In nursing school, you'll learn fundamental nursing theories, hands-on clinical skills and clinical judgment. In nursing classes, labs and clinical rotations, you'll focus on identifying and implementing appropriate nursing interventions for different patient populations, including children and adults.
In nursing school, you’ll learn the theories that form the foundation for patient care and the clinical skills to apply them. Regardless of your chosen nursing program, you’ll participate in a full curriculum of classes, labs and clinical rotations that progress from fundamentals to advanced topics. What do you learn in nursing school in an accelerated program? You’ll develop the same knowledge and skills as in a traditional program but on a faster timeline.
Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program provides a comprehensive nursing education focused on leadership, critical thinking and hands-on practice. What do you do in nursing school at Harding? You’ll learn to serve as an ethical nurse leader who delivers excellent clinical care and prioritizes patient safety.
As you prepare to begin nursing school, explore questions such as “What do you learn in nursing school?” and “What classes do nursing majors take?” Review specific nursing subjects and learn what to expect beyond the classroom.
What Does Nursing School Include?
Nursing school requirements depend on the program you choose. In a traditional BSN program, you’ll typically begin with general education courses before progressing to nursing courses, labs and clinicals. In Harding’s ABSN program, your previous college coursework and nursing prerequisites fulfill the general education requirements for your degree, allowing you to participate in nursing theory coursework, labs and clinicals as soon as your first semester.
What Classes Do Nursing Majors Take?
As a nursing student, you’ll follow an intensive curriculum that consists of nursing fundamentals and advanced topics, including patient assessments and nursing practice interventions. The following are some of the courses Harding ABSN students take.
Introduction to Nursing
In Introduction to Nursing, you’ll gain an overview of the nursing profession. The course covers nursing theories, historical perspectives on nursing and clinical care and the profession’s legal and ethical principles. You’ll also explore professional identity, opportunities and trends.
Health Assessment
In Health Assessment, you’ll learn a holistic, person-centered approach to assessing patients’ physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. You’ll gather and analyze objective and subjective data, document patient encounters and participate in simulations.
Pharmacology
In Pharmacology and Nursing, you’ll study medication classifications, pharmacokinetic properties and expected therapeutic outcomes. The course emphasizes patient safety in medication administration and education for patients and family caregivers.
Medical-Surgical Nursing
In Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, you’ll learn to deliver holistic, patient-centered care using clinical judgment and pathophysiological knowledge. You’ll incorporate the latest nursing research into care for patients with complex, high-acuity needs.
Mental Health Nursing
In Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, you’ll examine the care of adults with mental health and psychiatric conditions. You’ll apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills and evidence-based theories to help patients achieve optimal well-being.
Maternal and Newborn Nursing
In Maternity and Women’s Health Nursing, you’ll study the reproductive lifespan and care of childbearing families. You’ll develop skills in assessing, planning and implementing nursing interventions for this population, emphasizing health promotion and maintenance.
Pediatric Nursing
In Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, you’ll examine how nurses support pediatric patients using evidence-based best practices. You’ll study pediatric diagnoses, communication techniques and developmental considerations, including how preventive health care can promote lifelong health.
Community and Public Health Nursing
In Community Health Nursing, you’ll explore ways to improve health outcomes for entire populations. You’ll apply the nursing process and clinical judgment to health promotion and disease management. The course also examines social determinants of health and the effects of health care policies and laws.
At Harding, ABSN students also complete a values-based curriculum that includes New Testament Survey in their first semester, Old Testament Survey in their second and Christian Faith and Vocation in their third. These courses reflect our commitment to provide students with a comprehensive nursing education that’s grounded in a Christ-centered perspective.
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What Skills Do You Learn in Nursing School?
Nursing school develops students’ clinical skills, such as patient assessment and medication administration, and interpersonal skills, including teamwork and communication. You’ll have opportunities to strengthen both throughout your education.
Patient Assessment and Other Clinical Skills
What do you learn in nursing school beyond nursing theory? You’ll develop clinical skills, including full-body patient assessments. Other skills you’ll practice include:
- Airway support
- Infection control
- IV placement and management
- Life-saving interventions
- Medication administration
- Nasogastric tube insertion
- Safe patient transfers
- Wound care
Clinical Judgment and Decision-Making
Clinical judgment and decision-making are essential to nursing practice. You’ll use the nursing process to gather data, analyze findings and develop and implement appropriate nursing interventions.
Communication and Patient Education
Nurses rely on communication skills to collaborate with other providers, interact with patients and ensure continuity of care between nursing staff. These skills also support patient education, which helps patients follow treatment plans and can promote better outcomes.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Nursing simulation labs help you practice teamwork and collaboration. You’ll often work in small groups through a simulated clinical scenario, learning to delegate, take direction and maintain professionalism during emergencies.
Patient Safety and Evidence-Based Care
Students also learn to prioritize patient safety through evidence-based practice. In nursing school, you’ll explore the latest nursing research on topics such as infection control and medication management and learn to apply it to patient care.
What Do You Do in Nursing School Beyond Classes?
Beyond nursing theory classes, you’ll participate in skills labs, simulation labs and clinical rotations.
Nursing Skills Labs
Nursing skills labs emphasize hands-on practice. At Harding, the ABSN program’s state-of-the-art labs resemble hospital settings, with the same medical equipment and supplies used in clinical environments. You’ll practice patient assessments, blood pressure monitoring, wound care and catheterization.
Nursing Simulation
Simulation labs let you practice patient care in a controlled setting. Using high-tech medical manikins that simulate patient responses, you’ll apply the nursing process to clinical scenarios. After each simulation lab session, students and instructors regroup to discuss the simulation, successes and areas for improvement.
Clinical Rotations
During clinical rotations, you’ll deliver supervised patient care at nearby health care facilities, progressing from simple tasks to more complex care. You’ll gain experience in areas such as pediatrics, adult health, mental health and obstetrics.
Take a closer look at nursing clinicals and discover what you can expect.
How Harding's ABSN Program Prepares You for Nursing
In Harding’s ABSN program, you’ll prepare for clinical practice by first building a foundation in nursing theory and core concepts through online coursework. You will then apply these theories in simulated and actual clinical settings.
Through hands-on labs and immersive clinical rotations, you’ll develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and clinical judgment while learning to prioritize patient safety and promote health across the lifespan. Our experienced faculty provide personalized support throughout your education.
Start Your Nursing Education at Harding University
At Harding University, you can receive a comprehensive, values-based nursing education. Our emphasis on service leadership promotes nursing excellence while helping career changers and transfer students earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing in as few as 16 months. Our accredited nursing program combines a hybrid learning experience with personalized support.
Request more information today and take the first step toward your new career in health care.