Nursing

Faculty/Staff

Sallieann Hoffer, Chair; Jean Alway, Krystle Bekalo, Terri Gibson, Kerrie Kimbrow, Ronald Mitchell, 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

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 TEAS ATI 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):

a.  BIOL 101, 102 Anatomy and Physiology I and II* (8 semester credits with lab)

b.  BIOL 220 Microbiology* (4 semester credits with lab)

c.  CHEM 105 Survey of Chemistry* (4 semester credits with lab)

d.  ENGL 121 Freshman Composition (3 semester credits)

e.  MATH 110 College Algebra* (3 semester credits) or University required math score of 500 on SAT or 21 on ACT

f.   MATH 241  Intro to Probability and Statistics ( 3 semester credits)

g.  PSYC 212 General Psychology* (3 semeste rcredits)

h.  PSYC 220 Human Growth and Development* (3 semester credits)

i.   CSIS 102, CSIS 104 or CSIS 110 (3 semester credits)

j.   ENGL 220 Research Writing (3 semester credits)

k.  HIST  History Elective (3 semester credits)

l.   RLGN Religion Elective (3 semester credits)

m. SOCI 111 Intro to Sociology (3 semester credits)

4.  Maintain a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

5.  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 80 th percentile on the University of Michigan English Language InstituteTest.

6.  Pass the ATI Nursing Admission Exam.  For the TEAS assessment in reading, writing, math, and science, students must score at the “PROFICENT” level or higher in each area.

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. Total GPA
2. ATI TEAS Admission Exam scores
3. Applicants who have taken all their academic courses at Southwestern Adventist University
4. Seventh-Day Adventist Applicants who meet the admission criteria

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. $500 Non-Refundable 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.

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.

Bachelor of Science Applicants/Transfer Students

The student seeking a B.S. degree in nursing 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 Nursing Department and registrar’s office.

Nursing Policies

Continuation and Progression Policies

All nursing students must read and abide by the rules set forth in the SWAU Department of Nursing Handbook, and sign the Nursing Student Agreement.

1.  Nursing department curriculum is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  In order to comply with any and all standards established by these bodies, nursing students are required to meet the curriculum and progression guidelines published in the most recent edition of the University Bulletin.

2.  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 in appropriate/unprofessional/dishonest or unsafe behavior. Additional criteria for continuation in the program are consistent with the standards of the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON).

3.  Students must maintain a 3.0 in Nursing Courses.

4.  Students who receive a grade lower than an 80% or withdraw because they are failing in a required NURS nursing course cannot enroll in further nursing courses.

5.  Students who fail to complete a course, must reapply to the nursing program and pay an additional $500.00 readmission fee.  Readmission is not guaranteed and space for re-entering students may be limited. Students who are accepted back into SWAU will return under the current bulletin upon which they are being readmitted.

6. A new background and drug screen must be completed and approved before being readmitted.

7. All NURS nursing courses are to be completed within a six-year time frame.

8. Students must complete all nursing courses at Southwestern Adventist University

9.  Students must successfully complete all components as outlined in the NURS 428 Syllabus.  NURS 428 Nursing Capstone requires a score of at least 75% on the comprehensive ATI examination for completion of the course.  Remediation through ATI will be required for all students who are unsuccessful in reaching a 75%.  The remediation will be an additional fee at the students’ expense.

10. LVN and RN students must maintain current Texas unencumbered licensure through out their enrollment in the nursing program and submit a copy to the Nursing Department.

11.   RN and LVN students must complete nursing courses in the sequence specified in the full- time degree plan.

12.   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 and submit proof of immunization requirements in accordance to the Student Nursing Handbook.

13.   All nursing students must meet all the essential skills and functional abilities necessary for clinical practice as outlined in the SWAU Student Nursing Handbook.

14.  In order to support student success and to comply with Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) guidelines, nursing graduates are required to take the NCLEX within three months of program completion.  Graduates who fail to meet this deadline must complete an approved remediation program prior to taking the NCLEX.  Remediation costs are the responsibility of the graduate.

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 3.0

3. Failure to abide by the SWAU Nursing Student Handbook

4. Unresolved issues with the drug screen and background checks

5. Unsuccessful completion of the nursing courses

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.

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.

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 Faculty Committee within one University day following discussion with the Department Chair. The Nursing Faculty 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 Faculty 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.

Non-Grievable

University policies, regulations or procedures adopted by the University and/or the Board of Trustees are not subject to grievance process.  Students may request discussion and recommend changes to such policies, but this dialogue is advisory and not grievable.

Programs in Nursing

Bachelor of Science Major Requirements

NURS 212	Physical Assessment	3
NURS 213	Pathophysiology	3
NURS 221	Fundamentals of Nursing	6
NURS 317	Pharmacology	3
NURS 319	Medical-Surgical Nursing II	5
NURS 321	Evidence Based Practice	3
NURS 322	Mental Health Nursing	4
NURS 325	Medical-Surgical Nursing I	6
NURS 326	Gerontological Nursing	3
NURS 426	Nursing Leadership	3
NURS 433	Maternal/Child Nursing	6
NURS 434	Global/Population Health	3
NURS 437	Medical-Surgical Nursing III	5
NURS 438	Medical-Surgical Nursing IV	5
NURS 439	Nursing Capstone	2
	Total:	60

Required Cognate Courses

BIOL 101	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 102	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIOL 220	Microbiology and Immunology	4
CHEM 105	Survey of Chemistry	4
KINT 216	Nutrition	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:	31

General Education Courses

ENGL 121	Freshman Composition	3
ENGL 220	Research Writing	3
ENGL	Literature Elective	3
CSIS 102,	CSIS 104 or CSIS 110	3
HIST	History Elective	6
KINA	P.E. Elective	2
	Religion Electives (3 hours upper division )	6-12
UNIV 111	Whole Person Wellness	2
	Total:	26-32
	Degree Total:	120-125

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Degree Plan

First Year
Fall
BIOL 101	Anatomy & Physiology I*	4
HIST	History Elective	3
KINA	Elective (PE Activity)	1
PSYC 212	General Psychology*	3
	Religion Elective	3
UNIV 111	Whole Person Wellness	2
	Total:	16

---

Spring
BIOL 102	Anatomy & Physiology II*	4
ENGL 121	Freshman Composition*	3
HIST	History Elective	3
PSYC 220	Human Growth & Development*	3
SOCI 111	Introduction to Sociology*	3
	Total:	16
Second Year
Fall
CHEM 105	Survey of Chemistry and Lab*	4
BIOL 220	Microbiology and Immunology*	4
ENGL 220	Research Writing	3
FINE ART	ARTS 110, ENGL 272 or MUHL 221	3
MATH 241	Intro to Probability & Statistics	3
	Total:	17
Spring
NURS 212	Physical Assessment	3
NURS 213	Pathophysiology	3
NURS 221	Fundamentals of Nursing	6
	Religion Elective	3
	Total:	15
Third Year
Fall
KINA	PE Elective	1
KINT 216	Nutrition	3
NURS 317	Pharmacology	3
NURS 325	Medical-Surgical Nursing I	6
NURS 326	Gerontological Nursing	3
	Total:	16
Spring
NURS 319	Medical-Surgical Nursing II	5
NURS 321	Evidence Based Practice	3
NURS 322	Mental Health Nursing	4
ENGL	Literature Elective	3
	Total:	15
Fourth Year
Fall
NURS 433	Maternal-Child Nursing	6
NURS 434	Global/Population Health	3
NURS 437	Medical Surgical Nursing III	5
RLGN	Religion	3
	Total:	17
Spring
NURS 426	Nursing Leadership	3
NURS 438	Medical Surgical IV	5
NURS 439	Capstone	2
RLGN	Religion Elective (UD)	3
	Total:	13
	Required Upper Division Hours = 40
	Total Hours:	125

 \* Pre-requisites to NURS 221.

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 3.0 for lower division courses and a minimum 3.0 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 241	Introduction to Probability & Statistics	3
KINA	Elective (PE Activity)	1
RLGN	Religion Elective	3
RLGN	Religion Elective (upper division)	3
UNIV 111	Whole Person Wellness	2
	Total:	59

Fall

NURS 213	Pathophysiology	3
NURS 321	Evidence Based Practice	3
NURS 326	Gerontological Nursing	3
NURS 434	Global Population	3
	Total:	12

Spring

NURS 310	Health Related Topics	2
NURS 312	Physical Assessment for RNs	3
NURS 426	Nursing Leadership	3
NURS 439	Nursing Capstone	2
NURS 436	Health Care Policies and Economics	3
NURS 435	Nursing Ethics	3
	Total:	16
	Total upper division nursing credits:	28
	Total upper division general education credits:	59
	Total:	124

\* 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 241	Introduction to Probability & Statistics	3
KINA	Elective (PE Activity)	2
UNIV 111	Whole Person Wellness	2
	Total:	22

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	6
NURS 314	Medical-Surgical Nursing I  Clinical	2
	Total:	8
First Year
Spring
ENGL	English elective	3
NURS 210	LVN to RN Bridge	1
NURS 212	Physical Assessment	3
NURS 213	Pathophysiology	3
MATH 241	Introduction to Probability and Statistics	3
RLGN	Religion Elective	3
	Total:	16
Second Year
Fall
KINT 216	Nutrition	3
NURS 314	Medical-Surgical Nursing I (theory only)   or
NURS 325	Medical-Surgical Nursing I	4
NURS 317	Pharmacology	3
NURS 326	Gerontological Nursing	3
UNIV 111	QEP Whole Person Wellness	2
	Total:	15
Spring
NURS 319	Medical-Surgical Nursing II	5
NURS 321	Evidence Based Nursing	3
NURS 322	Mental Health Nursing	4
RLGN	Religion Elective (upper division)	3
	Total:	15
Third Year
Fall
KINA	PE Elective	1
NURS 433	Maternal/Child Nursing	6
NURS 434	Global/Population Health Nursing	3
NURS 437	Medical-SurgicalNursing III	5
	Total:	15
Spring
KINA	PE Elective	1
NURS 426	Nursing Leadership	3
NURS 438	Medical-Surgical Nursing IV	5
NURS 439	Nursing Capstone	3
	Total:	12

Nursing Courses

NURS 011 - Coaching for Success in Nursing ((Pass/no pass))

This course is designed to enhance skills needed for success in nursing courses.  Emphasis is placed on integrating knowledge to develop expert learning strategies and remediation course work to improve student learning outcomes.  (The student does not receive nursing credit for this remedial course.) (Summer)

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. (Spring)

NURS 210 - LVN to RN Bridge (1 hour)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into LVN to BS program

This course is designed to introduce 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 212 - Physical Assessment (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.  Acceptance into RN to BS program.

This course is designed to provide structured learning experiences to enable the student to perform focused health histories, basic general examinations, and focused assessments of body systems.  Teaching/learning approaches include lecture, demonstration and practice of assessment skills, written examinations and competency testing. 3 Theory (Spring)

NURS 213 - Pathophysiology (3 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses or permission of instructor

This course is designed to provide 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. (Spring, Summer)

NURS 221 - Fundamentals of Nursing (6 hours)

Prerequisite:Acceptanceintothenursingprogram

This course is designed to introduce fundamental concepts of nursing with emphasis on patient safety.Course content includes the implementation of effective communication skills with patients and nursing staff, professional role of the Christian nurse, and use of the nursing process to meet basic human needs.Students acquire basic nursing skills to implement nursing care for adult patients. 4Theory   2Clinical/Lab. (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 311 - Frontier Nursing (1-2 hours)

This course is designed to introduce students to health disparities and delivery of care in third world countries.  Emphasis is on practice in culturally diverse settings, common tropical diseases and their management, planning and setting up of temporary clinics, including triage, individual and family assessment, pharmacy and laboratory measures, health education, whole person wellness, and integration of spiritual care and gospel ministry. (Spring)

NURS 312 - Physical Assessment (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN to BS program

This course is designed to provide structured learning experiences to enable the RN to BSN student to enhance their ability to perform focused health histories, examinations, and focused assessments of body systems.  Teaching/learning approaches include lecture, demonstration and practice of assessment skills, written examinations and competency testing. 3 Theory (Spring)

NURS 314 - Medical Surgical Nursing I (4 hours)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into LVN to BS program

This course is designed to provide opportunities for the LVN-RN students to apply the nursing process in providing safe evidence based patient care.   The focus is on patient-centered care of the adults with common health problems, with emphasis on whole person wellness concepts.  Content and skills build on fundamental nursing competencies in the professional role of the nurse. (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 319 - Medical Surgical Nursing II (5 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses, NURS 313, NURS 315, NURS 316 and NURS 317

This course is designed to provide opportunities to build on previous medical/surgical nursing concepts.  The focus is on providing students opportunities to apply clinical reasoning in the acute care setting integrating theory and practice.  Emphasis is place on whole person wellness and the development of the professional role of the nurse.  3 Theory  2 Clinical/Lab  (Spring)

NURS 321 - Evidence Based Practice (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. 3 Theory. (Fall)

NURS 322 - Mental Health Nursing (4 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 325, 326,317 nursing courses

This course is designed to offer opportunities for students to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care to adults and adolescents in a variety of mental health settings.  Opportunities are provided for students to increase competencies in clinical reasoning, caring relationships, collaborative communication, self-awareness, and legal-ethical and safety issues in mental health nursing.  3 Theory 1 Clinical/Lab. (Spring)

NURS 325 - Medical Surgical Nursing I (6 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses

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. 4 Theory  2 Clinical/lab  (Fall)

NURS 326 - Gerontological Nursing (3 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 level nursing courses and Pathophysiology

This course is designed to examine the process of physical, psychological, mental, and socio-cultural aspects of aging.  The focus is on the unique health and nursing needs of older adults in providing patient centered care.  Emphasis will be on supporting healthy aging and wellness, health promotion, disease prevention, disease/disability prevention based on current evidence based practices. 2.5 Theory .5 clinical/lab.  (Fall)

NURS 426 - Nursing Leadership (3 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles.  Current leadership, management and change theories are examined as it related to the profession of nursing.  Students will engage in activities that contribute to the development of leadership competencies.   5 Seminar  (Spring)

NURS 433 - Maternal-Child Nursing (6 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses

This course is designed to introduce students to maternal-child nursing care concepts.  Focus is on providing culturally sensitive care for women and their families during the childbearing period and care of the neonate.  The course also focuses on patient centered care for children and their families with continued emphasis on growth and development, prevention and treatment of illness in a variety of healthcare settings. Complex health problems of children are examined including congenital and acquired conditions.  4 Theory  2 Clinical/Lab  (Fall)

NURS 434 - Global/Population Health (3 hours)

Prerequisites: MATH 241, all 300 level nursing courses, NURS 321 , 322 and 437, or permission of the instructor

This course is designed to provide an introduction to population health.  Emphasis is placed on whole person wellness and interprofessional collaboration.  Content includes clinical reasoning as it relates to identification of client and population risk, risk reduction, disease prevention, and health promotion across the lifespan.  2 Theory  1 Clinical/Lab  (Fall)

NURS 435 - Nursing Ethics (3 hours)

For the RN to BSN Student or permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to both explore the ethical dimensions of health care practices and develop skills in ethical decision making.  The course will assist students to clarify values and promote moral reflection in the context of contemporary health-care challenges with regards to professional standards.  3 Theory (Spring)

NURS 436 - Health Care Policies and Economics (3 hours)

For the RN to BSN Student or permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to provide an overview of development, challenges and opportunities of the nursing profession as related to policy and economics.  The course will address how to identify gaps in policy knowledge and provide opportunity for students to engage in processes that influence policy decisions at the local, state, regional and national levels that affects the professional of nursing. 3 Theory (Spring)

NURS 437 - Medical Surgical Nursing III (5 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. 3 Theory  2 Clinical/Lab  (Fall)

NURS 438 - Medical Surgical Nursing IV (5 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level courses. NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 437

This course is designed to provide student with the opportunity to integrate professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles. Synthesizes concepts of whole person wellness, clinical judgment, ethical-legal precepts, evidence-based practice, leadership and management, patient-centered care, safety, clinical reasoning and team/collaboration through exemplars. Incorporates concepts into role development of the professional nurse.  3 Theory  2 Clinical/Lab  (Spring )

NURS 439 - Nursing Capstone (2 hours)

Prerequisites: All 200 and 300 level nursing courses; NURS 433 434 NURS 437

Corequisite: NURS 426, NURS 425

This course taken during last semester of nursing program.

This is the capstone course for the BSN degree program in Nursing.  The course focuses on the synthesis and reflection of knowledge and the development of the e-portfolio.  The capstone course also provides structure and guidance to prepare the student for the NCLEX exam. 2 hour seminar.  Pass/no pass course. (Spring)

NURS 440 - Nursing Capstone for RNs (2 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. The course focuses on the synthesis and reflection of knowledge and the development of the e-portfolio.  Pass/no pass course. 2 Seminar.  (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)