BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Programs Objectives
- Provide creative and innovative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), program that meet professional standards of excellence.
- Educate nurses with diverse backgrounds to meet health care needs within the context of global health care influences.
- Support excellence in nursing research and evidence-based practice through collaboration, consultation, and partnerships with faculty, students, and other health care professionals.
- Enhance the image of nursing through leadership in university, community, and professional activities.
- Maintain a caring environment in which nursing students, alumni, faculty, staff, and health care professionals collaborate to optimize their personal and professional development.
Career Prospects
- Developing nursing care treatment plans
- Treating patients for illnesses, injuries, and other medical condition
- Providing support to patients and their families in coping with a specific illness or medical condition
- Educating patients and the public at large about how to improve their health habits
- Supervising other nurses and assign hospital tasks based on patient care plans
- Administering medications and injections
- Assisting doctors during surgeries or major procedures
- Performing routine lab work
Program Structure
To be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), a student must complete the prescribe courses and earn at least 160 credits, with 120 coming from core/concentration courses.
Core Courses
Core Courses (24 credits)
BIO 210: Anatomy and Physiology I
MLS 215: Clinical Specimen Collection, Processing and Handling
BIO 220: Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO 310: Bioethics
PHA 320: Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics
MCB 310: General Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
NUS 335: Medical Sociology and Anthropology
Concentration Courses (48 credits)
NUS 210: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
NUS 215: Nursing Care 1
NUS 220: Nursing care 2
NUS 310: Nutrition and Human Health
NUS 315: Obstetrics & Gynecology
NUS 320: Pediatric Nursing
NUS 325: Geriatric Nursing
NUS 330: Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
NUS 410: Advanced Medico-surgical Nursing
NUS 415: Management and Administration in Nursing
NUS 420: Curriculum and Instructions in Nursing
NUS 425: Community and Family Health Nursing
Practicum Courses (32 credits)
NUS 213: Medical Nursing Practicum
NUS 223: Surgical Nursing Practicum
NUS 313: Maternity Nursing Practicum
NUS 323: Pediatric Nursing Practicum
NUS 413: Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing Practicum
NUS 423: Dialysis Practicum
NUS 433: Theater Nursing Practicum
NUS 443: Community and Health Center Practicum
Research Courses (8 credits)
NUS 480: Research Design & Seminar Presentation
NUS 498: Nursing Research Project
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIO 210: Anatomy and Physiology I
This course is an introduction to anatomy and physiology and assures no prior knowledge of the human body by student. It is directed to prepare students for health-related professions such nursing. Topics to be covered include: The Chemical Level of Organization, Tissue level of Organization, Digestive System, Respiratory System, Circulatory & Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System and Immunity, The Renal System, Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Homeostasis.
BIO 220: Anatomy and Physiology II
This course is a continuation of Human o anatomy and physiology I. topics to be covered include: Life Processes, Major systems of the human body, Special Senses, Reproductive System, Integument System: Support and Movement.
NUS 210: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
This course provides the students with the overview of nursing as a science, an art and a profession. It deals with the concept of man as a holistic being comprising of bio-psycho social and spiritual dimensions. It includes a discussion on the different roles of a nurse emphasizing health promotion, maintenance of health as well as prevention of illnesses utilizing the nursing process. It includes the basic nursing skills needed in the care of the individual clients and some basic medical terminologies.
NUS 215: Nursing Care 1
The aim of this course is to highlight the role of the nurse in managing problems associated with the digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and lymphatic system. Students doing this course must have done anatomy and physiology 1 (BIO 201).
NUS 220: Nursing Care 2:
Students doing this course must have done anatomy and physiology 2 (BIO 202). The aim of this course is to highlight the role of the nurse in managing problems associated with the musculo-skeletal system, reproductive system, endocrine system and nervous system
MLS 215: Clinical Specimen Collection, Processing and Handling
This course is designed to teach students the role of the laboratory in proper specimen collection and handling of specimens, standard protocols for collection, handling and processing of specimens for transport or receipt in to or from the laboratory. content: Role of the Laboratory in Proper Specimen Collection, Standard Protocols for Collection, Transport and Processing of Specimens, Specimen handling and processing; general rules for handling specimens, specimen receipt and preliminary observations, labeling of specimens, criteria for specimen rejection, microscopic examination of direct mounts for presumptive diagnoses where applicable, Precautions for Packaging and Mailing of Specimens.
NUS 213: Medical Nursing Practicum
This practicum provides students with knowledge and practical application of basic nursing skills while incorporating concepts learned in NUS 215 & NUS 220. Students learn and practice basic bedside nursing skills in personal care, sterile technique, patient safety, and medication administration. Emphasizes the critical elements of nursing procedures and the scientific rationale for performing the procedures correctly. (Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital).
NUS 223: Surgical Nursing Practicum
Provides students with knowledge and practical application of basic nursing skills while incorporating concepts learned in NUS 215 & NUS 220. Students learn and practice aspects on wound dressing, pre, intra and post-operative care of patients, and monitoring an unconscious patient from the theatre. Emphasizes the critical elements of nursing procedures and the scientific rationale for performing the procedures correctly. (Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital).
BIO 310: Bioethics
This course aimed at presenting the basic concepts, principles, and elements of ethics as well as formulating the ethical principles relevant to medical practice, the doctor-patient relationship, and related areas of concern. The course begins with a brief overview of ethics, and them moves to develop and consider the moral values and principles relevant to medical practice and bioethics. The course aims to consider the defense of general views on the moral values involved in bioethics, as well as the complicated issues of applying this general knowledge to particular situations. The course hopes to develop moral wisdom (knowledge about ethics and the ability to think ethically) and moral virtue (a stronger commitment to act morally). Topics to be covered include: the nature of the Doctor-Patient Relationship, principles of Patient Decision-Making, Life-Sustaining Treatments (including CPR, and medical nutrition and hydration), Reproductive Issues (including contraception, artificial reproductive technologies, abortion), arguments for Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide, and Research Ethics (including a consideration of the Stem Cell controversy), etc.
PHA 320: Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics
This course is designed to prepare students for the pharmacological requirements of practice as a primary care provider. Emphasis is placed on general principles of Pharmacology, drug procurement, storage, distribution, use and control. Autonomic pharmacology and autacoids, anti-microbial agents, Analgesics, anesthetic agents, Respiratory and endocrine pharmacology, euro and psycho pharmacology, GIT pharmacology, Drugs acting on blood and bone marrow, Eye, Skin and ENT; Cytotoxic agents and Toxicology. Obstetric Pharmacology. Alternative medicine.
NUS 310: Nutrition and Human Health
Nutrition and Human Health provides an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of protein, energy, and the major vitamins and minerals that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations. Topics include the following: Dietary sources, intake levels, physiological role, and requirement of major nutrients. The biological determinants of nutrient requirements and the assessment of nutrient status in individuals and populations. The role of nutrition in growth and health through the life cycle. The rationale for the development of dietary guidelines and of nutrition policies in different countries. The role of diet in the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and aspects of nutritional disorders. Students also have to gain skills in enteral and parenteral nutrition
MCB 310: General Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
The overall goal of this course is to introduce students to the field of microbiology and emerging infectious diseases. It will cover a wide range of topics including bacteriology, virology, microbial pathogenicity and epidemiology, body Defense Mechanisms against infection, the pathophysiology and epidemiology of infectious diseases, host-pathogen relationships and the mechanisms behind the emergence of new microbial threats.as well as the pharmacology of antimicrobial and antiviral agents, The intent is to provide an understanding of the medically relevant bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens and the diseases they produce. The emphasis will be on the pathophysiology of these diseases, the nature of host-parasite interactions and the different clinical syndromes caused by these pathogens. It is not the purpose of this course to teach the clinical management and therapy of infectious diseases
NUS 315: Obstetrics & Gynecology
This course introduces nursing concepts related to women’s health, pregnancy and care of the newborn. The unique needs of reproducing families will be explored. Building on the foundation of previous nursing courses and the nursing process, the student will explore nursing care for women with reproductive concerns as well as nursing care during preconception, perinatal, postpartum, and neonatal periods. Tasks of pregnancy, psychosocial adaptation, biological-behavioral concepts in obstetric nursing care within the context of social justice, cultural competence, and equity will be addressed.
NUS 320: Pediatric Nursing
Pediatric nursing component explores the physiological alterations of clients with acute and chronic health care needs. Base on the foundation of other nursing courses, students will examine the impact of and plan nursing care for pediatric clients experiencing acute and/or chronic alterations. Utilizing the nursing process and nursing management, psychosocial and physiological adaptations will be examined in the context of social justice, cultural competence, and equity of health care.
NUS 325: Geriatric Nursing
The geriatric component is aimed at appreciating the unique care needs of a person who is aging, dying and/or who is experiencing a loss. It will focus on the effects of the ageing process, ageism, and disorders most common in old age. Some of these disorders include: urinary incontinence, Alzheimer’s’ disease and effects of falls. students develop skills and health education and promotion strategies to prevent ageism
NUS 313: Maternity Nursing Practicum
Study of the care of childbearing women and their families throughout all the stages of pregnancy and childbirth.
(Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital). Prerequisite: NUS 315 (Obstetrics and gynecology)
NUS 323: Pediatric Nursing Practicum
Focuses on the clinical patient care aspects of health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the family as a whole, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education. Topics include: health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the child, and deviations from the normal state of health in the pediatric clients; client care, treatment, pharmacology, medication administration, and diet therapy of the pediatric client; growth and development; and standard precautions. (Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital). Prerequisite: NUS 320 (Pediatric Nursing)
NUS 330: Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
This course is designed to foster understanding and critical thinking in relation to social, ethical, legal, professional, cultural aspects of psychiatric-mental health care, enhance therapeutic relational-communication skills, assess and plan care for common mental health challenges and increase awareness of the entry-level nursing competencies and standards of care within inter professional and inter-sectoral psychiatric-mental health practice.
NUS 335: Medical Sociology and Anthropology
The main objective of this course is to enable students to describe the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that influence social behavior by exploring health, illness, and health care from a sociological perspective. Topics to be covered: definition of sociology; Historical background ; Diagnosis of modern society: Conte and Marx; Basic concepts of society, culture and structure in the analysis of social behavior; Basic analytical concepts, social processes, institution, the nature of human groups; Family deviant behavior; Social Theories; Theorists of modern society, Social stratification and social stratification in East Africa; Power Structure; Ideology and Economic institutions in East Africa, Impact of ideology on social and Economic development in East Africa; Religion in Society; Integrative system of society, Impact of Christianity on African traditional beliefs in East Africa; Formal Organization; Bureaucracy in Industrial societies; Social conflict and social change; Social functions of conflict in society, Conflict and social change, Social disorganization (anomia and deviance: Durkeim), Medical sociology. Definition of Anthropology; School of thought in Anthropology; Cultural evaluation, Diffusion of culture, Historical relation, Cultural integration, Functional approaches, Structural approaches; Basic concepts in Anthropology: The study of culture, culture change as an instrument of adaptation, material culture, thought and culture, personality and culture, Social control, Principles of social structure, National identity, Kinship and marriage, Language and culture, Sickness and healing
NUS 410: Advanced Medico-surgical Nursing
This course focuses on application of nursing processes in the management of medical surgical conditions. Topics to be covered include: Care of patients in specialized areas to include: Accident and emergency nursing care; physical design of casualty, classification of emergencies, management and transfer of patients.; Theatre nursing practice; physical design of theatres, perioperative management of patients/ clients; Renal nursing practice; end stage renal disease, dialysis and patient management, rehabilitation.; ENT; assessment and classification of hearing problems, management strategies and rehabilitation.; Ophthalmology; assessment and classification of vision problems, management and rehabilitation.; Oncology; classification, diagnostic measures and management strategies.; Burns; classification, management and rehabilitation measures; Intensive care; classification of ICU patients, diagnostic techniques and management skills.; HIV/ AIDS; management and supportive care; Palliative care; principles.
NUS 415: Management and Administration in Nursing
This course is aimed at helping students to develop expertise in the field of nursing management and to work as a nursing manager in their different specialties. Nature and pattern of management, evolution of Management as a science. Principles of organization; Planning, Organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, Communication processes, Coordination, Reporting and Financial Management. Human behavior in organizations Behavior change, Theories of motivation, Principles of leadership, Delegation, decision making theories, organizational development; Systems approach to management, Hospital and public health administration, the role of the nurse manager at hospital, the unit and ward level in the setting and maintaining nursing standards: Nursing care Models; Team Nursing, Case Assignment, Primary Nursing, Functional Nursing. Planning and organizing nursing care activities, coordinating and controlling nursing activities, supervising and directing nursing services. Effective interpersonal communication in health care organization; dealing with conflict at work; Staffing and the recruitment process, the disciplinary process; Quality assurance programs; evaluating nursing care activities. Factors influencing management, Emerging issues in health care management. Management of Health Institutions; Nursing Services Management; Organizational structures; Job analysis, Job Specifications, job descriptions; Development of supervisory tools: Use of varied supervisory techniques; Role of Nursing Supervisor in teaching and evaluation.
NUS 420: Curriculum and Instructions in Nursing
This course provides students with knowledge in applications of nursing concepts and principles of education to nursing development trends in nursing education. Topics include: key stakeholders in nursing education and specific roles; curriculum issues in nursing; theories and models of curriculum development; curriculum types; Relevant nursing educational programs; curriculum process; types of curricula, Philosophy, objectives, content, teaching, teaching methods, teacher, /student/integration, setting conducive teaching /learning environment. Organization of Learning experiences; theoretical identification on content, task analysis / lesson plan scheme of work, student evaluation, and microteaching clinical teaching techniques; planning, organizing learning experiences, patient teaching, case conference, nursing conferences emerging issues in nursing education. Research in nursing education, administration in schools of nursing. Evaluation of nursing educational programs.
NUS 425: Community and Family Health Nursing
Community and Family Health Nursing is the synthesis of nursing and public health practice applied to promote and protect the health of family, and the population at large. It combines all the basic elements of professional, clinical nursing with public health and community practice. Topic include: The role and functions of the Community Health Nurse; Methods used for the provision of Community Health Nursing; Strategies for implementation of PHC; Review PHC components, Strategies for implementation of PHC; Community Based Health Care (CBHC); Role of Community Health Nurse in: Community diagnosis, Community Based Health Care, Health Centre practice, Other Community Health institutions in rural and urban areas; Management, prevention and control of communicable diseases; Community participation in community based health care; Mobilization and organization of groups for specific programs; Promotion of self-determination and self-reliance; Application of the nursing process in the provision of community health nursing care to at risk groups in urban and rural communities; Individuals, families and communities; Women, men and children. Aspects of family health nursing such as sibling relationships, and effects of divorce in the growth of the family.
NUS 413: Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing Practicum
Implementation of theoretical mental and psychiatric nursing principles in the practice setting. Students are expected to spend Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital. Prerequisite: NUS 330 (Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing)
NUS 423: Dialysis Practicum
Students are expected to spend Forty hours per week for at least two weeks assisting in the dialysis unit at assigned affiliate hospital. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: NUS 410 (Advanced Medico-surgical Nursing)
NUS 433: Theater Practicum
Students are expected to spend Forty hours per week for at least two weeks assisting physicians in the surgical unit at assigned affiliate hospital. Prerequisite: NUS 410 (Advanced Medico-surgical Nursing)
NUS 443: Community and Health Center Practicum
Application of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in the community with individuals, families, and groups. Service learning components are integrated to enhance reflection of caring for diverse population members. (Forty hours per week for four weeks at assigned affiliate hospital). Prerequisite: NUS 415 (Management and Administration in Nursing)
NUS 480: Research Design & Seminar Presentation
The research design project involves an individual student or a small group of students working as a team to put the knowledge acquired in previous courses into concrete praxis to design and present a nominated project. The tasks include the study of the available processes, process selection, calculation of material and energy balances, preparation of flow sheets, preparation of a design report and drawing of the plant layout.
NUS 498: Nursing Research Project
A program of study on an approved research topic in nursing will be followed up by a supervisor. This supervised individual study provides an opportunity for in-depth reading and research on a topic selected by the student and supervisor. Students in this program of study may carry out a pilot project in preparation for a thesis or dissertation. Students are expected to select a researchable problem in theology and carry out a study on it. This project should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) format.
