RN to BSN
In accordance with the Iowa Articulation Plan for Nursing Education: R.N. to Baccalaureate, Mount Mercy offers the R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program tailored for R.N.s who are interested in returning to college for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.). The program is designed to include the granting of credit for past learning and consideration of the needs of adult learners. Applicants must hold a current and valid Iowa R.N. license.
Objectives established for students in this major include, among others: respect and value the dignity of huiman life; appropriately implement selected nursing interventions; and integrate knowledge derived from liberal arts, science and nursing in professional nursing practice.
Admission to the R.N. to B.S.N. Program
Applicants to the R.N. to B.S.N program must meet the following admission criteria:
- At least 23 years of age.
- At least three years of work experience and currently working at least part time as a nurse.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher for transferable college credit.
- Current and valid Iowa R.N. license. Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) who has been denied licensure by the Board; b) whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction; c) whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.
- In consultation with the coordinator of the R.N. to B.S.N. program, select an articulation option.
- Complete prerequisite courses as appropriate for the articulation option selected.
- Send a written request for admission to the Admissions, Promotion and Graduation committee of the Department of Nursing.
- Complete a health examination by a physician or nurse practitioner (within the past two years), receive and/or update the recommended immunization, and forward this information to the Department of Nursing. (Forms for filing this information should be requested from the Department of Nursing prior to the physical examination).
- Show proof of current certification for Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association.
- Show proof of health insurance coverage and nursing liability insurance coverage.
- Submit a copy of current Iowa nursing license.
- Complete a background check done by a third party company selected by the Department of Nursing. Any Issues will require a meeting with the program director.
Major
For R.N. to B.S.N. students entering Mount Mercy in the Fall of 2009 and later: Admission to the major plus:
| NU 210 | Physical Assessment for Advance RN - BSN Students | 1 |
| NU 230 | Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 |
| NU 460 | Extending the Journey: Population Based Nursing | 6 |
| NU 461 | Extending the Journey: Professional Aspects of Nursing | 6 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Academic Requirements
Students must maintain a C or above (C- does not count) in all nursing courses, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
Courses
NU 110 Exploring Complementary Therapies: 1 semester hour
This elective course offers students the opportunity to explore various alternative therapies that may be encoutered when determining treatment options for oneself or another. The course is designed to inform the student of current modalities available in the community for persons seeking to take greater responsibility for their health status. Reflective judgement will be required as one responds to the theory and practice of alternative therapies thus enabling the student to draw conclusions that are holistic and accurate. This is a course in directed studies with reading found on the Internet for each topic covered. One field trip is scheduled.
NU 111 Call To Adventure I: 0.5 semester hours
Education of nursing students can be understood as a journey toward integration of the values, knowledge, skills, meaning and experiences that will sustain the future practitioner. This course is a "call to adventrue" that provides the opportunity to embark on that journey.
NU 114 Call To Adventure II: 0.5 semester hours
Education of nursing students can be understood as a journey toward integration of the values, knowledge, skills, meaning and experiences that will sustain the future practitioner. This course is a "call to adventure" that provides the opportunity to embark on that journey. NU 114 is a continuation of NU 111.
NU 115 Call to Adventure: Transitions: 1 semester hour
Education of nursing students involves the reflection of values that can be understood as a journey toward the integration of knowledge, truth, meaning, and service for the well-being of all humanity according to the sisters of Mercy's mission. Reflection of the role of the Sisters of Mercy provides students with a foundation to develop a philosophy that instills a commitment of services to local, national and world populations. This course is a "call to adventure" that provides transfer students the opportunity to embark on their journey.
NU 210 Physical Assessment for Advance RN - BSN Students: 1 semester hour
This course is designed to validate the RN's knowledge base and skills of physical assessment through completion of a health history and a comprehensive physical assessment under the guidance of clinical instructors. Prerequisite: R.N. status.
NU 211 Medical Terminology: 1 semester hour
This self-directed elective course provides an overview of terminology used in the health professions. The course is recommended for students who have not taken NU 111 and for student interested in the health professions. Students will independently study a text of terminology and progress through a series of assignment and a final examination.
NU 224 Nursing Skills for the Journey: 3 semester hours
This course provides theoretical and clinical application content for nursing skills. Students will have the opportunity for hands-on experiences, working independently and closely with faculty and peers learning from a variety of teaching methodologies. Upon completion of this course students will be expected to perform selected nursing skills safely and accurately under the direct supervision in the clinical setting. Equipped with skills and knowledge, students are empowered to continue their journey with confidence and competence. Prerequisite: 75 hour CNA course and NU 232.
NU 230 Pharmacotherapeutics: 3 semester hours
This course provides an introduction to the broad field of pharmacology. Several concepts will be covered with particular emphasis on pharmacotherapeutics, the use of drugs for therapeutic purposes. Major drug groups will be addressed in relation to specific drug prototypes, actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, uses, interactions, contraindictions, methods of administration, and consumer information. Principles of safe administration of medications, including drug calculations, will be reinforced. In addition, drug effects on specific populations will be addressed. Prerequisite: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240, NU 260, or permission of instructor.
NU 232 Holistic Human Assessment: 4 semester hours
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform assessments of humans as holistic persons. Lecture will provide theory to guide the students in developing subjective and objective assessment skills. Clinical application in the acute care setting will focus on assessment, commmunication and nursing skills. Prerequisite: admission to major.
NU 240 Disease Paths: 4 semester hours
Pathophysiology is the study of altered physiological functioning caused by disease. This course provides an overview of the biologic basis for disease in adults and children. The focus will be on the etiological factors, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of altered physiological processes. Students will examine how altered physiological functioning impacts the individual's personal journey. Prerequisite: NU 232, NU 224, and BI 274.
NU 242 Concepts in Baccalaureate Nursing Education: 4 semester hours
This course is designed for Advance R.N.-B.S.N. students seeking a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing. The purpose of the course is to provide a transition between the student's basic nursing education, associate degree or diploma and nursing education. Students will explore the philosophy of nursing along with studying the current issues in nursing practice and nursing education. The focus of the course is the nursing process. Concept development will also be studied. Students will also complete a family assessment, study cultural diversity in the community as well as participate in service/volunteer activities. Prerequisite: Current and valid Iowa R.N. licensure.
NU 260 Pathways To Professional Nursing: 5 semester hours
This course facilitates the integration of knowledge for the liberal arts, sciences and nursing as the foundation for the professional nursing practice. A variety of clinical experiences within the health care environment will be encountered as the students journey across the threshold toward professional nursing. Prerequisites: NU 224 and NU 232.
NU 320 Essentials of Nutrition: 2 semester hours
This course will provide the student with essential foundational nutrition background and the knowledge necessary for evaluation of the nutritional status of clients across the lifespan. This course will focus on nutritional applications and intervention for health promotion and disease/illness. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260.
NU 330 Beginnings: Maternal Newborn Nursing: 3 semester hours
This course focuses on the nursing care of families as they journey through the childbearing experiences. Junior level nursing students are introduced to the normal process of pregnancy and delivery in addition to typical complications. Knowledge acquired from this course and previous learning experiences is applied in health care settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.
NU 332 Challenges Along the Journey: Nursing Interventions for Clients with Mental Illness: 3 semester hours
This course is designed to prepare the student to provide competent nursing care to patients experiencing mental illness. Concepts will include etiological theories, diagnostic terminology and criteria, and therapeutic nursing interventions. Therapeutic use of self and the nursing process are utilized in providing care to individuals with mental illness in a variety of settings. A field trip to the Mental Health Institute in Independence, IA, will proceed a historical perspective on treatment of mental illness. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.
NU 350 Challenges Along the Journey: Interventions for Core Body System Alterations: 6 semester hours
This course will prepare students to meet the challenges associated with caring for adults and children experiencing acute and chronic illness involving core body systems. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. The focus will be on nursing interventions for persons with alterations involving respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, genital/reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as those interventions required for persons experiencing multi-system failure. Relevant history and theories, standards of care, prevention, current research, and legal-ethical and end-of-life implications will be addressed as applicable for each alteration. The impact of the environment, culture, and technology will also be considered. Prerequisites: NU230, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260.
NU 352 Challenges Along the Journey: Intervention for Alterations in Regulatory and Protective Mechanisms: 6 semester hours
This course will prepare students to meet the challenges associated with caring for adults and children experiencing acute and chronic illnesses involving alteration in regulatory and protective mechanisms. The initial focus will be on health promotion, children's response to illness and family support. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. Interventions for persons with alterations in cell functions, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, inflammation, immunity, and infections, as well as those required for alterations in the endocrine, renal, musculoskeletal systems will be included. Interventions will be discussed in theory and applied in a variety of clinical settings. Relevant history and theories, standards of care, prevention, current research, and legal-ethical and end-of-life implications will be addressed as applicable for each alteration. The impact for the environment , culture, and technology will also be considered. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260.
NU 360 Nursing Clinical Internship: 1 semester hour
This elective course will provide nursing students with oversight by a Mount Mercy faculty member while they participte in an established internship offered by a health care facility in Iowa. The student will be permitted to perform as a nursing student during the internship starting at the Junior level under the supervision of the clinical agency staff. Students will be expected to apply for the internship on their own and verify that they have been accepted by the clinical agency.
NU 405 Nursing Program: 6.5 semester hours
Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.
NU 406 Nursing Program: 6.5 semester hours
Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.
NU 411 Professional Preparation: 1 semester hour
In anticipation for graduating and taking the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, students will work with the faculty to develop and carry out individual plans for preparing for the exam. In addition, the students will be introduced to the responsibilities associated with maintaining a professional license and communicating with professional licensing boards and organizations. To be completed in the final semester of the nursing program.
NU 422 Clinical Preceptorship: 2 semester hours
Students will work with a professional nurse to learn the specific duties and challenges for daily responsibilities of the nurse. Through this preceptorship, the student and nurse will collaborate to identify opportunities for the student to provide direct patient care, to enhance critical thinking skills and to hone clinical skills to be well-prepared for passing the NCLEX-RN and beginning one's first professional role. Prerequisites: NU 330, NU 332, NU 350, NU 352.
NU 441 Independent Study: 1 semester hour
independent studies are open to students applyint to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievemnets meet with faculty approval.
NU 442 Independent Study: 2 semester hours
independent studies are open to students applyint to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievemnets meet with faculty approval.
NU 443 Independent Study: 3 semester hours
independent studies are open to students applyint to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievemnets meet with faculty approval.
NU 460 Extending the Journey: Population Based Nursing: 6 semester hours
This course is specifically designed for senior level baccalaureate nursing students who have completed their basic preparation for registered nurse licensure and advance R.N.-B.S.N. students. This course will focus on population-based concepts and application to practice. The course will explore global health care issues and address influences on care of populations. A focus on evidence based nursing practice will also be included in the course. The course will include both theory and clinical components. Prerequisite: senior level status Prerequisites: NU 320, NU 330, NU 350 and NU 352.
NU 461 Extending the Journey: Professional Aspects of Nursing: 6 semester hours
This course is organized around issues that are key to the success of professional nurses in today's constantly changing health care environment. This course is specifically designed for senior level baccalaureate nursing students and Advance RN-BSN students who have completed their basic preparation for registered nurse licensure. Course content will address leadership and management, professional development, and legal and workplace issues. The course includes both theory and clinical components. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for applicaiton of theory content in a variety of community-based settings. Prerequisites: NU 320, NU 330, NU 350 and NU 352.
NU 465 Integrating Journey: Complex Concepts and Clinical Immersion: 5 semester hours
This course will prepare students to provide care for adult and geriatric clients with complex needs. Students will apply curricular content in a 192 hour clinical immersion experience. The focus will be in the integration of knowledge and skills required for client situations involving multiple system pathologies and/or critical incidents. The classroom portion of the course is three hours per week and will be conducted in a dicussion format using evolving case scenarios that require students to utilize high level clinical reasoning. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 320, NU 330, NU 350, NU 352.
NU 470 Population Based Nursing: 3 semester hours
This course is specifically designed for senior level baccalaureate nursing students who have completed their basic preparation for registered nurse licensure and advance R.N.-B.S.N. students. This course will focus on population-based concepts and application to practice. The course will explore global health care issues and address influences on care of populations. A focus on evidence based nursing practice will also be included in the course. The course will include both theory and clinical components. Prerequisite: senior level status Prerequisites: NU 320, NU 330, NU 350 and NU 352.
NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing: 4 semester hours
This course is organized around issues that are key to the success of professional nurses in today's constantly changing health care environment. This course is specifically designed for senior level baccalaureate nursing students and Advance RN-BSN students who have completed their basic preparation for registered nurse licensure. Course content will address leadership and management, professional development, and legal and workplace issues. The course includes both theory and clinical components. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for applicaiton of theory content in a variety of community-based settings. Prerequisites: NU 320, NU 330, NU 350 and NU 352.