboratory. (006487)
NURS 433 Nursing Management of Maladaptive Behavior   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
 Corequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 434, NURS 444.
The course focuses on the use of the nursing process as it relates to theories of physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual structure and function within environments in promotional, restorative, and rehabilitative management of the major maladaptive behaviors of individuals and groups. The intricate interrelationships of these factors in development and treatment of maladaptive behaviors is stressed. It includes the examination of psychiatric nursing roles within interdisciplinary treatment methods. Current mental and behavioral health research findings are incorporated. 3 hours discussion. (006505)
NURS 434 Practicum in Management of Maladaptive Behavior   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
 Corequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 444.
The course provides clinical experience which gives the student the opportunity to actualize the nursing process with individuals and groups of patients experiencing maladaptive behavior. Theoretical formulations from NURS 433 are used to facilitate this process. The interdisciplinary setting allows the student to examine and define the nursing roles within it. Clinical hours listed are the average hours per week over the entire semester; actual clinical time is blocked into eight-week rotations. 6 hours laboratory. (006506)
NURS 444 Leadership/Management Practicum   1.5 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 313, NURS 314, NURS 315, NURS 342.
 Corequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434.
This is a preceptored clinical practicum in the application of principles of leadership and management from NURS 422. Students use leadership/management theory as well as the basic and applied sciences and humanities from previous courses as the basis for planning and implementing nursing therapeutics for groups of acutely ill patients. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, team building, communication, priority setting, collaborative decision making, and advocacy. Clinical time is blocked into a 7-8 week rotation, for a total of 67.5 hours. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet preceptor's schedule. 4.5 hours laboratory. (020290)

Semester V

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 463 Nursing Care of the Gerontology Patient   1.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 474, NURS 475, NURS 484, NURS 493, NURS 494.
Focus on the use of the nursing process as it relates to 1) persons in the aging population (unique characteristics, cultural diversity, lifestyle adjustments, and common aging changes); 2) environment (concerns in delivering services, political and socioeconomic climate, ethical considerations, cultural realities, and community support); 3) health (wellness potential and health maintenance, common illness, and related nursing considerations); 4) nursing (emerging roles and standards of practice for gerontological nursing). Critical thinking and collaborative decision making skills will be emphasized. 1 hour discussion. (006521)
NURS 474 Practicum in Community Health Nursing   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 463, NURS 475, NURS 484, NURS 493, NURS 494.
This course is a synthesis of nursing and public health practice with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. Emphasis is on establishing a caring presence in the community with responsibility to the population as a whole. Students will apply the nursing process and concepts to culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities in homes, community agencies, and schools to facilitate movement toward achievement of maximum potential for daily living. This course includes a service learning project. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 9 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006533)
NURS 475 Public Health Nursing   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 463, NURS 474, NURS 484, NURS 493, NURS 494.
This course provides an introduction to the specialty of public health nursing. Students examine the impact of epidemiological, social, ethical, cultural, political, economic, and legal factors on lifestyle and health. Students apply the principles of public health science combined with nursing knowledge and skills to address the disease prevention needs of individuals, families, and communities. 3 hours lecture. (020291)
NURS 484 Capstone Nursing Simulation Practicum   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 463, NURS 474, NURS 475, NURS 493, NURS 494.
Advanced nursing practicum, using human patient simulators to practice advanced nursing skills and critical thinking exercises applied to complex patient scenarios. 6 hours laboratory. (020976)
NURS 493 Integrative Nursing Theory   1.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 463, NURS 474, NURS 475, NURS 484, NURS 494.
This course is designed to reinforce and promote synthesis of biophysical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual concepts from previous courses in a holistic nursing approach for patients with complex problems. Case studies and research findings will be utilized for analysis of disruptions of structural integrity and the integration of nurisng knowledge. 1 hour discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006552)
NURS 494 Practicum in Integrative Nursing   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 444.
 Corequisites: NURS 463, NURS 474, NURS 475, NURS 484, NURS 493.
Supervised clinical practice using a laboratory model. This course is designed as a capstone to the nursing program and is to be taken concurrently with NURS 493. The student will provide care and practice advanced problem solving for patient(s) with complex health problems, incorporating research findings, current theory, and nursing science in addressing complex biophysical, psychosocial, and spiritual patient situations. Clinical hours listed are the average hours per week over the entire semester; actual clinical time is blocked into eight-week rotations. 6 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. (006553)

Advanced Placement Option for LVN to BSN: 60 units

Admissions to the Advanced Placement Option for LVN to BSN is currently suspended. Please contact the School of Nursing to learn the current status of the program.

Advanced Placement Option For RN to BSN: 44 units

This option is for students who have already completed an RN program (associate degree or diploma) and hold a current California RN license. The curricular sequence meets the requirements for Public Health Nursing certification. The RN must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. A minimum of 30 units must be completed in residence at CSU, Chico.

RNs admitted to the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN may take nursing prerequisites and concurrent core courses along with the professional sequence, but must complete these courses prior to enrolling in NURS 474, NURS 475W, and NURS 495W.

Lower-Division Transfer Credit

Students can transfer up to 70 semester units from two-year colleges toward their bachelor's degree. All classes completed to fulfill degree requirements will be used as applicable. Students will not lose credit toward specific requirements, and all grades earned will be calculated in the transferable GPA.

Upper-Division Nursing Course Work

The following courses, or their equivalents, must be completed. RNs with sufficient background in a content area may challenge any of these courses, with permission of the department. Prior nursing experience is evaluated for credit through the three portfolio courses (NURS 307P, NURS 308P, NURS 309P). Courses designated with a W suffix are delivered in a web-based format requiring a computer and Internet access. The RN may substitute the equivalent on-campus course for any of the web-based courses.

10 courses required:

Courses must be taken in order listed.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
NURS 301 E-Portfolio Development   2.0 SM  
The purpose of this course is to teach students the skills they need to create an electronic portfolio to document learning and work experience (clinical competencies). 2 hours lecture. (021089)
NURS 307P Nursing Portfolio I   6.0 SM  
Corequisite: NURS 301.
In this course, students document learning and work experience (clinical competencies) in the areas of fundamentals and medical/surgical nursing. 6 hours clinical. Credit/no credit grading. (021091)
NURS 300W RN-BSN Bridge Course   4.0 FA  
Prerequisites: Completion of RN program (ADN or diploma), NURS 301, NURS 370P.
 Corequisites: NURS 308P, NURS 342W.
This RN-BSN bridge course introduces the RN to the CSU, Chico School of Nursing and to professional roles assumed by the baccalaureate-prepared nurse, including patient educator and advocate. Adult learning theory is presented and personal learning styles and critical thinking skills are assessed for program and career planning. Learning strategies to promote critical thinking are emphasized. Values clarification is utilized as a tool to improve decision making. Time management is emphasized as a tool to improve personal and organizational management. The course provides an orientation to distance learning methodologies such as WebCT, electronic mail, and computerized data searches to promote information competence. An experiential approach to learning is emphasized. Course hours are divided between on-campus time and Web-based learning. This course is prerequisite for all other courses in the major for RN-BSN students. 4 hours lecture. (006460)
NURS 308P Nursing Portfolio II   8.0 FA  
Prerequisites: NURS 301, NURS 307P.
 Corequisites: NURS 300W, NURS 342W.
In this course, students document learning and work experience (clinical competencies) in the areas of maternal/child nursing and gerontology. 8 hours clinical. Credit/no credit grading. (021090)
NURS 342W Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing   3.0 FA  
Prerequisite: NURS 301, NURS 307P.
 Corequisite: NRS 300W, NURS 308P.
This course is a web-based version of NURS 342 for RN's in the RN to BSN program. 3 hours lecture. (020589)
NURS 422W Leadership/Management and Professional Issues in Nursing   3.0 SP  GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, NURS 300W, NURS 301, NURS 307P, NURS 308P, NURS 342W.
 Corequisites: NURS 495W, NURS 309P.
See NURS 422. This course is a Web-based version for RNs in the RN-BSN Option. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (006481)
NURS 495W Advanced Concepts: Pathophysiology and Nursing Theory   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: NURS 300W, NURS 301, NURS 307P, NURS 308P, NURS 342W.
 Corequisites: NURS 309P, NURS 422W.
This Web-based course is designed to reinforce and promote synthesis of biophysical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual concepts from previous courses in a holistic nursing approach for patients with complex problems. Advanced pathophysiology will be emphasized. Case studies will be utilized for analysis of complex biophysical, psychosocial, spiritual patient situations. The student will incorporate research findings, current theory, and nursing science to make decisions for patients with complex health problems. The student will provide care and practice advanced problem solving. Required for the RN-BSN student; replaces NURS 493 and NURS 494. 4 hours discussion. (006554)
NURS 309P Nursing Portfolio III   8.0 SP  
Prerequisites: NURS 300W, NURS 308P.
 Corequisites: NURS 422W, NURS 495W.
In this course students document learning and work experience (clinical competencies) in the areas of leadership/management and the assessment, planning, diagnosis, implementation, and evaluation of patient care across various healthcare settings. 8 hours clinical. Credit/no credit grading. (021088)
NURS 474R Practicum in Community Health Nursing   3.0 SM  
Prerequisites: NURS 300W, NURS 301, NURS 307P, NURS 308P, NURS 309P, NURS 342W, NURS 495W, NURS 422W.
 Corequisite: NURS 475W.
This course is a synthesis of nursing and public health practice with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. Emphasis is on establishing a caring presence in the community with responsibility to the population as a whole. Students will apply the nursing process and concepts to culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities in homes, community agencies, and schools to facilitate movement toward achievement of maximum potential for daily living. This course includes a service learning project. 9 hours laboratory. (021247)
NURS 475W Public Health Nursing Theory   3.0 SM  
Prerequisites: NURS 300W, NURS 301, NURS 307P, NURS 308P, NURS 309P, NURS 342W, NURS 495W.
 Corequisites: NURS 464.
This course provides an introduction to the specialty of public health nursing. Students examine the impact of epidemiological, social, ethical, cultural, political, economic, and legal factors on lifestyle and health. Students apply the principles of public health science combined with nursing knowledge and skills to address the disease prevention needs of individuals, families, and communities. 3 hours lecture. (020292)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

All required courses must be passed with grades of C- or higher.

Progression in the professional Nursing sequence depends upon maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.3 in Nursing and grades of C- or better in all courses required for the Nursing major.

By policy, a student receiving a grade of D+ or less in a Nursing course may not progress in the Nursing program. The student may petition the School of Nursing Executive Committee to review the application of the policy in his/her situation, if serious and compelling conditions contributed to the poor grade. A student may repeat no more than two Nursing courses in which grades of D+ or lower were received.

Professional Standards

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a degree which signifies readiness for beginning professional nursing practice. The faculty recognizes a responsibility to both the students and potential patients to produce graduates whose attitudes and behavior indicate readiness for carrying out their professional functions. If, in the professional judgment of the Executive Committee of the School of Nursing, a student appears to be potentially dangerous to patients or colleagues, the School will refuse to allow the student to practice in the clinical setting.

Students enrolled in practicum courses are required to have all current immunizations, annual CPR certification, drug testing, background checks, health insurance, as well as adequate automobile liability insurance coverage. Since Chico is located in a rural area, considerable travel to clinical agencies should be expected. Access to a car throughout the Nursing sequence is necessary. Additional fees for achievement testing and laboratory supplies may be required for certain courses.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Honors in Nursing

BSN General Option nursing students are eligible for Honors in the Major during the 4th semester of the program and then complete the 6 units of course work over the 4th and 5th semesters of the program. LVN-BSN students and RN-BSN students become eligible with one year remaining in the program.

Catalog Cycle:12