Baccalaureate Nursing Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Welcome to the Department of Nursing
at Pittsburg State University

The faculty, staff and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and thank you for your interest in the upper division major in our baccalaureate nursing program. We are proud of the quality of our nursing programs, which are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

We are available for advising pre-nursing students, and we would welcome the opportunity to visit with you about your career plans. Please make an appointment or call the Department of Nursing at 620-235-4431 if you have any questions about our program.

Sincerely,

Mary Carol Pomatto, RN, ARNP, EdD
Chair
Department of Nursing

 Bachelor of Science Coordinator

General Information

The University
The Department of Nursing
Accreditation
Mission Statement .Mission Statement

Baccalaureate Nursing Program

Description of the Program
Program Objectives
Four Year Curriculum
Admission
Nursing Functions
Time Limit to Complete Degree
Progression/Graduation Requirements
Incomplete Policy
Eligibility to take NCLEX-RN Exam
Transfer Policy

Repeat of Nursing Courses

Special Programs

Continuing Education for Nurses

Financial Aid

Nursing Department Faculty Members

The University

Pittsburg State University is one of the six institutions of higher education directed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The University is a major academic institution serving approximately 6700 students and citizens of southeast Kansas.

Pittsburg State University was originally organized as the Auxiliary Manual Training School in 1903. It became a four year college in 1913 and was renamed in 1923 as the Kansas State Teacher’s College. The Kansas Legislature changed the name of the college to Pittsburg State University in 1977.

The baccalaureate program in nursing was initiated in 1970, and 35 students were admitted in the fall of 1971. Over 400 students are currently enrolled in the undergraduate and graduate nursing major. All nursing students are advised by the departmental faculty. The Master of Science in Nursing degree was established in the fall of 1993 and prepares family nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. The focus for the graduate program is Family Health. The Department of Nursing is one of fourteen departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Pittsburg State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The baccalaureate program of the Department of Nursing is approved by the *Kansas State Board of Nursing. The nursing program received accreditation by the *Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in 2005 for five years.

* Kansas State Board of Nursing
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson Room 1051
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-4929

* Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
One DuPont Circle, NW
Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036-1120
Phone: 202-887-6791
Email: aacn.nche.edu

The mission of the nursing curricula is to prepare graduates to demonstrate excellence in practice, to meet regulatory requirements for practice, to assume leadership roles and to recognize learning as a lifelong process.

The baccalaureate and graduate programs of the Department of Nursing reflect the university’s mission of teaching, scholarship and service, with teaching as the primary focus.

Members of the department engage in a wide range of scholarly, professional, practice and community service activities to meet local, regional and national needs for nursing and healthcare.

Recognizing the unique characteristics and needs of our diverse rural setting, the programs of the Department of Nursing prepare graduates to provide nursing care to individuals, families, and populations in a variety of settings.

The baccalaureate nursing curricula builds upon a foundation of the arts, sciences and humanities. The Master’s curriculum builds upon the competencies of baccalaureate graduates and focuses on advanced nursing roles.

Description of the Program

The baccalaureate program in nursing at Pittsburg State University prepares individuals for careers in professional nursing. The program leads to the degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with an upper division major in nursing. Graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as registered nurses. In addition, graduates have a sound academic foundation for graduate study.

Students are admitted to the upper division clinical nursing courses following satisfactory completion of approximately 66 semester hours of prerequisites which also meet the general education requirements of the University.

These lower division prerequisites are listed under the Four Year Curriculum.

The length of the program may be modified by transferring credits from another educational institution, full or part-time study, or through proficiency examinations.

Supervised experience in health agencies is an integral part of every clinical nursing course. Hospitals, home health agencies, county health departments, physicians’ offices, adult care homes, nursery schools, private homes and the public schools are examples of settings used for clinical learning. Most clinical settings are within a thirty mile radius of the University. Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites. Placements are limited in many settings; therefore, assignments to clinical agencies are determined by the department to achieve course objectives, utilize departmental resources efficiently, and to honor contracts with the various agencies.

The objectives of the program describe essential characteristics for beginning professional nurses. The program prepares professional practitioners in nursing who can:

1. Evaluate the nursing process and nursing theories to promote bio-psycho-social adaptation of persons.
2. Evaluate selected theories and content from the sciences, humanities, and nursing for application in nursing practice.
3. Incorporate historical, political, social, economic, legal, and ethical aspects of health care in professional nursing.
4. Select teaching-learning principles that promote client adaptation.
5. Participate in meeting health needs of society by communicating, collaborating, coordinating, and consulting with citizens and colleagues.
6. Value individual responsibility and accountability for nursing practice.
7. Evaluate principles of leadership in managing client care.
8. Participate in planned change to facilitate adaptation of persons.
9. Question findings of research and information systems to improve nursing practice.
10. Assess individual goals for continued personal and professional growth.

Lower Division Prerequisites

The following general education courses and nursing prerequisites (#) or their equivalents from another college, must be completed prior to enrollment in the upper division nursing courses. Specific courses that meet general education requirements are identified in the Pittsburg State University Catalog. General education courses listed are from the 2005-2007catalog. Students are advised to insure their degree plan follows the correct catalog according to their enrollment.

Basic Skills............................................12  	
   ENGL 101 English Composition.....................3
   ENGL 299 Intro to Research Writing or
   ENGL 190 Honors English Composition..............3  	
   COMM 207 Speech Communication....................3   		  	
 # MATH 110 College Algebra with Review or
 # MATH 113 College Algebra.........................3      
 Sciences...............................................9
   BIOL 111 General Biology and.....................3
   BIOL 112 General Biology Lab.....................2
 # CHEM 107 Chemistry for Life Sciences.............3
 # CHEM 108 Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab.........1
 Social Studies..........................................3
   SOSCI 100 Introduction to Sociology..............3
 Political Studies (Select One)..........................3
   POLS  101 U.S. Politics.........................3
   POLS  324 Introduction to Comparative Politics..3
 Producing and Consuming.................................5-6
  (Select one from two of the following three categories) 
Economy
   ECON 191 Issues in Today’s Economy...............3    
   FCS 230 Consumer Education.......................3
Technology
   GT 190 Intro to Technological System.............2
   GT 350 Technology and Civilization...............3
   TM 350 Societal Influence of Technology..........3
   TE 551 Technological Literacy for Educators......3     
Business
   ACCTG 201 Financial Accounting...................3    
   MGMKT 101 Introduction to Business...............3
   CSIS 130 Computer Information Systems............3
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies (Select one).............2-3
   ART 155 Printmaking..............................3
   ART 178 Introduction to the Visual Arts..........3  	
   ART 188 The Designed World.......................3  	
   ART 217 Crafts I.................................3
   ART 222 Jewelry Design I.........................3
   ART 233 Drawing I................................3
   ART 244 Ceramics I...............................3  	
   ART 266 Sculpture I..............................3  	
   ART 277 Painting I...............................3  	
   ART 288 Western Art History I....................3
   ART 289 Western Art History II...................3
   ART 311 Art Education............................3
   COMM 105 Performance Appreciation................3
   COMM 205 Performance Studies.....................3
   COMM 295 Theatre History.........................3
   ENGL 250 Introduction to Creative Writing........3
   HHP  151 Dance Appreciation......................3
   MUSIC 120 Music Appreciation.....................3
         (Classical, Jazz, or World Music)
   MUSIC 121 Introduction to Music Literature.......2
   MUSIC 321 History of Music.......................3
 Cultural Studies (Select one.)..........................3-5
   GEOG 106 World Regional Geography...............3
   GEOG 300 Elements of Geography..................3
   GEOG 304 Human Geography........................3
   WOMEN 399 Issues in Women’s Studies..............3
   MLL 124 French Language and Culture I............5
   MLL 134 German Language and Culture I............5
   MLL 144 Portuguese Language and Culture I........5
   MLL 154 Spanish Language and Culture I...........5
   MLL 184 Russian Language and Culture I...........5  	
   MLL 194 Korean Language and Culture I............5    
 Health and Well Being....................................6  	
 # PSYCH 155 General Psychology...................3
 # FCS 203 Nutrition and Health...................3    
 Human Heritage...........................................6
(Select one from two of the following three categories)
History
   HIST 101 World History to 1500...................3  	
   HIST 102 World History from 1500.................3
   HIST 201 American History to 1865................3
   HIST 202 American History from 1865..............3
   ENGL 113 General Literature......................3  	
Literature   	
   ENGL 114 General Literature (Genre)..............3  	
   ENGL 116 General Literature (Theme)..............3  	
   ENGL 120 Literature and Film.....................3  	
   ENGL 315 Mythology...............................3     
Philosophy  	
   PHIL 103 Introduction to Philosophy.............3
   PHIL 105 Ethics.................................3  
   PHIL 111 Ethics (Applied Emphasis)..............3  	
   PHIL 208 Logic and Critical Thinking............3  	
   PHIL 231 World Religions........................3    
Total Hours...............................................49-53    
Nursing Prerequisites.....................................13  	
 # BIOL 257/258 Anatomy & Physiology/Lab............5  
 # BIOL 371/372 General Microbiology/Lab............5  	
 # PSYCH 263 Developmental Psychology...............3                          
OR
 # FCS 285 Lifespan Human Development...............3    
 # These courses are nursing pre-requisites and must be
 completed prior to enrollment in upper division nursing courses.

Nursing Curriculum

Level One
First Semester: Fall
 NURS 265 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention......2
 NURS 300 Foundations of Nursing Practice..............5
 NURS 301 Orientation to Nursing.......................1
 NURS 302 Techniques for Nursing.......................2
 NURS 320 Health Assessment............................3
 NURS 390 Pathophysiologic Bases of Nursing............3
..........................................Semester Hours......16   
Level Two
Second Semester: Spring
 *NURS 405 Health Alterations in Older Adults..........3
  NURS 440 Pharmacology in Nursing.....................2
 *NURS 452 Nursing the Childbearing Family.............3
 *NURS 457 Nursing the Childbearing Family.............       
Family Practicum.......................................3
 *NURS 462 Nursing the Child and Family................3
  Upper division nursing elective......................2
..........................................Semester Hours......16
Third Semester: Fall
 *NURS 410 Nursing the Adult Medical-Surgical Client....7
 *NURS 470 Nursing the Psychiatric/Mental Health Client.5
  NURS 482 Research in Nursing..........................3
..........................................Semester Hours......15
Level Three
Fourth Semester: Spring
 NURS 502 Community Nursing............................4
 NURS 521 Leadership Roles and Management Functions in       
 Nursing...............................................3
 NURS 525 Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing of the Adult
 Client................................................6
 NURS 599 Internship in Nursing Practice...............3
..........................................Semester Hours.......16
Total Credit Hours for Upper Division Major....................62-66
Total Hours Required for Graduation............................125-129    
* Student will take these courses either Spring or Fall Semester         

Students seeking admission to clinical nursing courses (junior year) must make application and submit a fee of $25.00 for admission to the Department of Nursing in addition to the application fee for admission to the University. The application form may be obtained from the Department of Nursing or you may print the application forms from the nursing web site. The application, submitted with fees, is applicable for only one academic year.

The application procedure includes:

1. Completion of application packet to the Department of Nursing by December 15 for fall enrollment in the nursing program, to be considered in initial selection process.
   
2. Submission of official transcripts for all post-secondary education directly to the Department of Nursing, rather than the registrar’s office, by December 15th.

Completed applications are reviewed by the B.S.N. Committee and approved by department faculty. Selection for admission is based on the following:

1. Completion of three semesters of college credit and evidence of ability to complete prerequisites prior to enrollment in the nursing major. Students will not be admitted to Level I clinical courses unless all prerequisite courses have been completed with grades of A, B, or C.
   
2. Applicant must have completed three of the five required science and math courses by the December 15th application deadline.
   
3. Three professional references from employers or teachers. One reference should be from an academic advisor (References from friends, relatives, ministers, and personal physicians are not accepted).
   
4. A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better. Priority will be given to those with higher grades if there are more qualified applicants than spaces available.
   
5. State certification as a nurse aide (CNA) is required prior to beginning clinical nursing courses. Successful completion of a 90 hour course and passage of the state test is required. Current CPR certification is required prior to beginning clinical courses. (American Heart Association Health Care Providers Course or the American Red Cross Rescuer Course will meet the CPR requirement). Documentation of current immunization status is required prior to beginning clinical courses.
   
6. A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better in MATH 110 College Algebra with Review or MATH 113 College Algebra, BIOL 111/112 General Biology/Lab, CHEM 107/108 Chemistry for the Life Sciences/Lab, BIOL 257/258 Anatomy and Physiology/Lab, and BIOL 371/372 General Microbiology/Lab.
   
7. A grade of C or above is required for nursing prerequisite courses. No more than two of these may be repeated to remove a "D" or "F" grade. Consideration will be given to individuals with three consecutive semesters of full-time study with all A, B, and C coursework.
   
8. Any requests for exception must be accompanied by a written explanation to assist the committee in arriving at a fair decision.
   
9. A student whose native language is NOT English is required to submit proof that he or she has taken and passed (Score of 50) the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum TOEFL score of 550, or 213 on the computer based TOEFL, is required. Minimum scores for the TOEFL IBT are as follows: Writing-20; Speaking-20; Reading-19; Listening-20, for a total of 79. Each area must meet the minimum requirement.
   
10. Applicants are required to purchase a background check through CertifiedBackground.com. This is a National Background Check in your current state of residence. Also required is a signed consent for background check form for the nursing department, SRS Child Abuse check form, and if you are NOT a resident of Kansas you are required to complete a KBI background check form. The application packet specifies fee amounts to be remitted.
    Applicants with a criminal history (includes misdemeanors and felonies) and/or arrests for which action is still pending will be evaluated on an individual basis, with no guarantee of admission. There are specific requirements for reporting criminal history on the application for admission.
    
    NOTE: After unconditional admission to the Department of Nursing, but prior to beginning Level I nursing classes, you will be required to submit to a State of Missouri fingerprint search.

Applicants will be notified of the Committee’s action by mid-March. The number of students admitted to the pre-licensure baccalaureate program in nursing is determined by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. When there are more qualified applicants than spaces available an alternate list is prepared.

If openings become available, the Department Chair will admit individuals according to established guidelines. Completed application packets received after January 15 will be considered if spaces become available. During the summer prior to entering the nursing major, information will be sent regarding requirements for uniforms, books, and other items.

Exceptional students (3.0 GPA or higher in specified courses) may be admitted to the nursing program following the completion of one semester of college. Check with the nursing department for details.

Pittsburg State University is committed to a policy of educational equity. Accordingly, the University admits students, grants financial aid and scholarships, conducts all educational programs, activities, and employment practices without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status or disability.

Each student will regularly perform the following activities:

1. Stand for long periods of time
2. Work at a fast pace for long periods of time
3. Lift heavy objects (25 lbs, or more) three or more times a day
4. Speak clearly and distinctly
5. Work alternating shifts (8-12 hours) days, evenings and nights
6. Respond appropriately to stressful situations (physically, emotionally and mentally)
7. Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, staff and patients’ families
8. Write in patient’s chart ( a legal document) clearly and neatly
9. Hear telephone and have the ability to take orders over the telephone
10. Hear vital signs with stethoscope to assess blood pressure, heart rate, lung and vascular and abdominal sounds
11. Hear the patient calling for help
12. Hear beepers, alarms, etc., requiring quick responses
13. Read very fine or small print on medication containers
14. See nurse call/emergency light
15. Visually assess the patient appropriately
16. Read physicians’ orders
17. Read monitors and other equipment
18. Demonstrate manual dexterity to don sterile gloves and gown
19. Demonstrate manual dexterity to prepare medications aseptically (i.e., IV, PO, IM)
20. Demonstrate manual dexterity to use sterile techniques (i.e., insert catheters, IV needles, etc.)
21. Demonstrate ability to utilize machinery and tools needed to carry out patient care

Nursing credits toward the upper division major in nursing at Pittsburg State University which have been earned more than ten years prior to the time the candidate receives the degree cannot be counted to meet requirements for the degree unless validated by special examination.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing must meet the general education course and grade requirements for all baccalaureate degrees conferred by Pittsburg State University. In addition, the students must complete the specific requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

A nursing grade below "C" represents work of insufficient quality, not adequate to pursue subsequent nursing courses. For this reason, a student making a "D" or "F" grade or is otherwise unsuccessful in a required nursing course will not be permitted to continue in the nursing major or to graduate. Consideration for readmission will be given to Level I and Level II students after three consecutive semesters of full-time study with all A, B, and C coursework. An unsuccessful Level III student should seek advisement regarding progression and graduation requirements.

Statements of the course requirements and grading policy are a part of the course syllabi. The policy for each clinical nursing course states that the clinical portion of the course is graded on a pass/fail basis and the evaluation tools are identified. A student must receive a "pass" in the clinical component to progress in the program. If the clinical grade is unsatisfactory, an "F" will be the letter grade recorded for the course. Unprofessional and/or unethical behavior is considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the nursing program.

PSU nursing students will participate in the department’s testing package, for which students incur the cost. The package includes an entrance exam that is administered after admission but prior to beginning nursing courses.

The testing package also includes specialty exams that demonstrates knowledge of the course content. Results are compared to national standards. Students receive feedback regarding suggested areas for further study. For every course that administers a specific exam, the test is a course requirement.

With an incomplete, zero credit is given (zero grade points per semester hour). An incomplete is temporarily recorded as the grade when a student is granted an extension of time because course work could not be completed for reasons beyond the student’s control. Credit is postponed and the course is not included in the student’s grade point average. An incomplete not removed within one year shall be regarded as a failure and the grade will be changed to F and included in the computation of the student’s GPA.

Individuals with a felony history should be aware that Kansas may deny them permission to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Those with felonies against persons will be denied permission to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Those with felony histories should collect the following information:

1. Name and location of court, case number
2. Criminal complaint or petition
3. Conviction or judgment
4. Parole or probation agreement
5. Name of present court services officer (probation officer)
6. Probation discharge, if applicable

Once you have gathered the materials, please write the Kansas State Board of Nursing (address below) and include a letter of explanation and the above materials.

Upon graduation a letter from the director of the school must accompany your application to take the NCLEX-RN. If you have any questions contact the chair of the Department of Nursing (620-235-4431) or the Kansas State Board of Nursing (785-296-2967).

Kansas State Board of Nursing
Landon State Office Building
900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 1051
Topeka, KS 66612-1256

Applications from individuals wishing to transfer to PSU from other nationally accredited nursing programs will be accepted by the department if deemed equivalent. The following criteria will be considered for each transfer applicant:

1. Transfer students must meet admission requirements as stated in the department booklet and University Catalog.
2. Nursing major prerequisite courses must be completed.
3. The Department of Nursing must receive a satisfactory reference from the dean/director/chair of the program from which the student is transferring.
4. Unsatisfactory grades (D or F) from previous schools are transferred and counted as
   unsatisfactory grades at PSU. The existing progression policy of the Department of Nursing will be implemented with any unsatisfactory grades from the prior nursing program.
5. Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine placement within the nursing program. Availability of clinical space may also impact entry.
6. Students accepted must have current physical exam, immunization requirements, liability insurance, uniforms and current CPR certification. Health insurance coverage is strongly recommended.
7. Students accepted will attend an orientation with discussion of philosophy, mission, purpose and objectives of the program. An educational program on Universal Precautions must be completed with a proficiency exam before entry into clinical. A student handbook will be provided by the department.
8. Graduation requirements as stated in the university catalog must be met before graduation.
9. Students transferring clinical courses will be required to verify satisfactory completion of clinical skills based on the PSU course equivalent.

Special Programs

Continuing Education for Nurses

The Department of Nursing is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing as a long term provider of continuing education offerings. A series of programs is offered throughout the year which meet the mandatory continuing education requirements for re-licensure of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Pre-nursing students seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Assistance Office. The Financial Assistance Office administers a range of scholarships, grants and loans.
After admission to the nursing major, each student may apply on-line for the scholarships administered by the Department. The recipients are selected by a committee according to established criteria.

For further information regarding the nursing program or to make an appointment with an advisor, please contact:

Pittsburg State University
Department of Nursing
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
(620) 235-4431 (Nursing Office)
(620) 235-4449 (Fax Number)
Web site: www.pittstate.edu/nurs
E-mail: ptotman@pittstate.edu
E-mail: rbwilson@pittstate.edu

Chair

Mary Carol Pomatto, EdD Ext. 4432, mpomatto@pittstate.edu

Faculty

Linda Bitner, MSN Ext. 4439, lbitner@pittstate.edu
Sharon Bowling, PhD Ext. 4435, sbowling@pittstate.edu
Judith Coltharp, MSN Ext. 4437, jcolthar@pittstate.edu
Kristi Frisbee, MSN Ext. 4433, kfrisbee@pittstate.edu
Cheryl Giefer, PhD Ext. 4438, cgiefer@pittstate.edu
Jennifer Harris, MSN Ext. 4447, jharris@pittstate.edu
Michele Hart, MS, Ext. 6520, mhart@pittstate.edu
Ruthellyn H. Hinton, PhD Ext. 4440, arhinton@pittstate.edu
Karen Johnson, MSN Ext. 6187, kajohnso@pittstate.edu
Sandra McChristy, MSN Ext. 6519, smcchris@pittstate.edu
Barbara McClaskey, PhD Ext. 4443, bmcclask@pittstate.edu
Mary Ross, MSN Ext. 4442, mross@pittstate.edu
Janis Schiefelbein, PhD Ext. 4441, jschiefe@pittstate.edu
Susan Seglie, MSN Ext. 4445, sseglie@pittstate.edu
Karen Tompkins-Dobbs, MSN Ext. 6121, ketompki@pittstate.edu
Annette VanAnne, MSN Ext. 6528, avananne@pittstate.edu
Susan Wachter, MN Ext. 4444, mwachte1@pittstate.edu