Nursing

The nursing major is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing to provide an educational program that builds on natural and behavioral sciences and integrates the liberal arts with professional courses. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Graduates are prepared to enter the profession of nursing in a variety of areas and to pursue graduate education.

Martin-Herold College of Nursing (MHCNH) and Health Vision Statement

Educate and inspire nurses and health professionals to discover, serve, and lead.

Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health Mission Statement

The mission of the Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health (MHCNH) is inspired by the Sisters of Mercy and their dedication to service in meeting human needs where they exist. The MHCNH faculty strive to deliver exceptional educational experiences that prepare nurses and health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be self-motivated, compassionate professionals, innovative, visionary leaders, and life-long learners in a dynamic society.

Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Program Philosophy

In the tradition of Catholic intellectual teaching, the faculty of the Baccalaureate of Science Nursing (BSN) program welcome all persons in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Developing reflective judgment prepares students for purposeful living and serving the common good.

The BSN faculty adopted the “hero’s journey” as a unifying theme for the nursing curriculum. Students, faculty and persons encounter challenges as they strive to carry out their life’s mission. All are transformed as they move forward on their journey through life.

Transformation into a professional nurse is a journey that continues throughout and beyond baccalaureate nursing education. The faculty inspire students to integrate the shared identity of the culture of professional nursing, which honors diversity and commits to compassionate, competent nursing that is informed by evidence.

The faculty of the BSN program value social justice which calls faculty and students to address concerns of equity in the complex, dynamic health care system in the nation and globally. Faculty enable students to recognize that social determinants of health and learning may enhance or hinder a person’s physical, emotional, social, environmental, intellectual, occupational, financial and spiritual dimensions of health. The academic teaching-learning relationship nurtures students’ ability to serve and advocate for human needs where they exist with an inclusive, culturally sensitive approach.

Additional information is available at www.mtmercy.edu/nursing

Licensed registered nurses who wish to complete the Bachelor's degree may do so through the RN to BSN program.

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:
1. 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, NU 120 Integrated Foundations of Biology and Chemistry for Nursing, BI 150 Basic Microbiology (a co-requisite), BI 273 Human Anatomy, English Composition, NU 113 Medical Terminology, and at least two of the following courses: PS 101 Introductory Psychology, PS 224 Developmental Psychology, CO 101 Oral Communication, SO 122 Introduction to Sociology.
2. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale.
3. The science classes of NU 120 Integrated Foundations of Biology and Chemistry for Nursing, BI 150 Basic Microbiology, and BI 273 Human Anatomy can be repeated once only.
4. Prerequisite coursework must be complete by the end of the spring term of the year applying to the major. Applicants requiring summer prerequisite coursework (except the Certified Nursing Assistant) will be on the admission wait list.
5. The health physical and immunization record (forms are available at the MHCNH office) is required when applying to the major.
6. Status of completion or enrollment in a Certified Nursing Assistant course is required when applying to the major.
Additional requirements for the nursing major:
1. Proof of current certification for Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association;
2. Proof of health insurance;
3. Proof of completion of Certified Nursing Assistant Course within three years of beginning the program or currently working as a nursing assistant;
4. Proof of Department of Human Resources (DHS) completion of Mandatory Reporter training (Dependent Adult and Child Abuse);
5. Complete a background check, including Dependent Adult and Child Abuse, completed by a third party company selected by the MHCNH. Instructions will be provided for completing this task. Any concerns will require a meeting with the BSN Chair.

Fulfillment of these specific requirements does not ensure admission to the College of Nursing. For applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the Clinical, 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.

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 College of Nursing Clinical, 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 MHCNH BSN Advising and Compliance Coordinator; the application will be evaluated and permission for admittance will be granted or denied by the College of Nursing Clinical, Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.

Procedure for Continuation in the Major

Once admitted to the MHCNH the student must maintain 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 College of Nursing 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 form requesting readmission. Each application for re-admission will be reviewed on an individual basis by the College of Nursing Clinical, Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.

Specific guidelines for the readmission protocol are described in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook. A student may only repeat a course at the discretion of the College of Nursing Clinical, Admission, Progression, 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 College of Nursing may be found in the current edition of the Undergraduate Student Handbook on the MHCNH web page.

Career Opportunities

Hospitals, clinics, 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. Juniors and seniors may be eligible to take up to 13 graduate-level credits through the MMU Plus program.

Courses

NU 101 Answering the Call to Nursing: 1 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 course provides an overview of terminology used in the health care professions. Students will independently study a textbook of terminology and progress through a series of on-line learning activities and exams. No prerequisites.

NU 120 Integrated Foundations of Biology and Chemistry for Nursing: 4 semester hours

A contextual (health care) and integrative approach will be used in studying the major topics of human cellular biology and chemistry, which are foundational for an understanding of normal and pathological processes in humans.

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. Prerequisites: 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 College of Nursing Clinical, 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. Prerequisites: 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. Coerequisite: NU 232.

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

Proposed change: 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. 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 illnesses involving core body systems. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. Emphasis will be placed on assessing how illness impacts the holistic being as well as end-of-life, and the use of evidenced based practice in the clinical setting. The focus will be on nursing interventions for persons with alterations involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, genital/reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as those interventions required for persons experiencing multi-system failure. Interventions will be discussed in theory, applied in case scenarios, and in clinical settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, NU 230, 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 providing holistic care for adults and children experiencing acute and chronic illnesses involving alteration in regulatory and protective mechanisms. The initial focus will be on health promotion, growth and development, children’s response to illness, and family support. Nursing interventions for persons across the lifespan will be a central theme. The clinical judgment skills required to prioritize and delegate care appropriately will be introduced and then integrated throughout the course. Interventions for persons with fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, impaired immunity, infection, and cancer, as well as those required for alterations in the endocrine, renal, and musculoskeletal systems will be included. Interventions will be addressed in theory and applied in case scenarios and/or a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites: NU 224, 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

The course will help students to gain an understanding of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) test plan, recommended testing and study strategies, anxiety-reduction techniques, and the overall licensure procedure. It involves activities to assist students in their preparation for their professional roles as registered nurses and for successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Students will work with the faculty to develop and carry out individual plans to prepare for the exam. They will be introduced to the responsibilities associated with obtaining and 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 the Journey: Complex Concepts and Clinical Immersion: 6 semester hours

This course supports the transition from nursing student to the role of professional nurse in an immersion experience in a clinical setting. The student, working with a registered nurse (RN) preceptor, develops clinical judgment skills to prioritize and delegate care for multiple patents. This course integrates evidence, collaboration with the interprofessional team, and the person’s perspectives in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care. There is an emphasis in quality and safety in caring for clients with multiple systems pathologies and /or critical incidents. Prerequisites: NU 230, NU 320, NU 330, NU 350, NU 352.

NU 470 Extending the Journey: Population Based Nursing: 3 semester hours

This course engages students to focus on population based nursing and community health, through local, state, regional, national, & global health perspectives. Population health management will include systems thinking, crisis preparedness, and collaborative partnerships to address vulnerable population needs and achieve equitable population health outcomes. Prerequisite: Prelicensure nursing students: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240 and NU 260; Prerequisite or co-requisite of NU 350 or 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. Course content will address leadership and management, evidence-based practice, professional development, legal issues, quality & safety and current trends and issues in nursing. Prerequisite: Prelicensure nursing students: NU 224, NU 230, NU 232, NU 240, and NU 260; Prerequisite or co-requisite of NU 350 or NU 352. RN-BSN Prerequisites: NU 242, NU 230.

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.

Nursing Major

Prerequisites

NU 101	Answering the Call to Nursing	1
NU 113	Medical Terminology	1
NU 120	Integrated Foundations of Biology and Chemistry for Nursing	4
BI 273	Human Anatomy ¹	4.5
CO 101	Oral Communication	3
Writing Competency		4
PS 101	Introductory Psychology	3
PS 224	Developmental Psychology	3
SO 122	Introduction to Sociology	3
Total Hours		26.5

For pre-licensure Nursing students: Admission to the major plus:

Required Courses

BI 150	Basic Microbiology	4.5
BI 274	Human Physiology	3
Total Hours		7.5

Required Nursing Courses

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 the Journey: Complex Concepts and Clinical Immersion	6
NU 470	Extending the Journey: Population Based Nursing	3
NU 471	Professional Aspects of Nursing	4
Total Hours		53

¹: This course also requires a Lab.

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
NU 120	4	Core Domain	3	BI 150	4.5
Writing Competency	4			NU 101	1
PS 101	3			NU 113	1
CO 101 (or SO 122 or PS 224)	3			BI 273	4.5
				CO 101 (or SO 122 or PS 224)	3
	14		3		14
Sophomore
Fall	Hours	Winter	Hours	Spring	Hours
NU 232	4	NU 224	3	NU 240	4
Math Competency or Core Domain	3			NU 230 or BI 150	3
BI 274	3			NU 260	5
CO 101 (or SO 122 or PS 224 )	3
Elective	3
	16		3		12
Junior
Fall	Hours	Winter	Hours	Spring	Hours
NU 350	6	Core Domain	3	NU 352	6
Core Domain	3			NU 330	3
NU 230 (or Math Competency or Domain)	3			Core Domain	3
				NU 320	2
	12		3		14
Senior
Fall	Hours	Winter	Hours	Spring	Hours
NU 471	4	Elective	3	NU 470	3
NU 465	6			NU 411	1
Elective	3			ME 450	1
Elective	2			Core Domain	3
				Core Domain	3
				NU 332	3
	15		3		14
Total Hours: 123

*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 College of Nursing faculty member to be sure of appropriate course sequence.