Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Academics

Learn More

Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.

» Degree Programs
» Certificate Programs
» Course Descriptions
» Course Schedules
» College Catalog
» Learning and Opportunity Center
» Stenstrom Center Offerings
» Faculty

Course Listing Check out a comprehensive list of courses offered at RVC...

Admission

Learn More

At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.

» Visit Campus
» Getting Started
» For Adult Students
» For HS Counselors
» For Parents
» Financial Aid
» Educational Planning Sessions
» Records & Registration

Get Started! Find out how to get started at RVC! We make it easy for you to pursue your goals...

Student Life

Learn More

Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?

» Campus Activities Board
» Clubs and Organizations
» Get Engaged
» Goose Groups
» Student Government
» Social Media
» Hispanic HS Leadership Conference

Get Engaged! Join a club, attend events, become a student leader. What's your passion?

Student Services

Learn More

Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.

» Financial Aid
» Disability Support Services
» Career Services
» Academic and Transfer Advising
» First Year Experience
» Judicial Affairs
» Writing Center
» Tutoring Center

How can we help? Our focus is on student success. We're here to ensure you reach your goals.

Athletics

Learn More

RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.

» Athletics Home
» Athletics Staff
» Athletics News
» Schedules
» Booster Club
» Fitness, Wellness & Sport

Golf Outing Play in the RVC Golf Classic on June 14! Click to learn more...

Library

Learn More

The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!

» Library Home Page
» Library Catalog (Classic)
» Library Catalog (Tomcat)
» Library Databases
» Library FAQs
» Research Guides
» Library Distance Learning Service

Library Catalog Search our online catalog.

Nursing - Course Descriptions

Nursing Aide (NAD)

NAD-101
Nursing Aide
IAI: None
Nursing Aide provides an introduction to the principles of patient care. Emphasis is placed on communication and technical skills necessary to function as an important member of the nursing team. Students are given opportunities to develop nursing assistant skills in a variety of laboratory and clinical settings. (Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.)
Prerequisite: Completion of one of the following Reading Tests: 1. College Assessment Test 2. CNA Reading Test 3. TABE Test 4. ACT Exam
Credit: 7 semester hours
Lecture: 4.5 Lab: 5

Nursing (NRS)

NRS-108
Pathophysiology Altered Hlth. Concepts
IAI: None
This course introduces mechanisms of disease and illness that affect health in individuals throughout the lifespan. Alterations in physiological processes are examined with an emphasis on client health. Pathophysiology as a foundation for professional nursing is introduced.
Prerequisite: BIO 185, or BIO 281 and 282, and BIO 274 Credit 3
Lecture: 3 Lab 0

NRS-110
Core Concepts I: Professional Nursing
IAI: None
This course focuses on the profession of nursing. The course will explore the nature and interrelationship of four components of professional nursing: person, environment, health and nurse. The individual client, the various roles and functions of the nurse, the health delivery system, the influence of stressors on health and illness, and the use of the nursing process are identified and discussed. Emphasis is on the introduction of the Neuman Systems Model with individual clients and the use of the nursing process for the client assessment of biological data and stressors, nursing diagnosis, plan, interventions at three levels and evaluation.
Prerequisite: Admission to the A.D.N. Program; BIO 185, BIO 274 and PSY 170
Credit: 3
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

NRS-111
Core Concepts II: Professional Nursing
IAI: None
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to promote physiologic wellness for individual adult clients. The common physiologic needs generally encountered by the individual client requiring care are addressed. The culminating learning experience integrates pathophysiologic and core concepts for the individual client undergoing the planned trauma of surgery. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are assigned.
Prerequisite: NRS 110, PNU 107 Corequisite: FWS 237, NRS 108
Credit: 5
Lecture: 2 Lab: 6

NRS-207
Pharmacology for Nursing Care
IAI: None
This course builds on the principles of pharmacology introduced in PNU 107. Pharmacokinetic factors in drug therapy are examined in relation to the major body systems and management of client health. The pharmacological aspects of nursing care are integrated using the nursing process. Major drug classification prototypes and the related nursing implications are discussed.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program or permission of the Associate Dean. PNU 107, NRS 111
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS-210
Transition-Associate Degree Nursing
IAI: None
This course focuses on the transition of the Licensed Practical Nurse into the Rock Valley College Associate Degree Nursing program. Students examine the philosophy of the associate degree program and major concepts of the role of the registered professional nurse. The course includes an emphasis on application of the nursing process of selected health problems. Learning experiences are provided in the laboratory to evaluate the student's knowledge of nursing concepts and performance of selected nursing skills.
Prerequisite: Admission to the LPN Bridge for the Nursing Program.
Credit: 3
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

NRS-212
Adult Health Nursing II
IAI: None
This course focuses on adult clients as individuals and families with alteration in cardiopulmonary function. The use of the nursing process in promoting and restoring health and preventing illness is integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 215, 222, 232
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS-218
Adult Health Nursing III
IAI: None
This course focuses on adult clients as individuals and families with alterations in cognition, sensation, motion, and burn injuries, from emergency care through rehabilitation. Use of the nursing process in promoting and restoring health and preventing illness is integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 215, 222, 232
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS-221
Psychiatric Nursing
IAI: None
This course focuses on the delivery of care through the use of the nursing process to clients and families experiencing psychiatric disorders and maladaptive behaviors. Emphasis is on the community mental health-illness continuum throughout the lifespan and assisting the client(s) with problem solving in selected community mental health settings. Laboratory and selected clinical care and community experiences are required.
Prerequisite: NRS 108 and NRS 111 Credits: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 6

NRS-223
Adult Health Nursing I
IAI: None
This course addresses the concept health care alterations in adults. Emphasis is on assisting clients with health problems related to endocrine, gastrointestinal, metabolic, elimination, and fluid/electrolyte dysfunctions. The use of the nursing process in disease prevention, health promotion, and restorative concepts is integrated. Nursing lab and selected acute care and community agency clinical experiences are required.
Prerequisite: NRS 108 & NRS 111 Credits: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 6

NRS-225
Professional Nursing Role
IAI: None
This course focuses on the entry into professional nursing practice and role transition. Emphasis is on ethical-legal issues in the professional practice, political-economic issues in the delivery of health care and the nurse's role in management of care for the client system.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 215, 222, 232 Corequisites: NRS 212, 218, 242, NRS 244/or consent of the Associate Dean
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS-226
Family & Reproductive Health Nursing
IAI: None Family and Reproductive Health Nursing focuses on the client's needs from conception through the postpartum period. Opportunities are provided to care for the intrpartum, postpartum and newborn client. Emphasis is on the nursing process, health promotion and the prevention of illness. the alterations in health related to the reproductive system are addressed. The role of the perioperative nurse and care during the perioperative period is emphasized. Selected nursing lab and acute care nursing experiences are required.
Prerequisite: NRS-221 and NRS-223 Credits: 5
Lecture: 2 Lab: 6

NRS-228
Child & Family Health Nursing
IAI: None
This course focuses on the delivery of care through the use of the nursing process to children and families experiencing alterations in health. Emphasis is on assisting the client system with problem solving in selected community settings. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 221 and NRS 223
Credit: 5
Lecture: 2 Lab: 6

NRS-242
Adult Health II - Clinical
IAI: None
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in delivering care to client systems experiencing alterations in cardiopulmonary function. The emphasis of this course is placed on student roles of health promotion, clinical competence, communication and collaboration, judgment and critical thinking in meeting the needs of the client with cardiopulmonary concerns throughout the adult life span. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences will be provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 213, 215, 232, 234 Corequistie: NRS 212
Credit: 3
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS-244
Adult Health III - Clinical
IAI: None
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in delivery of care to adult client systems experiencing alterations in cognition, sensation, motion and burn injuries. Emphasis is on student roles of health promotion, clinical competence, communication and collaboration, and judgment and critical thinking. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences will be provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 215, 222, 232 Corequisite: NRS 218
Credit: 3
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS-250
Independent Study in Nursing
IAI: None
Independent Study in Nursing is designed for the student who desires to conduct an individual project or research based on personal goals and objectives in nursing. Course requirements and hours of credit are based on the nature of the subject under study. A maximum of three credits may be earned in this course.
Prerequisite: completion of first-year nursing courses and consent of the Associate Dean.
Credit: 1-3
Lecture: 1-3 Lab: 0

NRS-251
Special Topics in Nursing
IAI: None
Special Topics in Nursing is designed to satisfy topics of special interest in a particular area of nursing. A maximum of four credits may be earned in the course. This course may be repeated three times.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1-4
Lecture: 1-4 Lab: 0

Hybrid Online Nursing (NUR)

NUR-178
Pharmacology
IAI: None
Pharmacology focuses on reinforcing the relationship between pharmacologic knowledge and nursing practice. It provides the background needed to understand drugs currently on the market, as well as drugs yet to be released. Nursing implications using the nursing process are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Hybrid Nursing Program; BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274 Corequisites: NUR 179, NUR 181, FWS 237
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2-Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-179
Fundamentals of Nursing
IAI: None
Fundamentals of Nursing is a foundation course in the nursing process which introduces the Neuman systems Model with its emphasis on holistic health of culturally diverse clients. The Systems Model provides an integrated understanding of the client, the environment, health and nursing. Basic skills necessary for implementation of the nursing process will be included.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program. BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274 Corequisites: NUR 178, NUR 181, FWS 237
Credit: 4
Lecture: 4 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-181
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical
IAI: None
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical introduces application of the nursing process and the Neuman Systems Model in various settings including long-term care and acute care facilities. Successful mastery of skills in an intensive laboratory setting will be accomplished prior to clinical experiences.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program. BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274 Corequisites: NUR 178,NUR 179, FWS 237
Credit: 5.5
Lecture: 0 Lab: 11.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-182
Medical/Surgical Nursing I
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing I develops the use of the nursing process in the care of clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Core integrated nursing concepts include critical thinking, bio-psychosocial assessment and cultural competence. Selected content includes client cases with alterations in health?fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances, peri-operative care, immune system disorders, and oxygenation problems.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program. NUR 178, 179, 181 and FWS 237 Corequisites: NUR 183 and PSY 170
Credit: 4
Lecture: 4 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-183
Medical/Surgical Nursing I Clinical
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing I Clinical applies the nursing process to clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Critical thinking, bio-psychosocial assessment and culturally competent care are integrated. Selected clinical experiences include care of clients with fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances, perioperative interventions, immune system disorders and oxygenation problems are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program. NUR 178, 179, 181 Corequisites: NUR 182, PSY 170
Credit: 5.5
Lecture: 0 Lab: 11.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-280
Family Health Nursing
IAI: None
Family Health Nursing introduces application of the nursing process to assist all family members to reach optimal levels of wellness. Content ranges from prenatal care through childbirth to care of the child through adolescence. Alterations in health are included.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program. NUR 182, 183 Corequisites: NUR 281 and PSY 270
Credit: 5
Lecture: 5 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-281
Family Health Nursing Clinical
IAI: None
Family Health Nursing Clinical introduces application of the nursing process with families both in wellness and alterations in health. Select clinical experiences will be arranged which may include clinics and acute care settings.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program and NUR 182, 183 Corequisites: NUR 280 and PSY-270
Credit: 3.0
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-282
Medical/Surgical Nursing II
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing II builds on previous content, with an emphasis on applying the nursing process to clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Topics include assessment and interventions for clients with cardiac, hematologic, nervous, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal problems.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program and NUR 182 and 183 Corequisites: NUR 283
Credit: 3
Lecture: 3 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-283
Medical/Surgical Nursing II Clinical
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing II Clinical builds on previous content, with an emphasis on applying the nursing process to clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Topics include assessment and interventions for clients with cardiac, hematologic, nervous, musculosketal and gastrointestinal problems.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program and NUR 182, 183 Corequisites: NUR 282, PSY 270
Credit: 3.0
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-284
Professional Roles in Nursing
IAI: None
Professional Roles in Nursing covers many topics including the history of nursing, development of the profession, ethical and bioethical issues, nursing law and liability, role of the registered nurse, leadership and management, diversity in current practice, and alternative and complementary healing practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid nursing program. NUR 280, 281, 282 and 283. Corequisite: NUR 285, 286, 287, 288
Credit: 1
Lecture: 1 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-285
Mental Health Nursing
IAI: None
Mental Health Nursing uses the nursing process to assess clients and families with physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual stressors which impact clients' defenses, disturbing their stability. Nursing interventions to assist clients to achieve a state of wellness are emphasized. Community resources for aiding mental health and treating mental illness will be identified.
Prerequisite: Admission to online nursing program, NUR 280, 281, 282, 283 Corequisite: NUR 286, ENG 103, SPH 131
Credit: 2
Lecture: 2 Online Lab: 0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-286
Mental Health Nursing Clinical
IAI: None
Mental Health Nursing Clinical applies the nursing process using primary, secondary and tertiary prevention/interventions in community, acute care and mental health settings.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program; NUR 280, 281, 282, 283 Corequisite: NUR 284, 285
Credit: 3.0
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-287
Medical/Surgical Nursing III
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing III builds on previous content, with an emphasis on applying the nursing process to clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Topics include assessment and interventions for clients with emergency, sensory, endocrine, integumentary and renal conditions.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program, NUR 280, 281, 282, 283 Corequisite: NUR 284, 288
Credit: 3.0
Lecture: 3.0 Lab: 0.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

NUR-288
Med/Surgical Nursing III Clinical
IAI: None
Medical/Surgical Nursing III Clinical builds on previous content, with an emphasis on applying the nursing process to multicultural clients with medical and/or surgical conditions. Topics include assessment and interventions for clients with emergency, sensory, endocrine, integumentary and renal conditions.
Prerequisite: Admission to Hybrid Nursing Program Corequisite: NUR 284, 287
Credit: 3.0
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6.0 Contact www.nioin.org for more information.

Practical Nursing (PNU)

PNU-103
Practical Nursing: Fundamentals
IAI: None
Practical Nursing: Fundamentals introduces nursing principles, techniques, and interventions and focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of clients utilizing concepts from Neuman's Systems Theory. Therapeutic communication skills are integrated throughout the course. The clinical nursing laboratory and selected clinical experiences in community settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Program and BIO 185 Corequisite: PSY 170, PNU 107, FWS 237
Credit: 7 semester hours
Lecture: 4 Lab: 6

PNU-107
Basic Principles of Pharmacology Nursing
IAI: None
This course introduces concepts of basic pharmacology. The principles of medication administration and calculation of dosages are emphasized. Practice for medication administration assignments will be required.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Program or the Associate Degree Nursing program, and completion of MTH-092, or two semesters of high school algebra in the past five years.
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

PNU-120
Nursing Through Life: Mental Health
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Mental Health focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client experiencing mental 1.2 disorders utilizing concepts from Neuman's Systems Theory. The mental health aspects of growth and development are presented, as are common mental disorders specific to the child through the middle adult years.
Prerequisite: PNU 103, PNU 107, PSY 170 Corequisite: ENG 101
Credit: 1
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

PNU-140
Nurse Thur Life:Concept to Adolescence
IAI: None Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Conception through Adolescence This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client from conception through adolescence. Selected clinical experiences in community and acute care settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 103, PNU 107, PSY
Corequisite: ENG 101, PNU 120
Credit: 6
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

PNU-160
Nurs Thur Life: Young Adult to Mid Adult
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Young Adult 1.2 through Middle Adulthood focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client from young adulthood through middle adulthood utilizing concepts from Neuman's Systems Theory. The normal physiologic and psychosocial aspects of growth and development are presented, as are common illnesses specific to the young adult through middle years. Selected clinical experiences in the acute care setting are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 103, and PNU 107; Corequisite: ENG 101, PNU 120
Credit: 6
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

PNU-201
Nursing Through Lifespan: Geriatric
IAI: None
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Geriatric focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the elderly utilizing concepts from Neuman's Systems Theory. The normal physiologic and psychosocial aspects of aging are presented as are common illnesses affecting the elderly. Selected clinical experiences in community settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 160
Credit: 6 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6