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Nursing

Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; (212) 363-5555, ext. 153 or 800-669-1656 ext. 153; www.nlnac.org.

FACULTY ACULTY Associate Professors Armmer (chair) Brubaker (associate chair), Cluskey, Flannigan; Assistant Professors Adelman, Borton, Cenek, Degitz, Erickson, Grugan, Jackson, Lambie, Scholl, Schwend, Steinwedel; Temporary Assistant Professors Alasagheirin, Gullet, Tomblin; Instructors Ball, McDonald, Reed.

The Department of Nursing offers an undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Graduates of the program are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.) upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The department also offers combined undergraduate/graduate degree programs. 

The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates for the beginning practice of professional nursing in a variety of settings. To achieve this purpose, a four-year educational program is provided which includes foundation, elective, and supporting courses in the humanities, the social sciences, the sciences, mathematics, and the theory and practice of nursing. The nursing major is concentrated at the upper division level. The Department of Nursing faculty believes that professional nursing responds to the needs of society by helping persons, families, and communities through therapeutic nursing care, which encompasses health teaching, health maintenance, and health promotion. The professional nurse uses clinical judgment to assist clients in achieving optimal health and adapting to altered states of health. The nursing courses provide for the acquisition of knowledge and the development of attitudes, skills, and values essential to professional nursing practice.

Entering freshman may also consider the combined BSN/MSN programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Students who have already earned an RN license may apply to combined RN to BSN/MSN programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.

The objectives of the curriculum are to prepare graduates for

  1. professional growth and advancement through acquired knowledge and experience; 
  2. graduate study in a major field of concentration in nursing; and 
  3. continuous personal growth and development.

The faculty of the Department of Nursing reserves the right to revise policies and course requirements based upon changes in accreditation, licensure, and nursing practice.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the University and of the Department of Nursing. A personal interview with a member of the faculty of the Department of Nursing is highly desirable before admission.

Instruction and Requirements

Instruction is provided in classrooms and laboratories on the campus and in a variety of health care agencies in the community. Clinical experiences (practicum) are planned and supervised by Department of Nursing faculty members.

In addition to the fees and expenses listed in the University catalog, students majoring in nursing are financially responsible for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms, for certain practicum and laboratory supplies and materials, and for transportation between the campus and the community agencies where clinical experiences are provided.

Prior to enrollment in the first nursing course that includes a practicum, each student must show proof of

  1. Liability insurance.
  2. Immunity to rubeola (measles) by one of the following:
      • a rubeola (measles) immunization received in 1980 or later, or
      • written verification from a physician of having had the disease, or
      • a birth date prior to 1957.
      1. Immunity to rubella (German measles) by one of the following:
          • written verification of having had the immunization, or
          • written verification of rubella titer.
          1. Immunity to hepatitis B virus.
          2. Tuberculin test (renewable annually).
          3. Proof of current CPR (health care provider or professional rescuer) 
            These requirements must be current for the entire academic year of enrollment in practicum courses: NUR 203, 206, 207, 307, 309, 315, 317, 409, and 417.
          • In order to progress in the nursing program, students must pass the designated competency test(s) for each respective nursing course.
          • Graduation requirements include a course in statistics (MTH 111, QM 262, PSY 205, or ELH 510).
          • Students must maintain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average in order to enroll in nursing courses identified as “majors only.”
          • Students must earn a grade of C or better in every required nursing course. Students must earn a grade of C or better in BIO 200 and 203 Anatomy and Physiology and lab, BIO 205 Pathophysiology, and BIO 202 Microbiology.
          • Transfer students are evaluated for admission on an individual basis. A fifteen-year limitation on transfer credit will be imposed on courses in chemistry, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition.
          • Licensed nurses must meet the admission requirements of the University and of the Department of Nursing. Nurse applicants must submit a transcript from an approved school of nursing and verification of current Illinois licensure.
          • Registered nurses may earn up to 31 semester hours of credit for prior learning. Following completion of NUR 300, 303, and 310 with a minimum grade of ”C” the registered nurse student may enroll in required senior nursing courses NUR 404, 417, 418, and 522.
          • The RN student will meet University requirements for general education, basic skills, junior/senior hours, and residency credit in order to graduate. The RN student will meet nursing department requirements for natural and social science courses, statistics, and nine hours of nursing electives. Sixty-six semester hours may be transferred from a community college.
          • Licensed practical nurses may earn up to 11 semester hours of credit for prior learning. Following completion of NUR 300 and 310 with a minimum grade of “C”, the licensed practical nurse student may enroll in required junior nursing courses. Students majoring in nursing will pursue the following recommended curriculum:

          1 Registered nurses may receive credit for prior learning for these courses.
          2 Licensed practical nurses may receive credit by for prior learning for these courses. 

          Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Requirements

          Freshman Year

          First Semester

          • COM 103 Oral Comm. Process - 3 hrs.
          • PSY 104 Principles of Psychology: Social Forces and Individual Behavior - 3 hrs.
          • CHM 100 Fund. of Gen. Chemistry. - 3 hrs.
          • CHM 101 Fund. of Gen. Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
          • BIO 111 Cell Biology - 3 hrs.
          • MTH 111 Elementary Statistics - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Second Semester

          • ENG 101 Composition - 3 hrs.
          • CHM 150 Fund. of Organic Chemistry - 2 hrs.
          • CHM 160 Fund. of Biochemistry - 2 hrs.
          • 1,2 BIO 202 Microbiology and Immunology - 4 hrs.
          • SOC 100 Soc. Perspective - 3 hrs.
          • Elective or General Education - 2 hrs.

          16 hours

          Sophomore Year

          First Semester

          • 1,2 BIO 200 Anatomy and Physiology - 3 hrs.
          • 1,2 BIO 203 Anatomy and Physiology Lab - 2 hrs.
          • 1,2 NUR 200 Fundamentals of Nursing (T) - 4 hrs.
          • 1,2 NUR 203 Fundamentals of Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • 1,2 FCS 301 Nutrition for Today - 3 hrs.

          14 hours

          Second Semester

          • 1,2 BIO 205 Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
          • 1,2 NUR 204 Intro. to Health Assessment - 2 hrs.
          • 1,2 NUR 206 Adult Health I: Intro. to Medical-Surgical Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • 1,2 NUR 207 Adult Health I: Intro. to Medical-Surgical Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • PSY 304 Developmental Psychology - 3 hrs.
          • Elective or General Education - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Junior Year

          First Semester

          • 1 NUR 306 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 307 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 308 Nursing of Children (T) - 3 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 309 Nursing of Children (P) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 318 Pharmacology & Nursing Implications - 2 hrs.
          • PSY 345 Abnormal Psychology - 3 hrs.

          15 hours

          Second Semester

          • NUR 303 Research in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 314 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (T) - 2 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 315 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 316 Adult Health II: Medical-Surgical Nursing (T) - 4 hrs.
          • 1 NUR 317 Adult Health II: Medical-Surgical Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • Elective or General Education - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Senior Year

          First Semester

          • NUR 404 Community Health Nursing (T) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 408 Adult Health III: Medical-Surgical Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 409 Senior Practicum I (P) - 5 hrs.
          • Jr. ENG Composition (ENG 300, 301, 304, 305, or 306) - 3 hrs.
          • Electives or General Education - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Second Semester

          • NUR 410 Adult Health IV: Nursing Care of the Patient with Multi-System Challenges (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 414 Senior Seminar I - 1 hr.
          • NUR 417 Senior Practicum II (P) - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 418 Nursing Leadership (T) - 1 hr.
          • Electives or General Education - 5 hrs.

          15 hours

          Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing (BSN/MSN) Combined Programs

          The combined BSN/MSN programs provides the opportunity for incoming freshman nursing students to transition from baccalaureate to graduate education in the senior year of nursing. The overall goal of the program is to prepare nurse administrators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements and to prepare for future doctoral study. Students choose either the BSN/MSN Nursing Administration Program or the BSN/MSN Nursing Education Program.

          Admission to a BSN/MSN program will be available to students at the end of the junior year. Incoming freshmen students may indicate an interest in the program upon admission to Bradley. Admission recommendations will be made by Department of Nursing faculty to the Graduate School based on the following:

          • 2 letters of recommendation
          • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum
          • Completion of 100 credit hours, junior nursing courses, and all general education requirements prior to senior year.
          • Personal interview

          Students will complete the BSN with a minimum of 124 hours and all university and department of nursing undergraduate requirements. NUR 520 and 525 will be taken during the senior year, after which the BSN will be conferred. NUR 520 and 525 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees. 

          In addition, students will be required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) during the summer following the senior year in order to continue in the program.

          Students enrolled in a BSN/MSN program will be required to apply to the Graduate School when they apply for undergraduate graduation. Applicants must meet all admission requirements for the Graduate School. In addition the Department of Nursing requires:

          1. An undergraduate last-60-hours grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average in nursing courses, based on a 4.0 scale.
          2. The Graduate Record Examination (or Miller Analogies Test) is not required.

          Students will complete the MSN with a minimum of 36 hours and all university and department of nursing graduate requirements.

          Students interested in the BSN/MSN programs will complete the first three years of undergraduate coursework as outlined below. Senior- and graduate-level coursework for the BSN/MSN Nursing Administration Program and the BSN/MSN Nursing Education Program is then listed separately for each program.

          BSN/MSN Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Requirements

          Freshman Year

          First Semester

          • COM 103 Oral Communication Process  - 3 hrs.
          • PSY 104 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.
          • CHM 100, 101 Fund. of Gen. Chem.  - 4 hrs.
          • BIO 111 Cell Biology - 3 hrs.
          • MTH 111 Statistics - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Second Semester

          • ENG 101 Composition - 3 hrs.
          • CHM 150 Fund. of Organic Chemistry - 2 hrs.
          • CHM 160 Fund. of Biochemistry  - 2 hrs.
          • BIO 202 Microbiology and Immunology - 4 hrs.
          • SOC 100 Social Perspectives  - 3 hrs.

          14 hours

          Summer

          General Education Courses/Electives - 3 hrs.

          Sophomore Year

          First Semester

          • BIO 200 Anatomy & Physiology - 3 hrs.
          • BIO 203 Anatomy & Physiology Lab - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 200 Fundamentals of Nursing (T)  - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 203 Fundamentals of Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • FCS 301 Nutrition Today - 3 hrs.

          14 hours

          Second Semester

          • BIO 205 Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 204 Intro. to Health Assessment  - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 206 Adult Health I (T)  - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 207 Adult Health I (P)  - 2 hrs.
          • PSY 304 Developmental Psychology - 3 hrs.
          • General Education Courses/Electives  - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Summer

          General Education Courses/Electives - 3 hrs.

          Junior Year

          First Semester

          • NUR 306 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 307 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 308 Nursing of Children (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 309 Nursing of Children (P) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 318 Pharmacology and Implications - 2 hrs.
          • PSY 445 Abnormal Psychology - 3 hrs.

          15 hours

          Second Semester

          • NUR 303 Research in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 314 Psychiatric Nursing (T) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 315 Psychiatric Nursing (P) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 316 Adult Health II (T) - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 317 Adult Health II (P)  - 2 hrs.
          • ENG 300  Composition - 3 hrs.

          16 hours

          Summer

          General Education Courses/ Electives - 3 hrs.

          Total hours: 100

          BSN/MSN Nursing Administration Program Senior-year and Graduate-level Requirements

          The BSN/MSN Core Components listed below will be completed during the student's senior year. The remainder of the courses will be completed after acceptance to the Graduate School. NUR 520 and 525 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees. 

          BSN/MSN Core Component: 23 hrs.

          Taken during the student's senior year.

          • NUR 404 Community Health Nursing (T) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 408 Adult Health III: Medical-Surgical Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 409 Senior Practicum I (P)  5 hrs.
          • NUR 410 Adult Health IV: Nursing Care of the Patient with Multi-System Challenges (T)  - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 414 Senior Seminar I - 1 hr.
          • NUR 417 Senior Practicum II (P) - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 418 Nursing Leadership (T) - 1 hr.
          • NUR 522 Health Policy - 3 hrs.

          MSN Core Component: 8 hrs.

          • NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care System - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 510 Legal Issues in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          MSN Research Component: 7–9 hrs.

          • NUR 520 Research Methods in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 525 Nursing Research Seminar - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 699 Thesis  - 4 hrs. or NUR 698 Directed Research in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          Nursing Administration Program: 14 hrs.

          • NUR 630 Nursing Administration I, Theory - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 631 Nursing Administration I, Practicum  - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 632 Nursing Administration II, Theory  - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 633 Nursing Administration II, Practicum  - 4 hrs.

          Electives 2–4 hrs.

          Total Program Semester Hours:

          • Undergraduate minimum - 124 hrs.
          • Graduate minimum - 36 hrs.

          BSN/MSN Nursing Education Program Senior-year and Graduate-level Requirements

          The BSN/MSN Core Components listed below will be completed during the student's senior year. The remainder of the courses will be completed after acceptance to the Graduate School. NUR 520 and 525 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees. 

          BSN/MSN Core Component 23 hrs.

          Taken during the student's senior year.

          • NUR 404 Community Health Nursing (T) - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 408 Adult Health III: Medical-Surgical Nursing (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 409 Senior Practicum I (P) - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 410 Adult Health IV: Nursing Care of the Patient with Multi-System Challenges (T) - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 414 Senior Seminar I - 1 hr.
          • NUR 417 Senior Practicum II (P) - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 418 Nursing Leadership (T) - 1 hr.
          • NUR 522 Health Policy - 3 hrs.

          MSN Core Component 8 hrs.

          • NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care System - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 510 Legal Issues in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          MSN Research Component 7–9 hrs.

          • NUR 520 Research Methods in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 525 Nursing Research Seminar - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 699 Thesis - 4 hrs. or NUR 698 Directed Research in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          Nursing Education Program 14 hrs.

          • NUR 660 Seminar in Nursing Education - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 661 Nursing Education Practicum I - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 662 Nursing Education Practicum II - 4 hrs.
          • ETE 651 Curriculum Theory & Development or ETE 655 Instructional Theory - 3 hrs.

          Electives 2–4 hrs.

          Total Program Semester Hours:

          • Undergraduate minimum 124 hrs.
          • Graduate minimum 36 hrs.

          RN to BSN/MSN Nursing Combined Programs

          The RN to BSN/MSN nursing programs provide the opportunity for licensed registered nurses who currently hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing to complete the BSN and MSN degrees. The overall goal of the program is to prepare nurse administrators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements and to prepare for future doctoral study. Students may choose either the RN to BSN/MSN Nursing Administration Program or the RN to BSN/MSN Nursing Education Program.

          Licensed registered nurses must meet the admission requirements of the University and of the Department of Nursing. Applicants must submit a transcript from an approved school of nursing and verification of current Illinois licensure.

          RN students will complete all university and nursing department undergraduate requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of NUR 300, 303, and 310, the RN student may receive 31 hours of proficiency credit without examination for previous nursing education.

          NUR 404, 417, 510, 520, and 525 will be taken during the last year of the undergraduate course work, after which the BSN will be conferred. NUR 510, 520 and 525 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees.

          Students enrolled in the RN to BSN/MSN programs will be required to apply to the Graduate School when they apply for undergraduate graduation. Applicants must meet all admission requirements for the Graduate School. In addition the Department of Nursing requires:

          1. Current Illinois RN license.
          2. An undergraduate last-60-hours grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average in nursing courses based on a 4.0 scale.
          3. The Graduate Record Examination (or Miller Analogies Test) is not required for admission to this program.

          All RN to BSN/MSN students must complete the nursing core requirements listed below. Additional requirements for the programs in nursing administration or nursing education are then listed separately for each program.

          Nursing Core Requirements

          Up to 66 semester hours may be transferred from a community college to satisfy the following university general education requirements and Nursing Department prerequisite courses:

          • English Composition - 6 hrs.
          • Speech - 3 hrs.
          • Fine Arts - 3 hrs.
          • Human Values - 3 hrs.
          • Western Civilization - 3 hrs.
          • Non-Western Civilization - 3 hrs.
          • Math (statistics) - 3 hrs.
          • Chemistry - 7 hrs.
          • Microbiology - 4 hrs.
          • Anatomy and Physiology - 5 hrs.
          • Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
          • Nutrition - 3 hrs.
          • Psychology - 9 hrs.
          • Sociology - 3 hrs.

          RN to MSN Nursing Administration Program

          RN Core Component 17 hrs.

          • NUR 300 Conceptual Basis for Professional Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 303 Nursing Research - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 310 Health Assessment - 1 hr.
          • NUR 404 Community Health Nursing - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 417 Adult Health IV Practicum - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 522 Health Policy - 3 hrs.

          MSN Core Component 8 hrs.

          • NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care System - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 510 Legal Issues in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          MSN Research Component 7–9 hrs.

          • NUR 520 Research Methods in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 525 Nursing Research Seminar - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 699 Thesis - 4 hrs. or NUR 698 Directed Research in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          Nursing Administration Program 14 hrs.

          • NUR 630 Nursing Administration I, Theory - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 631 Nursing Administration I, Practicum - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 632 Nursing Administration II, Theory - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 633 Nursing Administration II, Practicum - 4 hrs.

          Electives 2–4 hrs.

          Total Program Semester Hours:

          • Undergraduate minimum - 124 hrs.
          • Graduate - 36 hrs.

          RN to MSN Nursing Education Program

          RN Core Component 17 hrs.

          • NUR 300 Conceptual Basis for Professional Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 303 Nursing Research - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 310 Health Assessment - 1 hr.
          • NUR 404 Community Health Nursing - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 417 Adult Health IV Practicum - 5 hrs.
          • NUR 522 Health Policy - 3 hrs.

          MSN Core Component 8 hrs.

          • NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care System - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 510 Legal Issues in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          MSN Research Component 7–9 hrs.

          • NUR 520 Research Methods in Nursing - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 525 Nursing Research Seminar - 2 hrs.
          • NUR 699 Thesis - 4 hrs. or NUR 698 Directed Research in Nursing - 2 hrs.

          Nursing Education Program 14 hrs.

          • NUR 660 Seminar in Nursing Education - 3 hrs.
          • NUR 661 Nursing Education Practicum I - 4 hrs.
          • NUR 662 Nursing Education Practicum II - 4 hrs.
          • ETE 651 Curriculum Theory & Development or ETE 655 Instructional Theory - 3 hrs.

          Electives 2–4 hrs.

          Total Program Semester Hours:

          • Undergraduate minimum - 124 hrs.
          • Graduate - 36 hrs.

          This is the official catalog for the 2013-2014 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.