Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing

The IUON Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) program provides individuals with the ability to implement evidenced-based practice in the delivery of professional nursing care.  Evidence–based practice incorporates scientific findings in the delivery of nursing care incorporating theory and practical clinical skills required by the field of nursing to provide leadership and render safe patient care.

IUON offers a traditional 120 credit BSN program that can be completed in approximately three calendar years.  Students complete the first 4-6 semesters of the BSN program at the IUON campus located on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.  The last year of the BSN program is completed at one of IUON's partner schools.  

Successful graduates receive the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) and are eligible to apply for licensure as Registered Nurses (RNs).  Students graduate with two degrees:  one from IUON and another from the partner school.  

Clinical Settings

A compelling differentiator at IUON is the students’ access to a variety of clinical settings.  Not only are students involved at community health centers, local hospitals, and with professional patients, IUON offers its students a virtual hospital ward on the campus.  Students will work with computerized human simulators in a 24-bed hospital setting to integrate their science program in a clinically relevant manner.  

Transfer Credit

Students that have successfully completed college course work prior to matriculating at IUON may be eligible for a maximum of 42 transfer credits.  The IUON Faculty Admissions Committee will carefully review and evaluate each applicant's transcripts. The Academic Services Department  will issue a preliminary evaluation of transfer credit. 

The transcript evaluation completed by the Academic Services Department  is a preliminary evaluation and may be subject to change.  The University Registrar will make the final credit transfer determination once they are in receipt of all official transcripts.  Students that receive transfer credit may be required to enroll in electives to satisfy the University's residency requirement.

International Students

International students must obtain a student visa (F-1) to transfer to an IUON partner school in the U.S. or Canada.  Students, who are not successful in obtaining a visa, may complete the remaining portion of the program in St. Kitts as well as other hospital facilities located on neighboring islands.

Degrees Granted

Students graduate with two degrees:

• A degree from IUON
• A degree from the U.S. or Canadian partner school

Curriculum

The IUON curriculum prepares students to function on a beginning level of professional nursing in a dynamic society.  The program provides a basis for advanced study.  

Within this context, the faculty members endeavor to provide the student with the experience, which will facilitate: 

• The acquisition and integration of knowledge from the behavioral and physical science through appropriate and selective placement of prerequisites and core course
• The acquisition and applications of professional nursing knowledge
• The development of critical thinking and professional decision making
• The utilization of current research as a means of refining the nursing practice
• An awareness of the present and emerging roles of the professional nurse
• The development of leadership potential and accountability in professional practice
• An awareness of the social and political forces and trends affecting health and health systems.

Academic Calendar

IUON operates on a year round schedule.  Refer to the Academic Calendar for each semester's schedule.

Required Courses

Total Credits:  120

Course list revised: May 26, 2010

Note:  Course list subject to change without advance notice.

Course Descriptions for BSN Program

BIO 101      Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
This course focuses on the study of the organ systems from the perspective of their structure, process, and regulation.  This course specifically deals with the language of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, cells, tissues, integumentary, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and special senses. 45 hours lecture, 45 hours laboratory time. Pre-requisite:  none

BIO 102      Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
This course focuses on the detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of body systems using an integrated approach.  Systems include the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and urinary systems, and embryo/fetal development and pregnancy.  The course will culminate in the understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple systems failure as commonly seen in aging.  45 hours lecture, 45 hours laboratory. Pre-requisite:  BIO 101

BIO 203    Microbiology for Health Sciences (4 credits)
This course addresses the study of microbial life on earth, including microbial cell biology, growth and metabolism, genetics, diversity and evolution, effects on the environment and the interactions between microorganism and high forms of life.  Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between microorganism and humans and current efforts to track and control infectious diseases.  45 hours lecture, 45 hours laboratory time.  Pre-requisite:  none

CHE 101    Chemistry for Health Sciences (4 credits)
This course is a study of selected topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry oriented toward health sciences.  45 hours lecture and 45 hours laboratory time.  Pre-requisite:  none

ENG 101     English Composition (3 credits)
This course focuses on the development of the student’s skill in writing expository prose, using various essay modes and effective essay-writing techniques, emphasizing the conventions of standard written English in academic writing. 45 lecture hours. Pre-requisite:  none

 ENG 102     Composition and Rhetoric (3 credits)
This course focuses on the development of the student’s reading skills, emphasizing research and critical evaluation of scientific reading. This course also reinforces the student’s writing skills by emphasizing expository prose using persuasive argument, cause and effect, problem solving, and a fully documented critical research paper. 45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  ENG 101

EPI 310     Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
This course provides students with an understanding of the core principles of epidemiology of human disease prevention and treatment, with particular emphasis on emerging infectious and blood borne diseases.  Students will develop detailed case studies that demonstrate their application of appropriate scientific principles to community and global health issues. 45 hours lecture. Pre-requisite: none

HCS 352   Healthcare Informatics (3 credits)
Students utilize the latest in healthcare technology to further their understanding of the use of electronic databases, computerized medical records, and medical decision support systems.  Students will be exposed to the applications of technology systems in the monitoring and treatment of emerging and chronic diseases in community populations as well as acute care settings for disease management and palliative care.  45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  none

HCS 451    Global Healthcare Issues (3 credits)
Students will demonstrate advanced understanding of theoretical constructs of human behavior, leadership, organizational dynamics and epidemiology as applied in case studies of major global health issues.  Topics include preventable and emerging new infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases in minority populations, and selected orphan diseases.  45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  none

MTH 105    College Algebra (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Concepts covered includes: linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; Cartesian plane and graphing; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series. 45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite: none

MTH 113    Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to concepts and application of data collection, presentation of data, extraction of useful information from data and the analysis and interpretation of such information. The focus of this course is on the commonly used statistical techniques applicable to specific health care problems and research in the medical field within the context of nursing. 45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  none

NUR 212   Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice (5 credits)
This course is a foundations class which introduces the nursing student to basic principles of nursing science at the baccalaureate level and the professional roles of direct care provider, manager of care, member of the multidisciplinary health care team, as well as an accountable member of the nursing profession. Legal and ethical dimensions of the nursing profession are introduced.  Student accountability and commitment as an active participant in the teaching, learning, and evaluation processes are necessary for successful completion of the course and progression to the next level nursing course. Forty-five (45) hours lecture and ninety hours of clinical/skills laboratory experience are requirements of the course. Pre-requisite:  Completion of Semesters 1 and 2

NUR 231    Health Assessment  (3 credits)
This course presents the basic principles and concepts involved in the assessment of clients across the lifespan, moving from wellness to illness.  Students will apply concepts from anatomy and physiology and the foundations of practice.  15 hours lecture, 30-simulation lab, 45 clinical experience.  Pre-requisite or co-requisite: NUR 212.

NUR 232    Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course provides students with the basic principles of pharmacology and pharmaco-therapeutics so that they are prepared to assume the role of the nurse in drug therapy.  Specific emphasis will be placed on drug classifications and the most common medications used to treat diseases across the lifespan.  Students will learn to utilize internet-based resources for researching pharmaco-therapeutic and herbal/ over the counter medications.  45 hours lecture.  Pre-requisite or Co-requisite:  NUR 212

NUR 233    Nutrition (3 credits)
This course builds upon the psychology of human behavior, physiology and biochemistry to provide the student with a foundation of knowledge in nutrition science.  Students will apply these principles to individuals in designing plans for healthy growth and development across the lifespan and to population issues such as obesity and chronic diseases.  45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  none

NUR 303         Pathophysiology (3 credits)
This course focuses on the physical and chemical processes within the human body that can lead to disease, injury or death of an individual.  Emphasis is on the adolescent through elderly lifespan.  The student will focus on the human response to altered levels of function related to diseases, formulation of nursing diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. 45 hours lecture.  Pre-requisite:  NUR 212, NUR 231. Co-requisite: NUR 312

NUR 311    Family Dynamics (3 credits)
This course explores the dynamics of family function during times of crisis, stress, or when behavioral health conditions affect one or more family members.  Students will explore assessment models for use with diverse family populations and review communication techniques that facilitate relationship building. The course also focuses on the relational and therapeutic aspects of viewing the family as a unit of care. Special family situations such as substance abuse, emotional or physical handicaps, chronic illness, and terminal illness will be discussed. 45 lecture hours.  Prerequisite: PSY 102

NUR 312    Care of the Adult in the Acute Care Setting I (6 credits)
This course prepares the nursing student for the care of clients in various health care settings across the lifespan.  The course is comprised of didactic and clinical components.  The didactic portion provides the student with the theoretical foundation of nursing practice, and the clinical component affords the student the opportunity to practice the art and science of nursing in acute settings such as hospitals, clinical care centers, as well as community settings such as long-term are and primary care clinics.  Students msut demonstrate the ability to think critically utilizing knowledge from the life and social sciences and humanities, as demonstrated in case reports.  45 hours lecture, 135 hours clinical experience.  Pre-requisite:  NUR 212, NUR 231, NUR 232

NUR 313     Mental Health Nursing (5 credits)
This course teaches students to apply and integrate the concepts of therapeutic communication, and therapeutic use of self within the context of the nurse-client relationship.  This course focuses on the nursing care of individuals and families with mental health issues throughout the lifespan.  Mental wellness is viewed in relation to client education, growth and development.  Consideration of cultural, ethical, and spiritual influences in relation to mental health issues is emphasized. Nursing students will focus on integrating the biological, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of clients with moderate to severe emotional issues. 45 hours lecture, 90 hours lab and clinical experience.  Pre-requisite: PSY 102, NUR 212

NUR 314     Community Health and Disaster Preparedness (5 credits)
Students will apply the principles of population health and epidemiology in both individual and family case studies, as well as in disaster scenarios.  Students will discuss disease prevention in the context of emerging global diseases, as well as within the constraints of personal and national financial resources.  30 hours lecture, 90 hours clinical/simulation experience.  Pre-requisite:  NUR 212. Co-requisite: EPI 310

NUR 315    Nursing Research (3 credits)
This course will provide students with the principles of research, including the structure, methods, ethics and procedures.  Students will explore both theory-testing and theory-generating research and the appropriate methodologies for them.  Certification in Protection of human subjects’ web-based education from the N.I.H. will be completed by students. 45 hours lecture.  Pre-requisite: None

NUR 317      Nursing Care of the Child-bearing Family (5 credits)
This course presents the principles and concepts, as well as the clinical support, to care for clients and their families during childbearing.  The health processes of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-partum periods, as well as selected high risk or unhealthy processes, are presented.  Emphasis is placed upon normal physiology and pathophysiology as the basis for clinical decision-making in the care of obstetric patients in both the ambulatory and acute care settings. 45 hours lecture, 90 hours clinical experience.  Pre-requisite: NUR 231, NUR 312

NUR 356    Nursing Theory (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to knowledge-based care, critical thinking and reasoning based on nursing theory. Grounded in the experience of nursing as a caring, practice profession creating the art and science of nursing, students will be introduced to a variety of nursing frameworks, models, and theorists. The concepts of person, health, nursing, environment, caring and transitions will be explored. Students will be guided into examining a nurse theorist and how it compares and contrasts to their personal philosophy of nursing. 45 hours lecture. Pre-requisite: None

NUR 357    Nursing Theory and Research (3 credits)
This course will focus on nursing theory, nursing research, and evidence-based practice as applied to clinical nursing practice. The students will have the opportunity to critique and evaluate nursing theory and research and apply them to the development of their own unique practice theory, and research proposal. Middle-range theories will be identified and studied within the research process. Students will also explore patterns and processes for acquiring knowledge, evolving ethical principles, and its application to the role of the professional nurse. 45 lecture hours. Pre-requisite: None

NUR 402    Care of the Adult in the Acute Care Setting II (6 credits)
Students will gain experience in working with adults in the acute care setting, as well as the families of acutely ill individuals.  Clinical experience will include palliative and end of life care. Students will be expected to plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive plans of care including principles of pharmacology, nutrition, pathophysiology, and psycho-social aspects of care.  The student will also provide client and family education that is individualized to the specific client situation:  15 clinical conference hours, 225 hours clinical experience.  Pre-requisite:  NUR 312

NUR 403    Pediatric Nursing (5 credits)
This course presents the principles and concepts as well as the clinical support to care for the well/ ill child and family.  Students will use family systems theory in the development of comprehensive plans of care for the newborn through adolescence, with an emphasis on disease and injury prevention, nutrition, assessment and treatment of common pathologic conditions and disorders of development.  These principles will also be applied to families with special needs.  45 hours lecture, 90 hours clinical experience.  Pre-requisite:  NUR 312

NUR 404      Leadership and Management (5 credits)
This course prepares nursing students for clinical practice as a registered nurse at the bachelor’s degree level. The student will assume the role of nurse manager/ clinical leader.  Whenever possible, nursing students may spend additional hours in their chosen specialty field.  30 hours conference with faculty mentors, 45 hours clinical experience.  Pre-requisite or co-requisite:  NUR 402.

NUR 458    Nursing Specialty Practice (2credits)
Nursing students will have the opportunity to develop their role within their chosen specialty practice with guidance from faculty mentors.  15 hours conference with faculty mentors, 135 hours clinical experience.   Pre-requisite or co-requisite:  NUR 402.

NUR 459    Senior Seminar (6 credits)
Nursing students are provided the opportunity to utilize theory, practicum and evidenced-based research as the foundation of an in-depth focused practicum experience at a senior level. The purpose of the capstone experience is to help students gain confidence in time management, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, documentation and psychomotor skills under the direct supervision of clinical preceptors. Pre-requisite or co-requisite: NUR 458   
 
PSY 101    Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
This course introduces the student to the scientific study of behavior, principles of motivation, emotions, perception, learning, memory, thinking, personality and biological basis of behavior.  The course introduces basic concepts of developmental psychology. 45 hours lecture.  Pre-requisite:  none

PSY 102    Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
This course provides the student with a comprehensive overview of human development.  Topics highlight the major milestones at each developmental stage from conception to death. The course explores the mechanisms of adjustment and adaptation to the problems of everyday life and looks at effective coping strategies that are functional at every stage of the life cycle.  45 lecture hours.  Pre-requisite:  PSY 101

SPA 101 Beginning Spanish (3 credits) Elective
This course is designed to introduce university students to the basics of the Spanish language with the goal of having students reach the intermediate-low proficiency level according to ACTFL (American Council on the teaching of Foreign Languages) guidelines. By the end of this course, students should be able to handle a variety of communicative tasks in Spanish by using the language in straightforward social situations. Students should also be able to spell words and write simple sentences and explanations using grammatically correct language and proper verb conjugations. 45 hours lecture.  Pre-requisite: None

SPA 126    Spanish for Health Care Professionals (3 credits) Elective
This course has been specially designed for student nurses who want to learn basic phrases, grammar, and vocabulary in Spanish related to health care.  The areas of focus for the course include beginning conversational Spanish focusing on health, pronunciation and basic grammar, basic vocabulary related to healthcare and culturally competent care for Hispanic patients.  45 hours lecture. Pre-requisite:  None.

SPC 103    Principles of Speaking and Listening (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the basic skills necessary to succeed in public speaking situations: preparing and practicing, using verbal and nonverbal communication cues effectively, and giving and receiving constructive criticism. 45 lecture hours.
Pre-requisite:  None