College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences 2007-2008 Catalog
NURSING
The pre-licensure nursing program offers a four-year sequence leading to the bachelor of science degree. Students are prepared to practice in entry-level professional nursing positions in all types of health care agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the state licensure examination. The goals of the nursing department are:
- To prepare nurses with skills in critical thinking, with the ability to function in both structured and unstructured professional nursing positions, and with the background necessary for advanced education.
- To prepare students for lifelong learning with a theoretical foundation based on Judeo-Christian principles and the liberal arts and sciences.
- To express within the nursing profession Christian values through excellence in professional practice, scholarly endeavors, and community service.
Students may enter the program in the prenursing sequence of courses or as transfer students on a space-available basis.
The degree completion program is open to registered nurses (RNs) through an accelerated evening option through the College of Adult & Professional Studies. A master of arts in nursing is also offered through the Graduate School.
The baccalaureate program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120; phone: 202.887.6791).
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
The following are minimum threshold requirements to be considered for admission into the nursing program. Space is limited, however, and not all qualified applicants are guaranteed admission.
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5;
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the required prerequisite science courses;
- Demonstrate competency in oral and written communication;
- Demonstrate a level of personal health consistent with safe nursing practice as determined in a physical examination;
- Give evidence of personality, character, and emotional stability consistent with the mission of the nursing department and the role and responsibility of the professional nurse;
- Be recommended for admission into the nursing program by two persons outside the Department of Nursing;
- Have completed the required prerequisite and general education courses for junior standing; and
- Provide documentation of successful completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant/Nursing Assistant Registered Program.
Application materials and procedures are available from the admissions office for students interested in the traditional baccalaureate nursing program. RN applicants may contact the College of Adult & Professional Studies.
Courses in the nursing program require students to spend substantial time in off-campus clinical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies. Students must furnish their own transportation to and from these clinical sites, some of which may not be conveniently reached by public transportation.
In addition, students should be aware that Minnesota state law requires that health care facilities complete background checks on all employees (and students). If an employee (or student) has been convicted of certain crimes, he/she may not be allowed to work in such facilities. All prospective students need to be aware of this law because a student convicted of these crimes may be unable to complete the clinical requirements of the nursing program and, consequently, may not be able to graduate from the program. Any questions should be addressed to: Minnesota Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing, Background Study Unit, 444 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-3842.
Students are required to provide evidence of current health insurance as a condition of beginning the program. Information about health insurance is available through the Office of Student Life. Malpractice insurance is also required (see the financial section of this catalog).
Program Performance Requirements
Nursing is a practice discipline and the baccalaureate nursing education prepares nurse generalists. All nursing students must demonstrate a wide variety of cognitive, interpersonal, and motor skills. A list of core program performance standards is available from the Nursing Department. The university will provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students who can demonstrate need based on a qualifying disability in accordance with the applicable law. Students seeking reasonable accommodations must request them in a timely manner in order to avoid scheduling delays. A minimum of 30 days advance notice prior to the start of a semester is required because of the complex nature of clinical and laboratory courses. Consultation related to reasonable accommodations is available through the Office of Disability Services.
Progression
To progress in the program, the student must meet the Bethel University requirements for academic progress. In addition, a student must:
- Earn a grade of C or better in each nursing course. This indicates satisfactory achievement of objectives and completion of course requirements;
- Maintain a major GPA of at least 2.25;
- Function in a safe and ethical manner;
- Successfully complete each prerequisite nursing course before progressing to the next sequential course;
- Complete at least half of the credits designated as Nursing (NUR) in residence at Bethel;
- Successfully complete NUR300 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, and NUR498, NUR499 Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice I and II in residence at Bethel University; and
- Inform Health Services of any changes in his/her health status that would affect performance as a nursing student.
Transfer and/or Advanced Standing
Transfer student requirements are found in the Academic Information section of this catalog. Further details on departmental policies and procedures are described in the Pre-professional Nursing Program Student Handbook.
NUR300 • Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (fall) 3 credits
An examination of the scope of nursing practice. Consideration of major concepts basic to nursing from various perspectives (biblical, philosophical, theoretical, and scientific). Must be taken concurrently with NUR301 and NUR303. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.
NUR301 • Physiological Foundations of Nursing Practice (fall) 3 credits
A focus on the nursing process in relation to pathophysiology, nutrition, and pharmacology. Common challenges to health and integrative mechanisms that promote adaptation in the client. Must be taken concurrently with NUR300 and NUR303. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.
NUR303 • Foundations of Nursing Practice (fall) 3 credits
An emphasis on the nursing process, assessment of challenges to health, and nursing interventions that promote adaptation. The clinical laboratory includes both on-campus and off-campus settings and incorporates experience in the community and in the hospital. Must be taken concurrently with NUR300 and NUR301. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program.
NUR304 • Physiological Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults I (spring) 4 credits
An examination of moderate physiological challenges to health experienced by the adult client. Internal and external integrative mechanisms and manifestations of adaptive responses. Pharmacological and nutritional interventions that promote adaptation. Must be taken concurrently with NUR306. Prerequisites: NUR300; NUR301; NUR303.
NUR306 • Physiological Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults II (spring) 4 credits
A focus on the application of the nursing process to promote adaptation of adults with moderate physiological challenges to health. The setting is primarily an acute-care hospital with some on-campus laboratory experiences. Must be taken concurrently with NUR304. Prerequisites: NUR300; NUR301; NUR303.
NUR308 • Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults (spring) 4 credits
An emphasis on the theories and skills necessary to use both interpersonal processes and the nursing process to assist young and middle-aged adults to adapt to psychosocial and spiritual challenges. Prerequisites: NUR300; NUR301; NUR303.
NUR345 • The Church as a Healing Community (interim) 1 credit
Focus is on the theological and scriptural foundations of church health ministries. Topics include faith/health integration, the healing ministry of Jesus, varied health ministries of the church, and the nature of healing Christian communities. Prerequisite: Bible or theology course or consent of instructor.
NUR346 • Parish Nursing: Exploration of a Concept (spring) 1 credit
Skills and knowledge specific to parish nursing are explored. Topics include roles of the parish nurse, aggregate clients, ethical/legal aspects of the role, professional standards, and personal spiritual growth. Prerequisites: NUR345 and upper-division nursing major.
NUR401 • Nursing Care with Childbearing and Childrearing Families (fall) 4 credits
A focus on the use of the nursing process to assist the client/family to adapt to actual or potential challenges to health, including challenges to antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal phases of childbearing women and challenges to health and illness in children and their families. Prerequisites: NUR304; NUR306; NUR308.
NUR403 • Community Health Nursing Theory and Practice (fall) 4 credits
A focus on the community as client. Students function in various roles and settings as they develop skills to facilitate adaptation of communities, groups, and families to challenges to health. Theory and practice emphasize prevention of illness and promotion and restoration of health. Prerequisites: NUR304; NUR306; NUR308.
NUR405 • Nursing Care with Elderly Adults (fall) 4 credits
An emphasis on the knowledge base necessary for nursing practice with elderly adults experiencing serious or potential challenges to health. Promotion of the adaptation of elderly clients with age-related physical and psychosocial health needs. Nursing interventions aimed at preventing illness while promoting and restoring health. Prerequisites: NUR304; NUR306; NUR308.
NUR410GZ • Cultural Diversity in Health Care (interim) 3 credits
Application of a model of cultural assessment to compare various ethnic groups. Model serves as a means of considering implications for providing culturally specific health care to individuals and groups. Includes off-campus clinical experience. Prerequisites: NUR401; NUR403; NUR405; GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245, GES246; World Cultures (U) course.
NUR430 • Promoting Quality Care at the End of Life (occasionally) 1 credit
Exploration of strategies for improving quality of care at the end of life: care during the last hours of life, effective communication, ethical issues, and improving end-of-life care in health systems. Based on curriculum developed by the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). Prerequisites: PHI110N or permission of the instructor.
NUR498 • Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice I (spring) 4 credits
An opportunity to synthesize and generalize nursing concepts and theories. Nursing research, leadership and management theories, and professional role development are emphasized. Current nursing issues are discussed. Must be taken concurrently with NUR499. Prerequisites: NUR401; NUR403; NUR405.
NUR499 • Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice II (spring) 4 credits
A study of the roles and theories relating to nursing care, leadership, and professionalism are examined in the clinical setting to assist the student with development of a personal philosophy of nursing. Students work with clients with complex challenges to adaptation in a variety of health care settings. Must be taken concurrently with NUR498. Prerequisites: NUR401; NUR403; NUR405.
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description proceeded by a comma.
Major in Nursing (B.S.)
NUR300 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, 3
NUR301 Physiological Foundations of Nursing Practice, 3
NUR303 Foundations of Nursing Practice, 3
NUR304 Physiological Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults I, 4
NUR306 Physiological Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults II, 4
NUR308 Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Nursing Care with Adults, 4
NUR401 Nursing Care with Childbearing and Childrearing Families, 4
NUR403 Community Health Nursing Theory and Practice, 4
NUR405 Nursing Care with Elderly Adults, 4
NUR410GZ* Cultural Diversity in Health Care, 3
NUR498 Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice I, 4
NUR499 Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice II, 4
Prerequisite courses:
BIO109D* General Biology, 4
BIO201 Human Anatomy, 4
BIO202 Human Physiology, 4
BIO207 Microbiology and Immunology, 4
CHE103D* Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry I, 4
CHE104 Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry II, 4
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology, 3
PSY203 Lifespan Development, 3
74
General Education, 51-52
TOTAL 125-126 **
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
** Because of possible double counting between General Education and the major, the actual total can be reduced to 123 credits, including 4 credits of electives.
A course in ethical decision making must be included within the total program. Courses approved to meet this requirement include: PHI110N Society and Morality, HPE390K Decision Making and Medical Technology, and GES420P Bioethics.
It is highly recommended that nursing students fulfill the General Education mathematics requirement by taking a statistics course, preferably PSY230M Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design.