Program Website: Nursing – Hiram College

BSN Program

The nursing curriculum includes both a major in nursing and an optional minor in biomedical humanities that results in a distinct, academically comprehensive program of study, with the goal of educating a new generation of professional nurses with an education embedded in both the liberal arts and the discipline of nursing. Such an educational foundation prepares one to become a clinically competent, ethically grounded, socially and culturally responsible professional nurse who is prepared to think critically and participate as a leader in the delivery of health and nursing care. In addition to didactic instruction in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and nursing, the program of study includes laboratory and simulation experiences, and study abroad opportunities. It also includes clinical practicum and role-development experiences in a variety of health care settings, including acute care facilities, community and specialty hospitals, long-term care facilities and ambulatory and community health agencies throughout Northeast Ohio. Upon completion of the nursing curriculum, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and will be qualified to apply for licensure as a registered nurse.

Hiram College holds approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Board of Regents for the nursing program. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Hiram College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://ccneaccreditation.org)

For further information about the BSN nursing program, including admission and progression policies, please refer to the nursing program website.

Faculty List

Alexandria L. Boughton, MSN, RN (2025) Instructor of Nursing 

B.S.N., Malone University

M.S.N., Chamberlain University 

Bettelou Keaton, DNP, RN, (2019) Assistant Professor of Nursing 
B.S.N., Kent State University
M.S.N., D.N.P., South University 
keatonba@hiram.edu 

Annie Matz, MSN, RN, (2019) Instructor of Nursing, Simulation Lab Director 
B.S.N., Hiram College
M.S.N., Ohio University 
matza1@hiram.edu 

JACQUELINE A. ROBINSON PHD, MBA, MSN, ACNS-BC, RN, CCRN (2025) Director of Nursing Education 

B.S.N., University of Toledo 

M.S.N., Kent State University 

M.B.A., Baldwin Wallace College   

PH.D., University of Toledo 

Christina C Roth, MSN, RN, ACCNS-AG, (2021) Instructor of Nursing, Director of Clinical Experiences 
B.S.N., M.S.N., The University of Akron 
rothcc@hiram.edu 

Course Descriptions

NURS 10500:  COF SEMINAR:  0 Hour(s)  
CHOOSE OHIO FIRST SEMINAR: NURSING ~ The Choose Ohio First program is an initiative sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education that awards scholarships to students in STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine). Hiram College is one of a select number of colleges and universities selected by the State of Ohio to participate in this program. At Hiram, Choose Ohio First Scholarship awardees, called Choose Ohio First Scholars (or COF Scholars for short), join a unique professional development learning community comprised of students from across the STEM disciplines. COF Scholars participate in a number of experiential learning activities, such as panel discussions, leadership training activities, talks from outside STEM professionals, site visits, research poster sessions, etc., and then reflect upon those experiences via group discussions. This course provides the necessary structure to ensure regular meetings of the COF Scholars. All COF Scholars are required to participate in this course each fall and spring semester unless they are otherwise engaged in an approved internship or research experience.
NURS 18000:  WKSP::  1 Hour(s)  
WORKSHOP: ~ Workshops may be taken Pass/No Credit only. Students may take no more than nine workshops for credit toward graduation. Workshops can be used as elective credit only.
NURS 20200:  PROF NURSING FOUNDATIONS:  3 Hour(s)  
PROFESSIONAL NURSING FOUNDATIONS ~ The focus of this course is on nursing as a discipline and a profession. The components essential in the process of practicing professional nursing, including critical thinking; theoretical models; ethics; social policy; and scope and standards of practice, with particular emphasis on writing skills and oral communication will be examined. Healthcare issues, trends, and influences are examined. The course is required for nursing majors. Prerequisite: Sophomore level in Nursing
NURS 20300:  PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSING:  3 Hour(s)  
PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSING PRACTICE ~ This course is designed to provide the student with basic principles and concepts of pharmacology, including pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in the human body. Content will be presented according to the major drug classifications and their impact. Drug actions and reactions, recommended dosages, and the basic principles of medication administration and related nursing care are addressed. Prerequisite: NURS 21000 or instructor permission.
Prerequisite: NURS 21000
NURS 20500:  NURSING INFORMATICS:  2 Hour(s)  
NURSING INFORMATICS ~ This web-based course will introduce the student to practical computer applications in nursing and health care. A basic overview of information systems and the use by nurses of the technology and informatics in clinical, educational, and research situations is presented. Prerequisite: NURS 21000 or instructor permission required.
Prerequisite: NURS 21000
NURS 21000:  HEALTH ASSESSMENT W/LAB:  3 Hour(s)  
INTRODUCTION TO NURSING PRACTICE AND HEALTH ASSESSMENT:W/LAB ~ This course introduces the student to fundamental knowledge and skills required to provide professional nursing care. The components of nursing practice are a major focus of the course, as are therapeutic communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Basic tenets of patient care and comfort will be addressed and simulated. Laboratory experience is an important component of the course. Students are required to be American Heart Association CPR Certified for all ages. A test fee of approximately $490 is charged. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first-year requirements and admission to the sophomore nursing sequence.
NURS 22000:  FUND PROF CLINIC NURS-W/CL&LB:  5 Hour(s)  
FUNDAMENTALS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING WITH CLINICAL AND LAB ~ This course will introduce the student to the clinical practice of nursing in a patient care setting. A major focus is the application of the nursing process, as well as the use of therapeutic communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Students will be introduced to beginning concepts of interventions for the medical and surgical patients, including the administration of medication.
Prerequisite: NURS 21000
NURS 23000:  BASIC LIFE SUPPORT:  1 Hour(s)  
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT ~ The Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Course is designed to teach the skills of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using the American Heart Association guidelines for victims of all ages. Skills addressed include ventilation with a barrier device; a bag-mask device with oxygen; use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED); and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. Prerequisite: none. Offered irregularly.
NURS 25000:  DEVELOP ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN:  3 Hour(s)  
DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN ~ This course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a broad perspective on the entire range of human development, from conception to old age. We explore the common principles that describe developmental changes across all ages, as well as the differences in thought, emotion, and behavior from age to age. The theories of Piaget and Erikson are particularly useful to understand both the commonalities as well as the differences.
Prerequisite: PSYC 10100
NURS 25010:  ZAMBIA:A DEVELOPING COUNTRY:  1 Hour(s)  
ZAMBIA: A DEVELOPING COUNTRY ~ This course is designed to prepare students for the subsequent 3-week experiential examination of comparative health and conservation issues from social, cultural, ethical, political, policy, educational, and environmental perspectives in the developing country of Zambia (INTD 25000). There will be comparison and contrast with these issues affecting health and conservation in the U.S. as a developed country. Prerequisite: instructor approval.
NURS 28000:  SEM::  4 Hour(s)  
NURSING SOPHOMORE SEMINAR ~ This is a course that is designed to provide an overview of a nursing or healthcare topic. Prerequisites: Nursing major with sophomore standing or sophomore non-nursing major with instructor permission. Offered irregularly.
NURS 28100:  INDEPENDENT STUDY:  1-4 Hour(s)  
INDEPENDENT STUDY ~
NURS 29800:  FIELD EXPERIENCE:  1-4 Hour(s)  
FIELD EXPERIENCE ~
NURS 30100:  THE ART OF NURSING:  2 Hour(s)  
THE ART OF NURSING ~ This course will deal with critical concepts and issues impacting nursing and health care delivery, with particular focus on the role of the professional nurse as change agent. Writing skills and scholarly methods of knowledge dissemination will be emphasized. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 20200 or NURS 21000
Corequisite: NURS 30200
NURS 30200:  INTRO TO NURSING RESEARCH:  2 Hour(s)  
INTRODUCTION TO NURSING RESEARCH ~ This introductory research course provides the basis for understanding the development and application of research in nursing. The steps involved in planning and conducting nursing research will be presented, as well as techniques for the critique of nursing research studies. Influencing factors in the process and progress of nursing research will be discussed. The evidence-based practice model will be used as the framework for relating clinical practice and research. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 10800
Corequisite: NURS 30100
NURS 30300:  APPLIED/EVIDENCE- PRACTICUM: I:  1 Hour(s)  
APPLIED EVIDENCE BASED NURSING RESEARCH PRACTICUM I ~ In this second of two introductory research courses, the focus is on active involvement in nursing research setting. Experience with critiquing various research articles including systematic review of various levels of qualitative and quantitative studies will be provided, including a practicum experience with current evidence-based nursing research projects being conducted in clinical settings. Experience in utilizing research principles to critique various evidence-based clinical nursing research studies will be provided, as well as opportunity for direct involvement in various stages of clinical research studies. A required continuation of this course is NURS 30310. Students receive one grade for NURS 30300 and 30310. Successful completion of NURS 30300 and NURS 30310 satisfies the Connect Experiential Learning requirement. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 30200 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: NURS 30310
NURS 30310:  APPLIED RESEARCH PRACT: II:  2 Hour(s)  
APPLIED EVIDENCE BASED NURSING RESEARCH PRACTICUM II ~ In this second of two introductory research courses, the focus is on active involvement in nursing research setting. Experience with critiquing various research articles including systematic review of various levels of qualitative and quantitative studies will be provided, including a practicum experience with current evidence-based nursing research projects being conducted in clinical settings. Experience in utilizing research principles to critique various evidence-based clinical nursing research studies will be provided, as well as opportunity for direct involvement in various stages of clinical research studies. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence. Students receive one grade for NURS 30300 and 30310. Successful completion of NURS 30300 and NURS 30310 satisfies the Connect Experiential Learning requirement.
Prerequisite: MATH 10800 and NURS 30200
Corequisite: NURS 30300
NURS 30500:  HEALTH SERV DISADVANTAGED AREA:  1 Hour(s)  
HEALTH SERVICE IN DISADVANTAGED AREAS ~ Many health professionals may choose to serve people in a disadvantaged area as a part of their career. The ability to plan for these types of situations will aid the nurse to be effective in providing service in an unfamiliar environment lacking in the usual resources available for health care delivery. This course will use the experience of a health service trip to an underserved area as a model for instruction. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for a follow up course where they will put their plans into action. Prerequisite: Nursing major, at least sophomore status
NURS 31001:  ACUTE&CHRONIC ADLT NUR-W/CL&LB:  5 Hour(s)  
ACUTE AND CHRONIC ADULT NURSING-W/CLINICAL AND LAB ~ This clinical course provides a student with the basic knowledge and skills required for the provision of nursing care and comfort for acute and chronically ill adults. The pathophysiology and resulting medical and surgical needs and care of the patient and family are examined. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 22000
NURS 32000:  GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING-W/CLIN:  4 Hour(s)  
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING-W/CLINICAL ~ This clinical course will introduce the student to the foundations of gerontological nursing care. Developmental aspects of aging, physiological and psycho-social issues, health promotion, health restoration, quality of life, and end-of-life issues are addressed, as well as the complexity of conditions and care of the gerontological patient. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 22000
Corequisite: NURS 31001
NURS 32200:  ADULT WELLNESS:  2 Hour(s)  
ADULT WELLNESS ~ The focus of this course is on the role of the professional nurse in the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention of illness and disease, and self-care education and empowerment. The skills of health teaching and education will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: NURS 22000
NURS 33000:  PEDIATRIC NURSING-W/CLINICAL:  4 Hour(s)  
PEDIATRIC NURSING-W/CLINICAL ~ This clinical course focuses on health care of children, with emphasis of family-centered health promotion, and preventive and restorative care from newborn through adolescence. A test fee of approximately $450 is charged. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 22000
NURS 34000:  PARENT&NEWBORN NURSING-W/CLIN:  4 Hour(s)  
PARENT AND NEWBORN NURSING-W/CLINICAL ~ This clinical course is designed to provide the student the knowledge and skills required for nursing care of the childbearing family and reproductive health with emphasis on health promotion. Must have junior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 22000
NURS 38000:  SEM::  1-4 Hour(s)  
SEMINAR: ADULT WELLNESS ~ This is a course that is designed to provide in-depth study of a relevant topic regarding nursing and/or health care. Prerequisites: Nursing major with junior standing or junior non-nursing major with instructor permission. Offered irregularly.
NURS 38100:  SPC TPC::  1-4 Hour(s)  
SPECIAL TOPICS: INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING ~ This course provides an opportunity for a junior student in Nursing to pursue inquiry on a topic of interest under the direction of a Nursing faculty member. Prerequisites: Nursing major with junior standing and instructor permission.
NURS 40100:  PROFESSIONAL NURSING ROLE:  2 Hour(s)  
PROFESSIONAL NURSING ROLE ~ This course focuses on role transition and preparation for the initial professional employment position as a registered nurse. The course includes self- assessment as well as analysis of the professional environment, including influencing factors on the individual nurse and on nursing as a profession. Ethical, societal, cultural, economical, legal, political, and global issues as they influence transition and role development are examined. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 30100
NURS 41000:  COMMUNITY HLTH NURS-W/CLIN:UD:  4 Hour(s)  
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING-W/CLINICAL:UD ~ The focus of this clinical course is on the basic principles and practices of community health nursing, with particular emphasis on the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities to promote care of self and others. Students must also register for a NURS 41000 Clinical. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 31001 and NURS 32000 and NURS 33000 and NURS 34000
Core: Understanding Diversity Home
NURS 42000:  PSYC & MENTAL HLTH NURS-W/CLIN:  4 Hour(s)  
PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING-W/CLINICAL ~ This clinical course introduces the student to the theories and pathology of psychiatric illness, concepts of mental health, and therapeutic interventions. Principles of prevention and therapeutic strategies for treatment and care are examined. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 31001 and NURS 32000 and NURS 33000 and NURS 34000
NURS 43000:  CRITICAL CARE NURSING-W/CL&LB:  4 Hour(s)  
CRITICAL CARE NURSING-W/CLINICAL AND LAB ~ This clinical course is designed to introduce the student to nursing care of the high-acuity patient. Course content will focus on physiological complexities, technological interventions, application of the nursing process, and the role of the nurse in the critical-care setting. A test fee of approximately $450 is charged. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 31001
NURS 44000:  LEADERSHIP/MGMT NURSING:  2 Hour(s)  
PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN NURSING ~ This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic knowledge and skills required for effective leadership and management in clinical nursing practice. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 31001
NURS 44100:  ROLE TRANSITION IN NURSING I:  1 Hour(s)  
ROLE TRANSITION IN NURSING I ~ This capstone practicum is designed to help the student synthesize the didactic and clinical knowledge, skills, and behaviors of professional nursing practice. An applied clinical experience with an RN mentor in a selected area of nursing will provide the setting for this capstone experience in role development. A continuation of this course is offered as NURS 44110. Must have senior standing in the nursing sequence.
Prerequisite: NURS 41000 (may be taken concurrently) and NURS 42000 and NURS 43000 and NURS 44000 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: NURS 44110
NURS 44110:  ROLE TRANSITION IN NURS II:ES:  3 Hour(s)  
ROLE TRANSITION IN NURSING II:ES ~ This capstone practicum is designed to help the student synthesize the didactic and clinical knowledge, skills, and behaviors of professional nursing practice. An applied clinical experience with an RN mentor in a selected area of nursing will provide the setting for this capstone experience in role development. Must register for NURS 44100 in the term prior.
Corequisite: NURS 44100
Core: Meaning/Ethics/Soc Responsibil
NURS 48000:  SENIOR SEMINAR:  1-4 Hour(s)  
SENIOR SEMINAR ~ This is a course that is designed to provide advanced inquiry of a relevant topic regarding nursing and/or health care. Prerequisites: Nursing major with senior standing or senior non-nursing major with instructor permission. Offered irregularly
NURS 48100:  INDEPENDENT RESEARCH:  1-4 Hour(s)  
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING ~ This course provides opportunity for a senior student in nursing to pursue independent research on a topic of mutual interest under the direction of a Nursing faculty member. Prerequisites: Nursing major with senior standing and instructor permission.
NURS 49800:  INTERNSHIP:  1-4 Hour(s)  
INTERNSHIP ~

Academic Offerings