Nursing

Undergraduate Programs

The traditional undergraduate program is designed for students who do not hold licensure in practical or registered nursing. The L.P.N. to B.S.N. program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who have completed a practical nursing program. The school collaborates with nearly 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 (B.S.N.) 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.

Membership

The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Washington State Approval

The School of Nursing is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Accreditation

The BSN program is accredited and approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org) and Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

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 of the liberal arts and of the art and science of nursing is necessary for success in the B.S.N. program. Admitted B.S.N. students 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. Graduates are required to meet the PLU 48-semester-hour general education program. Courses in the classic liberal arts & sciences are integral to developing the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.

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 capacity 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. 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 of Nursing’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 program 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 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, L.P.N. 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 at www.plu.edu/nursing/.
2. Simultaneous/Conditional 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. The application 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 to revise and modify programs and curricula.

Admission Criteria

Traditional B.S.N. and L.P.N. 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 traditional B.S.N. or L.P.N. 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 2.50 (or B-) on a 4.00 scale in each nursing prerequisite and co-requisite course.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the prerequisite and corequisite 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 repeated single or multiple 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 2.50 (or B-) on a 4.00 scale, or completion of two years of college preparatory (high school) algebra with average grades of 3.00 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 School of Nursing Essential Qualifications for all generalist nursing roles, and to provide timely and safe patient care.
• Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending university-level English is necessary for academic success and for patient safety. Students whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL-iBT or the iELTS test. Test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. Score guidelines and the English Proficiency Policy may be found in the School of Nursing application or by contacting the School of Nursing Office at 253.535.7672 or nurs@plu.edu, or online as www.plu.edu/nursing/application/english-proficiency-policy/.
• 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 yearly deadlines:
  • Priority deadline is February 1.
  • Final deadline is May 1.
• Students who have completed transferable nursing credit from another accredited institution should seek advisement from the admissions coordinator in the School of Nursing regarding their prospective curriculum plan. All transfer credit from other nursing programs must be approved before beginning the program.

Continuation Policies

• 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 in this catalog. Failure to progress according to the program plan for any reason may result in dismissal or a significant delay in graduation.
• 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 or above on a 4.00 scale. 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 do not earn a 2.50 (or B-) or better in a corequisite course 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 or above on a 4.00 scale) 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 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), School of Nursing, and University regulations.
• Other policies regarding progression/continuation are found in the School of 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

As professional role models and health care providers, nursing students are responsible for demonstrating optimal health practices. All students at PLU are required to submit a health History Form and accurate immunization record prior to enrollment at PLU. 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 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, at the student’s expense. 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.

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.

Additional Costs

Course fees are charged to each student’s account each semester. These fees support 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 nursing course. Public transportation is limited, so provision for private transportation is essential.

Health requirement fees, laboratory fees, student uniforms, textbooks, other learning materials, and any necessary equipment are the responsibility of the student.

Programs of Study

Prerequisite and corequisite courses for the Nursing Major

Each prerequisite and corequisite course listed below must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.50 (or B-) on a 4.00 scale in order to be considered successfully completed.

• Traditional B.S.N. Sequence:
  Students must successfully complete Biology 201, 205, and 206, Chemistry 105 , Statistics 231, Psychology 320 (Development Across the Lifespan), and Nutrition (NURS 120 or equivalent) before beginning the nursing program. (See Admission Criteria for GPA requirements in prerequisite and corequisite courses.)

• RN-with non-nursing baccalaureate degree or higher to M.S.N. Program.
  See options for registered nurses in the Master of Science in Nursing section of this catalog.

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. Nursing Program Courses

The curriculum plan for the traditional student, who does not hold practical or registered nursing licensure, is designed to foster growth and professional accountability.

• NURS 305  Patho/Pharm I (4)
  
• NURS 306  Foundations of Care Delivery & Health Promotion (3)
• NURS 307  Health & Physical Assessment (3)
• NURS 308  Clinical Practicum I (3)
• NURS 309  Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership (2)
• NURS 310  Scholarly Writing Concepts (1)
• NURS 311  Patho/Pharm II (2)
• NURS 314  Care of Chronic Conditions (3)
• NURS 315  Psych/Mental Health (2)
• NURS 316  Clinical Practicum II (5)
• NURS 317  Theory & Evidence (1)
• NURS 318  Research Methods (2)
• NURS 319  Healthcare Technology (1)
• NURS 401  Care of Complex Conditions (3)
• NURS 402  Patho/Pharm III (2)
• NURS 403  Clinical Practicum III (5)
• NURS 404  Healthcare Diversity (4)
• NURS 405  Informed Practice (2)
• NURS 406  Continuity of Care (3)
• NURS 407  Clinical Practicum IV (6)
• NURS 408  Organizational & Economic Context of Care (2)
• NURS 409  Health Policy (2)
• NURS 483  Transition to Practice (1)
• NURS 498  Capstone Project (2)

Note: A minimum of 128 semester hours is required for the baccalaureate degree. The sequence of required nursing courses comprises 64 semester hours. General university and other specific requirements needed for completion of the baccalaureate degree are not listed above. Applicants with previous college credits are strongly encouraged to seek advising from the School of Nursing Admission Coordinator(s) for gap analysis of previous courses and assistance with the completion of their program of study.

Please note that, due to clinical site availability, any student may be required to take a nursing course in Summer or January Term instead of Fall or Spring Semesters.

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)
    • 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
      • KINS 320: Nutrition, Health and Performance (4)
      • KINS 278: Injury Prevention and Therapeutic Care (2)
      • NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion (4)
      • KINS 384: Health & Fitness Promotion (4)

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 253.535.7723.

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.