Undergraduate Bulletin 2014-2015Download

Nursing

Faculty/Staff

Lenora Follett, Chair; Jean Alway, Beverly Dabney, Dena Howerton, Kerrie Kimbrow, Ron Mitchell, Janice Steyn, Lolita Valdez

Mission

The purpose of the Southwestern Adventist University 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) and 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 (www.bon.state.tx.us) and is accredited with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120. (202) 887-6791

Programs

  • BS Nursing
  • RN to BS Nursing
  • LVN to BS Nursing

Admissions

Application Process

All Application materials must be submitted, to the Admissions Office, by August 15, application deadline. Late applications and incomplete files will not be considered.

  1. Apply Online to Southwestern Adventist University at  www.swau.edu
  2. Obtain three professional reference letters from teachers, employers, and/or church pastor, which attest to professional competence, scholastic ability, emotional stability, and physical health. Send completed forms to the Admissions Office.
  3. Send official transcripts from all schools attended(high school, colleges and/or universities) to the Southwestern Adventist University Office of Admissions.

  4. Complete and send in all health records:(physical and health record forms are available at http://nursing.swau.edu)

    1. Physician’s Report of Physical Examination
    2. Proof of current immunizations or positive titer as required by the State of Texas (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Influenza)
    3. Current TB Test (negative PPD yearly or chest xray every three years)
    4. Current CPR for the Healthcare Provider
  5. Successfully complete at least 49 semester hours of pre-nursing requirements, including courses in progress.
  6. Pass the HESI Nursing Admission Assessment Exam.
  7. Complete an interview with a nursing advisor.

Admission Criteria

  1. Meet all admission requirements for enrollment at Southwestern Adventist University.
  2. Complete all the steps in the Nursing Application Process.

  3. Successfully complete the Nursing pre-requisite courses (28 credits):

    1. BIOL 101, 102 Anatomy and Physiology I and II* (8 semester credits with lab)
    2. BIOL 220 Microbiology* (4 semester credits with lab)
    3. CHEM 105 Survey of Chemistry* (4 semester credits with lab)
    4. ENGL 121 Freshman Composition (3 semester credits)
    5. MATH 110 College Algebra* (3 semester credits) or University required math score of 500 on SAT or 21 on ACT
    6. PSYC 212 General Psychology* (3 semester credits)
    7. PSYC 220 Human Growth and Development* (3 semester credits)

  4. Successfully complete additional required courses selected from the following (22 semester credits):

    • Nursing Cognates (required)1. KINT 216 Nutrition* (3 semester credits)

      1. SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology* (3 semester credits)

    • General Education1. CSIS 102 Computer Literacy and Applications (3 semester credits)

      1. ENGL 220 Research Writing (3 semester credits)
      2. ENGL Literature Elective (3 semester credits)
      3. HIST History Elective (3 semester credits)
      4. HIST Non-American History Elective (3 semester credits)
      5. KINA Physical Education Elective (1 semester credit)
      6. NURS 112 Medical Terminology (1 semester credit)
      7. RLGN Religion Electives (6 semester credits)
      8. UNIV 110 Principles of Active Learning (1 semester credit)
  5. Maintain a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
  6. Applicants whose first language is not English must have a score of at least 550 on the TOEFL (Test of English; as a foreign Language) or 80th percentile on the University of Michigan English Language Institute Test.
  7. Pass the HESI Nursing Admission Exam with scores of at least 80% in each of the following areas: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Math, Anatomy and Physiology.

*Completed within the last 7 years with a minimum grade of C or better.

Student Selection

Admission to the Southwestern BS Nursing Program is granted after completion of the Application Process and on a space available basis.  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 priorities:

  1. GPA and HESI Admission Exam scores
  2. Applicants who have taken all their academic courses at Southwestern Adventist University
  3. Seventh-Day Adventist Applicants who meet the admission criteria
  4. Second degree applicants

After receipt of the letter of admission to the Nursing Program, applicants must complete additional requirements to confirm and retain their place in the class.

  1. Send to the Admissions Office within 30 days of the admission letter date:

    1. $400 Nursing Deposit to reserve a place in the January class
    2. $50 Drug Testing fee. Testing will take place on an unannounced date at the beginning of the semester.
    3. Background Check as required by the Texas Board of Nursing. Instructions will be provided with the letter of admission.
  2. Orientation:  All newly admitted nursing students are required to attend the nursing orientation prior to the beginning of the spring semester. Failure to attend will forfeit admission to the program.
  3. Uniforms are to be purchased from the designated provider.  Information will be provided during orientation regarding fitting and ordering.

Bachelor of Science Applicants (Four Year Degree Program)

The student seeking a B.S. degree in nursing or a student transferring from another institution must follow the application process outlined for the nursing program and submit a letter of good standing from previous nursing program.  If accepted, the student will enter the B.S. degree plan at the place determined by the Admissions Committee.

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:

  1. Currently hold an unencumbered license as a LVN/LPN.
  2. Have at least one year of work experience as a LVN/LPN in a hospital or long-term care facility within the last 4 years.
  3. Fulfill the admission criteria and prerequisites for the B.S. program. 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) may be awarded as credit by exam or by transfer of LVN course work.

Policies

Continuation and Progression Policies

  1. 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 or academic integrity and/or displays inappropriate/unprofessional/dishonest or unsafe behavior. Additional criteria for continuation in the program are consistent with the standards of the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON).
  2. Students may only progress to 300 level nursing courses when they have a B (84%) or better in both NURS 211 Fundamentals and NURS 212 Physical Assessment.
  3. Students are required to pass dosage calculation tests periodically throughout the program.  Failure to achieve a passing score, after three attempts will prevent continuation in nursing courses that semester and may result in termination from the nursing program.
  4. Students must maintain a cumulative nursing GPA of 2.5 in required nursing courses (see #8)  to progress in nursing and to graduate. No grade lower than C (75%)  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.
  5. Students are allowed only one repeat of one nursing course.  This policy does not include NURS 428, Capstone.
  6. During the course of the Nursing Program a student may only drop one nursing course which must be dropped by the University drop date.
  7. Students who fail or drop a nursing course may progress in their nursing courses upon successful completion of their dropped/failed course on a space-available basis.

  8. The nursing GPA, for the purpose of progression, will be computed on the following courses:

    NURS 201, 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 and NURS 427.

  9. All nursing courses are to be completed within a six-year time frame.
  10. Students must complete their nursing courses at Southwestern unless special permission is granted.
  11. NURS 428  Nursing Capstone requires a score of at least 850 on the comprehensive examination for completion of the course.
  12. Prior to attendance at clinical, all students must provide proof of current Health Care Records which must be maintained.
  13. LVN and RN students must maintain current Texas unencumbered licensure throughout their enrollment in the nursing program.
  14. RN and LVN students must complete nursing courses in the sequence specified in the full-time degree plan.
  15. 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. If a student is not enrolled at Southwestern for one or more semesters, these must be repeated.  Drug screening will be required on an annual basis at the expense of the student.

 *Nursing cognate courses:

BIOL 101, 102, 220, CHEM 105*, PSYC 212, 220, KINT 216, MATH 110, MATH 241, SOCI 111

\* If taking a two course sequence both courses are required.

Termination Policy

The following situations or conditions will result in termination from the nursing program:

  1. Unsafe, unethical, or unprofessional nursing practice
  2. Nursing GPA less than 2.5 following a repeat of one nursing course
  3. Failure to pass any required dosage calculation test after three attempts
  4. Failure to abide by the Honor Code of the Nursing Department
  5. Unresolved issues with the drug screen and background checks

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.  A new Background check and drug screen must be completed and approved before being readmitted.

Special Student

An applicant who wishes to enroll in nursing courses without pursuing a degree at Southwestern should apply for enrollment in the university 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

Qualified students may enroll on a part-time basis.  Required general education and cognate pre-nursing courses must be completed before entering the program.  The nursing courses must be completed in the sequence specified in the full-time degree plan.

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 patients in their own vehicles under any circumstances. This policy protects both the student and the patient. Texas law requires proof of automobile liability insurance.

Residency Requirement

Complete a minimum of 32 semester credit hours in residence.  The last 38 credit hours earned prior to graduation must include 32 credit hours in residence.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of 128 semester hours including 61 hours of nursing and 67 hours of cognate and general education*.
  2. 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 the Speech requirement is completed with NURS 425.)
  3. A minimum nursing GPA of 2.5.
  4. Recommendation by the faculty for graduation.

Nursing Department Grievance Policy

Nursing students who wish to appeal an issue should refer to the Southwestern Adventist University's policy on Student Academic Appeals, and must follow this departmental procedure**:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. If a resolution has not been reached, the student may contact the Vice President for Academic Administration within one University day following receipt of the Nursing Progression Committee decision to continue the University 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 appeals tracking form may be obtained from the advisor.

Programs

Bachelor of Science Major Requirements
NURS 112 Medical Terminology 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
CHEM 105 Survey of Chemistry 4
KINT 216 Nutrition 3
MATH110 College Algebra (or placement exam) 3
MATH 241 Intro to Probability & Statistics 3
PSYC 212 General Psychology 3
PSYC 220 Human Growth and Development 3
SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology 3
Total: 34

General Education Courses
ENGL 121 Freshman Composition 3
ENGL 220 Research 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
Total: 33
Degree Total: 128

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Degree Plan
First Year
Fall
NURS 112 Medical Terminology 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 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 3
HIST Non-American History Elective 3
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 Southwestern Adventist University in the third year and will usually be prepared to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in two to four academic semesters. All nursing courses must be taken in sequence.  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:

  1. 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 Southwestern.
  2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for lower division courses and a minimum 2.50 GPA for Nursing courses.
  3. Eligibility for junior standing in the university, having completed a minimum of 58 semester units (87 quarter units).
  4. Current registered nurse licensure in the state of Texas.
  5. 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).
  6. Proof of current American Heart Association CPR certification as Health Care Provider.

RN to BS Completion Program*

Nursing Prerequisite, Cognate and General Education 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 3
PSYC 212 General Psychology 3
PSYC 220 Human Growth & Development 3
SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology 3
CSIS 102 Microcomputer Literacy and Applications 3
ENGL 121 Freshman Composition 3
ENGL 220 Research 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 (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: 58(61)

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  (or credit by exam) 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: 29
Total upper division general education credits: 12
Total: 41

\* Current RN license required to enroll in the RN to BS Completion Program.

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 3
PSYC 212 General Psychology 3
PSYC 220 Human Growth & Development 3
SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology 3
Total: 28

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 in a hospital or long-term care facility as a licensed LVN, credit will be granted for the following upon successful completion of at least 12 credit hours at Southwestern Adventist University:
NURS 211 Fundamentals of Nursing 5
NURS 314 Medical-Surgical Nursing I  Clinical 2
Total: 7 (10)
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 314 Medical-Surgical Nursing 1 (theory only)   or
NURS 315 Medical-Surgical Nursing I 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. (The student does not receive nursing credit for this remedial course.)  (Fall, Spring)

NURS 110 - Health Related Topics (1-2 hours)

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, ENGL 220, 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. (Required of all transfer students.)  (Fall, Spring)

NURS 210 - LVN to RN Bridge (1 hour)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into LVN to BS program

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 competencies to implement the nursing process for individuals in diverse settings. 2.5 Theory 7.5 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)

NURS 212 - Physical Assessment (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.  Acceptance into RN to BS 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, ENGL 220, CSIS 102.  Acceptance into RN to BS 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)

NURS 310 - Health Related Topics (1 hour)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into RN to BS program

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 (4 hours)

Prerequisite:  Acceptance into LVN to BS program

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 patients 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 KINT 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 patients 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, 7.5 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. (LVN to BS students are required to take this course.) 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), 6 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 patients 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 patients 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, 7.5 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 patients 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, 7.5 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, 7.5 Clinical/Lab. (Fall, Spring)

NURS 424 - Community Health Nursing (4 hours)

Prerequisites: MATH 241, all 300 level nursing courses, NURS 421 and 427, or permission of the instructor

The ANA Standards for Home Health Nursing and Community Nursing provides the 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, 6 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)

NURS 425 - Clinical Nursing Specialty (2 hours)

Prerequisites: All 300 level nursing courses, NURS 422 or 423, 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. 6 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 the upper division writing course in accordance with university policy. 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 patients 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, 6 Clinical/Lab. (Fall)

NURS 428 - Nursing Capstone (1 hour)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses; NURS 421, NURS 422 or 423, NURS 426, NURS 427.

Corequisite: NURS 422 or 423, NURS 424, NURS 425.  This course taken during last semester of nursing program.

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)

Prerequisites: Enrolled in RN to BS program; must be taken last semester of nursing program.

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)

NURS 491 - Selected Topics in Professional Nursing (1-3 hours)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Subject of study is selected in conference between student and faculty member.  Course requirements may consist of independent study, preceptored clinical experiences and/or research.  Content and behavioral objectives must be approved.  May be repeated.  (Fall, Spring)