2007-08 Catalog [cloned for 2008-2009]

School of Nursing

253.535.7672

www.plu.edu/~nurs
nurs@plu.edu

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: 1) Bachelor of Science in Nursing for basic nursing students, licensed practical nurses and ADN-RNs; 2) Master of Science in Nursing program for BSN prepared registered nurses; and 3) Entry-level MSN for non-nursing baccalaureate graduates.

A program leading to Educational Staff Associate certificate 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 through the year by CNE.

The Wellness Center is an integral part of the School of Nursing that includes a nurse-managed, practitioner-staffed clinic. The center provides nursing services to the community and serves as a practice site for undergraduate and graduate students.

Faculty: T. Miller, Dean; Barta, Burns, Carr, Darks, Dolan, Dubois, Huston, Jenkins, Latta, Lizzi, Maloney,  Mize, Olson, Pendrak, Roberts, Roth, Schaffler, Schaffner, Schultz, Shull, Smith, Swett, Winter, Wolfer, 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 the 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 examination for licensure as registered nurses in all 50 states and two US Territories. 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. Applicants 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 anthropology, fine arts, history, literature, philosophy, political science, religion and writing.

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, or spring terms.  Application procedures and other details are found elsewhere in this catalog.

Admission to the School of Nursing

Students seeking admission to the undergraduate nursing program's Basic, LPN-BSN sequence or the ADN-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 priority deadline for any term in the following year. The selection of students for admission is competitive because available spaces each semester are limited. If there are more applicants for any term than can be accommodated, qualified candidates are placed on a waitlist or admitted to a later term. Students are admitted to the term of their choice if it is possible. Persons on the waitlist for the year who are not admitted because of 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 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-BSN and ADN-BSN

Applicants must be admitted to Pacific Lutheran University before being considered for admission to the School of Nursing. Admission is a selective process and meeting minimum requirements does not imply or 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 to BSN, LPN to BSN or ADN to BSN programs of study include the following:

• Successful completion, or pending satisfactory completion, of specific prerequisite courses at PLU, an accredited community college or another accredited university.

• Successful completion, or pending completion, of at least 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits (sophomore class standing).

• Competitive grade point average. Admitted students usually have significantly higher grade point averages than the minimum because of the competitiveness of the program:

• A minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in each nursing prerequisite and co-requisite course.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale in the prerequisite courses.
• A minimum PLU cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Transfer students who matriculate to PLU and the School of Nursing simultaneously must meet the cumulative transfer grade point average as determined by the Registrar's Office.

• No more than one repeat of any single prerequisite or co-requisite course. Applicants who have either repeated courses, both general and nursing specific, due to failure, or have withdrawn from courses, are considered less competitive.

• Completion of the university math entrance requirement, which is 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.

• Physical and mental health with emotional stability sufficient to meet the demands of all generalist nursing roles and to provide timely, safe patient care.

• Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending university-level English.

• Civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.

• Submission of all required application documents to the School of Nursing by the School's designated deadlines.

Continuation Policies

• All  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 in 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 less than a 2.00 in any course that is 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.

• No course may be repeated more than one time. Failure in any two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the School of Nursing.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• All students must comply with confidentiality according to HIPAA, School of Nursing, and university regulations.

• 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 university-level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing and for patient safety. Students for whom English is not their first language must first comply with university requirements as described elsewhere in this catalog.

In addition, before their applications to the School of Nursing will be considered, all students for whom English is not their first language must take and achieve specific scores on the TOEFLiBT. 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 wish to enroll in nursing courses, must first obtain permission of the course instructor(s) and the School's 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 nurse 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 program students, this insurance is available under a group plan at a nominal cost to the student. LPN to BSN and ADN  to BSN program 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 for 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.

Basic BSN Sequence: Students must successfully complete Biology 205 and 206, Chemistry 105 and Psychology 101 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale before beginning the nursing program. Successful completion of Biology 201 and Psychology 320 is required before progression to the second semester sophomore-level nursing courses; in addition, successful completion of Statistics 231 is required before enrollment in Nursing 360.

LPN to BSN Sequence: Students must successfully complete Biology 201, 205 and 206; Chemistry 105; and Psychology 101 and 320 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale before beginning the nursing program. Successful completion of Statistics 231 is also required prior to enrollment in Nursing 360.

ADN to BSN Sequence: Students must successfully complete Biology 201, 205 and 206; Chemistry 105; Psychology 101 and 320; and Statistics 231 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale before beginning the nursing program.

Required Prerequisite and Co-Requisite Courses:

• BIOL 201: Introduction 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 the above named courses are offered by academic departments other than the School of Nursing, and are administered by those respective departments in regard to scheduling, evaluation, grading and other matters. To be awarded a BSN degree, all students must meet both nursing and university requirements.

BSN Sequence for Basic Students

The curriculum plan for the Basic student, those who do not hold practical or registered nursing licensure, is designed to foster growth and professional accountability.

Nursing (NURS) courses must be taken concurrently or in sequence as indicated in the following sample curriculum, and, if the student is enrolled full time, normally extend over six semesters. Students who have completed transferable nursing credit from another accredited institution, and/or who hold licensure as certified nursing assistants, should seek advisement from School of Nursing Admissions Coordinator(s) regarding their prospective curriculum plan. 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)

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Note: A minimum of 128 semester credit hours is required for the baccalaureate degree. The sequence of required nursing courses comprises 70 semester credit hours. Please note that due to clinical site availability, any student may be required to take a required nursing course, such as NURS 340, NURS 350, NURS 370 or NURS 380, in January Term instead of Fall or Spring Semesters.

BSN Sequence for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

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

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

Prerequisite Courses

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

General university and other specific requirements needed for completion of the baccalaureate degree are not listed above. Applicants to the LPN to BSN sequence are strongly encouraged to seek advising from the School of Nursing Admission Coordinator(s) for assistance with the completion of their program 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 sequence enables students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing.

Upon successful completion of the BSN degree with a cumulative 3.00 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.)

Nursing Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite General University Requirement Courses

For admission consideration, students must have:

• Achieved a minimum (undergraduate) cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for admission to the undergraduate study and continuation to graduate study.

• Completed each nursing prerequisite course with a minimum GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale; cumulative GPA average in all prerequisites and co-requisite courses must be a minimum of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

• Achieved senior class status, (accumulation  of 96 semester hours or 144 quarter hours) with a minimum of eight in transferable upper-division hours.
  

• Obtained unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington.

• For continuation to graduate study, completion of the MSN application process.

BSN Course of Study for ADN Prepared Registered Nurses

Students should see Graduate Studies section for information on the Master of Nursing course sequences.

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 and other fields. Prior to declaration for a minor in Health Services, student must receive advising and approval from the School of Nursing. The Health Services minor requires the completion of 18 semester hours.

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

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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

Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN)

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 Continuing Nursing Education Office at 253.535.7683.

Workshops and Short Courses

Contact the Continuing Nursing Education Office at 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.

Curriculum Sequence

All nursing courses are sequential for students admitted to the nursing major, regular status or provisional. 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.

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2007-08 Catalog

Pacific Lutheran University