Nursing at Aquinas College

Nursing Major (BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Grand Rapids. The University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit Mercy), Aquinas College and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s have partnered to bring the Detroit Mercy BSN degree to West Michigan.

The curriculum is built upon a foundation of liberal arts and theoretical sciences. Liberal arts/general education and nursing courses will be offered at Aquinas College. The curriculum is equivalent to the University of Detroit BSN pre-licensure program. It requires four years of study, including all class work at Aquinas taught by Aquinas College and Detroit Mercy faculty, and clinical experience at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s facilities throughout West Michigan.

Detroit Mercy provides credits in all the nursing and support courses, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Aquinas provides credits in liberal arts and science courses which have been approved by the Detroit Mercy Core Curriculum Committee. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Detroit Mercy. This unique partnership has been approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the NLNAC.

University Core Curriculum. All undergraduate degree students at Detroit Mercy are required to fulfill the objectives of the University’s Core Curriculum. The curriculum consists of courses designed to meet objectives which ensure that students receive an overall education consistent with the mission of the University.

  • BY155: Anatomy/Physiology 1 & lab
  • CY140 General Organic and Biochemistry
  • MS111: Intermediate Algebra
  • GE101 Inquiry and Expression
  • PG100: Introduction to Psychology
  • NUR1000: Freshman Success
  • OB5A History objective
  • BY156: Anatomy/Physiology 2&lab
  • SY101: Introduction to Sociology
  • CN101 Speech
  • PH101 Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
  • NUR1010 Freshman Success
  • BYN230 Microbiology and Lab
  • NUR3380 Pathophysiology
  • NUR2100 Introduction to Nursing Practice In Mercy and Jesuit Traditions
  • KN252: Nutrition
  • OB5B Objective
  • PG380 Lifespan Developmental for Health Services
  • NUR2200: Health Assessment and Physical Examination
  • NUR2500: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
  • NUR2520: Fundamental Skills lab
  • NUR2540: Fundamental of Practicum
  • HLH2550: Population Health & Epidemiology
  • NUR2120: Nursing Informatics
  • NUR3100: Mental Health Nursing
  • NUR3150: Mental Health Practicum
  • NUR3200: Med/Surg1 Nursing
  • NUR3210: Med/Surg1 Practicum
  • NUR3300: Pharmacology 1
  • PH244 Medical Ethics
  • OB4B Religion
  • NUR3310: Pharmacology II
  • NUR3800: Maternal Child Nursing
  • NUR3810: Maternal Child Practicum
  • NUR4226 Applied Statistics for Nursing
  • NUR4100 Pediatric Nursing
  • NUR4150 Pediatric Nursing Practicum
  • NUR3700 Med-Surg II
  • NUR3750 Med-Surg II Practicum
  • NUR4300 Community Health Nursing
  • NUR4350: Community Health Nursing Practicum
  • NUR4500: Nursing Research & EBP
  • NUR4600 Nursing Leadership
  • NUR4650 Nursing Leadership Immersion
  • NUR4755 Professional Practice from Mercy and Jesuit Perspectives
  • OB4C 2nd Religion or philosophy
  • OB5C objective
  • NUR4652 Senior Seminar

Total Credits: 126
Supportive core MUST earn C or better in these courses in order to progress. The supportive core courses are:

  • CY140
  • BY155 (NL)
  • BY156
  • BYN230
  • KN252
  • PG100
  • PG380
  • MS111
  • SY101
  • PH244

Nursing core - must earn C or higher in all Nursing (NUR) courses.

There are other requirements in addition to course work.

The above courses with a BIO, BYN, HLH or NUR designation are Detroit Mercy courses. Descriptions and credit for these courses are provided through the Detroit Mercy.

Courses

  • BYN230 Microbiology for the Health Sciences (4)

    Pre-requisites: BY155, BY156.

  • NUR1000 Freshman Success Seminar I: Developing the Skills You Need to Succeed in the Traditional BSN Program (0)

    The purpose of this course is to assist freshman nursing students in successfully transitioning from high school to higher education. This course focuses on 1) developing strong study, organizational, and coping skills; 2) familiarizing the student with university and department resources to aid in their academic success; and 3) increasing the student’s engagement in the McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) during their freshman year when they complete foundational science courses, but otherwise are not enrolled in core nursing courses. Past research has shown that students are most successful when they feel connected and supported both academically and socially during their educational experience, particularly their first year (Tinto, 1993; Jeffries, 2004; Stokes, 2013; Strayhorn, 2008). There are typically six large group sessions purposely scheduled over the entire academic year during times that do not interfer with the required Freshman class schedule in order to facilitate attendance and participation. Students will also be assigned small group “learning circles,” which will allow them to get to know several peers in a more personal way and establish a circle of support. Part I focuses on study habits, stress management and test taking.

  • NUR1010 Freshman Success Seminar II:Developing the Skills You Need to Succeed in the Traditional BSN Program (0)

    The purpose of this course is to assist freshman nursing students in successfully transitioning from high school to higher education. This course focuses on 1) developing strong study, organizational, and coping skills; 2) familiarizing the student with university and department resources to aid in their academic success; and 3) increasing the student’s engagement in the McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) during their freshman year when they complete foundational science courses, but otherwise are not enrolled in core nursing courses. Past research has shown that students are most successful when they feel connected and supported both academically and socially during their educational experience, particularly their first year (Tinto, 1993; Jeffries, 2004; Stokes, 2013; Strayhorn, 2008). There are typically six large group sessions purposely scheduled over the entire academic year during times that do not interfere with the required Freshman class schedule in order to facilitate attendance and participation. Part II focuses on developing professional contacts, behaviors, and networking for success; as well as academic and career planning.

  • NUR2100 Introduction to Nursing Practices in Mercy and Jesuit Traditions (2)

    This course focuses on the development of self-awareness and person centered care for nurses graduating in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions. Students are taught the meaning of Mercy and Jesuit care, health of people and safety & quality issues. In addition, the concepts of person centered care, communication, evidenced based practices, art of nursing and teamwork and collaboration are addressed. Development of a philosophy in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions of care in a professional nursing role is approached from a perspective of historical tradition, spirituality, social justice, reflective thinking and a values-centered professional education. An introduction to servant leadership with service to the community is included. Prerequisites: PG100

  • NUR2520 Nursing Skills Lab (1)

    This laboratory course emphasizes development of psychomotor skills necessary to maintain or improve the health of people. Underlying scientific principles and evidence to support effectiveness of procedures are discussed. Critical thinking skills are challenged to recognize and react to unexpected situations when carrying out skills and procedures.

    Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • MS1010
    • MS1040
    • CY156
    • PG100
    • GE101
    • BY155
    • BY156
    • SY101

    Corequisites: NUR 2500, NUR 2540

  • NUR3100 Mental Health Nursing (3)

    This course provides the theoretical base to prepare nurses to become competent (synergy) to meet the mental health and psychiatric needs of people. The interrelationship between the physical, mental & spiritual characteristics of patients (synergy) is examined. Social justice from a Mercy and Jesuit perspective in addition to safety & quality issues related to adult mental health patients are explored within the framework of health care delivery systems. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently:)

    • NUR2200
    • NUUR2500
    • NUR2520
    • NUR2540
    • PG380

    Corequisites: NUR3150

  • NUR3150 Mental Health Nursing Practicum (2)

    During this clinical course, students practice learned mental health theories in clinical settings under the supervision of clinical instructors. Leadership and systems thinking concepts are expanded and practiced in the mental health clinical setting. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR2540
    • NUR2200
    • NUR2500
    • NUR2520
    • NR2540
    • PG380

    Corequisites: NUR3100

  • NUR3200 Medical Surgical Nursing I (3)

    This course is the first of a two semester medical surgical sequence. Emphasis is placed upon assessment and management of physical and psychological symptoms related to common diseases and treatments and anticipation and management of health-related complications. Social, physical, psychological, and spiritual responses of the individual throughout the course of illness will be addressed.

  • NUR3210 Medical Surgical Nursing I Practicum (2)

    This clinical experience integrates principles from nutrition, pharmacology, pathophysiology and nursing science to provide a foundation for clinical judgement and decision making. Emphasis is placed on application of the nursing process to individuals with common/recurring acute and chronic illnesses. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR2200
    • NUR2500
    • NUR2520
    • NUR2540

    Corequisites: NUR3200

  • NUR3300 Pharmacology I (2)

    This course is the beginning of a two semester sequence focusing on preparing nursing students with a foundation of the basic principles and concepts of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. Major drug categories will be presented as they relate to the management and treatment of specific disease states discussed in other nursing courses within the same semester. The course will assist the student in outlining: drug classes, therapeutic uses, general and adverse side effects, as well as drug interactions. Implications associated with the administration, monitoring, access to medications, and nursing interventions are incorporated. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR2100
    • NUR2120
    • NUR2200
    • NUR2500
    • NUR2520
    • NUR2540
  • NUR3310 Pharmacology II (2)

    This course is the second part of a two semester sequence focusing on preparing nursing students with a foundation of the basic principles and concepts of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. Major drug categories will be presented as they relate to the management and treatment of specific disease states discussed in other nursing courses within the same semester. The course will assist the student in outlining: drug classes, therapeutic uses, general and adverse side effects, as well as drug interactions. Implications associated with the administration, monitoring, and nursing interventions are incorporated. Prerequisites: NUR 3300 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

  • NUR3700 Medical Surgical Nursing II (3)

    This course is the second of a two semester medical surgical sequence. Prerequisites: (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR3100
    • NUR3150
    • NUR3200
    • NUR3210
    • NUR3300

    Corequisites: NUR 3750

  • NUR3750 Medical Surgical Nursing II Practicum (2)

    This clinical experience uses principles from psychiatric nursing, adult health nursing, pharmacology, pathophysiology and the social sciences to provide a foundation for clinical judgment and decision making. Application of the nursing process is emphasized in acute care. In addition to addressing the care of individuals, students will engage in collaboration, delegation, and prioritization skills. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR3100
    • NUR3150
    • NUR3200
    • NUR210
    • NUR3300

    Corequisites: NUR3700

  • NUR3800 Maternal Child Nursing (3)

    This course provides the knowledge and conceptual base for nursing care of women and their families in childbearing and across the lifespan in both health and illness dimensions from a Mercy and Jesuit perspective. The course will focus on the characteristics of women and their childbearing health while developing leadership skills and systems thinking within obstetrical health care settings. Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR3100
    • NUR3150
    • NUR3200
    • NUR3210
    • NUR3300

    Corequisites: NUR3810

  • NUR3810 Maternal Child Nursing Practicum (2)

    During this clinical course, students practice learned obstetrical theories in clinical settings under the supervision of clinical instructors. Leadership and systems thinking concepts are further expanded and practiced in women’s health clinical settings Prerequisites: (NOTE: Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    • NUR3100
    • NUR3150
    • NUR3200
    • NUR3210
    • NUR3300
    • Corequisites: NUR3800 
  • NUR4226 Applied Statistics for Nursing (3)

    This course introduces statistical methods used for the analysis of data relevant to nursing. The course also provides a foundation such that students can read and interpret statistics in written research reports.