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2006-07 PLU Catalog

School of Nursing

Faculty Admission Criteria Programs of Study Course Offerings


253.535.7672

www.plu.edu/~nurs

The School of Nursing is a professional school that combines nursing science with a strong foundation in natural sciences and the liberal arts. It prepares undergraduate students for generalist nursing practice; builds upon undergraduate educational experiences to prepare nurses for advanced practice in designated specialties; and responds to the education needs of practicing nurses to remain current, competent practitioners or to revise the focus of their practice.

The school exemplifies the university's mission of educating for lives of service and care in an environment that encourages inquiry, diversity, lifelong learning, and spirituality as vital elements in the human quest for wholeness. Nursing's educational programs offer dynamic learning opportunities that challenge students to develop skills, attitudes, values, and roles which facilitate individuals, families, and communities to meet their health and wellness needs.

Degree programs within the School of Nursing include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for basic nursing students and licensed practical nurses, and ADN-RNs, the Master of Science in Nursing program for BSN prepared registered nurses, and the Entry-Level MSN for non-nursing baccalaureate graduates.

A program leading to Educational Staff Associate certification is available for school nurses through Continuing Nursing Education (CNE). Course work is offered in collaboration with the Office of the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Workshops and short courses for nurses and others involved in health care are frequently offered throughout the year by CNE.
  
Also integral to the School of Nursing is a Wellness Center that includes a nurse-managed, practitioner-staffed clinic. The center provides nursing services to the community, as well as serves as a practice site for undergraduate and graduate students.

Faculty:T. Miller, Dean; Barton, Bell, Carr, Darks, Dolan, Dubois, Gaspar, Huston, Kirkpatrick, Lizzi, Maloney, McCann, Mize, Olson, Renaud, Roberts, Roth, Sales, Schaffler, Schaffner, Schultz, Stene, Stewart, Winter, Wolfer, Wood, Wu, Zaichkin.

Accreditations and Affiliations

The School of Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The BSN and MSN programs are approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The School is part of Psi Chapter-at-Large of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing.

Undergraduate Programs


The Basic undergraduate program is designed for students who do not hold licensure in practical or registered nursing. The LPN to BSN program is designed for persons holding LPN licensure.

The school collaborates with over 100 health agencies to provide optimal clinical learning experiences for its students, under the supervision of its faculty members.

Graduates who successfully complete either program will have earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the examination for licensure as registered nurses in the State of Washington. They are prepared to begin professional nursing positions throughout the health care system. The undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation for graduate study in nursing.

High School Preparation

Applicants are expected to have completed a program in high school that includes: four years of English; two years of  mathematics (preferably algebra and geometry); two years of social sciences; two years of  one foreign language; and two years of laboratory sciences (including chemistry).

Liberal Arts Foundation

An understanding and appreciation for the integration of liberal arts and the art and science of nursing are necessary for success in the BSN program. Applications are expected to have completed at least 12 semester credits of liberal arts courses prior to beginning the nursing program, in such study areas as literature, philosophy, religion, writing, history, anthropology, political science and fine arts.

Admission to the University

Applicants must be accepted by the university before consideration for acceptance by the School of Nursing. Pacific Lutheran University welcomes applications from all students who have demonstrated capacities for success at the baccalaureate level. Students who present appropriate academic records and personal qualities are admitted to either summer, fall, January, or spring terms, as appropriate. Application procedures and other details are found elsewhere in this catalog.

Admission to the School of Nursing

Students seeking admission to any undergraduate nursing program, Basic, LPN to BSN sequence, or the ADN to BSN sequence, must make formal application to both the university and the School of Nursing. Applications for admission to the nursing major are available from the School of Nursing. All application materials, including official transcripts, are reviewed by the School's Recruitment, Admission, and Progression (RAP) Committee and evaluated according to the admission criteria.

Undergraduate students desiring admission should submit their applications by March 1 for any term in the following year. The selection of students for admission is competitive because the number of available spaces each semester is limited. Students who have applied by the March 1 deadline are notified by the end of April.  If there are more applicants for any term than can be accommodated, qualified candidates are placed on a wait list or admitted to a later term. Students are admitted to the term of their choice insofar as it is possible. Persons on the waitlist for the year who are not admitted because of a lack of space, but who continue to desire admission to the nursing major, must submit a new application to be considered for the following year.

Individuals whose applications have been received after the priority deadline, March 1, for all terms, will be considered on a space available basis.

All prospective or pre-nursing students are urged to seek early academic advisement in order to enroll for appropriate prerequisite courses and avoid unnecessary loss of time. The School of Nursing reserves the right of curriculum and program modification and revision.

Admission Criteria


Basic BSN, LPN to BSN and ADN to BSN


Applicants must have been admitted to Pacific Lutheran University before consideration of admission to the School of Nursing. Admission to the School of Nursing is a selective process. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to the university does not imply nor guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.  Minimum criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for admission to the Basic or LPN to BSN programs of study in the School of Nursing include the following:

  1. Satisfactory completion, or pending satisfactory completion, of specified prerequisite courses at PLU, an accredited community college, or another accredited university.
  2. Completion, or pending completion, of at least 30 semester credits (or 45 quarter credits) at the college level, which is sophomore class standing;
  3. Competitive grade point averages (Because admission is competitve, the grade point averages for admitted students are usually significantly higher than the minimum):
    1. A minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in each nursing prerequisite and co-requisite course.
    2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale in the prerequisite courses.
    3. A minimum PLU cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. (For transfer students who matriculate to PLU and the School of Nursing simultaneously, the cumulative transfer grade point average as determined by the Registrar's Office is used.)
  4. No more than one repeat of any single prerequisite or corequisite course. Applicants who have either repeated courses, both general and nursing specific, due to failure, or have withdrawn from courses, are considered less competitive.
  5. Completion of the university math entrance requirement (intermediate algebra at the college level with a minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, or completion of two years of college preparatory [high school] algebra with average grades of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale).
  6. Physical and mental health with emotional stability sufficient to meet the demands of generalist nursing roles and to provide timely, safe patient care.
  7. Fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending university-level English.
  8. Civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.
  9. Submission of all required application documents to the School of Nursing by the designated deadlines.
  •  

    • Continuation Policies


    1. All the nursing courses have prerequisites and must be taken in sequence and/or concurrently as identified in the student's school-approved curriculum plan as well as the catalog.A minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C) must be achieved in all required nursing courses. A student receiving a grade of less than 2.00 in any course that is a prerequisite to another nursing course may not continue in the nursing sequence until the prerequisite course is repeated with a grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or above.
    2. No course can be repeated more than one time. Failure in two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the School of Nursing.
    3. Incomplete grades in nursing courses must be converted to a passing grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale or above) before the first day of class of the subsequent term.
    4. Students taking approved withdrawals from nursing courses may return to the School of Nursing in accordance with policies listed in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook on a space-available basis, noting that they may be subject to new program requirements.
    5. The School of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw nursing students who fail to achieve and maintain academic or clinical competence, or who do not demonstrate professional accountability or conduct. Unsafe and/or unethical practice constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from the clinical component and/or the program.
    6. All students must comply with confidentiality according to HIPPA, School of Nursing, and university regulations.
    7. Other policies regarding progression/continuation are found in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook.

    Health


    Nursing students are being developed as professional role models and are responsible for optimal health practices. Specific health-related documentation and certification are required before beginning the program, and must be current throughout the course of study. It is the responsibility of each student to provide appropriate and timely documentation as required. Students failing to comply with any of these requirements may be dismissed from the nursing program and/or be subject to monetary fine. It is the student's responsibility to report to the School of Nursing any changes in his or her physical or psychological health.

    English Proficiency


    A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing and for patient safety. Students who are identified by the university as needing the English as a Second Language (ESL) sequence of courses will be required to take the ESL courses before consideration for admission to the School of Nursing and/or to take and achieve passing scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

    In addition, before their applications to the School of Nursing will be considered, all students for whom English is not their first language must also take and pass additional tests of English pronunciation, comprehension, grammar, and fluency. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Guidelines and policies can be obtained from the School of Nursing. All students for whom English is not their first language should also be aware that they may not be able to complete the program of study within the usual time frame.

    Non-Majors Enrolled in Nursing Courses


    Students who have not been admitted to the nursing major but who wish to enroll in nursing courses must obtain permission of the School of Nursing Recruitment, Admissions, and Progression Committee, the course instructors, and/or the Dean.

    Additional Costs


    A user support fee is charged to each student's account each semester. This fee supports the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies in the practice labs and Learning Resource Center, as well as computer materials and software. The fee is paid with tuition following registration for specific courses.

    In addition to regular university costs, students must provide their own transportation between the university campus and the clinical areas beginning with the first nursing course. Public transportation is limited, so provision for private transportation is essential.

    Students are required to carry professional liability insurance in specified amounts during all periods of clinical experience. For Basic students, this insurance is available under a group plan at a nominal cost to the student. LPN and ADN students must carry their own professional liability insurance. Health requirement fees, laboratory fees, student uniforms and any necessary equipment are the responsibility of the student.

    Programs of Study


    PREREQUISITE AND CO-REQUISITE COURSES TO THE NURSING MAJOR:

    Each prerequisite and co-requisite course listed below must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in order to be considered successfully completed.


    Prerequisite and co-requisite courses

    BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology
    BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
    CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life (Organic and Biochemistry)
    PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology
    PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan
    STAT 231: Introductory Statistics

    All courses named above are offered in academic departments other than the School of Nursing, and are thereby administered by those respective departments in regard to scheduling, evaluation, grading, etc. For the BSN degree to be awarded, all students must meet both nursing and university requirements.

    BSN SEQUENCE FOR BASIC STUDENTS

    The curriculum plan for the Basic student (those who hold neither practical nor registered nursing licensure) is designed to foster growth and professional accountability on the part of students.

    Nursing (NURS) courses must be taken concurrently and in sequence as indicated in the following sample curriculum, and, if the student is enrolled full time, normally extend over six semesters. Basic students who have completed transferable nursing credit from another accredited institution, and/or who hold licensure as certified nursing assistants, should seek advisement from the Admissions Coordinator regarding the possibility of completing the sequence within five semesters and one January or summer term (when offered). Currently licensed certified nursing assistants with a minimum of one year's experience may be eligible to complete Nursing 220 through credit by examination.

    First Year (Pre-Nursing)


    First Semester
    BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
    PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology 4
    WRIT 101: Inquiry Seminar: Writing 4
    PHED 100: Personalized Fitness Program 1
    PHED Physical Activity 1
    January Term
    GUR or Core
    		4
    Second Semester
    BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
    CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life 4
    GUR or Core 4
    Inquiry Seminar 190: GUR or Core 4

    Second Year



    First Semester
    BIOL 201: Introduction to Microbiology
    		 4
    PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan
    		 4
    STAT  231: Introductory Statistics 4
    NURS 220: Nursing Competencies I 4
    PHED Physical Activity 1
    January Term
    NURS 220: Nursing Competencies I
    (When offered and If not completed in previous first semester)         		4
    Second Semester
    NURS 260: Professional Foundations 4
    NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion 4
    NURS 280: Pathological Human Processes 4
    GUR or Core 4
    PHED Physical Activity 1

    Third Year


    First Semester
    NURS 320: Nursing Competencies II 2
    NURS 330: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Modalities 4
    NURS 340: Situations with Individuals: Adult Health I 4
    NURS 350: Situations with Individuals: Mental Health 4
    January Term
    GUR or Core 4
    Second Semester
    NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics 4
    NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare 4
    NURS 370: Situations with Families: Childbearing 4
    NURS 380: Situations with Families: Childrearing 4

    Fourth Year


    First Semester
    NURS 420: Leadership and Resource Management 4
    NURS 430: Situations with Communities 5
    NURS 440: Situations with Individuals: Adult Health II 4
    NURS 441: Situations Seminar 1
    January Term
    GUR or Core 4
    Second Semester
    NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy 2
    NURS 480: Professional Foundations II 2
    NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis 6
    GUR or Core 4


    A minimum of 128 semester credit hours is required for the baccalaureate degree. The sequence of required nursing courses comprises 70 semester credit hours.

    BSN SEQUENCE FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES:


    The LPN to BSN sequence of study is designed to provide career mobility for the experienced licensed practical nurse desiring the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program validates the prior knowledge and clinical competence of the LPN, enabling progression through the BSN curriculum within five semesters, following completion of prerequisite courses.

    LPN students are strongly encouraged to make maximum progress toward completing university requirements before beginning the nursing sequence.

    Prerequisite Courses


    BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology 4
    BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
    BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
    CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life 4
    PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology 4
    PSCY 320: Development Across the Lifespan 4

    First Year


    First Semester
    NURS 260: Professional Foundations 4
    NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion 4
    NURS 280: Pathological Human Processes 4
    STAT 231: Introductory Statistics 4
    Second Semester
    NURS 320: Nursing Competencies II 2
    NURS 330: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Modalities 4
    NURS 340: Situations with Individuals: Adult Health I 4
    NURS 350: Situations with Individuals: Mental Health 4

    Second Year


    First Semester
    NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics 4
    NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare 4
    NURS 370: Situations with Families: Childbearing 4
    NURS 380: Situations with Families: Childrearing 4
    Second Semester
    NURS 420: Leadership and Resource Management 4
    NURS 430: Situations with Communities 5
    NURS 440: Situations with Individuals: Adult Health II 4
    NURS 441: Situations Seminar 1

    Third Year


    Final Semester
    NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy 2
    NURS 480: Professional Foundations II 2
    NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis 6
    GUR or Core 4

    General university and other specific requirements needed for completion of the baccalaureate degree are not listed here. Applicants to the LPN to BSN sequence are strongly encouraged to seek advising for assistance with their complete programs of study.

    BSN SEQUENCE FOR LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES


    The ADN to BSN program begins with the foundation of the knowledge, skills and experience of the registered nurse and builds an expanded framework for advanced nursing practice in today's health care delivery systems. Designed for the registered nurse with at least one year of direct care nursing experience, this program enables students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing.

    In the ADN to BSN program, students may earn up to 30 upper-division credits through the Professional Portfolio Workshop course, designed to guide the students in earning college credits by documenting registered nurse employment experiences.

    Upon successful completion of the BSN degree with a 3.0 PLU grade point average, and successful completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the student may begin an expedited application process for the MSN program. (See Graduate Studies.)

    Prerequisite Nursing Courses
    BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology 4
    BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
    BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
    CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life 4
    PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology 4
    PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan 4
    STAT 231: Introductory Statistics 4
    Prerequisite General University Requirement Courses
    Math Entrance Requirement (minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale)
    Foreign Language Entrance Requirement
    Fine Arts: Art, Music, or Theater 4
    Literature 4
    Philosophy (excludes logic or critical thinking) 4
    Physical Education: Four different activity courses, including PHED 100 (See School of Nursing for specific exemptions to the PHED requirement.) 4
    Social Science, Line 1:  History, Anthropology, or Political Science 4
    Writing 4

    For consideration for admission, applicants must have:

    1. Achieved a minimum (undergraduate) cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for admission to undergraduate study, and continuation to graduate study.
    2. Completed each nursing prerequisite course with a minimum GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale; cumulative GPA average in all prerequisite and corequisite courses must be a minimum of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
    3. Achieved junior class status (accumulation of 60 or more semester hours).
    4. Obtained unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington.
    5. For continuation to graduate study, completion of the MSN application process.

    BSN Course of Study for ADN Prepared Registered Nurses

    (See Graduate Studies for MSN Course Sequences.)

    Prior to first semester in program
    Religious Studies and approved elective
    		 6–8
    First Semester
    NURS 399: Professional Portfolio Workshop 4
    NURS 420: Introduction to Leadership and Management 4
    NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities 5
    January Term
    Approved Elective
    		 4
    Second Semester
    NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics 4
    NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare
    		 4
    NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy 2
    NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis 6
    Religious Studies
    		4

    MINOR IN HEALTH SERVICES


    Health care is a complex system, which now represents 16% of the U.S. Gross National Product. Many disciplines outside of nursing require familiarity with systems and issues within health care. The Health Services minor is designed to support non-nursing majors, including biology, business, chemistry, social work, etc. Students seeking a Health Services minor must receive approval and advisement from the School of Nursing prior to declaration.

    Requirements - Minimum 18 semester hours


    NURS 100, 460
    PHIL 223

    At least three courses from

    Diversity:

            ANTH 102, 380
            HEED 365
            NURS 365
            PHED 362

    Administration
    ECON 323
    NURS 420 and 530
    Physiologic Functioning
    NURS 280, 330
    PHED 480

    Applied Health Care
    HEED 266, 281
    NURS 270
    PHED 384

    No more than eight semester hours from any one department will be counted toward the minor.

    Graduate Programs


    Master of Science in Nursing
     
    Consult the graduate section of this catalog for details of the program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing and/or contact the School of Nursing Graduate Program (253.535.7672).

    Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing 

    A cohort program designed for those who have previously earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in an academic discipline other than nursing. Those interested are strongly advised to seek early advisement from the School of Nursing at 253.535.8872. See Graduate Studies section of this catalog for further details.

    School Nurse Certification

     Contact the School of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education Office (253.535.7683).

    Workshops and Short Courses

     Contact the School of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education Office (253.535.7683).

    The information contained herein reflects an accurate picture of the programs of study leading to degrees in Nursing from Pacific Lutheran University at the time of publication. However, the university reserves the right to make necessary changes in procedures, policies, calendar, curriculum, and costs.

    For students admitted to the nursing major, regular status or provisional, all nursing courses are sequential. Successful completion of all courses in one semester is prerequisite to enrollment in the next semester's courses. All students admitted to the nursing major must adhere to the curriculum sequence as outlined by their approved academic program contracts.

    Course Offerings - Nursing (NURS)
    All courses unless otherwise specified, are open only to accepted nursing students.

    NURS 100: Medical Terminology

     Provides sound basis for individuals in health care to learn important words, their origins, derivatives, and abbreviations. Focuses on utilization of terms as applied to anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological topics. Pronunciation of terms emphasized. Knowledge from this course can be applied to any health care profession. Open to non-nursing majors, required for Health Services minor. (1 or 2)

    NURS 220: Competencies I

     Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies of therapeutic communication, and technical skills associated with health management. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing. (4)

    NURS 260: Professional Foundations I

     Focuses on nursing as a profession and discipline. The nursing process is introduced as a framework for critical thinking and caring. Open to non-nursing students with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: NURS 220. (4)

    NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion

     Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to perform health assessments and promote health across the life span. Prerequisites: prior or concurrent with NURS 260 and 280. (4)

    NURS 280: Human Pathological Processes

     Focuses on human responses to major forms of pathophysiology. Prerequisite for majors: BIOL 201, 206 and CHEM 105. Non-majors must receive permission from the instructor. (4)

    NURS 312: Perioperative Nursing

     Focuses on the theory and practice related to pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical nursing care as well as the role of the perioperative surgical nurse. (4)

    NURS 320: Competencies II

     Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies of advanced technical skills associated with health management. Prerequisites: NURS 260, 270, 280, Achievement of Junior I status. (2)

    NURS 330: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Modalities for Nursing

     Focuses on pharmacological principles of major drug classifications, therapeutic modalities, and alternatives to pharmacological interventions. Prerequisite for majors: NURS 280, Achievement of Junior I status. Non-majors must receive permission from the instructor.(4)

    NURS 340: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Adult Health I

     Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with individuals experiencing selected alterations in health. Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in NURS 320 and 330, Achievement of Junior I status. (4)

    NURS 350: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Mental Health

     Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with individuals experiencing mental health issues. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in NURS 330, Achievement of Junior I status. (4)

    NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics

     Examines principles of nursing and health care research, technologies, and databases that support evidence-based nursing practice. Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent with NURS 340 or 350 and STAT 231, Achievement of Junior II status. (4)

    NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Health Care – A

    Focuses on core knowledge and competencies necessary to give culturally congruent care to people from diverse populations. Compares beliefs, values, and practices pertaining to health, care expressions, and well-being. Open to non-nursing students with instructor permission. Prerequisite for majors: NURS 270, Achievement of Junior II status. (4)

    NURS 370: Nursing Situations with Families: Childbearing

    Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with childbearing families. Prerequisites: NURS 320, 330, 340, 350, Achievement of Junior II status. (4)

    NURS 380: Nursing Situations with Families: Childrearing

    Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with infants, children, adolescents and their families. Prerequisites: NURS 320, 330, 340, 350, Achievement of Junior II status. (4)

    NURS 399: Nursing Portfolio Workshop

    Portfolio writing designated to prepare registered nurses to complete a portfolio documenting prior experiential learning acquired in nursing practice. Open to ADN to BSN students only. (4)

    NURS 420: Introduction to Leadership and Resource Management in Nursing

    Focuses on core knowledge and competencies related to beginning leadership and resource management skills. Prerequisites: NURS 360, 370, 380, Achievement of Senior I status. (4)

    NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities

    Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with the community as client. Prior or concurrent enrollment in NURS 420, Achievement of Senior I status. (5)

    NURS 440: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Adult Health II

    Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to apply the nursing process to situations with individuals experiencing complex alterations in health. Prerequisites: NURS 360, 370, and 380, Achievement of Senior I status. (4)

    NURS 441: Senior Seminar

    Exploration and integration of core knowledge and competencies related to complex alterations in the health of individuals experiencing complex alterations in health. Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in NURS 440. Achievement of Senior I status. (1)

    NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy

    Analysis of the social, political, legal, and economic factors that influence health care including trends in health policy and ethical issues relevant to health care delivery. Open to non-nursing students with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite for majors: NURS 260, Achievement of Senior II status. (2)

    NURS 478: Elective Clinical Experience

    An exploration and application of nursing knowledge and roles in a selected clinical environment. Pass/fail option. Open to students who have completed their junior-level nursing courses or permission of the faculty. (1–4)

    NURS 480: Professional Foundations II

    Critical evaluation of role transition into professional nursing. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in NURS 499, Achievement of Senior II status. (2)

    NURS 491: Independent Studies

    Prerequisite: Permission of the dean. (1–4)

    NURS 493: Internship Abroad (1–4)

    NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis – SR

    Synthesis of core knowledge, competencies, professional values, and leadership skills in nursing situations mentored by a professional nurse preceptor. Prerequisites: NURS 420, 430, 440, 441, prior or concurrent enrollment in NURS 460 and 480. (6)

    See the Graduate School of Nursing for graduate level courses.