Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Trinity College’s highly-respected Bachelor, Associate and Certificate programs focus on the development of the critical thinking and practical skills necessary for entry level into today’s fast-changing health-care workforce. Our degree and certificate programs enjoy a long-held reputation for excellent clinical education. Early in the educational process, comprehensive theory is combined with hands-on clinical experience with patients. This allows for the immediate application of classroom knowledge in real settings, giving context and meaning to the academic experience.

Students work with some of the most technologically-advanced equipment in the medical field, both in simulation and in real clinical settings. Additionally, they develop problem-solving abilities, communication skills and the facility to work within a team environment that will take them into the workforce with competence and confidence.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN) is a completion program offering advanced education for the graduate of an associate degree or diploma nursing program. The two-year program of study combines didactic and preceptored clinical nursing courses and general education courses. The Program prepares professional nurses to function as providers, managers, and leaders of direct and indirect comprehensive care in a variety of health care systems. The care is provided for diverse individual, families, groups, and communities.

Graduates function as collaborative members within the discipline of nursing and the inter-disciplinary health care team. Expanded knowledge of communication, culture, leadership and management, critical thinking, therapeutic nursing and system interventions, legal-ethical and teaching-learning principles, standardized languages, and computer information are integrated into nursing practice.

Graduates critique research findings for utilization, are aware of current trends, understand historical and political influences, and anticipate future patterns. Education is emphasized as a major nursing function when providing/directing care for both health promotion and illness management.

Graduates demonstrate the knowledge, proficiency, and cultural competence of an educated person, including the ability to synthesize general and professional education and experience. The Baccalaureate Program further reinforces accountability for life-long learning and professional career development. Graduates practice in diverse nursing roles, including leadership and management positions, and provide knowledgeable and competent nursing care across many health-related settings.

BSN PROGRAM GOALS

Knowledge
* Synthesize knowledge from the natural and social sciences, humanities and nursing to provide and evaluate holistic nursing care
* Integrate the nursing process to assist families, groups, and communities with a variety of complex and critical health needs and problems
* Analyze the impact of past, current, and future trends and issues on the delivery of nursing care and health care organizations and systems

Proficiency
* Incorporate evidence-based practice for delivering and evaluating nursing practice and outcomes
* Collaborate as a member of the interdisciplinary health care term to manage comprehensive care for individuals, families, groups, and communities
* Communicate appropriately, accurately, and effectively to meet comprehensive needs of diverse groups
* Evaluate health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention modalities for use in a variety of settings

Culture Care Values
* Integrate cultural care values (preservation, accommodation, restructuring) when providing nursing care to individuals, families, groups, and communities
* Evaluate nursing within the framework of regulatory and professional standards, values and codes

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Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences Nursing School Location

Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences Courses

MATH FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
Mathematical accuracy is a crucial component of modern nursing. This course will help the student become comfortable with medication and IV calculations. The course is designed specifically to help students improve their basic math skills and apply those skills to clinical practice. The course will offer step-by-step rules, explanations and examples, followed by practice problems and exercises that test and reinforce the student’s knowledge. Required if Math competency is not met.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF NURSING PRACTICE
The Art and Science of Nursing Practice presents didactic concepts and clinical/laboratory practice and clinical experiences emphasizing therapeutic nursing interventions, cultural awareness, technical nursing skills, and knowledge basic to nursing practice. Also discussed is the history of mental health nursing and contemporary practice, including practice models. Learning unfolds from the wellness/illness continuum emphasizing health promotion and holistic care. Learning focuses on assessment of basic human needs, including physiological needs such as hygiene, nutrition, oxygenation and urinary/bowel elimination and psychosocial needs such as self-esteem, spirituality, culture, and sexuality. The nursing process is utilized for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluations and teaching of the client and family. The concepts of caring, culturally competent care and various nursing roles are presented. Common health problems as they relate to mobility, sensory perception, and stress and adaptation are discussed. Basic health assessment, critical thinking/reflective thinking skills and techniques of medication administration are presented and practiced. The tasks associated with the development of a therapeutic interpersonal relationship are emphasized. Therapeutic communication skills will be practiced in the lab and clinical setting. Legal, professional standards and ethical principles related to nursing, the rights of clients and families, and the importance of the Illinois Nursing Practice Act and Rules are emphasized. In addition to the learning laboratory, clinical experiences occur in skilled nursing and acute care client settings.

ADULT HEALTH NURSING
This course builds on the knowledge and skills from Nursing 101, the Art and Science of Nursing Practice, and the initial Anatomy and Physiology course. Adult Health Nursing presents didactic concepts and clinical experiences to allow the student to apply the nursing process to the care of the adult client who is experiencing common health problems that are acute or chronic in nature as well as to clients with acute and chronic mental health needs and problems. Mental health problems dealing with cognition, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse are discussed. Learning is directed toward problems requiring therapeutic nursing interventions of a well-defined nature leading toward providing culturally competent care. The client is seen as a valued member of a family, social network, and community. Technical skills such as IV access, urinary catheterization, NG insertion, and dressing changes will be introduced. Interpersonal skills, communication skills (written and oral), family theories, group process and assessment skills are strongly emphasized. Previously learned technical skills will continue to be practiced and refined. Medication administration will continue to be emphasized. The concepts of nutrition, pharmacology, legal and ethical considerations and problem-solving are integrated. The course will introduce the student to the evolving roles of the nurse as a provider and manager of health care and as a member of the health care team. Clinical experience occurs in the acute care, peri-operative, medical surgical skilled nursing, mental health, and community-based health facilities.

HUMAN DISEASE PROCESS
Human Diseases Processes provides the student with a scientific background and understanding of pathophysiology as it relates to the assessment of diverse client populations. The course will emphasize functioning at the cellular level and will augment the student’s ability to correlate various disease states with clinical manifestations, common diagnostic tests and therapeutic, evidence-based nursing interventions. Disease processes such as fluid-electrolyte imbalance, homeostasis, hemodynamics, acid-base imbalance, infective disorders, and immune disorders will be emphasized.

MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Nursing presents didactic concepts and clinical experiences in mental health, as well as providing nursing care to clients with acute and chronic mental health needs and problems. The course provides an opportunity to integrate previous learning from the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and nursing. Mental health problems dealing with cognition, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse are discussed. The nursing process and therapeutic relationships are utilized when providing care for individuals, families, and groups. Interpersonal skills, communication skills, family theories, group process, and assessment skills are strongly emphasized. Legal standards, ethical principles and the impact of culture are integrated. The history of mental health nursing and contemporary practice, including practice models, are discussed. The client is seen as a valued member of a family, social network, and community. Nursing interventions and strategies for maintaining one’s relationships during treatment and critical thinking techniques are employed. Clinical experiences are scheduled for students in inpatient and substance abuse settings, along with community-based health facilities. Emphasis is placed on providing holistic, culturally, congruent, competent care.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSING
This course presents didactic and clinical experiences that emphasize families during pregnancy, childbirth, and childbearing. The nursing process is utilized when giving nursing care to healthy infants, children and families as well as those with health deviations. Culturally sensitive care-giving and cultural maintenance are emphasized. Social, economic, physiological and psychological influences on care are considered. Nutrition, pharmacology, legal standards, ethical principles, problem-solving and communication are emphasized. Physical assessment skills are adapted to maternal and fetal well-being and growth and development of the child. Clinical experiences include the in-hospital maternity and pediatric units as well as selected community settings.

MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING II
This is the first of two Medical Surgical Nursing courses that examine experiences related to adults, families, and groups with complex, acute and chronic health problems. The course examines selected pathophysiologic disorders with a focus on the nursing process, which includes appropriate nursing interventions and therapeutic modalities needed to achieve optimal levels of wellness. This course builds on and applies previous learning from the humanities, behavioral sciences, biological sciences and the art and science of nursing. Course content includes major, acute and chronic health problems related to respiratory and cardiac conditions, digestive and hepatic illness, and aberrant cell growth. Further knowledge of systems, organizing structure, transcultural differences and influences, and staff/family impact on care will be examined. Clinical experiences are in acute care setting and in the community environment where critical thinking skills are enhanced and the acuity level of the clients and the needs of the family or group challenge the nursing student.

MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING III
This is the second of the two Medical Surgical Nursing courses that examine experiences related to adults, families, and groups with complex, acute and chronic health problems. The course examines selected pathophysiologic disorders with a focus on the nursing process, which includes appropriate nursing interventions and therapeutic modalities needed to achieve optimal levels of wellness. This course builds on and applies previous learning from the humanities, behavioral sciences, biological sciences ad the art and science of nursing. Course content includes major, acute and chronic care health problems related to critical care, emergent care and neurological conditions. Further knowledge of physiology, transcultural differences and influences will be examined. Clinical experiences are in the acute care environment where critical thinking skills are enhanced and the acuity level of the clients and the needs of the family or group challenge the nursing student. Case study presentations and reviews will be explored. In addition, the course focuses on the transition of the student into the practice role of the RN. The concepts of leadership and management will be provided and leadership/management skills will be applied in the clinical setting. Transitional testing will be completed in preparation for the national licensing examination.

PHARMACOLOGY
This web-based course is designed to present the principles underlying pharmacology and their relationship to the registered nurse’s role in drug administration. This course builds on nursing skills, math, and the natural sciences (especially knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and microbiology) to explore the concepts of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics. Emphasis is placed on how drugs are utilized and processed in the body, the body’s reaction to these drugs, and potential drug interactions. Further studies of major drug categories will be used with drug prototypes as examples of these basic concepts. The student will apply basic pharmacological principles to new situations in order to improve the effectiveness of drugs and prevent/minimize the complications of drug therapy. Course concepts include the principles of drug action and the nursing process as it applies to the therapeutic use of drugs (including safety and patient education). Web-Assisted.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
The Leadership and Management course presents didactic concepts preparing the student for leadership and management responsibilities. Management concepts discussed include organizational theory and structure, fiscal planning, delegation and managing human and material resources. Strategies for managing a culturally diverse workforce will be explored. Theories of leadership and motivation, as well as conflict management, change theory and persuasion and negotiation will be presented.
Additional concepts of power and authority, nursing care delivery systems, and quality improvement are addressed. The nurse’s role in the interdisciplinary health care team, health care delivery systems, critical thinking strategies, and decision-making processes are discussed and operationalized. Integrated concepts include communication principles and legal and ethical considerations Opportunities and experiences are provided to foster development of leadership abilities and management skills for the learner. Fieldwork study experiences include contributions to a project, which enhances nursing quality, and role exploration of a nursing supervisor, case manager, and staff development nurse.

ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Advanced Health Assessment presents didactic concepts and clinical experiences related to advanced assessment and builds on knowledge from natural and social sciences, humanities, and nursing, including physical health assessment. The student is provided with the opportunity to develop and enhance advanced skills in interviewing and data collection, as well as systematically examining clients who are at various stages in the lifespan. Comprehensive assessment concepts and advanced techniques will be addressed using a systems’ approach. A holistic emphasis to health assessment is used including cognitive, physical, psychological, nutritional, cultural, economic, spiritual and environmental considerations. Students will be provided the opportunity to expand communication skills through in-depth interviews of individuals. The didactic component emphasizes the nurse’s role as a member of the interdisciplinary team in health assessment. Clinical experiences include the learning laboratory and a variety of health care settings. Course expectations include fostering critical thinking and advanced psychomotor skills leading to the course outcome performance of a complete health assessment of an individual.

NURSING INFORMATICS
Nursing Informatics is a didactic course focusing on the use of computer science, information science and nursing science. Documenting, collecting and aggregating of data to make decisions related to culturally competent nursing care of patients will be emphasized. The course focuses on how technology supports clinical practice, research, education and nursing administration. In addition to presentations and discussions, field observation of select clinical and administrative systems will be scheduled along with hands-on practice with graphics, spread sheet and data base applications on personal computers.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
Community Health Nursing is a didactic and clinical course focusing on collaborative strategies to improve the health of populations. Public health concepts such as epidemiology, levels of prevention, and screening are applied to the study of communicable and chronic diseases as well as to the environment. Other major course topics include home care nursing, community and family assessment, provision of culturally appropriate care to aggregates, and the historical and political aspects of nursing roles. The clinical experience includes delivering care to clients in the home.

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN NURSING
This didactic course is designed to foster professionalism and the use of collaborative strategies to address nursing practice issues. Special attention is focused on the evolution of professional nursing and issues that impact current nursing practice. Nursing theorists and their organizing frameworks are presented. Health policy, financing, cultural/social competency and other timely issues will be discussed.

TRANSCULTURAL NURSING
This course examines transcultural nursing concepts, theories and practices in relationship to human caring. Frameworks for performing a cultural assessment and for planning and implementing culturally appropriate nursing care are explored. Cultural influences on beliefs, values, and practices in relation to health, illness, and health-seeking behaviors are examined. This course provides opportunity for Students to reflect on culture in relation to oneself and nursing practice roles.

NURSING RESEARCH
Nursing Research provides an introduction to the theoretical foundation for scientific investigation, the research process, contributions of research to the Nursing Profession, and the impact of research on historical, current, and future trends. Major emphasis is on the application of the research process for use in practice as well as the process of critiquing research. Various types of research and research methods will be addressed. The nurse’s role in research, including the rights and responsibilities toward human subjects and additional legal-ethical concerns are discussed. Evidence based nursing and using research in the practice setting are stressed. Statistical knowledge and qualitative analysis from the required general education math course will be integrated.

SENIOR SEMINAR
This course is designed to demonstrate higher level thinking processes and nursing practice. Concepts from general education and nursing courses in the curriculum will be integrated in a independent student project. Students will review the literature on a self-selected health care delivery issue and then develop, implement, and evaluate a strategy to address that issue. Attainment of the BSN-completion curriculum.

NURSING ELECTIVES

Nursing electives will be offered to non-licensed nursing students and non-nursing students with permission of the instructor. All prerequisites must be met. All non-licensed nursing students and non-nursing students must submit a written request to the course coordinator. The course coordinator will approve or deny the request by writing on the student request. A copy of the written request will be placed in the student’s academic file.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE ISSUES
Women’s Health Care Issues presents an overview of current issues and future trends in women’s health care. This course, building upon previous knowledge of health assessment and therapeutic nursing interventions, will investigate selected cultural, biological, psychological, political, legal-ethical, economic and environmental aspects of health care affecting women. A wellness approach will be the focus of discussing women’s health; however, selected health problems will also be included.

GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
Gerontological Nursing provides the opportunity for the learner to continue building a positive perspective towards the aging process and the older adult. This didactic course focuses on the health promotion and protection of the older adult and includes functions of the interdisciplinary team, individualized care, and evidence based protocols. Health policy, theories of aging and health protection will be explored in addition to cultural dimensions, and polypharmacy. The inter-relatedness of the biophysical and psychosocial alterations and health problems resulting from multisystem alterations will be studied. Settings of care and the future of gerontological nursing will be discussed.

CRITICAL CARE
This elective course provides BSN Program Students, graduates, and other Registered Nurses, with in depth knowledge of the nursing process and legal-ethical challenges to meet the critical needs and problems for clients of all ages, their families, and significant others. Major emphases will be on the critical client’s general systems needs and problems as well as the rationale for specific critical care procedures. The nursing management of these clients requires critical thinking abilities and knowledge of a total body assessments and multi-disciplinary collaboration. General systems theory including cardiac and respiratory; fluids and electrolytes; pharmacology; acid-base; neurological; burns; critical stress, and trauma will be presented. Course faculty recognize a longer clinical orientation period is required for proficiency in critical care nursing. This course will not include specific protocols in critical care units or ACLS certification.

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
This course presents web assisted, classroom, and observational experiences that emphasize the unique aspects of forensic nursing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of specialized topics in clinical forensic practice and pathology, including an overview in collection of data and scientific investigation of injury and death. Culturally sensitive caregiving and cultural maintenancy are emphasized. Social, economic, physiological and psychological influences on care are considered.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Adolescent Health presents an overview of development in the second decade of life. Interactions of adolescents with family, school and society are presented. Major public health issues relevant to adolescents are presented with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion strategies. The effectiveness of public programs and policies is investigated.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES IN NURSING
Historical Perspectives in Nursing provides an overview of the evolution of nursing. Topics presented include: An analysis of the intellectual and societal influences that have shaped nursing values and beliefs; a retrospective look at the heritage of nursing as a profession; and a review of outstanding scholarly achievement throughout the history of nursing.

SPIRITUALITY
This course explores the spiritual dimension of health and healing. Concepts included are: Historical and biblical perspectives on religion and medicine, spirituality and the mind/body/spirit connection, religious doctrines and practices, cultural beliefs and practices, spirituality across the life span, chronic illness and spiritual distress, death, dying and spiritual care. Parish Nursing and spiritual needs in mass casualty disasters will also be addressed.

HEALTH PROMOTION AND PROTECTION
This course presents didactic concepts that emphasize knowledge and interventions to encourage positive health practices to improve the health status of individuals, families, groups and communities. Cultural aspects of health promotion and protection are integrated throughout the course. Health concepts related to primary, secondary and tertiary interventions for health promotion and protection will be discussed. Current health promotion research studies will be examined. Legal and ethical decision making aspects of health promotion and protection will be explored. National health promotion and protection goals and objectives will be studied.

HEREDITY AND HEALTH
This course will provide a brief overview of inheritance patterns, discussion of select genetic disorders, and a review of the influence of heredity on the development of acute and chronic health problems throughout the life span. The effects of environment, culture, and behavior on the genetic make-up of individuals will also be considered.

ETHICAL ISSUES IN NURSING
This course examines the influence of ethical and moral principles of behavior and decision-making in nursing practice. Opportunities are provided in this course to foster development of the ethical decision-making model for nursing practice from a practical approach through case-studies and comparison of institutional practices. This course will heighten awareness of “good” nursing practice, fostering certain ethical decisions, and resulting in an understanding of healthcare issues.

Other nursing schools in Illinois

Rockford College Considering a career in nursing? The Department of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Our BSN program offers two trac... Address: 5050 E. State Street, Blanche Walker Burpee Center

Saint Anthony College of Nursing Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a private, Catholic institution. The College promotes a Christian philosophy in personal, professional and academi... Address: 5658 East State Street

Blessing-Rieman College (College of Nursing) Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing (B-RCN) offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through two joint programs with our partners, C... Address: P.O. Box 7005 11th & Oak

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