Study Options:
	Major in Nursing Second Degree Program This program is for the student who has graduated from an accredited baccalaureate program in an area other than nursing. RN-BS Program This program is for the student who has graduated from an accredited nursing program, is a registered nurse, and has a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing. RN-MS Program This program is for the student who has graduated from an accredited nursing program, is a registered nurse, and has a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing. Download the 2006 Nursing Programs Student Handbook

Major in Nursing

Theoretical concepts related to the professional practice of nursing are developed through an understanding of individual, family, group, and community systems. Nursing process provides the methodology for assessing the adaptive responses of clients, planning nursing interventions, and evaluating efforts to promote and maintain optimal levels of wellness. Psychosocial concepts, research, leadership, management, health assessment skills, nutrition, pharmacology, growth and development are integrated content. The educational process exists to help the students become self-directed, creative, and socially responsive women.

Requirements
The student majoring in nursing must fulfill the College's liberal arts requirements. It is advised that the English, foreign language, and mathematics requirements be completed during the first and second years.

Students interested in nursing are also advised to take the courses in chemistry, general biology, and microbiology in the freshman year. Prior to the Spring Semester, sophomore year, each student must have met the math competency requirement and must have completed a certified course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The College requirement of eight semester hours of independent learning opportunities is fulfilled through four semester hours of Nur. 454, Leadership and Management in the Clinical Setting, plus four semester hours of Nur. 390, Integrative Seminar. Students may also elect independent study (courses numbered 350) in nursing or another discipline appropriate to their academic program.

Courses in the nursing major are taken in the following sequence:
NURS 225 — Nursing Process, Assessment, and Skills
NURS 226 — Variances in Health Patterns of Adults and Elders I
NURS 235 — Integration of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology
NURS 292 — Health Assessment
NURS 238 — Variances in Health Patterns of Adults and Elders II
NURS 247 — Variances in Health Patterns of Childbearing Family
NURS 249 — Variances in Health Patterns of Childrearing Family
NURS 348 — Variances in Health Patterns of the Client with Psychiatric/Mental Illness
NURS 337 — Nursing Care of Individuals, Families, and Communities
NURS 390 — Integrative Seminar
NURS 455 — Clinical Decision Making
NURS 454 — Leadership and Management in the Clinical Setting

A student must achieve an acceptable level of academic performance prior to entering the nursing major, as well as maintain an acceptable level of clinical and academic performance to progress to the next nursing course. Progression is affected also by professional behavior and health status. Students receive criteria regarding academic performance, professional behavior, and health requirements upon entrance into the nursing major.

Students in the Nursing Programs should anticipate the following approximate expenses in addition to the basic fees: uniforms, $150; transportation to clinical settings, $150: books, $400/year; and membership in the National Student Nurses Association, $35/year. Clinical agencies are accessible by public transportation and/or automobile. Access to an automobile is recommended for senior year.

Undergraduate Requirements
Credits: A total of 128 credits are required

Modes of Inquiry:
Mode 1 may be met by an *elective
Mode 2 may be met by an *elective
Mode 3 is met by an elective (Math 118 strongly recommended)
Mode 4 is met by Bio 113 and Chem 111
Mode 5 may be met by an *elective
Mode 6 is met by Psy 101
Independent Study: The 8 credit of required independent study are met by NURS 350, NURS 390, and NURS 454

Prerequisites
NURS 225 Prerequisite for NURS 226
NURS 225, NURS 226, NURS 235, NURS 292 Prerequisite for NURS 238
NURS 225, NURS 226, NURS 235, NURS 292, Psych 101, Psych 235 Prerequisite for NURS 247, NURS 249 and NURS 348
NURS 238, NURS 247 and NURS 249 Prerequisite for NURS 337
All nursing courses Prerequisite for NURS 454 and NURS 455