Riverland Community College

This is a laboratory science course covering the principles of general, organic and biological chemistry with emphasis on chemical applications in biological systems.  Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory, chemical bonding, organic functional groups, biological chemicals, and metabolic processes.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Basic concepts in biology are covered in the first part of the course including the scientific method, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, cell division, genetics, and DNA structure and function. The second part of the course includes histology and the integumentary system, as well as the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.  Prerequisite: CHEM 1121 or 1202.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, the lymphatic and immune system, digestive system, urinary system, and the reproductive system. Acid-base and fluid balances, human embryology and development are also covered.   Prerequisite:  BIOL 2021. 

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course explores the role of nutrition in promoting, maintaining, and improving the health of the human body. Traditional aspects of nutrition will be studied, as well as emerging issues and nutritional controversies. This course will focus on the science of nutrition, including nutrients and nutritional needs over the lifespan. This course will also cover the application of the principles of nutrition as they relate to individual food choices, health behaviors, public health, wellness, obesity, eating disorders, the use of supplements and botanicals, and the prevention of chronic disease. Issues facing society including food safety and sustainability will also be covered.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This introductory course is designed to provide an overview of major concepts in microbiology. Thematic areas to be studied include prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, prokaryotic metabolism (including growth and nutrition), microbial genetics, microbial classification, isolation, and identification, and microbial roles in the disease process, environment and industry. Laboratory exercises will stress the microscopic study of microorganisms and the application of culturing and identification techniques. An emphasis will be placed on safe laboratory practice. Prerequisites: BIOL 1091 or BIOL 2021 and CHEM 1121 or CHEM 1202
MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT); (4 Cr – 2 lect, 2 lab)

This course provides an in-depth study into the chemical, biological and physiological processes occurring when human homeostasis is disrupted. This course will use systemic and non-systemic approaches to study alterations in health.  Assessments highlighting the cause, diagnosis and treatment of common disease conditions will be utilized.  Prerequisite: BIOL 2022.

      (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to fundamental ethical principles developed throughout the history of philosophy through the study of classical and modern writings. Students are encouraged and challenged to apply such principles to contemporary issues. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on communicating more effectively in personal, social, and professional environments and examining the practical and theoretical aspects of human communication. The course also addresses such topics as self-esteem, listening, effective language, nonverbal communication, perception, disclosure, conflict and cultural communication. Human diversity issues and cultural/intercultural factors and how they affect human communication are examined. Students will also reflect on the role interpersonal process plays in relationships and reflect on individual strengths and weaknesses with regard to personal interpersonal communication.

• MnTC (Goals 1/CM 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse. Nursing is explored as it relates to safe, quality care; scope of practice; human flourishing; teamwork and collaboration; nursing judgement; professional identity; and spirit of inquiry. Ethical-legal standards, basic therapeutic communication methods, principles of risk reduction, best practices, alterations in specific body systems and cultural and developmental concepts are explored to foster formulation of beginning rationales for safe care that promotes client well-being. Basic skill acquisition, data gathering strategies, and application of principles in the clinical setting enable beginning professional identity. Special emphasis is given to the care in the community with populations of patients across the lifespan; this will include the off-campus lab experiences for this course.

• Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program and BIOL 2040. Co-requisites: NURS 1410, NURS 1420, and BIOL 2040.

• (3 Cr – 2.5 lect, 0.5 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 2.5; Off campus lab hours/semester: 24)

This course introduces the following nursing skills: asepsis, medication administration, physical assessment, catheterization, oxygenation, interviewing/health surveys, team- building, informatics, and documentation. Emphasis is placed on safe patient care, using spirit of inquiry to examine evidence and seek new information, RN scope of practice, and integrating sound nursing judgement when providing patient care across the lifespan to a diverse population. This is an on-campus skills lab course.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing Program. Co-requisite: NURS 1400 and NURS 1420.

(2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 0; On campus lab hours/semester: 64)

This course introduces theoretical concepts that enable students to provide safe and effective care related to pharmaceuticals and natural products to diverse client populations across the lifespan. Ethical-legal standards, means to promote human flourishing, principles of risk reduction, best practices, cultural and developmental concepts are explored to enable formulation of beginning rationales for safe care that promotes client well-being. The study of pharmacotherapeutics including pharmaceutical research and regulation, quality and safety, major drug classifications, and clinical management is included.

• Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing Program. Co-requisite: NURS 1400 and NURS 1410.

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 3)

This course is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of the LPN as they transition to the professional role in nursing, with a rural focus. Emphasis is placed on health promotion through the lifespan and incorporates theories/practices related to quality and safety, evidence-based practice, teamwork and collaboration, clinical judgement, communication, assessment, human flourishing, and informatics. Basic skill acquisition, data gathering strategies, and application of principles in the lab/clinical setting enable beginning professional identity. This course will have on-campus skills lab time.

• Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program and BIOL 2040.

• Co-requisites: BIOL 2040.

• (3.5 Cr – 2 lect, 1.5 lab)

• (Lecture hours/week: 2; On campus lab hours/semester: 48)

This course builds on models introduced in NURS 1400, Fundamentals of Nursing. Nursing is discussed as it relates to safe, quality care, scope of practice, human flourishing, personal and professional growth, teamwork, nursing judgment, caring, professional identity and spirit of inquiry. Integration of basic physiological concepts with diagnostic procedures, pharmacotherapeutic agents, common medical treatments, and nutrition are explored. Emphasis is placed on nursing care of clients experiencing chronic illness, mental health illnesses, and/or end of life experiences. Principles of priority setting are examined to facilitate evolving rationales for safe care to promote client wellbeing. Ethical–legal standards, therapeutic communication methods, principles of risk reduction, best practices, and alterations in specific body systems are refined. Lab experiences will be off-campus.

• Prerequisites: NURS 1400, NURS 1410, NURS 1420, NURS 1430 if LPN student, BIOL 2040, BIOL 2050, and SPCH 1200. Co-requisites: NURS 1450, 1460, BIOL 2050, SPCH 1200.

• (5 Cr – 3 lect, 2 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 3; Off campus lab hours/semester: 96)

This course introduces the following nursing skills: intravenous (IV) medication administration, sterile technique/dressing changes, wound management, central venous access device (CVAD) cares, and trach care. Emphasis is placed on safe patient care, using spirit of inquiry to examine evidence and seek new information, professional nurse scope of practice, and integrating sound nursing judgement when providing patient care across the lifespan to a diverse population.

• This skills lab is on-campus.

• Prerequisite: NURS 1400, NURS 1410, and NURS 1420; NURS 1430 for LPNs.

• Co-requisite: NURS 1440 and NURS 1460.

• (2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 0; On campus lab hours/semester: 64)

• This course focuses on a holistic approach to health and physical assessment across the lifespan. Nursing judgement and understanding of developmental, psychological, social-cultural, and environmental influences is emphasized in relation to overall health and well-being. The spirit of inquiry will be used to analyze data from a health history, subjective findings from the interview, and objective physical examination findings. Basic interviewing techniques, physical examination skills, documentation of data, and health teaching methods will be practiced in the lab setting on campus following the RN scope of practice.
• Prerequisites: NURS 1400, NURS 1410, NURS 1420; NURS 1430 for LPNs.
• Co-requisites: NURS 1440 and NURS 1450.
• (1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab) On campus lab hours/semester: 32

This course continues with concepts introduced in NURS 1440, Medical/Surgical Nursing I. The professional nursing role, as it relates to safe, quality care, scope of practice, human flourishing, personal and professional growth, teamwork, nursing judgment, caring, professional identity and spirit of inquiry is applied. Integration of complex physiological concepts with diagnostic procedures, pharmacotherapeutic agents, nutrition, and common medical treatments are explored. Emphasis is placed on nursing care of clients experiencing acute illness experiences with complex physiological and psychological needs. Priority setting principles are integrated to provide safe care and promote client well-being. Ethical–legal standards, therapeutic communication methods, risk reduction principles, evidence-based practices, and alterations in specific body systems continue to be refined. Lab experiences will be off campus.

• Prerequisites: NURS 1440, NURS 1450, NURS 1460, and BIOL 2050, SPCH 1200, BIOL 1070, and PSYC 1240.

• Co-requisites: NURS 2410, BIOL 1070, and PSYC 1105.

• (5.5 Cr – 3.0 lecture, 2.5 lab)

• (Lecture hours/week: 3.0; Off campus lab hours/semester: 120)

This course introduces principles of professional nursing care for individuals within the growing family. Nursing care of family members is explored as it relates to safe, quality care, human flourishing, personal and professional growth, teamwork, nursing judgment, caring, professional identity, scope of practice, and spirit of inquiry. Examination of psychosocial experiences, holism, basic communication, family structure and function, normal and abnormal conditions of pregnancy, health and illness states of children, and the impact of the community on the family is used to formulate rationales for safe care practices that promote the well-being of the individuals and family. Special emphasis is given to the developing family, parents, the pregnant woman, newborns, and children from birth to 18 years. Lab experiences will be both on and off campus.

• Prerequisites: NURS 1440, NURS 1450, and NURS 1460.

• Co-requisites: NURS 2400.

• (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 2; Off campus lab hours/semester: 48)

This course completes the acute care concepts started in NURS 2400 Medical/Surgical Nursing II and also introduces leadership to the professional nursing role. Safe, quality care, scope of practice, human flourishing, personal and professional growth, teamwork, nursing judgment, caring, professional identity and spirit of inquiry are all reviewed in the professional nurse role. This course will focus on transitioning students to the role of the professional nursing graduate. Physiological concepts with diagnostic procedures, pharmacotherapeutic agents, common medical treatments, and nutrition are integrated into patient care. Emphasis is placed on nursing care of clients experiencing acute and traumatic health experiences.
The second half of this course focuses on prioritization, delegation, and supervision of nursing care of clients across the lifespan. Healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environment issues are analyzed. Emphasis is on planning, collaborating and coordinating care for individuals and groups across the care continuum. Lab experiences will be off-campus.

• Prerequisites: NURS 2400, NURS 2410, BIOL 1070, and PSYC 1240.

• Co-requisites: NURS 2430, NURS 2440, or NURS 2450, PHIL 1030.

• (5.5 Cr – 3.0 lecture, 2.5 lab)

• (Lecture hours/week: 3.0; Off campus lab hours/semester: 120)

This elective nursing course provides students additional opportunities to apply nursing theory to clinical nursing practice. The student is required to complete an application and be accepted into the NURS 2430 course, based on clinical site and preceptor availability. The focus of this course is to increase the student’s depth of understanding about the role of the professional nurse as well as master clinical skills. Scope of practice, professional identity, teamwork, nursing judgement, and spirit of inquiry are integrated into this clinical learning experience. Students must have a nurse preceptor in the clinical setting and be supervised by nursing faculty. This course fulfills the clinical requirements for NURS 2420 with addition of 48 clinical hours for NURS 2430. Lab experiences will be off campus.

• Prerequisites: NURS 2400 and NURS 2410.
• Co-requisites: NURS 2420.
• (1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 0; Off campus lab hours/semester: 48)

This course is designed to increase students understanding, awareness, and sensitivity of various cultures within the healthcare community. Providing safe holistic, culturally appropriate care is essential in the nursing profession. Personal cultural beliefs and values will be examined using a spirit of inquiry in order to gain insight to personal bias and how patient care may be affected. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their skills with a practicum experience regionally or abroad.

• Prerequisites: NURS 2400 and NURS 2410. Co-requisites: NURS 2420.

• (1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab) (Lecture hours/week: 0; Off campus lab hours/semester: 48)

This course uses a spirit of inquiry to examine the history and philosophical approaches to complementary therapies, professional and legal issues. Indications and contraindications for use of complementary therapies, as well as some of the practical techniques of complementary therapies will be explored through human flourishing. This course will include complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, meditation, and guided imagery.

• Prerequisites: NURS 2400 and NURS 2410.

• Co-requisites: NURS 2420. (1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)