Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 
    
2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing, (NCLEX-preparatory) BS


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This is an eight-semester nursing program planned to cover four academic years. The curriculum focuses on the provision of care and the promotion of health for individuals and families. Students gain proficiency through both class (theory) and laboratory (practicum/clinical) experiences in a variety of settings. To receive a strong and varied clinical experience, students travel to nearby hospitals and community agencies and work with clients of varied socio-economic groups. Each student is responsible for providing or arranging her/his own transportation for clinical practica.

Students may enter the university as declared nursing majors, but the first year is typically spent in general education requirements, and cognate courses. Students taking NRSG 215 - Introduction to Professional Nursing Concepts , are encouraged to apply for entrance into the nursing program prior to completion of the spring semester of their freshman year.  Transfer students will take NRSG 215 - Introduction to Professional Nursing Concepts  in the Spring Semester of their Sophomore year.  The deadline for application is May 1.

Total Credits: 125


Required cognates—22


Note:


*Please note that if any cognates (Anatomy & Physiology, Human Development, Microbiology, Nutrition, Psychology,  Statistics) are older than five years they will not be accepted as credit (exception for RNs) and will need to be retaken as a class for credit or the student may take a standardized challenge exam, such as the CLEP exam as approved by the Department of Nursing.

General Education Requirements—38


See Professional Education Requirements  and note the following specific requirements:

Religion:


Language/Communication:


  • professional degree requirements

History:


  • professional degree requirements

Fine Arts/Humanities:


  • professional degree requirements

Life/Physical Sciences:


Service:


Field service credit requirements are met in these classes.

Social Sciences:


Fitness Education:


  • professional degree requirements

Practicum


Undergraduate nursing practicum: In nursing classes with a practicum, a ratio of four clinical hours will be required for each semester credit. For example, a 1-credit practicum meets for 60 clock hours, a 2-credit practicum course meets for 120 clock hours, a 1-credit lab meets for 30 clock hours. Practicum hours are indicated in the bulletin in the course description.

Additional Requirements


All NCLEX-preparatory students accepted into the nursing program will:

1. Be asked to seek experience in a hospital acute care setting as a nursing assistant, nursing technician or the equivalent, for approximately 380 hours while enrolled in the nursing program.  The majority of these hours can be done over the summer. The breakdown of hours is as follows:

International students who are at Andrews University on F-1 student visa, must obtain government authorization for paid employment. The Andrews University Office of International Student Services will facilitate the job petition to work in a healthcare facility in order to meet the program requirements. Students may not be allowed to progress in the nursing program unless these qualifications are met, except by approval of faculty. A form signed by the facility where the student works must be submitted to their advisor prior to registering for fall courses.

2. Be expected to complete the NCLEX-preparatory program within 3-4 years, beginning with NRSG 216 - Fundamentals of Nursing Theory and Practice .

Admission Requirements


Application for admission may require a minimum of six weeks for processing evaluation.  The deadline for applications is May 1 to be considered for entry into the nursing program in the Fall Semester.

  1. Minimal overall GPA of 3.00
  2.  ,  ,     ,  ,  , Minimal combined GPA for cognates of 3.00. A grade of C- is unacceptable for any cognate course.
  3. Acceptable SAT or ACT Math scores or a higher level math class with a grade of C or better.
  4. Nelson Denny Reading Test score of 15 or greater
  5. An acceptable criminal background check from company recommended by Department of Nursing—to include Berrien County.
  6. Physical examination report that must include:
    a. Tuberculin skin test (if positive a chest x-ray is required, will be evaluated individually) and yearly evaluation thereafter
    b. Proof of immunization or serum immunity for MMR1 and MMR2 (measles, mumps, rubella, rubeola), T-dap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussin), and hepatitis B
    c. Proof of either having had chickenpox (dates of disease or tested for varicella-zoster antibodies) or the immunization
  7. Must complete KAPLAN Pre-Admission exam with pre-established score as determined by the Department of Nursing.
  8. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Orientation

All students admitted into the nursing program will be required to complete a 2-day orientation before beginning the Fall Semester. During this process, they will be required to do:

  • Finger printing.
  • A urine drug screen that must be completed 20-30 days prior to the start of the first clinical rotation (check with the Nursing Office).
  • Show proof of CPR Certification of an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider course.

Progression


All undergraduate nursing students need to understand that:

  • Nursing courses must be taken in the required sequence.
  • A percentage as stated in the department handbook is required to pass each nursing course.
  • A test average as stated in the department handbook is required for identified nursing courses.
  • No grade lower than a B- is accepted in any undergraduate nursing course.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for cumulative cognate GPA (with no grade lower than a C in any cognate) and cumulative overall GPA.
  • Independent study courses cannot replace required nursing courses.
  • Students wishing to transfer in nursing credits must have course work evaluated by the Nursing Department—Admissions and Progression’s Committee. (Please allow a minimum of six weeks prior to the beginning of classes for evaluation.)
  • Annual flu shots are required.
  • Maintaining a current certification of the American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course is required.
  • There is an annual review of required health care competencies. (See Handbook for specifics)
  • Any student on a Leave of Absence for two years or more, must have a readmission reevaluation of both clinical and theoretical knowledge.
  • Class attendance is required: The Department of Nursing will uphold University Policy .
  • Clinical attendance is required: See p. 20 and p. 21 of the Department of Nursing Handbook.
  • Student will be asked to withdraw from the nursing program if one or more nursing courses are failed at any time.
  • Students have the right to reapply to the program.
  • Readmission will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Student will be required to show competence via a standardized external exam and remediation before progressing to certain classes.
  • Academic performance alone does not ensure completion of the nursing preparation. Students must also continuously meet acceptable professional ethics, disposition and safety standards as determined by the admissions and progressions committee.
  • Drug screening and criminal background checks are required at the beginning of each academic year.

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