Nursing
The nursing major is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to provide an educational program that builds on natural and behavioral sciences and integrates the liberal arts with professional courses. Students complete degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Graduates are prepared to enter the profession of nursing in a variety of areas and are prepared for graduate education.
The baccalaureate curriculum is based on the belief of the faculty that socialization of nursing students into the profession is a journey that continues throughout and beyond their baccalaureate education. The faculty has adopted “the hero’s journey” as presented by anthropologist Joseph Campbell as a unifying theme for the nursing curriculum.
Additional information is available at www.mtmercy.edu/nursing
Licensed registered nurses who wish to complete the baccalaureate degree may do so through the RN to BSN program in the accelerated programs or online. Please refer to those sections of the Mount Mercy University Catalog.
Procedure for Admission into the Nursing Major:
Students must complete an application for the nursing major by following the procedures below. (In the spring semester of the first year. Students are required to meet the admission criteria that are most current for the semester in which they wish to be admitted).
- Complete the application form for the major. Prior to filing this application the student must:
- Have completed or be in the process of completing the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent with a grade of C or above (C- does not count) in:NU 101 Answering the Call to Nursing, BI 125 Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry I, BI 150 Basic Microbiology (a co-requisite), BI 273 Human Anatomy, CH 110 Introduction to Chemistry, English Composition, NU 113 Medical Terminology, and at least two of the following courses: PS 101 Introductory Psychology, PS 124 Developmental Psychology, CO 101 Oral Communication, SO 122 Introduction To Sociology.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale.
- Additional requirements for the nursing major:
- Physical exam and immunization records (physical and immunization form is available at the Department of Nursing Office); Immunization record must be submitted with application to major.
- Proof of current Healthcare Provider Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) from the American Heart Association;
- Proof of health insurance;
- Proof of completion of Certified Nursing Assistant Course;
- Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter Certification (course is available at Mount Mercy);
- VIRTUS training for volunteers in parochial schools (course taught at Mount Mercy);
- Complete criminal background check including Dependent Adult and Child abuse (Instructions will be provided for completing this task). A concern with a finding on a criminal background check will be reviewed.
Fulfillment of these specific requirements does not ensure admission to the Department of Nursing program. For applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the Department of Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee will select the applicants who, in its judgment, are best qualified physically, emotionally, and scholastically as well as anticipate meeting the standards expected of prospective members of the nursing profession.
The student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical experiences and field trips.
Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) who has been denied a license by any state board of nursing; 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.
Students in the nursing major incur additional fees throughout the program (See current nursing fee charges in the catalog).
Nursing students may not fulfill prerequisite requirements by taking CLEP exams for credit in place of courses that have been attempted and not successfully completed.
The number of students admitted to the nursing major may be limited due to available faculty and clinical resources. In the event that more students qualify for admission than can be accepted, the Department of Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee will determine the number of students to be admitted.
A student who is not accepted into the nursing major may appeal in accordance with the Academic/Administrative Grievance Procedure for Students as stated in The Good Book.
Students wishing to transfer from another baccalaureate nursing program will be considered on an individual basis. This process begins with a meeting with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Academic Adviser; the application will be evaluated and permission for admittance will be granted or denied by the Department of Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.
Procedure for Continuation in the Major
Once admitted to the Department of Nursing the student must maintain a C or above (C- does not count) in BI 273 Human Anatomy, BI 274 Human Physiology, PS 124 Developmental Psychology, SO 122 Introduction To Sociology and CO 101 Oral Communication and a C or above (C- does not count) in all nursing courses. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. The faculty of the nursing department also reserves the right of retaining only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty, satisfy the requirements of scholarship and health, and meet the standards expected of prospective members of the nursing profession.
All nursing courses are expected to be taken in an uninterrupted sequence until completed. If interruptions occur the student must seek readmission to the nursing major. To be a candidate for re-admission into the nursing major a student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above and submit a formal written letter requesting permission for readmission. Each application for re-admission will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Department of Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.
Specific guidelines for the readmission protocol are described in the Nursing Student Handbook. A student may only repeat a course at the discretion of the Department of Nursing Admission, Promotion, and Graduation Committee. Students who are academically unsuccessful in a nursing course may repeat the course once; however, only one nursing course may be repeated.
Additional details about policies and procedures related to the Department of Nursing may be found in the current edition of the Nursing Student Handbook on the Nursing Department web site.
Career Opportunities
Hospitals, public health agencies, and various other community health services represent the major career openings for graduates. See the Graduate section of this Catalog for more information on Graduate programs offered at Mount Mercy.
Prerequisites
| NU 101 | Answering the Call to Nursing | 1.5 |
| NU 113 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| BI 125 | Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry I | 3 |
| BI 274 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| BI 150 | Basic Microbiology | 4.5 |
| BI 273 | Human Anatomy | 4.5 |
| CO 101 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| CH 110 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 |
| Writing course | 4 | |
| PS 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PS 124 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SO 122 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36.5 | |
Major
For pre-licensure Nursing students: Admission to the major plus:
| NU 224 | Nursing Skills for the Journey | 3 |
| NU 230 | Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 |
| NU 232 | Holistic Human Assessment | 4 |
| NU 240 | Disease Paths | 4 |
| NU 260 | Pathways To Professional Nursing | 5 |
| NU 320 | Essentials of Nutrition | 2 |
| NU 330 | Beginnings: Maternal Newborn Nursing | 3 |
| NU 332 | Challenges Along the Journey: Nursing Interventions for Clients with Mental Illness | 3 |
| NU 350 | Challenges Along the Journey: Interventions for Core Body System Alterations | 6 |
| NU 352 | Challenges Along the Journey: Intervention for Alterations in Regulatory and Protective Mechanisms | 6 |
| NU 411 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
| NU 465 | Integrating Journey: Complex Concepts and Clinical Immersion | 5 |
| NU 470 | Population Based Nursing | 3 |
| NU 471 | Professional Aspects of Nursing | 4 |
| Total Hours | 52 | |
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.
The following is the typical sequence of courses required for the major*:
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| BI 125 | 3 | Domain | 3 | BI 150 | 4.5 |
| CH 110 | 3 | PS 101 | 3 | ||
| Writing Competency | 4 | CO 1011 | 3 | ||
| Portal Course | 3 | PS 1241 | 3 | ||
| NU 101 | 1.5 | BI 273 | 4.5 | ||
| NU 113 | 1 | ||||
| 15.5 | 3 | 18 | |||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| NU 232 | 4 | NU 224 | 3 | NU 240 | 4 |
| SO 1221 | 3 | NU 230 | 3 | ||
| Math Competency or Domain | 3 | NU 260 | 5 | ||
| BI 274 | 3 | ||||
| 13 | 3 | 12 | |||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| NU 350 | 6 | Domain | 3 | NU 352 | 6 |
| NU 320 | 2 | NU 330 | 3 | ||
| Math Competency or Domain | 3 | Domain | 3 | ||
| Domain | 3 | Domain | 3 | ||
| 14 | 3 | 15 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| NU 470 | 3 | Elective | 3 | NU 332 | 3 |
| NU 471 | 4 | NU 411 | 1 | ||
| NU 465 | 5 | ME 450 | 1 | ||
| Domain | 3 | ||||
| Domain | 3 | ||||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| 12 | 3 | 14 | |||
| Total Hours: 125.5 | |||||
| 1 | CO 101 Oral Communication, SO 122 Introduction To Sociology, and PS 124 Developmental Psychology can be taken in any combination in either term. |
*Disclaimer
The course offerings, requirements, and policies of Mount Mercy University are under continual examination and revision. This Catalog presents the offerings, requirements, and policies in effect at the time of publication and in no way guarantees that the offerings, requirements, and policies will not change.
This plan of study represents a typical sequence of courses required for this major. It may not be applicable to every student. Students should contact a department faculty member to be sure of appropriate course sequence.
Courses
NU 101 Answering the Call to Nursing: 1.5 semester hour
This course is a "call to adventure" that prepares students to embark on their journey as future nurses. The course is designed to facilitate transition into college, to create a mentoring relationship with nursing faculty, and begin the role identification and enculturation into the profession of nursing. This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, values, meanings and experiences of the nursing profession. In the spirit of compassion as reflected in the Sisters of Mercy Mission, this course provides students with a foundation of commitment to serve human needs where they exist.
NU 110 Exploring Complementary Therapies: 1 semester hour
This elective course offers students the opportunity to explore various alternative therapies that may be encountered 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 course does not satisfy the Holistic Health Domain requirement.
NU 113 Medical Terminology: 1 semester hour
This self-directed course is a pre-requisite for students entering the nursing major. As directed by a faculty member, students receive a basic overview of terminology used in the health professions by independently completing assignments and a final exam.
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, NU 232, and BI 274.
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, contraindications, 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 and NU 232. Co-requisite or prerequisite of NU 240 and NU 260 or permission of the Department of Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.
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, communication 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 RN-BSN 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 baccalaureate nursing education. Students will explore the philosophy of nursing along with studying the current issues in nursing practice and nursing education. Prerequisite: Current and valid RN licensure. This course is a prerequisite to all other RN to BSN nursing courses.
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 230, 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 participate 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 404 Nursing Program: 6 semester hours
Escrow credits for RN-BSN Program.
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 425 Pathophysiology, Assessment & Genetics RNs: 3 semester hours
Building on the educational foundation and experiences of the registered nurse student this course focuses on pathological and genetic conditions encountered in clinical assessment and practice across the life span. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms as they relate to commonly occurring diseases. Specific disease processes are examined incorporating the role of development physiology, embryologic, genetic, and environmental factors in the epidemiology of disease.
NU 441 Independent Study: 1 semester hour
Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.
NU 442 Independent Study: 2 semester hours
Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.
NU 443 Independent Study: 3 semester hours
Independent studies are open to students applying to the nursing major and whose qualifications and academic achievements meet with faculty approval.
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 discussion 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 and RN-BSN students. This course will focus on population-based community health. The course will explore global health care issues and address influences on care of populations. A focus will be on evidence based nursing practice related to disease prevention and health promotion. Prerequisites: NU224, NU230, NU232, NU240, and NU260.
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 RN-BSN students. Course content will address leadership and management, professional development, evidence-based practice, and legal and workplace issues. Prerequisites: NU224, NU230, NU232, NU240, and NU260.
NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar: 3 semester hours
The course focuses on the clinical application of various skills covered in the RN-BSN courses. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for application of population and community health concepts in community health settings and the application of leadership, management, professional development, legal issues, and evidence-based practice in a variety of professional settings. Prerequisites: NU 470 and NU 471.