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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (Face-to-Face)

NURS 4340-01

Course: NURS 4340-01
Credits: 2
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: NURS
CRN: 32869

Course Description

This course examines the needs of older adults addressing emotional, social, physiologic, and behavioral changes. This course focuses on ageism, gender issues, chronicity, death and dying, loss, and life review in support of wellness of the aging adult. Must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

  • Miller,C.A.(2004).Nursingforwellnessinolderadults:Theoryandpractice(9thed.).Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams&Wilkins.ISBN13-978-1-975179-13-7
  • PreviousNursingTextsfor3130,3120,3230,3260,3240,3220
  • AmericanPsychologicalAssociation(2010).PublicationManualoftheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation(6th ed.). AmericanPsychologicalAssociation.ISBN:1557988102
  • AmericanAssociationofCollegesofNursing(2008).TheEssentialsofBaccalaureateEducationforProfessional NursingPractice.WashingtonDC:AACNavailablethrough: MACROBUTTONHtmlResAnchor http://www.aacn.nche.edu
  • AmericanNursesAssociation(2004).Nursing:Scope&StandardsofPractice.WashingtonDC:Nursesbooks.org

ISBN:1-55810-215-9

Learning Outcomes

  • 1. Appreciatethecontributionsandthechallengesoftheelderlyinsociety.
  • 2. Providesafepatientcenterednursingcarebasedonclientcharacteristicsandneeds.
  • 3. Developtherapeuticnursepatientrelationshipsusingtherapeuticcommunicationskillsappropriateforelderlyclientsandtheirfamilies.
  • 4. Learnandapplycoursematerialtooutsideassignmentswithreflectionsofhowcoursematerialisappliedtonursingpractice.
  • 5. Learnstoseekanduseresources,whichapplytocareoftheolderadultinsociety.
  • 6. Seekstounderstandpointsofviewoftheolderclientanddemonstratesappreciateforthedifferencesthattheolderpopulationpresents.

Course Requirements

  • Syllabus review, discuss Well Elder Project and paper (agreement), Well Elder Presentation (assign groups and topics), and final
  • Attitudes and values on aging reflection assignment (due next week - start of class)
  • Commenced attendance quiz due by tonight
  • Well Elder Check in - Did you find a elderly client?? (Client contract due by Sunday at midnight)
  • Aging Theory Assignment (Due next week - start of class)
  • Watch dad movie (Assignment that goes along with movie due next week - start of class)
  • In class matching game IADLs vs. ADLs
  • Case Study Functional Assessment in class
  • (Psychosocial group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Sleep/Rest group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • Midterm check in - well elder progress report assignment due next week - start of class
  • Well Elder Medication Review due next week - start of class (bring a copy to review with class)
  • (Medications and Bioactive Substances group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Safety and Mobility group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • Guest Speaker - Occupational Therapist
  • (Cardiovascular and Respiratory group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Vision and Hearing group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Urinary and Sexual function group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Skin and Thermoregulation group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Nutrition, digestion, and bowel elimination group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • (Pain in the older adult group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • Final to be announced . . .

Course Outline


8/27/25 week 1 - 1st lecture
  • Syllabus review, discuss Well Elder Project and paper (agreement), Well Elder Presentation (assign groups and topics), and final
  • Weekly TOPIC: Attitudes on aging and addressing diversity
PP (Attitudes on aging and addressing diversity)
Attitudes and values on aging reflection assignment (due next week - start of class)
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch. 1, 2, 4, 10, 11
9/3/25 week 2
WEEKLY TOPIC: Elder Ethics, abuse, theories
Review reflection assignment from last week
Commenced attendance quiz due by tonight
Well Elder Check in - Did you find a elderly client?? (Client contract due by Sunday at midnight)
PP (Elder ethics, abuse, and theories)
Aging Theory Assignment (Due next week - start of class)
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch. 5
9/10/25 week 3
Weekly TOPIC: Perceptions and Values of aging population
Watch dad movie (Assignment that goes along with movie due next week - start of class)
Movie will take all of class
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch. 3
9/17/25 week 4
Weekly TOPIC part 1: Functional Consequences
Discuss/review DAD movie highlights and thoughts on movie
PP (Functional consequences)
Weekly TOPIC part 2: Assessment of Health and Functioning Community
PP (Assessment of Health and Functioning and Community Resources)
In class matching game IADLs vs. ADLs
Case Study Functional Assessment in class
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.11, 12, 13
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch. 7
9/24/25 week 5
Weekly TOPIC Part 1: Cognitive Wellness Psychosocial Wellness and Assessment
(Psychosocial group presentation) - 30 minutes
PP Dementia and Alzheimer's
Weekly TOPIC Part 2: Impaired Cognitive Function
PP Delirium
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.24
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.14, 15
10/1/25 week 6
Weekly TOPIC Part 1: Sleep and Rest
PP (Sleep and Rest for the Well Elder)
(Sleep/Rest group presentation) - 30 minutes
Midterm check in - well elder progress report assignment due next week - start of class
Well Elder Medication Review due next week - start of class (bring a copy to review with class)
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.8
10/8/25 week 8
Weekly TOPIC Part 2: Effects of aging on medications, Self Medication, Polypharmacy
Review Well Elder medication Review assignment with class - be prepared to talk about one medication in detail with your peers
PP (Medications and Bioactive Substances)
(Medications and Bioactive Substances group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.22
10/15/25 week 9
Weekly TOPIC: Safe Mobility, Caregivers of older adults
PP (Safe Mobility) - Ch. 22
(Safety and Mobility group presentation) - 30 minutes
Guest Speaker - Occupational Therapist
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.20, 21
10/22/25 week 10
Weekly TOPIC: Cardiovascular and Respiratory
(Cardiovascular and Respiratory group presentation) - 30 minutes
PP (Ch. 20 and 21)
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.16, 17
10/29/25 week 11
Weekly TOPIC: Vision Changes in the older Adult, Hearing Changes in the older Adult
PP (Vision and Hearing in the Elderly)
(Vision and Hearing group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • Start reviewing PP Urinary and sexual function if time permits
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch.19, 26, 25
11/5/25 week 12
Weekly TOPIC: Urinary and Sexual Function, Skin and Thermoregulation
PP (Urinary and sexual function)
(Urinary and Sexual function group presentation) - 30 minutes
PP (Skin and thermoregulation)
(Skin and Thermoregulation group presentation) - 30 minutes
  • NEXT WEEK PREP: Read/Review Textbook Ch. 28, 18
11/25/25 week 13 NO CLASS (THANKSGIVING BREAK)
12/3/25 week 14 (LAST DAY of lecture)
Weekly TOPIC: Nutrition, digestion, and bowel elimination, Pain in the older adult
PP (Nutrition, digestion, and bowel elimination)
(Nutrition, digestion, and bowel elimination group presentation) - 30 minutes
PP (Pain in the older adult)
(Pain in the older adult group presentation) - 30 minutes
12/9/25 FINALS week
Final to be announced . . .

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

LateAssignments

Papers/assignmentsaredueatthetimedesignatedbyfacultyeitherinthecalendar,syllabi,orinclassdiscussion.If youknowyouwillmissaclassinadvanceoftheduedate,submitmaterialsearlywhenpossible.Withunforeseen circumstances,youmaynotbeabletosubmitanassignmentonthedesignatedduedate,itisyourresponsibilityto notifytheinstructorandnegotiateareasonablealternateduedatepriortomissingclasswhenpossibleorassoonas itisfeasiblypossible.Forthisclass,lateassignmentswilllose2(two)pointseachdaytheyarelateupto10points Whenextenuatingcircumstanceshavebeendiscussedwiththeinstructor,itwillbeleftuptoinstructordiscretionon howtoawardpointsascircumstancesvary. Theinstructorwilldecidewhenlateworkisnolongeraccepted. Assignmentswillbesubmittedusingcanvasorinpersonasdirectedinassignmentinstructions.Emailed assignmentswillnotbeaccepted.

Facultymembersretaintheoptionofnotacceptinglatepapers/assignmentsandmaydeductpointsforlatework. Individualfacultymaintainsfinaldeterminationinsituationsrelatedtolatework.

Make-upWork

Make-upworkforextracreditorin-placeofmissedassignmentsfortheoryclassesWILLNOTBEPROVIDED. Extenuatingcircumstancesmustbetakenupprofessionallywiththeinstructor.

SuggestionsforSuccessinHigherEducation
  • Attendclass. Classactivitieswillbringrealworldexamplestoconceptspresentedinthetext. Thecoursedoes involveworkonthepartofthestudent. Participationinclassroomactivitiesisimportanttomakingtheclass enjoyable.
  • Takeresponsibilityforyourownsuccess. Youareresponsibleforwhatyoulearninanysituation.Ifyouchoose nottoattendaclasssession,takeresponsibilityforgettingtheinformationfromoneofyourpeers.
  • YourtextcomeswithastudyguideandATI(whenapplicable)givesyouotherancillaries-USETHEM!You willsoondiscoverthatinordertosuccessfullycompletethiscourseyoumustbeabletounderstandandquickly answermostproblemsintheATTL/ClinicalSettings.
  • Studentswhoask,"Willwebedoinganythingimportantinclasstoday",or"CanIdosomethingforextra credit"donotseemtograspthepurposeofhighereducation. Partofwhatyouarepayingforistheopportunity tolearnresponsibilityforyourownsuccess(orlackofsuccess). Donotcheatyourself.
  • Understandthatdifferencesinbackgroundequaldifferencesinabilitytograspscientificconcepts. Ifyouhave aweakbackgroundinscience,math,orotherpre-requisitecourses,youwillneedtoworkhardertofillinthe gaps. Wedonotalllearnatthesamerate;ifittakesyoumoretime,investthetimenecessarytobesuccessful.
  • Focusonthemajorconcepts. Whyaretheyimportant? Taketimetothinkaboutthereadingandclassroom discussionsoften,notjustthenightbeforeanexam. Spreadyourstudyoutsothatyouarespendingtimewith thematerialonadailybasis. Donottrytocramthematerialthenightbeforeanexam.
  • Workforacademicindependence. Out-of-classwritingassignmentsandtake-homeexamsaretobecompleted byindividualsNOTcommittees(unlessspecified). Itisallrighttodiscussideaswithstudygroupsorpeers,but youneedtoberesponsibleforyourownworkandunderstandingofthematerialinthecurriculum.
Professor’sRole

TheProfessor’sRoleisto:Clarify,illustrate&giveexamples.Toemphasizecertainpointsortopics.Toassist thestudentinprovidingaframeworkfororganizinginformationprovidedinthetextandclass.Toestablish deadlinesforvariouscomponentsofthecourse.Toprovideyouwithopportunitiestopractice,sharpen,and presentlearnedconceptsandskills.Togiveyoufeedbackonyouracademicprogressintheprofessionof nursingandtohelpthestudentanswerquestionspertainingtonursing. Theinstructorforthiscoursefindsit veryhelpfultohaveenthusiasticandENGAGEDstudents. Highlevelsofattentionarefocusedonthe pursuitofstudentENGAGEMENT. Eachclassperiod,assignmentandexercisehaveapurpose. ENGAGEMENTisthekeyforthisclass. Thosestudentswhodonotmaketheeffortsatisfactorilytothe instructortobeengagedinclassworkandparticipationcouldloseattitudeorparticipationpoints. Part ofthedescriptionof“beingengaged”alsoreferstobeingengagedinnon-essentialsactivitiesduringclass like,sleeping,texting,computeruse(withoutdirection),preparingforotherclasses,etc. Ifyougiveany indicationthattheseactivitiesaretakingplaceitwillbeattheinstructor’sdiscretiontomakethat decisionanddeductpointsforthedaywithoutnotificationoraccuratevalidation. Leaveonlythe impressionthatwhatyouareaboutinclassistheclasstopic.

ElectronicDevices

Electronicdevicesincludebutarenotlimitedtocellphonesandcomputersparticularly. Althoughthesedevicesare importantintoday’sworldofcommunicationandCANaddavaluablecontributiontothewaywefunction,they canalsobeadistractionifnotusedappropriately. Cellphonesmustnotringinclass. Ifyouneedtohaveitactive, thenhaveitonvibrate. Ifyoumusttakeacallinthemiddleofclass,pleaseleavequietlyanddonotanswerthecall untilyouareoutoftheclassroom.(Iwilltrytodothesame.) Iunderstandthatthereareurgentissuesweallmust address,buttrytodoitwithrespecttoothers. Computersarenotallowedtobeusedinclassunlessfor assignmentsdesignatedbytheinstructortobedoneoncomputerINCLASS.(Seestatementin“Suggestions forSuccessinHigherEducation”above.) Asafacultymemberresponsibletopresentlearningobjectivesina waythattheaveragestudentcanlearnthem,Ifinddistractionstoimpedethiseffortandwhenmy observationthatadistractionispresentmayelecttodeductparticipationpoints. Mydiscretion. Avoid allowingformetoerrorwithinmydiscretion. Don’tgetelectronicallydistracted.

Safetyand/orRisks

Youareexpectedtomanageyourowntransportationandassumeyourownriskswhentravelingtoandfromclasses, labs,classrelatedassignments,clinicalexperiencesandwhenperformingdutiesinclass,lab,orclinicalexperiences. Thereareinherentrisksinvolvedintravelandinlabandclinicalexperiences.Themostobviousrisksareaccidents, contractinginfectionsorothercommunicablediseases,orworkplaceviolence.Pleasetakecommonprecautionsto preventaccidents,infectionsandviolence.

DisclaimerStatement

Informationcontainedinthissyllabus,otherthanthegrading,lateassignments,makeupwork,and attendancepolicies,maybesubjecttochangewithadvancenotice,asdeemedappropriatebythe instructor.

Attendance Policy

Regularattendanceisrequiredatallclassesandcourse-relatedexperiences.Absencesandtardinesswillresultin participationpointsbeingsubtractedfromgrade. Attendanceisalsoreflectedincominglatetoclass,leavingearly andmissingpartsofclassforotherreasons. Arollwillbesentaroundsometimetowardthebeginningofclassand maybecirculatedlatertoassurecompleteattendance. Ifyouarenotonit,youwillnotgetcreditforthatday's attendance. Ifyousignitlate,youareconsideredlate. Signinginonbehalfofotherswillresultinallparties involvedlosingattendanceforthatday.Youwillget10pointsforeachcourseyouattend. Pleaseplantoattendall classesandstaythroughouttheentiretime. Ifsituationsarise,discussthisprofessionallywiththeinstructor. AttendingaZOOMclassisnotconsideredclassattendance.

Course Fees

Inadditiontoothercoursefees(breakage,labuse,etc.),theCollegeofSciencehasacentralizedfeeof$2/credit hourtobeusedforthecontinuousimprovementofthequalityofoursciencecourses.

Fee:$32

Prerequisites and Registration Restrictions

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all Level Two courses

Registration Restriction(s): Nursing majors only

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.