Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is offered as a nursing major through the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program and RN to BSN Degree Completion program. The nursing major for both programs is offered through the Bethel University Department of Nursing and administered through the College of Adults & Professional Studies.
Nursing Department Goals
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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.
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To prepare students for lifelong learning with a theoretical foundation based on Judeo-Christian principles and the liberal arts and sciences.
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To express within the nursing profession Christian values through excellence in professional practice, scholarly endeavors, and community service.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Outcomes
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Integrate nursing knowledge, the liberal arts, and a Christian worldview to fulfill nursing roles.
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Promote client health in a culturally relevant manner through collaborative processes.
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Provide competent care and meaningful comfort to clients who are healthy, ill, or dying.
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Use critical thinking, healthcare information technology, and evidence-based findings to make decisions that promote safety and quality and improve client health outcomes.
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Communicate through verbal, nonverbal, and technological means with individuals, families, communities and systems to achieve mutually determined health outcomes.
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Advocate to increase access to healthcare and to promote justice for underserved clients.
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Conduct self as a member of the nursing profession by integrating Christian values, professional standards, and ethical perspectives.
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Demonstrate a commitment to service of others, effective stewardship of resources, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
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Demonstrate collaborative leadership to enhance the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.
Appeals Process
Students have the right to appeal a final grade, clinical evaluation, or dismissal from the program. If resolution cannot be resolved with the faculty member most immediately involved, the student may appeal to the nursing department Admissions and Progression committee, as described in the program’s Nursing Student Handbook.
Admission decision are final and may not be appealed. Applicant may request a review of an admission decision by the Dean of Nursing.
Students who are dismissed from the nursing program will be administratively withdrawn from nursing courses in which they are registered for the next term.
Program Performance Requirements
Nursing is a practice discipline, and the undergraduate nursing program prepares nurse generalists. 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 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 Services.
Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program
The Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is an accelerated pre-licensure program taken over 15 months. The nursing major for post-baccalaureate students is offered through the Bethel University Department of Nursing and is administered through the College of Adult & Professional Studies. The Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is for students already possessing a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students are prepared to practice in entry-level professional nursing positions in all types of healthcare agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses).
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Progression and Graduation
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Earn a grade of C or better in each nursing course. Select nursing courses require that the overall combined exam score is at least 75% in order to pass the course. This indicates satisfactory achievement of objectives and completion of course requirements. Details are provided in the syllabi for the select courses.
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Maintain a major GPA of at least 3.0.
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Successfully complete each prerequisite nursing course before progressing to the next sequential course.
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Function in a safe, professional, and ethical manner.
Program Design
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This is an accelerated program delivering a 50 credit major in 15 months. The program is full-time and students are advised not to work during the program.
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All courses (except intensives and on-campus clinical experiences) are delivered online using best practices in internet technology, instructional design, and adult learning.
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Seven 3-day skills intensives are held on the Bethel University campus during the program.
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Seven practicum courses are completed during the program requiring 500 clinical hours.
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Some online, synchronous learning activities are included during this program.
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A supportive learning community is achieved through the cohort model-a small group of students progressing through a degree program together.
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The curriculum prepares graduates to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses).
RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
The RN to BSN program 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.
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 baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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 program's Nursing Student Handbook.
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 305 • Practicum I: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice 1 Credit.
Provision of holistic care for individuals in various health/illness states. Utilize beginning critical thinking skills to implement the nursing process in healthcare settings.
Corequisites: NURS 310, NURS 325 $330 ($195 Nursing Central Resource Fee, $65 Clinical Site Placement Fee, $40 Malpractice Fee, $30 Criminal Background Check Fee) Special Notes:This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 306 • Practicum II: Adult Nursing 3 Credits.
Provision of holistic care for adults and older adults in various health/illness states. Application of critical thinking skills and evidence to the implementation of the nursing process in healthcare settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 350 Clinical Fee $65 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 307 • Practicum III: Mental Health Nursing 1 Credit.
Provision of holistic care for individuals with mental health needs. Application of critical thinking skills and evidence to the implementation of the nursing process in mental health settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 331, NURS 351 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 310 • Skills I: Health Assessment & Fundamentals of Nursing Practice 4 Credits.
Development of beginning nursing skills to promote health and manage illness, within the context of the nursing process. This course is a laboratory course.
Corequisites: NURS 305, NURS 325 $427 ($140 Lab Fee, $17 ATI Assessment Fee, $250 ATI Resource Fee, $20 Online Test Fee) Special Notes:This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 325 • Pathophysiology 3 Credits.
Exploration of the physiologic basis for manifestations of altered structure and function. Differences in physiologic responses to health and illness in diverse populations across the lifespan are addressed from a nursing perspective.
Corequisites: NURS 310, NURS 305 Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 326 • Pharmacology for Nursing 2 Credits.
Exploration of the principles of pharmacotherapy to promote health and manage illness from a patient-centered perspective for diverse populations across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 306, NURS 311, NURS 350 Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 311 • Skills II: Adult Nursing 2 Credits.
Development of nursing skills to promote health and manage illness for adults and older adults, within the context of the nursing process. This course is a laboratory course.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 306, NURS 350, NURS 326 $185 ($140 Nursing Lab and Equipment Fee, $25 ATI Assessment Fee, and $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 326 • Pharmacology for Nursing 2 Credits.
Exploration of the principles of pharmacotherapy to promote health and manage illness from a patient-centered perspective for diverse populations across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 306, NURS 311, NURS 350 Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 330 • Mental Health Nursing 2 Credits.
Overview of mental health issues of individuals throughout the lifespan, in the context of families and communities.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 307, NURS 351 $136 Testing Fee ($20 Proctorio $116 ATI) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
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 331 • Mental Health Nursing 2 Credits.
Overview of mental health issues of individuals throughout the lifespan, in the context of families and communities.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 307, NURS 351 ATI Assessment Fee $25; Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 350 • Adult Nursing I 3 Credits.
Examination of the nursing care related to adults and older adults experiencing selected acute, chronic, and/or potential health issues. Application of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practice considerations to holistic nursing care.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 306, NURS 311, NURS 326 $365 ($345 Nursing ATI Resource Fee Lab Fee and $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 351 • Adult Nursing II 3 Credits.
Examination of the nursing care of adults and older adults experiencing selected acute, chronic, and/or potential health issues. Application of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practice considerations to holistic nursing care. This course is a continuation of NURS 350.
Prerequisites: NURS 305, NURS 310, NURS 325 Corequisites: NURS 307, NURS 331 $45 ($25 ATI Assessment Fee and $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
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 405 • Nursing Ethics 3 Credits.
Application of ethical inquiry to current ethical issues in healthcare settings with a focus on the role of the nurse.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 438, NURS 439 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
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 425 • 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 433 • Pediatric Nursing 2 Credits.
Examination of the nursing care of pediatric patients and families. Application of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practice considerations to holistic nursing care.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 405, NURS 437, NURS 438,NURS 439 $390 ($345 ATI Resource Fee, $25 ATI Assessment Fee, and $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
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 437 • Maternity Nursing 2 Credits.
Examination of the nursing care of maternity patients and families. Application of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practice considerations to holistic nursing care.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 438, NURS 439 $45 ($25 ATI Assessment Fee, $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 438 • Practicum IV: Pediatric Nursing 1 Credit.
Provision of holistic care for pediatric patients and families. Application of critical thinking skills and evidence to the implementation of the nursing process in pediatric settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 439 $117 ($40 Lab and Equipment Fee, $40 Malpractice Fee, $17 ATI Assessment Fee, $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes:This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 439 • Practicum V: Maternity Nursing 1 Credit.
Provision of holistic care for maternity patients and families. Application of critical thinking skills and evidence to the implementation of the nursing process in maternity settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 438 $110 ($65 Clinical Site Placement Fee, $25 ATI Assessment Fee, $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes:This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 440 • Population-Based Nursing 3 Credits.
Exploration of population-focused nursing care with an emphasis on diverse and underserved populations. Includes epidemiological consideration.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 446 ATI Assessment Fee $25; Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 446 • Practicum VI: Population-Based Nursing 2 Credits.
Provision of population-based nursing care with an emphasis on diverse and underserved populations. Application of public health competencies and theories in population-based settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 326, NURS 331, NURS 350, NURS 351 Corequisites: NURS 440 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 447 • Practicum VII: Capstone 3 Credits.
Provision of comprehensive nursing care to patients with complex health needs. Synthesis of critical thinking, leadership skills, evidence, and professional standards to manage care and improve health outcomes.
Prerequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 438, NURS 439, NURS 440, NURS 446 Corequisites: NURS 450, NURS 460 $145 ($65 Clinical Site Placement Fee and $80 Malpractice Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 450 • Leadership Development 3 Credits.
Application of the leadership role in preparation to enter the professional nursing workforce. Integration of critical thinking, evidence, leadership and management principles, and professional standards in professional practice.
Prerequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 438, NURS 439, NURS 440, NURS 446, PSYC 335 Corequisites: NURS 447, NURS 460 ATI Assessment Fee $25; Online Testing Fee $20 Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
NURS 460 • Skills III: Nursing Synthesis 3 Credits.
A focus on the transition from the student role to the role of the professional nurse. Synthesis of critical thinking, leadership skills, evidence, and professional standards to manage care in complex clinical situations. This course is a laboratory course.
Prerequisites: NURS 405, NURS 433, NURS 437, NURS 438, NURS 439, NURS 440, NURS 446 Corequisites: NURS 447, NURS 450 $460 ($140 Lab and Equipment Fee, $250 ATI Resource Fee, $50 ATI Assessment Fee, and $20 Online Testing Fee) Special Notes: This course is offered for students in the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program.
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.
PSYC 335 • Introduction to Statistics 3 Credits.
Basic descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics will be covered. As time permits, more advanced topics of ANOVA, multiple regression, ANCOVA, meta-analysis, and factor analysis will be introduced. Learners will perform analyses using a computerized statistical package, and primary emphasis will be placed on understanding the concepts and interpreting results correctly.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 4. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.