Course description
The purpose of the Nursing Program's curriculum is to provide learning experiences that help the student to develop as a professional practitioner of nursing, as an individual, and as a citizen. The curriculum includes a broad liberal-arts foundation and those courses and activities that are fundamental to the formulation of concepts and principles applicable to professional nursing. This course of study fosters development of self-direction, sensitivity, creativity, and leadership. The student is assisted to learn to identify the health needs of people from an intercultural perspective, with emphasis on Southern Appalachia. The graduate is prepared to render entry-level professional nursing service and pursue individual development and graduate education in an area of special interest. The Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Requirements for the Major
A major in Nursing is achieved by the completion of the following requirements, as well as the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
NUR 341, 342 (1-1/2 course credits), 350 (1-1/2 credits), 351, 352 (1/2 course credit), 353 (2 course credits), 354, 447 (1-1/2 course credits), 448, and 449
Required Collateral Courses
BIO 101, 102, 207, and 222; CFS 221; CHM 113 and PSY 100
Required Capstone Course
NUR 450 (2 course credits)
Exploring the Major
During the first term, students interested in this major should begin the Developmental Mathematics sequence, if not waived. As soon as MAT 010 is waived or completed, students should register for BIO 101. During the Spring Term of the first year, students should take BIO 102 and CHM 113. First-year students also should choose from the following courses: PEH 100 (1/2 credit), PSY 100, and any courses meeting Perspective Areas and other requirements in the General Education curriculum. NUR 341 is taken in the Fall Term of sophomore year. See Course Sequencing, below, for additional considerations.
Admission to the Major
Prior to admission to the Nursing Program, a student must have: earned a minimum GPA of 2.25 and completed BIO 101 and 102 and CHM 113 with a grade of C or higher.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)
In addition to course sequencing mentioned above under Exploring the Major, students wanting to take a foreign language should fulfill this option in the International Perspective of the General Education curriculum during their first year, to avoid conflicts with Nursing clinicals in the sophomore, junior, or senior years. CFS 221 and PSY 100 must be completed prior to enrolling in the Fall Term of junior year. It is important to fulfill as many General Education requirements as possible during the first two years. NUR 341 and 342 meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE). NUR 342 is taken in Spring Term of sophomore year. BIO 207 is taken concurrently with NUR 350 and 351 in Fall Term of junior year. NUR 352, 353 and 354 are taken in Spring Term of junior year. NUR 447 and 448 are taken in Fall Term of senior year. NUR 449 and 450 are taken in Spring Term of senior year.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major
Students must demonstrate skill proficiency (including math) each term beginning in the sophomore year. In addition to completing specified course requirements, in order to earn a degree in the Nursing major, each student must: 1) earn a grade of C or higher in each required Nursing Program course, including each collateral course; 2) demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and respect in the classroom and clinical setting; 3) obtain current immunizations, proofs of immunity (or declination statement), TB skin testing; and 4) show current documentation of CPR training for the adult, infant, and child with AED training for the healthcare provider. Nursing majors also must satisfy departmental standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.
