Emerging Trends in Nursing and Healthcare

Catalog description

The RN-BSN program currently includes graduate-level content that exceeds the scope and competencies defined for baccalaureate nursing education. Faculty and students have expressed concerns regarding the misalignment of rigor and relevance with undergraduate learning objectives. In response, undergraduate-level replacements are proposed to ensure alignment with the AACN 2021 BSN Essentials, program outcomes, and university policy. Emerging Trends and Innovations in Nursing introduces RN-BSN students to current and future developments shaping healthcare and the nursing profession. The course examines emerging technologies, shifts in policy, and new models of care with direct relevance to patient outcomes, equity, and access. Students gain foundational skills to evaluate innovations, consider ethical and legal implications, and propose strategies for informed implementation. This course supports students’ readiness to adapt to rapid healthcare changes, lead within interprofessional teams, and pursue continuous improvement—aligning with the BSN’s emphasis on systems-based practice, information literacy, and professional growth.