Nursing

Undergraduate Programs

Description

The nursing curricula are designed to provide opportunities for the student to develop a sound theoretical and clinical foundation for the practice of professional nursing. The graduate is prepared for a variety of roles in the community, including the responsibility for health promotion; prevention of disease; and caring for individuals, families, and society in the community, hospital, clinic, and home. An understanding of people and how they adapt to the environment is essential to the provision of these healthcare services. Graduates of the Pre-licensure program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse. Successfully passing this exam permits the graduate to practice as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates with a major in nursing will have met the requirements for public health nurse registration and licensure as school nurses in Minnesota. 

Majors

Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Nursing BS BS - Bachelor of Science
  • Mankato
79 / 120
RN Baccalaureate Completion BS BS - Bachelor of Science
  • Online
30 / 120

Policies & Faculty

Policies

PRE-LICENSURE PROGRAM

Admission to Major

Application for admission to the School of Nursing is a separate process and in addition to being admitted to the University. Requirements for application to the nursing major are:

  • completion of at least 30 semester credits.
  • a minimum career grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • minimum grade of “C” in all required prerequisite and support courses.
  • All core science prerequiste courses (BIOL 220, BIOL 330, and CHEM 111) must be completed within 5 years of the program application deadline. Students with science credits older than five years will need to retake the applicable coursework. An appeal is not needed if courses are retaken due to 5-year-limit. 
  • All core prerequisites may only be repeated one time each (two overall attempts), regardless of letter grade.  The School of Nursing will use the average grade from the two attempts to calculate the core prerequisite GPA for admission.  A withdraw from a core prerequisite will be considered one attempt, and a (-0.33) quality point deduction will be assigned to determine the average grade.  Refer to the prenursing student handbook for examples.

All prerequisite and support courses must be taken for a letter grade; P/N is not acceptable. A prenursing student may repeat a prerequisite class for admission to the School of Nursing once and only once for the purpose of improving a “C” or lower grade.

Students in the applicant pool are rank ordered according to a prenursing GPA figured using grades earned in English Composition, Introduction to Cultural Geography, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Chemistry of Life Processes, Courage, Caring, and Teambuilding, Elementary Statistics, and Human Development. All eight of these courses must be completed at the time of application.

Students are considered for admission into program based on GPA for the eight core prerequisite courses as well as composite score on the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam. The Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam includes math, grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry and must be completed at the time of application.

Applicants must also successfully complete the following support courses prior to admission into the nursing program: Microbiology, Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals, Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals, Relationship-based Care in Nursing Practice, Nutrition for Allied Health Professionals, and Psychology. A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in these courses for admission.

In addition to the above criteria, an interview may be required in the application process.

Nursing Assistant Admission Requirement. Students admitted to the Pre-licensure Nursing program must be certified as nursing assistants and listed on a Nursing Assistant Registry in the United States or be tested out by faculty in the School of Nursing, Nursing Assistant course. 

English Language Proficiency. Applicants to the Pre-licensure Nursing Program from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate minimum English proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:

  • TOEFL iBT minimum score of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26
  • TOEFL PBT minimum score of 560
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules

GPA Policy. A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in all prerequisite and support courses. Nursing courses are sequentially arranged and progression is based on successful completion of the prerequisite nursing course(s). All classroom courses are offered for grade only and all clinical courses are offered for P/N only. To continue in the nursing major, all students must achieve and maintain at least a “C” or “P” grade in each required nursing course. A grade of “D”, “F”, or NC in a nursing course is unacceptable, and the student must repeat the course to continue in the nursing major. In addition, it is required that each student maintain at least a “C” (2.0) average in all courses completed.

P/N Grading Policy. All of the pre-nursing and “major” courses must be taken for a letter grade; P/N is not acceptable. A grade of “C” must be achieved.

The School of Nursing utilizes a variety of health-care agencies for students’ clinical experiences including the Twin Cities. All clinical experiences are planned and conducted by the School of Nursing faculty. The student is responsible for travel to clinical agencies and for housing arrangements when necessary. Criminal background studies must be completed each year prior to beginning clinical courses.

Transfer Students. It is often possible for students to complete the required pre-nursing curriculum at another college or university and then have these courses and credits transferred to Minnesota State Mankato. Pre-licensure Nursing Program courses begin both fall and spring semesters.

Standardized Exams. All students enrolled in the School of Nursing will be required to take standardized achievement examinations at periodic intervals during their program. Exam results are used for student self-evaluation as well as program evaluation of learning outcomes.

Health. All nursing students are required to maintain a program of yearly health examinations and immunizations. Students will be advised of these requirements and must assume responsibility for meeting the health requirement before starting clinical experiences each year, beginning with the sophomore year.

Expenses. Each student is responsible for costs related to travel for nursing course experiences, student uniforms, health examinations, immunizations, and Mantoux; health insurance, malpractice insurance coverage, and CPR certification. In the case of accidental exposure to blood and body fluids, students are responsible for testing and follow-up care costs.

General Education requirements for Pre-licensure Nursing program: Students in the Pre-licensure Nursing Program are required to complete 40 credits of General Education courses in 11 Goal Areas for graduation.

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RN BACCALAUREATE COMPLETION PROGRAM

Students must be admitted into the RN Baccalaureate Completion Program prior to taking any nursing courses. RNs are accepted during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The application for RN Baccalaureate Completion Program admission may be obtained from the School of Nursing website.

Transfer Credits: In accordance with the statewide MN Articulation Agreement, 30 semester nursing credits and 30 semester non-nursing credits are transferred for RNs.

Admission to RN Baccalaureate Completion Program. Requirements for admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion Program are:

  1. Proof of active unrestricted RN license,
  2. Completion of at least 30 college semester credits,
  3. A minimum career grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale,
  4. Minimum grade of “C” in all previous courses.

Other requirements:

  1. Completion of RN Baccalaureate Completion Program Application
  2. Liability insurance-purchased through Minnesota State Mankato
  3. CPR certification
  4. Background study 

Contact Information

360 Wissink Hall

(507) 389-6022
http://ahn.mnsu.edu/nursing/

Faculty

Chair
  • Patricia Young, Ph.D., RN
PLP Academic Coordinator
  • Marilyn Swan, Ph.D., RN
RNBCP Coordinator
  • Laura Schwarz, DNP, RN
Faculty

100 Level

Credits: 3

Focuses on core concepts of the nursing profession. Students will learn about caring, role of courage in nursing, cooperation and collaboration in groups and caring for self and others in the larger community. APA style in formal writing is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

200 Level

Credits: 3

A holistic perspective of pathophysiologic processes and their impact on body systems and overall human functioning. Focuses on the risk factors, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of physiologic disease processes in humans. Students must have a minimum grade of a C in BIOL 220 and BIOL 330 in order to enroll in NURS 282.

Prerequisites: Minimum of a C in BIOL 220 and BIOL 330.

Credits: 3

Focuses on the basic drug classification, concepts and principles of pharmacology with application of drug therapy. Implications relative to the utilization of drug therapy are examined. Dosage calculations are evaluated for competency. Students must have a minimum grade of a C in BIOL 220 and BIOL 330 in order to enroll in NURS 284.

Prerequisites: Minimum of a C in BIOL 220 and BIOL 330.

Credits: 3

Provides an introduction to the profession of nursing and explores relationship-based care in nursing practice. Provides an overview of concepts related to establishing caring and healing environments, developing therapeutic and professional relationships, and promoting patient and family-centered care.

Prerequisites: none

300 Level

Credits: 3

This is a study abroad course that focuses on the healthcare system and health beliefs of a different culture/ country. Students will have the opportunity to interact with professionals and community members to get a better understanding of their health beliefs, care system, the role of family in health etc.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Gold

Credits: 4

Introduction to fundamental theories, concepts, evidence, and competencies pertaining to scientific inquiry, development of nursing knowledge, evidence-based and informed practice, and research utilization in nursing practice.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: RN licensure. Admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion program.

Credits: 3

Introduces concepts fundamental to professional nursing: roles of professional nurse and interprofessional team members, regulatory guidelines, standards of practice, therapeutic communication, and cultural sensitivity. Theoretical perspectives on professional nursing and the concepts of persons, health and environment are introduced.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

Focuses on health promotion and prevention and early detection of alterations in physiological integrity. Leading US and global health issues are discussed, along with clinical implications of those prevalent diseases.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Critical inquiry into the nursing care of family and society in the context of diverse cultures. Explores concepts related to family and society as clients, the family and societal health experience, and nursing strategies to foster family and societal care.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 5

A focus on assessment of the healthy family and the relationship of health assessment to prevention and early detection of disease, incorporating the processes of interviewing, history-taking, and physical assessment. A laboratory component integrating nursing skills and procedures is included.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course involves examination of family literature and family research that explores concepts of family as client, family health experience, nurse-family relationships, and nursing actions that impact the health of families and society. Nursing strategies to enhance family-focused care during acute, chronic and critical illnesses are analyzed.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: RN licensure. Admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion program.

Credits: 2

Introduction to fundamental theories and frameworks pertaining to scientific inquiry, development of nursing knowledge, evidence-based and informed practice, and research utilization in nursing practice.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 5

Focuses on nursing management of acute alterations in physiological integrity and meeting needs of patients with commonly occurring acute health disorders. This course is designed to assist students in the theoretical and practical application of the nursing process to meet the healthcare needs of clients with acute needs.

Prerequisites: NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 335, NURS 336

Credits: 7

Focuses on the critical inquiry of the physiological and psychosocial changes occurring with families during the childbearing/childrearing transition period. Includes didactic and experiential learning designed to promote family centered nursing care and improved family health outcomes.

Prerequisites: NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 335, NURS 336

Credits: 2

Focus on identification, implementation, and evaluation of patient/family quality and safety measures. Includes quality movement history and evolution, current quality of care issues, research and innovations, intervention strategies, and instruments; with an analysis of health care quality management system models.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course explores the nurse's role in interacting with and providing care to individuals and families of diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds across the lifespan. Learners perform a holistic health assessment and examine cultural diversity, spirituality and the integration of complementary and alternative therapies to provide holistic care.

Prerequisites: RN Licensure. Admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion Program.

Diverse Cultures: Gold

Credits: 0

Curricular Practical Training: Co-Operative Employment Experience for undergraduate international F-1 pre-nursing/nursing students to gain practical work experience related to the field of nursing for one summer and one adjunct fall or spring term. Special rules and eligibility criteria established by the Pre-licensure Nursing Program must be met. Please contact an advisor in your program for complete information.

Prerequisites: none

400 Level

Credits: 3

An experiential immersion into the healthcare needs of the client and family within another culture with a focus on nursing interventions to promote health. An intense induction into cultural humility will enhance awareness and promote an appreciation for global health.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

Communication is an essential skill for professional RNs. This course will cover professional communication strategies, including patient and family interactions, dealing with mental-health issues, effective inter-professional communication, and issues unique utilizing technology and information systems.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course will evaluate and enhance the role of the nurse in the promotion and the use of national standards, guidelines, technology, and informatics to create a culture of quality and safety, prevent and reduce medical errors, and support health care value.

Prerequisites: NURS 320

Credits: 2

Several sections on various topics not included in the curriculum. Each section is a different course and expands on the nursing major courses. Examples of topics are ethical dimensions, laughter and wellness in nursing practice, dementia, rural nursing, cancer care, etc. Prereq: As appropriate for each section.

Prerequisites: As appropriate for each section. 

Credits: 4

Think critically about the roles and responsibilities of the community oriented nurse in the context of disease prevention, health promotion, protection, maintenance, restoration, and surveillance of diverse populations. Examine foundational pillars of assurance, assessment and policy development to support population focused nursing care across the lifespan.

Prerequisites: NURS 363, NURS 364, NURS 365, NURS 366

Credits: 4

Focuses on nursing management of chronic alterations in physiological integrity and meeting needs of patients with commonly occurring chronic health disorders. This course is designed to assist students in the theoretical and practical application of the nursing process to meet the healthcare needs of patients with chronic and rehabilitation needs.

Prerequisites: NURS 363, NURS 364, NURS 365, NURS 366

Credits: 3

Focuses on the critical inquiry of families' health and illness experiences. Includes didactic and experiential learning designed to promote family centered nursing care during transitions within child, teenage, adult and older adult family transitions.

Prerequisites: NURS 363, NURS 364, NURS 365, NURS 366

Credits: 4

Focuses on mental health and psychosocial concepts and the responsibility of nursing in promoting and maintaining psychosocial integrity of individuals. Application of therapeutic communication and caring relationships through evidenced based nursing actions and treatment of common clinical conditions.

Prerequisites: NURS 363, NURS 364, NURS 365, NURS 366, PSYC 101

Credits: 4

This course provides an overview of the innovative and entrepreneurial process within healthcare environments. Students conceptualize and develop a workflow or process improvement plan that includes understanding the current state, identifying innovative solutions, forecasting financial and human resource needs, analyzing potential organizational outcomes, and designing an implementation and evaluation strategy.

Prerequisites: NURS 286

Credits: 4

This course provides an overview of legal and ethical issues within health informatics as related to accreditation requirements, licensure and regulatory agencies, payment and reimbursement, management and use of data, information, knowledge, and the technology used to communicate.

Prerequisites: NURS 286

Credits: 3

Focuses on nursing leadership and management skills, organizational structure, care processes; health policy and regulatory processes, quality improvement; and patient/family and consumer advocacy.

Prerequisites: NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 435, NURS 436

Credits: 4

Focuses on nursing management of complex, multi-system alterations in physiologic integrity. This course is designed to assist students in the theoretical and practical application of the nursing process to meet the healthcare needs of patients with complex, multi-system disorder needs.

Prerequisites: NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 435, NURS 436

Credits: 2

An examination of family dynamics and the nursing role focused on advanced family therapeutic communication, facilitation or family care meetings to make informed health care decisions. Examines system issues concerning health care delivery to decision maker within healthcare organizations.

Prerequisites: NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 435, NURS 436

Credits: 4

Focuses on experiential learning that integrates nursing science in preparing graduates for baccalaureate-generalist nursing practice. Family nursing science is evident in the coordination and provision of care.

Prerequisites: NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 435, NURS 436, NURS 463, NURS 464, NURS 465

Credits: 6

This course involves synthesis of nursing and public health theories and practice within the community. Nursing care of individuals, families, and groups is addressed within context of promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. This course focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and health education using the science of epidemiology, health policy, community assessment, disaster response, and population focused interventions to promote social justice and reduce health disparities.

Prerequisites: NURS 320, NURS 382. RN Licensure. Admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion program.

Credits: 1-3

Workshop(s) with various topics and titles.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-5

Workshop(s) with various topics and titles.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

In this capstone course, learners synthesize the underpinnings of Baccalaureate nursing education and leadership principles to culminate in an evidence-based capstone project designed to enhance or improve health outcomes and incorporate the professional leadership roles. Learners will synthesize program outcomes and be evaluated on achievement of these outcomes as demonstrated through the capstone project and reflection journal. Learners explore leadership and management principles and concepts necessary for the professional nurse to function effectively in a changing health care system incorporating collaborative strategies, technology, financial issues, and the complexity of care.

Prerequisites: RN Licensure; NURS 320, NURS 362, NURS 382. RN Licensure. Admission to the RN Baccalaureate Completion program.

Credits: 4

This interprofessional course provides the opportunity for learners to synthesize knowledge, application and critical evaluation of integrative practices in providing holistic healthcare to individuals and families. The course focuses on theoretical, cultural, financial, historical, and ethical foundations. Safety, efficacy and the evidence base of integrative practices are explored. Interdisciplinary collaboration in providing integrative practices for holistic healthcare is emphasized.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1

This course provides clinical based learning opportunities to encourage application of theory and research bases knowledge in clinical practice. Students will engage in experiences to enhance the development of their professional nursing role.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-5

Individual study according to outcomes developed by faculty and student(s).

Prerequisites: none