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 healthcare agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses). 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: 202.463.6930).

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 courses for, and have sophomore standing; and
Provide documentation of successful completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant/Nursing Assistant Registered Program prior to beginning the nursing 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 healthcare 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 students must have their transcripts evaluated by the Registrar and the Nursing Department to determine the nursing curriculum that is applicable. See Bethel University Catalog 2008-2009 for alternative curriculum.

Students who can successfully complete prerequisite courses and meet the "Participation Requirements" for admission to the nursing program by the end of 2009-2010 can be considered for admission to the nursing program using the nursing curriculum outlined in the Bethel University Catalog 2008-2009.

Courses

NUR201 • Foundations of Health Ministry (fall, spring beginning fall 2010) 3 credits

Exploration of personal ability, call, commitment, and vision for health ministry with consideration of strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare delivery system from social justice, biblical, and historical viewpoints. Examination of the impact of lifestyle and culture on health status of the individual and family that includes physical, psychosocial, and spiritual perspectives. Emphasis on effective communication strategies and the health promotion framework. Prerequisites: Major in nursing; sophomore standing.

NUR202 • Health Assessment (spring, beginning 2011) 2 credits

Introduction to assessment of the physical, cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual parameters in individuals and family health within the context of the nursing process. Prerequisite: NUR201 (may be taken concurrently); Acceptance into the nursing program.

NUR300 • Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (fall 2009, 2010) 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 2009, 2010) 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 2009, 2010) 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 2010, 2011) 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 2010, 2011) 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 2010, 2011) 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.

NUR311 • Nursing Skills I (fall, beginning 2011) 1 credit

Development of beginning nursing skills related to caring for clients of various health/illness states across the lifespan. Emphasis on the nursing process, medication administration, communication, and evidenced-based skills linked with theoretical content in concurrent courses. Must be taken concurrently with NUR313, NUR315, and NUR317. Prerequisites: NUR201; NUR202.

NUR312 • Nursing Skills II (spring, beginning 2012) 1 credit

Development of beginning nursing skills related to caring for clients of various health/illness states across the lifespan. Emphasis on the intravenous medication administration and evidence-based skills linked with theoretical content in concurrent nursing course. Must be taken concurrently with NUR314, NUR316, and NUR318. Prerequisites: NUR311; NUR313; NUR315; NUR317.

NUR313 • Nursing Care of Individuals I (fall, beginning 2011) 3 credits

Analysis of nursing care relating to individuals throughout the lifespan experiencing selected acute health issues. Students use evidence, including clinical knowledge, as a framework for developing nursing diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes. Must be taken concurrently with NUR311, NUR315, and NUR317. Prerequisites: NUR201 and NUR202.

NUR314 • Nursing Care of Individuals II (spring, beginning 2012) 3 credits

Analysis of nursing care relating to individuals throughout the lifespan experiencing selected acute health issues. Students use evidence, including clinical knowledge, as a framework for developing nursing diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes. Must be taken concurrently with NUR312, NUR316, and NUR318. Prerequisites: NUR311; NUR313; NUR315; NUR317.

NUR315 • Nursing Practicum I (fall, beginning 2011) 4 credits

Implement the nursing process in community and acute care settings fulfilling nursing roles with a focus on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and care of individuals and families in various health/illness states throughout the lifespan. Must be taken concurrently with NUR314, NUR316, and NUR318. Prerequisites: NUR311; NUR313; NUR315; NUR317.

NUR316 • Nursing Practicum II (spring, beginning 2012) 4 credits

Implement the nursing process in community and acute care settings fulfilling nursing roles with a focus on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and care of individuals and families in various health/illness states throughout the lifespan. Must be taken concurrently with NUR312, NUR314, and NUR318. Prerequisites: NUR311; NUR313; NUR315; NUR317.

NUR317 • Lifespan Family Health Issues (fall, beginning 2011) 2 credits

Overview of family health issues throughout the family life cycle with an emphasis on health promotion. Must be taken concurrently with NUR311, NUR313, and NUR315. Prerequisites: NUR201 and NUR202.

NUR318 • Chronicity: Mental Health Focus (spring, beginning 2012) 2 credit

Overview of chronic health issues throughout the lifespan in the context of families and communities with an emphasis on mental health issues. Must be taken concurrently with NUR312, NUR314 and NUR316. Prerequisites: NUR311; NUR313; NUR315; NUR317.

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; upper-division nursing major.

NUR401 • Nursing Care with Childbearing and Childrearing Families (fall 2009, 2010, 2011) 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 2009, 2010, 2011) 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 2009, 2010, 2011) 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 Healthcare (interim 2010, 2011, 2012) 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 healthcare 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.

NUR411Z • Nursing Skills III (fall, beginning 2012) 1 credit

Practice and develop competency in complex clinical situations, which includes integrating and evaluating technology and assessment tools in planning population-based approaches to nursing care. Must be taken concurrently with NUR415Z and NUR425Z. Prerequisites: NUR312; NUR314; NUR316; NUR318.

NUR412 • Nursing Skills IV (spring, beginning 2013) 1 credit

Practice and develop competency in complex clinical situations. Includes consideration of the scope of nursing practice in the integration of technology skills, resource allocation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and delegation and supervision of nursing personnel. Must be taken concurrently with NUR416 and NUR426. Prerequisites: NUR411Z; NUR415Z; NUR425Z.

NUR415Z • Nursing Practicum III (fall, beginning 2012) 4 credits

Evidence-based practice, analysis of societal issues, and an understanding of cross-cultural relationships to improve nursing care. Emphasizes concept of client as both populations and individuals. Synthesis of baccalaureate nursing roles in the care of clients in acute and community healthcare settings with an emphasis on culturally diverse clients. Must be taken concurrently with NUR411Z and NUR425Z. Prerequisites: NUR312; NUR314; NUR316; NUR318.

NUR416 • Nursing Practicum IV (spring, beginning 2013) 4 credits

Synthesis of baccalaureate nursing role. Critical thinking, data and technology, evidence-based findings, and principles of leadership to manage complex patient problems and improve client health outcomes. Must be taken concurrently with NUR412 and NUR426. Prerequisites: NUR411Z; NUR415Z; NUR425Z.

NUR425Z • Population-Focused Nursing Care (fall, beginning 2012) 5 credits

Exploration of population-focused nursing care with an emphasis on culturally diverse and underserved populations. Includes consideration of the research process and cultural perspectives. Focuses on the advocacy and collaborator roles within the context of service-learning. (1 credit service-learning) Must be taken concurrently with NUR411Z and NUR415Z. Prerequisites: NUR312; NUR314; NUR316; NUR318.

NUR426 • Leadership Development (spring, beginning 2013) 4 credits

Application of the leadership role in preparation to enter the professional nursing workforce. Intergration of critical thinking skills and leadership, management, professional ethics, and Christian worldview frameworks. Must be taken concurrently with NUR412 and NUR416. Prerequisites: NUR411Z; NUR415Z; NUR425Z.

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). Prerequisite: 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 healthcare settings. Must be taken concurrently with NUR498. Prerequisites: NUR401; NUR403; NUR405.

Programs

In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.

Major in Nursing (B.S.)

NUR201	Foundations of Health Ministry	3
NUR202	Health Assessment	2
NUR311	Nursing Skills I	1
NUR312	Nursing Skills II	1
NUR313	Nursing Care of Individuals I	3
NUR314	Nursing Care of Individuals II	3
NUR315	Nursing Practicum I	4
NUR316	Nursing Practicum II	4
NUR317	Lifespan Family Health Issues	2
NUR318	Chronicity: Mental Health Focus	2
NUR411Z*	Nursing Skills III	1
NUR412	Nursing Skills IV	1
NUR415Z*	Nursing Practicum III	4
NUR416	Nursing Practicum IV	4
NUR425Z	Population-Focused Nursing Care	5
NUR426	Leadership Development	4
Prerequisite courses:
BIO201	Human Anatomy	4
BIO202	Human Physiology	4
BIO207	Microbiology and Immunology	4
BIO220	Pathophysiology and Pharmacology	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
	Total	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 Contemporary Moral Issues, 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.