Nursing, School of

253.535.7672

www.plu.edu/nursing
nurs@plu.edu

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Basic undergraduate program is designed for students who do not hold licensure in practical or registered nursing. The LPN to B.S.N. program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who have completed a practical nursing program.

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 the program will earn 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 U.S. 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 B.S.N. program. Applicants are expected to have completed at least 12 semester hours of liberal arts courses prior to beginning the nursing program, in such study areas as anthropology, fine arts, history, languages, literature, philosophy, political science, religion or 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 may apply for admission to the Fall or Spring Semester or (when offered) Summer or January term. Application procedures and other details are found elsewhere in this catalog.

Admission to 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.

The selection of students for admission is competitive. Students who have completed the pre-nursing sequence of courses and have made progress on general education requirements may be selected to begin the nursing major in the Fall or Spring Semester each year. When applications exceed capacity, qualified candidates may be placed on a waitlist; persons on the waitlist who are not admitted, but who continue to desire admission to the nursing major, must submit a new application to be considered for the following year.

Two modes of application to the School of Nursing are offered:

1. Direct Application to the School of Nursing. College students seeking admission to the nursing major must submit separate applications to the university (if not currently enrolled at PLU) and to the School of Nursing. This mode of application applies to transfer students, LPN to B.S.N. applicants and currently-enrolled PLU students of all levels who did not seek or were not offered simultaneous freshman admission to PLU and nursing. The application to the School of Nursing is available on the School of Nursing website or directly from the School of Nursing.
3. Simultaneous Freshman Admission to PLU and Nursing. Highly qualified high school seniors may be considered for conditional admission to the nursing major based on their application to the university, which is reviewed by both the university and nursing admission committees; contact the Office of Admission for details, criteria, and deadlines (253.535.7151, www.plu.edu/admission).

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. Individuals whose applications have been received after the priority deadline for all terms will be considered on a space-available basis. The School of Nursing reserves the right of curriculum and program modification and revision.

Admission Criteria

BASIC B.S.N., LPN to B.S.N. and ADN to B.S.N. Applicants must be admitted to Pacific Lutheran University before being considered for admission to the School of Nursing. Admission to the university does not imply or guarantee admission to the School of Nursing. Admission is a selective process and meeting minimum requirements does not imply or guarantee admission. Minimum criteria for admission to the Basic B.S.N., LPN to B.S.N., or ADN to B.S.N. 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.
• Completion of the university’s Language Entrance Requirement: Two years of a single foreign language in high school or one-year of college-level foreign language (or American Sign Language).
• 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. Students whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL-iBT and receive a score of at least 26 in speaking section and a score of at least 20 in each of the other sections.
• 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.
• Withdrawal from a course in failing status is considered equivalent to a course failure.
• Students who fail a nursing co-requisite course (earning a grade of less than a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale) while enrolled in the nursing program will be placed on academic probation, and may be dismissed from the nursing program.
• Failure or withdrawal in failing status from 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 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 Nursing Student Handbook.
• Nursing majors who, for any reason, withdraw from or drop a nursing course without prior permission of the School of Nursing will be subject to dismissal from the major.

Health

Nursing students are being developed as professional role models and are responsible for optimal health practices. All students at PLU are required to submit a health History Form and accurate immunization record prior to enrollment at PLU to the PLU Health Services Office. In addition, all nursing students are required to submit separate specific health-related documentation and certification 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 in writing to the School of Nursing any changes in his or her physical, emotional, or psychological health.

Drug Testing Policy

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug, marijuana, and alcohol screening at least once yearly as part of their continuing School of Nursing health requirements. Students may be required to submit to additional drug screenings as required by the clinical agencies and School of Nursing. The screenings may be scheduled or they may occur at random and unannounced. Students will be expected to adhere to any deadline set by the agencies and/or the School of Nursing.

English Proficiency

A university level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing and for patient safety. Students whose first language is not English 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 the TOEFL-iBT and achieve a score of at least 26 in the speaking section and a score of at least 20 in each of the other sections, unless the applicant provides documentation of completion of all K-12 education U.S.-based schools. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Guidelines and policies may be obtained from the School of Nursing.

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 dean of the School of Nursing. l

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, clinical placements, external testing measures, 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. Clinical placements range up to 50 miles from campus.

Students are required to carry professional liability insurance in specified amounts during all periods of clinical experience. This in addition to any private insurance plan or PLU health coverage. For Basic program students, this insurance is available under a group plan at a nominal cost to the student. LPN to B.S.N. and ADN to B.S.N. 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 B.S.N. 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; successful completion of Statistics 231 is required before enrollment in Nursing 360.
• LPN to B.S.N. 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 B.S.N. 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.
• RN-with non-nursing baccalaureate degree or higher to M.S.N. Program. See options for registered nurses at the end of this section and in the Graduate-Post-Baccalaureate section of this catalog.

Prerequisite and co-requisite courses

• BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology
• BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life
• 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. Pre- and co-requisite courses taken off-campus must be approved for equivalency with PLU courses. Applicants are encouraged to review the School of Nursing “Comparable Course Guide,” which shows courses at Washington State colleges and universities that fulfill nursing course requirements (available at www.plu.edu/nursing). Applicants must submit course descriptions and syllabi for courses completed out of state and/or that do not appear on the comparable course guide. The PLU Registrar evaluates all transcripts and is the only department that approves credits for transfer to Pacific Lutheran University. However, the School of Nursing determines whether or not a course will fulfill the nursing prerequisite requirement. To be awarded a B.S.N. degree, all students must meet both nursing and university requirements.

What follows are sample curricula for the Basic B.S.N., LPN to B.S.N., and ADN to B.S.N. programs. The School of Nursing may add, amend, delete or deviate from the sample curricula and apply such changes to registered and accepted students. Deviations may include, and are not limited to, requiring attendance in summer and/or January terms.

B.S.N. SEQUENCE FOR BASIC STUDENTS

The curriculum plan for the basic student, who does 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 normally extend over six semesters. Students who have completed transferable nursing credit from another accredited institution should seek advisement from School of Nursing Admissions Coordinator(s) regarding their prospective curriculum plan.

All transfer credit must be approved before beginning the program.

FIRST YEAR (PRE-NURSING)

First Semester

• BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
• PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4)
• WRIT 101: Writing Seminar (4)
• PHED 100: Personalized Fitness (1)

January Term

• General Education Program Element (GenEd):First-Year Residency Requirement (4)
• PHED Physical Activity (1)

Second Semester

• BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
• CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life (4)
• General Education Program Element (GenEd) (4)
• Inquiry Seminar 190: GenEd (4)

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

• BIOL 201: Introduction to Microbiology (4)
• PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan (4)
• STAT 231: Introductory Statistics (4)
• NURS 220: Nursing Competencies (4)
• PHED Physical Activity (1)

January Term

• STAT 231: Introductory Statistics (4)
  (If not taken in the previous semester)

Second Semester

• NURS 260: Professional Foundations (4)
• NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion (4)
• NURS 280: Pathological Human Processes (4)
• General Education Program Element (GenEd) (4)
• PHED Physical Activity (1)

THIRD YEAR

First Semester

• NURS 320: Nursing Competencies II (2)
• NURS 330: Pharmacology & Therapeutic Modalities (4)
• NURS 340: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Adult Health I (4)
• NURS 350: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Mental Health (4)

January Term

• General Education Program Element (GenEd) or required Nursing course with Clinical Rotation (4)

Second Semester

• NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics (4)
• NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare (4)
• NURS 370: Nursing Situations with Families: Childbearing (4)
• NURS 380: Nursing Situations with Families: Childrearing (4)

FOURTH YEAR

First Semester

• NURS 420: Leadership and Resource Management (4)
• NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities (5)
• NURS 440: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Adult Health II (4)
• NURS 441: Senior Seminar (1)

January Term

• General Education Program Element (GenEd) or required Nursing Course (Clinical Rotation) (4)

Second Semester

• NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy (2)
• NURS 480: Professional Foundations II (2)
• NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis (6)
• General Education Program Element (GenEd) or Elective (4)

Note: A minimum of 128 semester hours is required for the baccalaureate degree. The sequence of required nursing courses comprises 70 semester hours. Please note that, due to clinical site availability, any student may be required to take a nursing course, such as but not limited to NURS 340, 350, 370 or 380, in January Term or Summer instead of Fall or Spring semesters.

B.S.N. SEQUENCE FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

The L.P.N. to B.S.N. 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 L.P.N. and enables progression through the B.S.N. curriculum within five semesters following completion of the prerequisite courses.

L.P.N. students are strongly encouraged to make maximum progress toward completing general education requirements before beginning the nursing sequence.

Prerequisite Courses

• BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology (4)
• BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
• BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
• CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life (4)
• PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4)
• PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan (4)

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

• NURS 260: Professional Foundations (4)
• NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion (4)
• NURS 280: Pathological Human Processes (4)
• STAT 231: Introductory Statistics (4)

Second Semester

• NURS 320: Nursing Competencies II (2)*
• NURS 330: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Modalities (4)*
• NURS 340: Situations with Individuals: Adult Health I (4)*
• NURS 350: Situations with Individuals: Mental Health (4)

*Note: Courses that may be waived based on demonstration of competency, a strong academic record, and more than one year of post-licensure experience. All course waivers must be established before beginning the program.

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

• NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics (4)
• NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare (4)
• NURS 370: Nursing Situations with Families: Childbearing (4)
• NURS 380: Nursing Situations with Families: Childrearing (4)

Second Semester

• NURS 420: Leadership and Resource Management (4)
• NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities (5)
• NURS 440: Nursing Situations with Individuals: Adult Health II (4)
• NURS 441: Senior Seminar (1)

THIRD YEAR

Final Semester

• NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy (2)
• NURS 480: Professional Foundations II (2)
• NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis (6)
• General Education Program Element (GenEd) or Elective (4)

Note: A minimum of 128 semester hours is required for the baccalaureate degree. The LPN to B.S.N. sequence of required nursing courses comprises a maximum of 66 semester hours. Please note that, due to clinical site availability, any student may be required to take a nursing course, such as but not limited to NURS 340, 350, 370 or 380, in January Term or Summer instead of Fall or Spring semesters.

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.

B.S.N. SEQUENCE FOR LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES

The A.D.N. to B.S.N. 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. This program is designed for the registered nurse with at least one year of direct care nursing experience.

Upon successful completion of the B.S.N. 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 M.S.N. program. Admission to the M.S.N. program at PLU is neither implied nor guaranteed. (See Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog.)

Prerequisite Courses

• BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology (4)
• BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
• BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
• CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life (4)
• PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (4)
• PSYC 320: Development Across the Lifespan (4)
• STAT 231: Introductory Statistics (4)

Prerequisite General Education Courses

• Fine Arts: Art, Music or Theatre (4)
• Literature (4)
• Philosophy (excludes logic or critical thinking courses) (4)
• Physical Education: Four different activity courses, including PHED 100 (4)
• Social Sciences (SO) (excludes psychology)(4)
• Writing (4)

For consideration for admission, applicants 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 M.S.N. application process is required with a 3.00 GPA or better in all PLU coursework and approval of the dean.

B.S.N. COURSE OF STUDY FOR ADN-PREPARED REGISTERED NURSES
(For M.S.N. course sequence, go to the Graduate and Post- Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog.)

Prior to first semester in program

• Religious Studies 3xx (upper-division only) (4)

First Semester

• NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare (4)
• NURS 399: Professional Portfolio Workshop (4)
• NURS 420: Introduction to Leadership and Management (4)
• NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities (5)

January Term

• Religious Studies 3xx (upper division only) (4) (if not taken prior to the program)

Second Semester

• NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics (4)
• NURS 399: Professional Portfolio Workshop (4) (if not taken in the first semester)
• NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy (2)
• NURS 499: Capstone: Nursing Synthesis (6)

REGISTERED NURSE-BACHELOR’S (RN-B) TO M.S.N.

A program designed for those who have previously earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in an academic discipline other than nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing, and are licensed as a Registered Nurse. Those interested are strongly advised to seek early advisement from the School of Nursing at 253.535.7672. See Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog for further details.

MINOR IN HEALTH SERVICES

Health care is a complex system, which now represents more than 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.

Required Core Courses

• NURS 100: Medical Terminology (1 or 2)
• NURS 460: Health Care Systems and Policy (2)
• PHIL 223: Biomedical Ethics (4)
• At least three courses from the following areas:
  • Diversity

• ANTH 102: Intro to Human Cultural Diversity (4)
• ANTH 380: Sickness, Madness, and Health (4)
• NURS 365: Culturally Congruent Healthcare (4)
• KINS 362: Healing Arts of the Mind and Body (4)

 

• Administration
  • ECON 323: Health Economics (4)
  • NURS 360: Nursing Research and Informatics
  • NURS 420: Introduction to Leadership & Resource Management in Nursing (4)
• Physiologic Functioning
  • NURS 280: Human Pathological Processes (4)
  • NURS 330: Pharmacology & Therapeutic Modalities (4)
  • KINS 380: Exercise Physiology (4)
• Applied Health Care
  • HEED 266: Nutrition, Health and Performance (4)
  • HEED 281: Injury Prevention and Therapeutic Care (2)
  • NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion (4)
  • KINS 384: Foundations of Health & Fitness Mgmt (3)

 

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

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (M.S.N.)

Consult the Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs 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 at 253.535.7672 or Office of Graduate Admission at 253.535.8570.

ENTRY-LEVEL MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

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 advised to attend a monthly information session. A seat in one of these sessions can be reserved by contacting the School of Nursing at 253.535.7672. See Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog for further details.

SCHOOL NURSE CERTIFICATION

Contact the School of Nursing, Office of Continuing Nursing Education (253.535.7683).

WORKSHOPS AND SHORT COURSES

Contact the School of Nursing, Office of Continuing Nursing Education (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 admitted students 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 (APC). Failure to progress according to program plan for any reason may result in dismissal or a significant delay in graduation.