B.S. in Nursing

The nursing major is offered through the Bethel University Department of Nursing and is administered through the College of Adult & Professional Studies. The College of Adult & Professional Studies nursing major is for registered nurses who have obtained initial preparation in an associate degree or diploma program.

The curriculum is designed to meet the following goals:

  • To prepare nurses with skills in critical thinking, with the ability to function in both structured and unstructured professional nursing positions, and with the background necessary for advanced education.
  • To prepare students for lifelong learning with a theoretical foundation based on Judeo-Christian principles and the liberal arts and sciences.
  • To express within the nursing profession Christian values and leadership through excellence in professional practice, scholarly endeavors, and community service.

Clinical assignments support classroom learning and are made with attention to each student’s background in relation to course objectives. Clinical assignments are in addition to weekly classes.

The B.S. degree in Nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Progression and Graduation

To progress in the program and graduate, the student must meet Bethel University requirements for academic progress. In addition to graduation requirements common to all undergraduate programs at Bethel, students in nursing must:

  • Earn a grade of C or better in each nursing course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. This indicates satisfactory achievement of objectives and completion of course requirements.
  • Function in a safe and ethical manner.
  • Demonstrate character and professional dedication consistent with the role and responsibility of the professional nurse.

Further details on departmental policies and procedures are described in the Nursing Program CAPS Student Handbook.

Program Performance Standards

Nursing is a practice discipline. All nursing students must demonstrate a wide variety of cognitive, interpersonal, and motor skills. A list of core program performance standards is available from the nursing department. The university will provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students who can demonstrate need based on a qualifying disability in accordance with the applicable law. Students seeking reasonable accommodations must request them in a timely manner in order to avoid scheduling delays. A minimum of 30 days advance notice prior to the start of the academic term is required because of the complex nature of clinical and intensive courses. Consultation related to reasonable accommodations is available through the Office of Disability Resources and Services.

Majors in Nursing

CORE 300 • Community, Self and Formation: Ancient and Contemporary Narratives 3 Credits.

An exploration of self in the world, based on personal experience and classical spiritual practices. Students are challenged to think systemically about contexts of family, faith community, workplace, and broader culture as they plan for lifelong formation and contribution to the well-being of others.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Areas 2, 5. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.

CORE 330 • Examining Crucial Questions 3 Credits.

Summary of the Christian biblical narrative. Identification of the roles of scripture, history, experience, and reason as they form convictions related to social and ethical issues. Examination of selected theological concepts using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, as well as the application of those concepts to real life situations.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Areas 2, 5, 6. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.

NURS 300 • Acute Care Clinical 3 Credits.

Professional identity development through integration of ethical principles, Christian perspectives, nursing knowledge, and liberal arts. Practice within interprofessional teams using all baccalaureate roles. Clinical nursing problem analysis through critical thinking, enhanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and technology. Application of scope of practice knowledge to delegation and supervision of nursing personnel.
Special Notes: Recommended for all MANE Associate degree graduates; an elective for any other RN-BSN students.

NURS 330H • Ethical Theory and Applied Nursing Ethics 3 Credits.

Introduction to ethical theory and the language needed to discuss relevant ethical healthcare issues. Exploration of current ethical issues faced in healthcare settings, including potential outcomes, the role of the nurse, application of professional ethical codes, and differing viewpoints.  Development of empathy for, respect of, and insight into differing ethical opinions.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6, General Education Category H.

NURS 345 • Evidence Based End of Life Nursing Care 2 Credits.

Exploration of evidence-based practices in end-of-life nursing care based on curriculum developed by the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). Topics include pain management, symptom management, last hours of life, cultural and spiritual considerations, communication strategies, and ethical decision making.
Prerequisites: RN license.

NURS 346 • Health Assessment for RNs 3 Credits.

Focus is on enhancing the health and physical assessment skills of the regis¬tered nurse to make informed clinical judgments regarding the health status of individuals. Development of the ability to conduct an age-appropriate history, physical examination, and risk assessment for clients across the lifespan that reflects a holistic understanding of developmental, socio-cultural, spiritual, and environmental influences. Emphasis is on identification of normal and common abnormal findings across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: RN license.

NURS 365 • The Professional Nurse 3 Credits.

Exploration of the scope of professional nursing practice and nursing roles using ethical principles and Christian perspectives in the changing healthcare environment. Identification of the future of professional nursing and development of a personal philosophy of nursing.

NURS 400 • Public Health Nursing 3 Credits.

Population-focused principles, ethical principles and Christian perspectives in at-risk population care. Critical analysis of health disparities, barriers to adequate healthcare, and community resources for improving health equity. Evaluation of evidence-based public health nursing interventions to address health disparities in a given population. Demonstration of effective verbal, electronic and written communication.

NURS 401 • Public Health Nursing Clinical 3 Credits.

Identification of disease prevalence, distribution, and control in a population, including environmental, protective, and risk factors. Evaluation of evidence-based interventions to address health disparities. Demonstration of ethical principles and Christian perspectives in at-risk population care. Application of public health nursing competencies and effective communication skills through virtual/real-world clinical experience.
Prerequisites: NURS 400.

NURS 410 • Nursing Informatics 3 Credits.

Exploration of the history, essential concepts, and use of information systems and patient care technologies in the healthcare environment. Identification of patient privacy and the use of software applications in nursing.

NURS 425E • Cultural Diversity in Healthcare 3 Credits.

Study of culture and its impact on providing culturally appropriate nursing care. Assessment of patients and families using a transcultural nursing model. Analysis of societal issues, cultural beliefs and practices that impact the healthcare of culturally diverse patients. Integrating Christian perspectives and cultural understanding into the care of patients and families.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Areas 3, 5.

NURS 435 • Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credits.

Introduction to the steps of the research process and types of research. Development of a practice question related to nursing practice. Discussion of ethical principles and Christian perspectives in human subjects' research.

NURS 436 • Application of Research to Practice 3 Credits.

Demonstration of critical thinking in evaluating research and other evidence for application to nursing practice. Development of a summary of findings related to a practice question. Recommendations for practice from the evidence. Integration of ethical principles and Christian perspectives into evidence-based nursing practice.
Prerequisites: NURS 435.

NURS 485 • Leadership in Nursing 3 Credits.

Learners apply leadership theories and analyze nursing leadership roles in providing and coordinating client care with the incorporation of ethical principles, Christian perspectives and professional standards. Professional growth is evidenced through reflection on leadership, educational and professional experiences. Synthesis of professional experience and evidence are used to support positions on current nursing practice issues.

NURS 486 • Management in Nursing 3 Credits.

Management theories and concepts to influence healthcare change. Incorporation of ethical principles, Christian perspectives, professional standards, and management principles to influence organizations. Synthesis of nursing management, educational and professional experiences through reflection on professional growth. Application of financial and legal concepts of management. Strategies for conflict management, teamwork and communication.

NURS 495 • Clinical Care Change Project 3 Credits.

Improvement of nursing care by creation of a solution to a clinical issue. Definition of a clinical problem with rationale for change. Synthesis of evidence-based research principles in the implementation of a change project. Collaboration and communication in the management of a clinical change project.
Prerequisites: NURS 435. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 1.