Course Overview

Introduction to Nursing Concepts

This course provides an introduction to the science and art of the nursing profession. It covers the conceptual framework, overarching themes, and key concepts for the Chaminade University School of Nursing. Students will explore nursing evolution, role, ethics, standards of practice, human discipline, health and wellness, and cultural diversity, with a focus on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander principles and values.

• Credits: 3

• Sections: Multiple (see schedule)

• Term: Fall 2026

• Prerequisites: None

Instructor & Contact Information

• Course Coordinator/Instructor: Michelle Masuda

• Email: michelle.masuda@chaminade.edu

• Office Location: Henry Hall 209

• Office Hours: MW 9:00am-12:00pm

• Virtual Office Hours: Same as Office Hours

• Instructor: Michelle Montgomery

• Email: michelle.montgomery@chaminade.edu

• Office Location: Henry Hall 208c

• Office Hours: MW 9:00am-12:00pm

• Virtual Office Hours: Same as Office Hours

Course Description & Materials

Catalog Course Description

This course introduces students to the science and art of nursing, focusing on the conceptual framework, key concepts, and professional values. Emphasis is placed on the integration of health, wellness, culture, and diversity, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander values. The course prepares students for further nursing education and practice.

Time Allocation

• Total Engagement: 135 clock hours per semester

• Breakdown:

  • 37.5 hours in class

  • 10 hours researching and preparing projects

  • 24 hours studying for exams

  • 25 hours in ATI Launch

  • Service learning: 10.5 hours (10 hours direct service plus 0.5 hours for presentation delivered by community partners)

  • Additional 28 hours for work required beyond what is listed above

Required Materials

• Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC. (ATI). (2023). Fundamentals for nursing review module. (11th ed.).

• Craven, R., Hirnle, C., & Henshaw, C.M. (2021). Fundamentals of nursing: Human health and function (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 9781975132388

• Nursing test plan: NCSBN 2023 Test Plan

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education: AACN Essentials 2021

• Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies: QSEN Competencies

• APA Publication Manual (7th ed.) for all written assignments

Recommended Items

• Competency in ATI Learning Software

• PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Infographic, Concept Map Design, Medical Terminology

Course Website

• Canvas: https://chaminade.instructure.com

• Accessible from most PCs and Macs with reliable Internet connection

Technical Assistance

• Canvas Support for students: 1-833-209-6111

• Chaminade IT Helpdesk: helpdesk@chaminade.edu or (808) 735-4855

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

• Advocate for safe, holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan, incorporating Marianist values.

• Apply leadership and communication skills to ensure quality, collaborative, and continuous patient care.

• Integrate research with clinical expertise and patient preferences for optimal care.

• Incorporate informatics and healthcare technologies into nursing practice.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Describe Marianist and Native Hawaiian values as they apply to nursing concepts.

• Identify roles of the health care team and the elements of interprofessional communication.

• Identify credible sources of evidence for professional decision-making in patient-centered care.

• Describe use of evidence-based informatics and technology in nursing care, upholding ethical standards.

• Describe the role of the nurse as a member of a culturally diverse interdisciplinary team.

Marianist and Native Hawaiian Values

Marianist Values

• Education for formation in faith

• Provide an integral, quality education

• Educate in family spirit

• Educate for service, justice, and peace

• Educate for adaptation and change

These values are integrated into the nursing curriculum to foster ethical, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care.

Native Hawaiian Values

• Education for formation in faith (Mana)

• Provide an integral, quality education (Na‘auao)

• Educate in family spirit (‘Ohana)

• Educate for service, justice, and peace (Aloha)

• Educate for adaptation and change (A‘ohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau ho‘okahi)

Alignment of Course Learning Outcomes

Key: I = Introduced

Summary of Key Concepts

• Professional Standards: Moral, ethical, and legal conduct are foundational to nursing practice.

• Communication: Effective communication is essential for safe, quality care and collaboration within the healthcare team.

• Evidence-Based Practice: Nurses must use credible sources and research to inform clinical decisions.

• Informatics: Technology and informatics are integral to modern nursing for documentation, patient privacy, and quality improvement.

• Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting cultural diversity, especially Native Hawaiian and Marianist values, is emphasized.

Example Application

Example: A nurse uses evidence-based guidelines and electronic health records to document patient care, ensuring privacy and upholding ethical standards while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide culturally sensitive care to a Native Hawaiian patient.