Kerrie Kimbrow, AdventHealth Endowed Chair; Marcia Azevedo, RN-BSN Program Director; Kathy Davis, Lakicia Foster, Terri Gibson, Elisane Grellmann-Almeida, Shawna McNeily, Rima Seaman, Simangele Tshuma
Flavia Illingworth, Office Manager/Pre-Nursing Advisor
Sheri Denny, Clinical Coordinator
Preparing nurses to care, serve, and change communities through excellence and a Christ-centered world view.
To be premier leaders in innovation who are influential community partners and champions of accessible nursing education grounded in faith and scholarship.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Southwestern Adventist University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Southwestern Adventist University is fully approved by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas, George H. W. Bush State Office Building, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, TX 78701, 512-305-7400.
Provides a foundation for understanding terminology used by health care providers. The course is designed so students can easily apply and process the language of medicine correctly in the health care setting. (Also taught as ALHE 112).
Introduces the LVN to core concepts of the SWAU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Builds on knowledge and clinical experience of the LVN, providing essential learning in more advanced nursing concepts and patient care applied to the role of a bachelor’s-prepared nurse. Case study with care map design provides application of learning. 1 Theory
Acceptance into the LVN to B.S.N. Program
Structured learning experiences engage students in physical assessment theory and practice. Students conduct health histories and full- and focused-assessments of all body systems. Teaching methods include lecture, skill demonstration, hands-on practice, and written and skill competency exams. 3 Theory
Acceptance into the nursing program.
Introduces fundamental nursing concepts, emphasizing patient safety and quality care. Students acquire basic nursing skills to implement care for adult patients, integrating clinical practice focused on foundational skills. Content includes developing effective communication with patients and nursing staff, recognizing the professional role of the nurse, and applying the nursing process to meet basic human needs. 4 Theory 2 Clinical/Lab
Acceptance into the Nursing program
Examines healthy aging and unique health-related needs of older adults. Emphasis on health promotion, disease and disability prevention, and introduction to end-of-life processes. A whole-person wellness project provides a culmination of health promotion application in the elderly population. 3 Theory
Acceptance into the Nursing Program
Explores the physiological changes associated with diseases, disorders, and injuries, to understand the implications of disruption of normal body functions. Examines cellular responses to injury, inflammation, and immune system dysfunction, and the pathophysiology of major organ systems. Identifies key symptoms, complications, and compensatory mechanisms of various disease processes and conditions. 3 Theory
All 200 level nursing courses, LVN to BSN student, or permission of instructor
Provides opportunities for the LVN to BSN student to integrate concepts of medical-surgical nursing and application of the nursing process in providing interventions for adults with commonly occurring diseases. Emphasis is on basic health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention. 3 Theory
Acceptance into LVN to BSN program
Introduces concepts of medical-surgical nursing and application of the nursing process in providing interventions for adults with commonly occurring diseases. Emphasis is on basic health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention. Clinical experiences in medical and perioperative settings promote clinical judgment and application of basic professional values in the role of a generalist nurse. 3 Theory, 2 Clinical/ Lab
Introduces foundational principles of pharmacology, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics. Includes exploration of major drug classifications, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, effects on various body systems, and the critical role of nurses in ensuring safe and effective drug administration. Emphasis on medication safety, patient education, and nursing responsibilities in pharmacological interventions across diverse healthcare settings. 3 Theory
All 200 level nursing courses, LVN to BSN student, or permission of instructor.
Applies the nursing process to the care of children and their families, focusing on growth and development, disease prevention, and illness management in hospital and community settings. Covers complex pediatric health conditions, including congenital and acquired disorders, to enhance clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. Clinical experiences promote application of theoretical knowledge while developing essential nursing skills. 3 Theory, 1 Clinical/Lab
Introduces the importance of research to clinical practice. Students develop competencies in understanding research, appraising quality, and integrating research as a scientific basis for nursing practice. Includes development of clinical questions and design of an evidence-based project.
All 200 level nursing courses, or permission of the instructor.
Expands on foundational concepts of medical-surgical nursing, advancing the application of the nursing process and evidence-based standards in the care of patients with acute health conditions and co-morbidities. Clinical experiences with increasing acuity adult medical and surgical patients promote advancing proficiency with application of the nursing process, strengthening clinical judgment. Reinforces professional responsibilities, ethical principles, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes. 3 Theory 2 Clinical/Lab
All 200 level nursing courses, NURS 313, NURS 314 or NURS 315, and NURS 317
Prepares students to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies by developing critical skills in risk assessment, crisis intervention, and emergency management. Examines the principles of disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation across various settings. Enhances interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based strategies to coordinate emergency interventions, resource allocation and utilization of basic skills necessary to aid disaster relief efforts.
All 200 and 300 level nursing courses, or permission of the instructor
Applies advanced medical and surgical content, with emphasis on complex disease processes and critical care interventions, preparing students to care for adults with complex and multi-system health conditions in critical care settings. In clinical experiences, students refine clinical judgment and fully implement the nursing process. Emphasizes collaboration within the interdisciplinary healthcare team and personal professional accountability. 3 Theory, 1 Clinical/Lab
All 200 and 300 level nursing courses
Provides theoretical learning to support clinical practice as a generalist, in mental health nursing care. Focus is on patient and family-centered psychiatric nursing care that integrates principles of behavioral theory, pathophysiology of mental illnesses across the lifespan, and critical facets of therapeutic communication. Clinical experiences support interdisciplinary collaboration to augment understanding of legal, ethical, physiological, psychosocial, self-regulation, and safety concepts associated with the management of mental illnesses. 3 Theory 1 Clinical/Lab
All 200 and 300 nursing courses
Introductory exploration of women’s and newborn health, including comprehensive care of childbearing families. Focus is on maternal and newborn care, health promotion, disease prevention, and addressing alterations in health and wellness. Incorporates concepts from previous nursing courses in the implementation of the nursing process, utilizing clinical judgment and professional values. 3 Theory 1 Clinical/Lab
All 200 and 300 level nursing courses
Integrates advanced medical and surgical principles, including trauma care, with pharmacological, pathophysiological, and critical care concepts to manage complex adult conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes. Applies clinical judgment and ethical principles in advanced utilization of the nursing process. Values interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care strategies in high acuity situations. 2 Theory
All 200 and 300 level courses;
Integrates professional nursing values, general leadership and management concepts for application to general nursing practice. Students engage in activities that facilitate accountability and wellness principles, to include resume preparation and a mock interview to prepare students for nursing job acquisition.
All 200 and 300 level nursing courses
Introductory exploration of health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction in the context of community-based health care across the lifespan. Emphasizes whole-person wellness, social determinants of health, and interprofessional collaboration in diverse healthcare settings to address population-based health challenges. Integrates clinical experiences in community-based healthcare settings, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts, engage with diverse populations, and develop skills in population-focused care. 2 Theory, 1 Clinical/lLab
All 300 level nursing courses, or permission of the instructor
Culminating course in the final semester that provides a comprehensive review of nursing across the lifespan. Students engage in robust synthesis, reflection, and review of content and concepts taught throughout the nursing program to prepare for NCLEX-RN success. The clinical preceptorship is an individualized experience in an area of nursing practice specific to student preference. Students engage in direct care with professional accountability and full patient responsibility during a series of precepted shifts in a healthcare facility. 2 Theory, 2 Clinical/Lab
Subject of study is selected in conference between student and faculty member. Course requirements may consist of independent study, precepted clinical experiences and/or research. Content and behavioral objectives must be approved. Student must submit a signed Independent Class form, available on the SWAU website, to the Vice President for Academic Administration. Request must be approved and submitted to the Records Office by the last day to add a class. May be repeated.
Permission of Instructor and VP for Academic Administration
Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval by department chair
Explores professional values within the context of nursing practice. Focusing on essential elements that support a culture of excellence in care delivery. Emphasis is on evidence-based professional concepts that promote health and wholistic nursing practice. Taken as a first course in the RN to BSN program sequence.
Online only.
For the RN to BSN Student, or permission of the instructor. Must be taken as a first course in the RN to BSN program.
Enhance the RN to BSN student’s ability to perform comprehensive and focused health assessments tailored to client’s healthcare needs. Emphasis is on the professional nurse’s role in assessment for health promotion, illness and injury prevention, and the management of acute and chronic healthcare concerns.
Online only.
Acceptance into the RN-BSN program
Explores the process of aging from a whole-person perspective, addressing the older adults’ unique physical, mental, spiritual, and sociocultural needs. Consideration is given to political, legal, social, economic, ethical, and end-of-life factors. Emphasis is on the application of evidence-based practice concepts that support individualized healthy aging.
Online only.
Acceptance into RN-BSN Program.
Emphasizes the development of foundational competencies in appraising research to build a scientific knowledge base for nursing practice. The process of formulating clinically-based questions for evidence-based practice is examined and an evidence-based project is implemented.
Online only.
Acceptance into RN-BSN Program.
Provides an in-depth discussion of the integration of pharmacology principles with pathophysiologic conditions. Emphasis is placed on the role of the professional nurse in administering, monitoring, and evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacologic agents in selected pathological processes.
Online Only
Acceptance into RN-BSN Program.
Integrates leadership and management theories and concepts relevant to a Christian perspective on professional nursing, considering legal, ethical, moral, and sociocultural factors influencing healthcare practice. Emphasis is placed on topics related to professional responsibilities within unit, organizational, community, and societal settings.
Online Only
For the RN to BSN Student, or permission of the instructor.
Provides an overview of the policy and economic factors that shape healthcare delivery. with an emphasis on recognizing of healthcare disparities and understanding the role of professional nurses in influencing policy decisions at local, state, regional, and national levels.
Online Only
For the RN to BSN Student, or permission of the instructor.
Introduces population health concepts with emphasis on health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention in the context of whole-person wellness. Interprofessional collaboration and focus on the social and environmental determinants of health provide the framework for addressing community-level assessment and intervention strategies. Students will engage in a service-oriented community project in partnership with healthcare providers.
2 Theory, 1 Clinical/Lab
Online Only
For the RN to BSN Student, or permission of the instructor.
Focuses the RN-BSN student on integration of new knowledge gained in RN-BSN curriculum with career-related clinical practice. A professional portfolio is developed to demonstrate the application of knowledge from at least three (3) RN-BSN courses to nursing practice. 3 Credits (2 Theory, 1 Clinical).
For the RN-BSN Student, with permission of the instructor.
Focuses on the RN-BSN student on the integration of new knowledge gained in RN-BSN curriculum with career-related clinical practice. A professional portfolio is developed to demonstrate the continued growth beyond NURS 460 in the application of knowledge to the nursing practice. 3 Credits (2 Theory, 1 Clinical).
For the RN-BSN Student, with permission of the instructor.
