Nursing
Faculty/Staff
Grace Chi, Chair; Jean Alway, Bonnie Gnadt, Callie McArthur, Donna Read, Bunny Reid, Catherine Turner, Lolita Valdez, Etla Van Horne, Jill Vollmer.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) Department of Nursing is to prepare a competent generalist in the profession of nursing with a Christian perspective of liberal arts, applied theology and natural, behavioral, and nursing sciences. The department seeks to provide a Christian environment, which facilitates growth of the student as a whole person, as a contributing member of society, and as a member of the nursing profession.
Aims of the Department
The aim of the nursing program is to graduate competent, employable, safe practitioners who are prepared to participate in the delivery of evidenced-based nursing care, who have the knowledge base on which to build advanced study, and who are contributing members of society. Graduates of the nursing program are eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The graduates of the B.S. Program are prepared for graduate study. Differentiated entry level competencies are used to ensure skilled practitioners.
Accreditation
The B.S. program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and is accredited with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: One Depont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120.
Admissions
Application Process
- File an application form with SWAU.
- File a nursing application form (available on-line) with the Nursing Department. Applications should be received prior to October 1 for consideration of acceptance into the B.S. program which admits each spring. A $100 nonrefundable fee must be paid upon acceptance into the nursing program .
- Submit all high school and college/university transcripts.
- Provide three letters of recommendation from employers and/or teachers, which attest to professional competence, scholastic ability, emotional stability and physical health, (forms are available on the website).
- Provide proof of CPR certification, physical examination, immunizations, and TB testing.
- An applicant whose first language is not English must have a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 80th percentile on the University of Michigan English Language Institute Test.
- Take the pre-admission assessment exam. The exam fee is $35 (nonrefundable).
- Applicants who have taken all their academic courses at SWAU will be given preferential consideration for admission to the nursing program. GPA, date of application, and entrance exam scores are also considered.
- Applicants must be willing to submit to and pay for a background check and a drug screening as arranged by the Department of Nursing.
- Students must purchase uniforms from department selected vendor.
Admission Criteria
1. Meet all admission requirements for enrollment at SWAU.
2. Cumulative college GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
3. The following prerequisites are required within the last 7 years with a grade of C or better:
- CHEM 105 Survey of Chemistry*
- BIOL 101 and 102 Anatomy & Physiology with Lab
- BIOL 220 Microbiology with Lab
- MATH 110 College Algebra (or Math Placement Test) or ACT/SAT score.
- PSYC 212 General Psychology
4. The following prerequisites are required with a grade of C or better: ENGL 121 plus any other 29 hours of non-nursing required courses.
5. Previous nursing credits must be earned within the past three years and the nursing credit awarded will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
6. Three letters of reference.
7. Proof of current immunization as required by the State of Texas.
8. Health care provider CPR certification and Report of Physical Examination.
\* If taking a two course sequence both courses are required.
Student Selection
Due to the high number of applicants, not all who meet the admission criteria can be accepted. Students are selected from the applicant pool based on the following process:
- Applicants who have taken the prerequisites at SWAU.
- SDA applicants who meet the admission criteria (preference is given to students with high science and verbal scores on the admission examination.
- Second degree applicants.
- Remaining applicants by GPA (especially in the sciences and verbal skills on the admission exam).
- Admission exam performance.
- Student orientation, conducted immediately before registration the semester in which NURS 211: Fundamentals of Nursing is taken, is mandatory. If a student is not present for orientation that seat may be offered to the next person on the alternate applicant list.
Bachelor of Science Applicants (four Year Degree Program)
The student seeking a B.S. degree in nursing or a student transferring from another institution will enter the B.S. degree plan at the place determined by the Admissions Committee and follow the application process outlined for the nursing program.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Applicants (LVN-BS)
The licensed vocational nurse who wishes placement with advanced standing to earn a B.S. degree in nursing must:
- Currently hold an unencumbered license as a LVN/LPN.
- Have at least one year of work experience as a LVN/LPN.
- Fulfill the admission criteria and prerequisites for the B.S. program.
- LVNs may petition the Nursing Progression Committee to waive the admission criteria “within seven years” in the B.S. admission criteria.
General education, science, and cognate requirements are met through transfer of credit or completion of courses in residence. Credits for NURS 211 and NURS 315 (clinical portion) are awarded as credit by exam or by transfer of LVN course work. The LVN student may then enter the program in either fall or spring semester.
Policies
Readmission Policy
Readmission is possible for nursing students who left the program in good standing, and according to the nursing progression criteria. Students who have been out of the program will return under the current bulletin at a point in the program specified by the Admissions Committee. All nursing courses must be completed within six years.
Special Student
An applicant who wishes to enroll in nursing courses without pursuing a degree at SWAU should apply for enrollment in SWAU as a special student. Consent for enrollment as a special student is subject to fulfillment of course prerequisites, instructor’s consent, and space availability.
Part-time Students
Any qualified student may enroll on a part-time basis. Required general education or cognate courses must be completed in the sequence specified in the full-time degree plan.
Transfer Students
Students wishing to transfer into the nursing program are required to have a minimum college GPA of 2.75. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for any course accepted for transfer credit. Course descriptions or outlines will be required when necessary to determine the acceptability of a course or the amount of transfer credit to be granted. Previous nursing credits must have been earned within the past three years. The department reserves the right to require the transfer applicant to pass written and/or practical examinations in any course for which transfer credit is requested. Transfer credit in nursing is accepted for RN-BS students only. Nursing GPA is calculated on credits earned at SWAU only.
Continuation and Progression Policies
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The Department of Nursing reserves the right to require withdrawal of a nursing student from the program or a nursing course who fails to demonstrate competency and/or displays inappropriate/unprofessional or unsafe behavior. Additional criteria for continuation in the program are consistent with the standards of the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON)
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Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in required nursing courses (see list below) to progress in nursing and to graduate. No grade lower than C will be accepted in nursing and nursing cognate courses.* Students whose nursing GPA falls below 2.5 at any time during the program must raise their nursing GPA to 2.5 or better in the next long (not summer) semester to continue in the program. If the nursing GPA remains below 2.5 for a second semester, the student will be required to repeat a nursing course (including clinical) specified by the Nursing Progression Committee to raise the nursing GPA to 2.5 or above. Students who repeat a nursing course to raise their nursing GPA must re-enroll in the course within one year. If the nursing GPA remains below 2.5 after the repeated nursing course, the student will be permanently dropped from the program.
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Students may only progress to 300 level nursing courses when they have a B or better in both NURS 211 Fundamentals and NURS 212 Physical Assessment. These courses may not be repeated.
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The nursing GPA, for the purpose of progression, will be computed on the following courses:
NURS 211 NURS 212 NURS 313 NURS 314 NURS 315 NURS 316 NURS 317 NURS 318 NURS 319 NURS 320 NURS 421 NURS 422 NURS 423 NURS 424 NURS 425 NURS 426 NURS 427.
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All nursing courses are to be completed within a six-year time frame.
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Students must complete their nursing courses at SWAU unless special permission is granted.
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Students are allowed only one repeat of one nursing course during their nursing program in 300 and 400 level courses with the exception of NURS 428. Nursing courses dropped within one week of the midterm date on the academic calendar will not count as a completed course. A nursing course that is dropped after that time will be treated as a completed nursing course and will count as the repeated course if the student is eligible for re-enrollment of the course. This can occur only one time.
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Students who fail a course may progress only with permission of NPC.
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Students are required to pass dosage calculation tests periodically throughout the program. Failure to achieve a passing score will prevent continuation in nursing courses that semester and may result in termination from the nursing program.
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Proof of Health Care Provider CPR certification and proof of current immunizations is required of all nursing students and a report of physical examination.
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LVN and RN students must provide the Nursing Department with proof of current Texas unencumbered licensure throughout their program.
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After acceptance but before the first clinical course all students must submit to and pay for a criminal background check and drug screening as arranged by the Nursing Department.
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A score of at least 850 is required on the exit examination for graduates. A contract will be developed with students needing to retake after the second examination.
*Nursing cognate courses:
| BIOL 101, 102, 220 | MATH 241** | |
| CHEM 105* | PSYC 212, 220 | |
| HLED 216 | SOCI 111 |
\* If taking a two course sequence both courses are required.
\\ Competency placement exam is available in math.
Termination Policy
The following situations or conditions may result in termination from the nursing program:
- Unsafe, unethical, or unprofessional nursing practice
- Nursing GPA less than 2.5 following a repeat of one nursing course
- Failure to pass dosage calculation test
- Failure to pass exit test
- Dishonesty
- Unresolved issues with the drug screen and background check
Transportation Policies
Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from off-campus clinical labs. Faculty will not provide transportation. Students are advised not to transport clients in their own vehicles under any circumstances. This policy protects both the student and the client. Texas law requires proof of automobile liability insurance.
Residency Requirement
The candidate for a B.S. degree in nursing must take 28 semester hours of upper division nursing courses in residence at SWAU and must fulfill the University residency requirements as stated elsewhere in this bulletin.
Students must meet the requirements of the bulletin in effect at the time of acceptance into the nursing program. Prospective students and pre-nursing students, on and off SWAU campus, must work closely with the Nursing Department to ensure readiness to begin nursing classes. Students who do not take classes for one long semester will return under the new bulletin and must repeat the drug screen and background check.
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of 128 semester hours including 61 hours of nursing and 67 hours of cognate and general education*.
- Fulfillment of the general education requirements for a B.S. degree. (Students of nursing fulfill the writing component of the English requirement with NURS 320 and NURS 426 and speech requirement is completed with NURS 425.)
- A minimum nursing GPA of 2.5.
- Successfully pass the exit examination.
- Recommendation by the faculty for graduation.
Nursing Department Grievance Policy
Nursing students who wish to appeal an issue should refer to the SWAU policy on Student Academic Appeals, and must follow this departmental procedure**:
- The student should discuss his/her grievance with the instructor involved no later than 1-2 University days of the event/evaluation/ dismissal in an attempt to resolve the grievance.
- If a resolution has not been reached, the student should submit his/ her grievance in writing to the Department Chair within 1-2 University days following discussion with the instructor. The Chair has one University day to respond.
- If a resolution has not been reached, the student should submit his/her grievance in writing to the Nursing Progression Committee within one University day following discussion with the Department Chair. The Nursing Progression Committee has one University day to respond.
- If a resolution has not been reached, the student may contact the Academic Vice President within one University day following receipt of the Nursing Progression Committee decision to continue the SWAU process for Academic Appeals. This concludes STEP I of the University appeals process. All steps must be followed.
\* In compliance with the Texas State Board of Nursing’s policy (TBON), completion of the nursing program does not guarantee eligibility for the registered nurse licensure examination. An individual who may be ineligible for licensure due to physical/emotional disabilities or past criminal convictions which are likely to affect professional practice and/ or behavior, should seek departmental/legal advising prior to enrolling in any professional nursing program in Texas. The Texas Board of Nursing also requires an exit examination as students graduate.
\\ The appeals tracking form may be obtained from the advisor.
Programs
Bachelor of Science Major Requirements
| NURS 110 | Health Related Topics | 1 |
| NURS 201 | Information Literacy for Nursing Students | 1 |
| NURS 211 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 212 | Physical Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 313 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 315 | Medical/Surgical Nursing I | 5 |
| NURS 316 | Gerontological Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 317 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 318 | Child Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 319 | Medical/Surgical Nursing II | 5 |
| NURS 320 | Issues and Trends in Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 421 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 422 | Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 423 | Maternal Newborn Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 424 | Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 425 | Clinical Nursing Specialty | 2 |
| NURS 426 | Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Medical/Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| NURS 428 | Nursing Capstone | 1 |
| Total: | 61 |
Required Cognate Courses
| BIOL 101 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 102 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Microbiology | 4 |
| KINT 216 | Nutrition | 2 |
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| SOCI 111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| CHEM 105 | Survey of Chemistry | 4 |
| MATH 110 | College Algebra (or placement exam) | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Intro to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| Total: | 33 |
General Education Courses
| ENGL 121 | Freshman Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 220 | Research and Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Elective | 3 |
| CSIS 102 | Microcomputer Literacy and Application | 3 |
| HIST | History Elective (3 hours must be non-American) | 6 |
| KINA | P.E. Elective | 2 |
| RLGN | Religion Electives (3 hours upper division ) | 12 |
| UNIV 110 | Principles of Active Learning | 1 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Total: | 34 | |
| Degree Total: | 128 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Degree Plan
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 110 | Health Related Topics | 1 |
| CSIS | Computer Elective | 3 |
| MATH110 | College Algebra* | 3 |
| BIOL 101 | Anatomy & Physiology I* | 4 |
| UNIV 101 | Principles of Active Learning | 1 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology* | 3 |
| Total: | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 102 | Anatomy & Physiology II* | 4 |
| ENGL 121 | Freshman Composition* | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective | 3 |
| SOCI 111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total: | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 105 | Survey of Chemistry and Lab* | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Microbiology* | 4 |
| ENGL 220 | Research and Professional Writing | 3 |
| HIST | History Elective | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 201 | Information Literacy for Nursing Students | 1 |
| NURS 211 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 212 | Physical Assessment | 3 |
| KINT 216 | Nutrition | 2 |
| HIST | Non-American History Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Total: | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 313 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 315 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 5 |
| NURS 316 | Gerontological Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 317 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| RLGN | Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 318 | Child Health Nursing ** | 4 |
| NURS 319 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 5 |
| NURS 320 | Issues & Trends in Nursing | 2 |
| MATH 241 | Intro to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| First Module | ||
| NURS 318C | Child Health Nursing Clinical | 0 |
| Total: | 0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 421 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 422 | Mental Health Nursing or | |
| NURS 423 | Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 426 | Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Medical-Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| Total: | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 422 | Mental Health Nursing or | |
| NURS 423 | Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 424 | Community Health | 4 |
| NURS 425 | Clinical Specialty | 2 |
| NURS 428 | Capstone | 1 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective (UD) | 3 |
| Total: | 15 | |
| Required Upper Division Hours = 40 | ||
| Total Hours: | 128 |
\* Pre-requisites to NURS 211.
\\ Grade earned after summer clinical component is completed.
RN to BS Degree
The registered nurse with an Associate of Science degree or a diploma in nursing may enter the nursing program at SWAU at the junior level and will usually be prepared to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in two academic years. After having met all general education requirements and cognate courses designated for the nursing curriculum, students may be able to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in one academic year.
Admission requirements include the following:
- An Associate of Science degree in nursing from an NLN accredited associate degree program with requirements in nursing and cognate/ general education courses comparable to those at SWAU.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 for lower division courses and a minimum 2.25 GPA for Nursing courses.
- Eligibility for junior standing in the university, having completed a minimum of 58 semester units (87 quarter units).
- Current registered nurse licensure in the state of Texas.
- Graduates of diploma programs must take a proficiency examination to validate college credit for nursing courses (or seek validation through professional review of an international transcript).
- Proof of current CPR certification as Health Care Provider.
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RN to BS Completion Program*
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Nursing Cognate Courses
| BIOL 101 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 102 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 105 | Survey of Chemistry | 4 |
| KINT 216 | Nutrition | 2 |
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| SOCI 111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total: | 27 |
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General Education Courses
| CSIS 102 | Microcomputer Literacy and Applications | 3 |
| ENGL 121 | Freshman Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 220 | Research and Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| HIST | History Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| HIST | Non-American History Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| MATH 110 | College Algebra (or pass MAP test) | (3) |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| UNIV 110 | Principles of Active Learning | 1 |
| Total: | 37(40) |
Fall
| NURS 313 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 316 | Gerontological Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 421 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 426 | Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Medical/Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| Total: | 15 |
Spring
| NURS 301 | Information Literacy for Nursing for RNs | 1 |
| NURS 310 | Health Related Topics | 1 |
| NURS 312 | Physical Assessment for RNs | 3 |
| NURS 320 | Issues & Trends in Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 424 | Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 425 | Clinical Specialty (clinical only) | 2 |
| NURS 429 | Nursing Capstone | 1 |
| Total: | 14 | |
| Total upper division nursing credits: | 28 | |
| Total upper division general education credits: | 15 | |
| Total: | 40 |
\* Current RN license required to enroll in the RN to BS Completion Program.
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Prerequisites for LVN Admission to BS Program
Nursing Cognate Courses
| BIOL 101 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 102 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 105 | Survey of Chemistry | 4 |
| KINT 216 | Nutrition | 2 |
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| SOCI 111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total: | 27 |
General Education Courses
| CSIS 102 | Microcomputer Literacy and Applications | 3 |
| ENGL 121 | Freshman Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 220 | Research Writing | 3 |
| HIST | History Elective | 3 |
| HIST | Non-American History Elective | 3 |
| MATH 110 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| UNIV 110 | Principles of Active Learning | 1 |
| Total: | 23 |
LVN Credit
With a current LVN license and at least one year work experience as a licensed LVN, credit will be granted for the following upon successful completion of at least 12 credit hours at SWAU:
| NURS 211 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 314 | Clinical component of Med Surg Nursing I | 2 |
| Total: | 7 | |
| First Year | ||
| Spring | ||
| NURS 201 | Information Literacy for Nursing Students | 1 |
| NURS 210 | LVN to RN Bridge | 1 |
| NURS 212 | Physical Assessment | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Elective | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 11 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 313 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 315 | Medical-Surgical Nursing 1 (theory only) | 3 |
| NURS 316 | Gerontological Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 317 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 318 | Child Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 319 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 5 |
| NURS 320 | Issues & Trends in Nursing | 2 |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| RLGN | Religion Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| Total: | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| First Module | ||
| NURS 318C | Child Health Nursing Clinical | 0 |
| Total: | 0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 421 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 422 | Mental Health Nursing or | |
| NURS 423 | Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 426 | Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Medical/Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| Total: | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 422 | Mental Health Nursing or | |
| NURS 423 | Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 424 | Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 425 | Clinical Specialty (clinical only) | 2 |
| NURS 428 | Nursing Capstone | 1 |
| KINA | Elective (PE Activity) | 1 |
| Total: | 13 |
Courses
NURS 011 - Coaching for Success in Nursing (1 hour)
This course is designed to enhance skills needed for success in nursing courses. Emphasis is placed on integrating knowledge to develop expert learning strategies. Required for students on probation or with a C in any nursing course. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 110 - Health Related Topics (1-2 hours)
Prerequisites: none
Several different topics are offered each semester. These are open to all disciplines. Content will be health issues and may include theory, clinical and/or research. Contact the Nursing Department for specific information each semester. May be repeated. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 112 - Medical Terminology (1 hour)
The focus of this course is on current terminology used by nurses and other health care providers. The course also contains elements of the historical development of certain medical terms including Greek and Latin word parts from the past and eponyms from modern language. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 201 - Information Literacy for Nursing Students (1 hour)
Prerequisites: ENGL 121; CSIS 102; Acceptance into the nursing program
An introduction to beginning competencies in information literacy, scientific inquiry, and portfolio development. Using a variety of resources, students will learn to access, evaluate , and use information effectively, enabling them to ask informed questions specific to nursing. Students begin portfolio development illustrating their competencies in information literacy, scientific inquiry, and self-assessment.
This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Fall, Spring) (Required of all transfer students.)
NURS 210 - LVN to RN Bridge (1 hour)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program as an LVN
This course introduces the LVN to the core concepts of the nursing program including philosophy, conceptual model, program mission and outcomes, nursing values, and professionalism. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience in using nursing models for planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care.
NURS 211 - Fundamentals of Nursing (5 hours)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program
Introduces the students to core values, concepts and theories of nursing with emphasis on caring, nursing process, critical thinking, therapeutic communication process, health promotion and professionalism. Students acquire basic nursing skills to implement the nursing process for individuals in diverse settings. 2.5 Theory 10 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)
NURS 212 - Physical Assessment (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.
This course provides structured learning experiences to enable the student to perform complete nursing assessment and appropriate reporting of findings from infancy through senescence. The course will also include concepts of aging, chronic diseases and aspects of rehabilitation. Teaching/learning approaches include lecture, demonstration, and skills laboratory practice. 3 Theory. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 301 - Information Literacy for RNs (1 hour)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program, ENGL 121, CSIS 102
An introduction to beginning competencies in information literacy, scientific inquiry, and portfolio development. USing a variety of resources, students will learn to access, evaluate, and use information effectively, enabling them to ask informed questions specific to nursing. Students begin portfolio development illustrating their competencies in information literacy, scientific inquiry, and self-assessment. This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Fall and Spring)
NURS 310 - Health Related Topics (1 hour)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses or permission of instructor.
Different topics will be offered each semester designed for the RN nursing student. Content will be health related and may include clinical, theory and research. May be repeated. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 312 - Physical Assessment (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN to BS program
This course provides structured learning experiences to enable the RN student to perform a complete nursing assessment and appropriate reporting findings from infancy through senescence. Concepts of aging, chronic diseases and aspects of rehabilitation will be included in the course. The RN student will assist in demonstrations and observation of skills during the laboratory practice sessions. 3 Theory (Spring)
NURS 313 - Pathophysiology (3 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses or permission of instructor.
The basic concepts essential to gaining understanding of the pathophysiology of common diseases are covered. Physiological changes from pathophysiological processes are explored within the framework of body systems. Alterations resulting from normal aging and some diseases common to children are also integrated into this course. 3 Theory. (Fall)
NURS 314 - Medical Surgical Nursing I (3 hours)
The LVN-to-BS student will apply the nursing process in providing evidence-based interventions to individuals with common nursing care needs in supervised settings. Emphasis is on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and intervention to clients with health care problems that are high volume. Concepts of nutrition, communication, human diversity, spirituality, gerontology and pharmacology are integrated into the course. 2.5 Theory 2 Lab. (Fall)
NURS 315 - Medical Surgical Nursing I (5 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses and HLED 216.
The student will apply the nursing process in providing evidence-based interventions to individuals with common nursing care needs in supervised settings. Emphasis is on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and intervention to clients with health care problems that are high volume. Concepts of nutrition, communication, human diversity, spirituality, gerontology and pharmacology are integrated into the course. 2.5 Theory, 10 Clinical/lab. (Fall)
NURS 316 - Gerontological Nursing (2 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses.
This is a study of the nursing care of the older adult based upon the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Baccalaureate Competencies and the National Gerontological Nursing Association Core Curriculum for Gerontological Nursing. The student will learn theory and application related to normal aging, health promotion, disease/disability prevention, and other evidence-based practices. 2 Theory. (Fall)
NURS 317 - Pharmacology (3 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses.
This course is designed to introduce the nursing student to pharmacological aspects of nursing. The course will focus on the basic principles and applications of pharmacology, major drug classifications, indications, and nursing considerations. (Required of LVN students.) 3 Theory. (Fall)
NURS 318 - Child Health Nursing (4 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses , NURS 313, NURS 315, NURS 317 and PSYC 220.
The course applies the nursing process to the nursing of children and their families with continued emphasis on growth and development, prevention and treatment of illness in the hospital and clinic. Complex health problems of children are examined including congenital and acquired conditions. 2 Theory (Spring), 8 Clinical/Lab taught in the first summer module after the completion of theory.
NURS 319 - Medical Surgical Nursing II (5 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses , NURS 313, NURS 315, and NURS 317.
The student will build on concepts introduced in Fundamentals, Assessment, Pathophysiology and Medical Surgical Nursing I. Application of the nursing process and standards of Medical Surgical Nursing will be integrated into theory and practice. Emphasis is on clients with acute and chronic health care problems requiring individualized care and learning needs. Content is selected to increase breadth and depth in medical/surgical nursing concepts. Technical skills will be developed focusing on the acutely ill clients in the acute and community care setting. The students will apply the professional roles in the provision of care in progressively complex situations. 2.5 Theory, 10 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)
NURS 320 - Issues and Trends in Nursing (2 hours)
Prerequisites: All Level II nursing courses or permission of the instructor.
Content focuses on recent trends, issues, and concerns within professional nursing. Students have the opportunity to explore relevant topics regarding nursing and its relationship to a changing health care system. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. 2 Theory. (Spring)
NURS 421 - Nursing Research (3 hours)
Prerequisites: All 300 level nursing courses, or permission of the instructor. MATH 241
This course focuses on the concepts and methodology involved in conducting research in nursing. Students learn to critique nursing research reports for clinical utilization. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. 3 Theory. (Fall)
NURS 422 - Mental Health Nursing (5 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses.
This course involves the study of thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Students apply the nursing process to the care of clients in a variety of psychiatric-mental health settings. Students are provided opportunities to increase skills in critical thinking, caring relationships, collaborative communication, self-awareness, and self-evaluation. This course reflects the ANA Standards of Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice (ANA, 1994). 2.5 Theory, 10 Clinical/Lab. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 423 - Maternal-Newborn Nursing (5 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses.
This course introduces the maternity cycle as a normal process, followed by obstetrical and neonatal complications. Attention is also given to women’s reproductive health issues and menopause. Guidelines for student nursing care of women and newborns are based on the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing Standards of Practice which fall within the regulations of the Nurse Practice Act. 2.5 Theory, 10 Clinical/Lab. (Fall, Spring)
NURS 424 - Community Health Nursing (4 hours)
Prerequisites: MATH 241, all 300 level nursing courses, NURS 427, or permission of the instructor.
The ANA Standards for Home Health Nursing and Community Nursing provides foundation for the practice of community health nursing. Included are the nursing care of individuals, families, populations, and communities. Emphasis is placed on health-promotion and disease prevention with increased attention to care of families at risk for physical, mental, socio-cultural, and spiritual dysfunction. Interventions for vulnerable individuals, families and groups are examined and practiced in a variety of community settings. 2 Theory, 8 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)
NURS 425 - Clinical Nursing Specialty (2 hours)
Prerequisites: All 300 level nursing courses, NURS 427, or permission of the instructor.
A clinical course in which students select an area of interest for in-depth, progressive, and sequential study under the guidance of the faculty. Clinical experience is supervised by preceptors and guided by the Professional Nurse’s Code of Ethics and the American Nurses Association’s Standards of Nursing Practice. This course contains presentations which meet the speech requirements of the University. 8 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)
NURS 426 - Nursing Leadership (3 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses.
Leadership merges theory and research and provides practical applications in today’s health-care settings. The student examines concepts related to building teams, problem solving, decision making, effective communication, managing change and conflict, and more. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. 1.5 Theory, 1 1/2 Seminar. (Fall)
NURS 427 - Medical Surgical Nursing III (4 hours)
Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses.
The student will build on concepts introduced in Fundamentals, Assessment, Pathophysiology and Med Surg I and Med Surg II. Application of the nursing process and standards of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) will be integrated into theory and practice. Content is selected to increase breadth and depth in medical/surgical nursing with integration of community and mental health concepts. Technical skills will be developed focusing on the acutely ill clients in the emergency and critical care environment. Concepts will be discussed involving mass casualty, disaster preparedness, and emergency preparedness as it relates to nursing care delivery. The students apply the professional roles in the provision of care in progressively complex situations. 2 Theory, 8 Clinical/Lab. (Fall)
NURS 428 - Nursing Capstone (1 hour)
Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses, NURS 427.
Corequisite: 400 level courses.
A capstone course designed to provide structure and guidance in preparation for the NCLEX-RN and in finalizing a fully developed portfolio in compliance with Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. 1 hour seminar. Pass/no pass course. (Spring)
NURS 429 - Nursing Capstone for RNs (1 hour)
A capstone course designed for B.S. completion students. Course content is designed to provide structure and guidance in portfolio completion and professional development. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. Pass/no pass course. (Spring)