Nursing (BSN)
The Northwestern College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students who are interested in practicing as a professional nurse. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.70 is required for admission, progression and graduation from the BSN program. The BSN program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
The mission of the department of nursing is to promote shalom (health, wholeness and peace from a biblical perspective), hope and healing by developing practitioners who are committed to continuing Jesus’ healing ministry and who advocate for social justice, healthy environments and healthy communities. It is based on a biblical framework of health and healing as described in Matthew 25:35-40, by other accounts of Jesus’ healing ministry and supported by other scholarly works. This mission is accomplished through collaborative partnerships with colleagues, other educational organizations, health care facilities, social and faith-related organizations, and the larger community. This mission is lived primarily, but not exclusively, in educating bachelors-prepared nurses within a Christian academic community and by accomplishing the following purposes:
- Facilitating personal, interpersonal and professional development
- Preparing nurses who are committed to Jesus’ healing ministry as they promote, restore and maintain the holistic health of persons in a variety of settings
- Developing nurses grounded in a Christian worldview and ethic, who serve as servant leaders as they advocate for local, national and global health policies and practices that promote shalom for the public
- Promoting critical thinking and the development, integration and evaluation of new or expanded knowledge into practice
- Providing a foundation for life-long learning and graduate education in nursing
The philosophical underpinnings of the nursing department are rooted in a theology of nursing as a healing ministry, human science and performing art including the concepts of person, environment and health.
RN to BSN degree completion information
Requirements
NUR 160 - Nursing: Discerning Your Vocation
Based on a Christian worldview, this course considers dimensions of nursing
specifically related to nursing as a healing ministry, human science, and
performing art. This exploration includes a historic, current and future
perspective. Students reflect on their call to nursing and develop a success
plan for completing their major. Current societal, health-related and
professional issues are also explored. Learning experiences include lecture
and directed discussion, journaling, interviews, guest lectures, multimedia
learning technology and library research. (1 credit)
NUR 220 - Nursing and Shalom
Based on a Christian worldview, this course investigates the theoretical,
scientific and ethical foundation of nursing as a human science, performing
art and healing ministry specifically as an approach to promote shalom
(health, peace and wholeness from a Biblical perspective) and social
justice. The program's mission, philosophy, conceptual framework and program
outcomes are examined. Service-learning experiences, faith reflection and
the creation of an electronic portfolio are integrated in meeting course
objectives. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSN program. Concurrent requisite: NUR 260.
(2 credits)
NUR 260 - Fundamentals of Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview and the framework of nursing as a healing
ministry, human science and performing art, this course provides the
foundation for application of the nursing process with diverse pediatric and
adult clients in acute and chronic illness. On-campus laboratory precedes
clinical experiences and as a means to promote shalom. These experiences
provide opportunity to develop knowledge and beginning nursing aptitudes in
intervening with the care of individual clients across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSN program and BTS 150. Concurrent
requisites: NUR 220, BIO 203, and PHI 214BR. (3 credits, 2:1) A fee is
associated with this course.
NUR 280 - Lifespan Health Assessment
Based on a Christian worldview, this course provides an opportunity for
students to develop their understanding and use of the nursing process, with
a focus on the relationship development and assessment phases. Informed by a
Christian world view, emphasis is placed on performing holistic assessment
of pediatric and adult clients including the physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, spiritual and moral/ethical dimensions. Laboratory practice
precedes clinical application in a variety of health care and community
settings. In the clinical component, students develop aptitudes in
relationship development and holistic assessment of pediatric and adult
individual clients to develop clinical judgment and promote shalom.
Prerequisite: NUR220 and NUR260. Concurrent requisite: NUR290. (3 credits,
2:1)
NUR 290 - Geriatric Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview, this course explores multidimensional aging
processes and the holistic health experience of older individuals from the
perspective of a Christian worldview. Emphasis is placed on nursing as a
healing ministry, human science and performing art to promote shalom with
older adults. Application of the nursing process in health promotion and
care of common geriatric care concerns is accentuated. Service- earning
experiences, faith reflection, and literature and the arts are integrated as
strategies to more fully understand (a) the experience of older adults with
diverse backgrounds, and (b) personal values, attitudes, practices and
ethics, as well as those evident in government policies, community planning
and the health care and social service delivery system. The clinical
component provides an opportunity for nursing practice in community-based
and acute care settings with older adults, assisting students to integrate
knowledge, aptitudes and compassionate care in health promotion, restoration
and maintenance, and living the three nursing practice dimensions
(illuminating meaning, synchronizing rhythms and participating in
transcendence). Prerequisites: NUR 220, NUR 260, and BIO 203. Concurrent requisite: NUR 280.
(3 credits, 2:1)
NUR 320 - Medical/Surgical Nursing
(6 credits, 4:2)Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the theoretical,
scientific
and ethical basis for the application of the nursing process with diverse clients in their experience of health and illness across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on nursing
as a human science, performing art and healing ministry to promote shalom with children and adults. The clinical component provides an opportunity for nursing practice in acute care and selected community-based settings, assisting students to integrate k
nowledge, aptitudes and Christ-like compassion in all levels of prevention, with a
focus on health restoration and in living the three practice dimensions.
Prerequisites: NUR220, 260, 280, 290, BIO320 and PSY225. Concurrent requisite:
BIO360. A fee is associated with this course.
NUR 350A - Cross-Cultural Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview, this 1-credit seminar examines transcultural
nursing theory from a theoretical, scientific and ethical perspective,
dimensions of global health care and social justice. Emphasis is placed on
cultural values, beliefs, norms and practices and their influence on the
lived experience of health and illness. Within a context that honors nursing
as a human science, performing art and healing ministry to promote shalom
with diverse clients in acute care and/or community-based settings, the
course provides students opportunities to explore another culture and the
nursing and health care delivery system. Learning experiences include faith
and program outcome reflections. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSN program
or NUR310A. (1 credit)
NUR 360 - Maternal/Newborn Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the theoretical,
scientific and ethical basis for the application of the nursing process with
diverse normal and high-risk childbearing families. Emphasis is placed on
nursing as a human science, performing art and healing ministry to promote
shalom with parents and children. The clinical component provides an
opportunity for nursing practice in acute care and selected community-based
settings, assisting students to integrate knowledge, aptitudes and
compassionate care in health promotion and restoration activities and in
living the three nursing practice dimensions. Learning experiences include
service-learning, faith reflection, laboratory practicum and clinical
experiences. Prerequisite: NUR320. Concurrent requisites: NUR380. (3
credits, 2:1) A fee is associated with this course.
NUR 380 - Mental Health Nursing
(3 credits 2:1)Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the theoretical,
scientific
and ethical basis for the application of the nursing process in promoting shalom with diverse individuals across the lifespan who are experiencing mental illness. Emphasis is
placed on nursing as a healing ministry, human science and performing art to promote shalom with pediatric and adult mental health clients in acute and community- based settings. The person is considered from a holistic perspective and application of the
nursing process utilizing all levels of prevention is emphasized, with a focus on the therapeutic use of self, health restoration and maintenance. The clinical component provides an opportunity for mental health nursing practice in institutional and sele
cted community-based settings, assisting students to integrate knowledge, aptitudes
and compassionate care in living the three nursing practice dimensions.
Prerequisites: NUR320 and PSY360. Concurrent requisites: NUR360. A fee is associated
with this course.
NUR 420 - Nursing Research and Informatics
Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the epistemological
(theoretical, scientific and ethical) foundation of nursing as a human
science, specifically as an approach to promote shalom and social justice.
It surveys the types, methods and uses of research and informatics to
enhance client outcomes and to deliver holistic nursing care for all clients
and at all levels of prevention. The course emphasizes the knowledge and
aptitudes needed by professional nurses to manage and utilize health care
information and related technologies, critically evaluate research studies
and integrate evidence in all phases of the nursing process. In the
practicum, students analyze a variety of health care technologies and
present an evidence-based practice project. Prerequisites: Nursing major
with senior class standing, KIN370, MAT208QR and SOC101SS. Concurrent
requisite: NUR440. (3 credits, 2:1)
NUR 430 - Pediatric Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the theoretical,
scientific and ethical basis for the application of the nursing process with
diverse normal and higher-risk children and their families. Emphasis is
placed on nursing as a human science, performing art and healing ministry to
promote shalom with children and their families. The content builds upon the
child and adolescent content in NUR280 Lifespan Health Assessment, NUR360
Promoting Shalom with Childbearing Families and NUR380 Promoting Shalom and
Mental Health. Learning experiences include service-learning, case studies
and faith reflection. Related clinical experiences are integrated throughout
the nursing course sequence and provide an opportunity for nursing practice
in acute care and selected community-based settings, assisting students to
integrate knowledge, aptitudes and compassionate care in health promotion
and restoration activities and in living the three nursing practice
dimensions. Prerequisites: NUR350A, 360 and 380. Concurrent requisites: NUR420 and 440.
(2 credits) A fee is associated with this course.
NUR 440 - Public/Community Health Nursing
(3 credits 3:2)Based on a Christian worldview, this course examines the theoretical and
scientific
basis for the application of the nursing process with diverse families and groups in the community. All levels of prevention are considered, focusing on health promotion a
nd maintenance. Grounded in a synthesis of public health and nursing science and arts, the course emphasizes nursing as a healing ministry, human science and performing art to promote shalom and enhance the health of the population as a whole. The clinica
l component provides an opportunity for nursing practice in the community, assisting students to integrate knowledge, aptitudes and compassionate care in living the three nursing practice dimensions with families and groups. Learning experiences include s
ervice-learning, faith reflection and clinical experiences. This course is 1 of 2 speech intensive nursing courses. Prerequisites: Nursing major with senior class standing, ENG184/288, KIN370, NUR350 and SOC101. Concurrent requisite: NUR420. (5 credits, 3
:2) A fee is associated with this course.
NUR 460WI - Nursing Leadership
Based on a Christian worldview, this course explores the leadership,
management, role development and clinical scholarship dimensions of
professional nursing practice, with a distinctive emphasis on promoting
shalom, servant leadership, social justice and sociopolitical change.
Students will analyze the health care system at a microsystem, macrosystem
and chronosystem level, focusing on national health care but also exploring
global health issues. Foundational to this exploration is an analysis of the
relationship of personal, professional and organizational values and ethics
to health care leadership roles and activities. Clinical scholarship is
emphasized as a moral duty of Christian nurses committed to continuing
Jesus' healing ministry. The practicum component provides an opportunity for
students to observe (a) the role played by a nurse servant leader and (b)
engage in a leadership project as a basis for clinical scholarship. Learning
experiences include service-learning, faith reflection and practicum
experiences. Prerequisites: NUR420, NUR430 and NUR440. Concurrent prerequisites: NUR480
and NUR490. (4 credits, 3:1) (Writing intensive)
NUR 480 - Critical Care Nursing
Based on a Christian worldview, this course expands the theoretical,
scientific and ethical basis for the application of the nursing process with
diverse clients who experience complex health problems across the lifespan.
Emphasis is placed on nursing as a healing ministry, human science and
performing art to promote shalom with children and adults in acute care and
community-based settings experiencing life-altering illness. The clinical
component, which includes a 120-hour preceptorship, provides opportunity for
(a) beginning-level professional nursing practice in acute care and selected
community-based settings, (b) the integration of knowledge from nursing and
related disciplines in clinical decision-making, (c) enhancing aptitudes in
all levels of prevention, but with a focus on health restoration, and (d)
practicing compassionate care in living the three practice dimensions.
Prerequisites: NUR 420, NUR 430, and NUR 440. Concurrent requisites: NUR
460WI and NUR 490SR. (5 credits, 2:3) A fee is associated with this course.
NUR 490SR - Living Shalom
Based on a Christian worldview, this course explores finding one's place in
God's kingdom for now and eternity, living vocation, integrating values and
ethics in personal and professional realms and living shalom. Within this
capstone seminar, students assess their knowledge and aptitudes related to
the program outcomes and integrate them in their philosophy of Christian
nursing. Supported by a vocation-based philosophy, the course also prepares
graduating seniors to live their vocation, write the NCLEX-RN examination,
secure their first professional nursing position and practice in their first
nursing position. Prerequisites: NUR 420, NUR 430, and NUR 440. Concurrent
requisites: NUR 460WI and NUR 480. (2 credits)
Cognate requirements
BIO 121 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
An introduction to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of the course will be on structures of: cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The systems studied will include (but not necessarily limited to) integument, bone, skeletal system (including joints), muscle, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal.Concurrent requisite: CHE101 or 111.(4 credits)
BIO 122 - Introduction to Human Physiology
An introduction to the physiology of the human body. The focus of the course will be on homeostasis and the function of: biomolecules, cells and tissues, organs and organ systems. The contribution of each of the following organ systems to physiologic homeostasis will be examined: nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisite: CHE101 or 111; Concurrent requisite: CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)
BIO 203 - Microbiology
A study of the morphology and physiology of microorganisms with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Those organisms that have an economic or medical importance will be highlighted, and basic laboratory techniques will be stressed.Prerequisites: BIO115, 116 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112.(4 credits)
BIO 320 - Pharmacology
A survey of the pharmacologic basis of therapeutics beginning with an introduction to the principles of pharmacology. This is followed by a survey of the more important drugs used in medicine with emphasis on mechanism of action, clinical use, and adverse effects. Prerequisites: BIO222 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits)
BIO 360 - Pathophysiology
An introduction to the pathophysiology associated with the disease states of the human body. The focus of the course will be on disruptions in homeostasis as the result of organ system malfunction or failure. The pathophysiology associated with the following systems will be examined: blood, cells and cell growth, nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisites: BIO122 or 222 and CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)
CHE 108SN - General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (GOB) is a one-semester survey of
inorganic, organic, and biological principles. Topics include atomic and
molecular structure, chemical reactions, organic and biological molecules,
solutions, acid-based chemistry, and metabolism. The treatment of topics is
predominantly descriptive and the course is recommended for programs that
require one semester of chemistry. This course does not count toward a
chemistry major or minor, nor does it count toward the biology cognate
requirements. This course is offered concurrently online and on-campus.
The online course includes online lectures and one three-hour laboratory per
week; it is only open to RN-BSN students. The on-campus course includes three
lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory per week and is open to students
who are in a pre-nursing cohort. (4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and
the Natural World)
Note: Students with math ACT scores below 19 are strongly encouraged to take
Basic Algebra prior to enrolling in this course.
KIN 370 - Nutrition for Health Care Professions
The study of the fundamental principles of normal nutrition and the importance of nutrition in promoting growth and health. Emphasis will be given to the basic food constituents and their physiological relationships within the body. Consideration will also be given to family and community needs across the lifespan. Prerequisites:
CHE101SN/102, CHE108SN or CHE111/112, BIO121/122 or BIO221/222.(3 credits)
MAT 208QR - Biostatistics
(4 credits)(NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a study of statistical methodology commonly used in the
biological and health sciences. We will start with examining basic
descriptive methods in statistics. We will then introduce the foundational
concepts in probability. After these topics are explored, we will spend the
remainder of the course looking at the uses and interpretation of
statistics. Topics will include confidence intervals and hypothesis tests
involving one or two samples, correlation and regression, contingency
tables, and ANOVA.
Note: Meets four times per week. Students may receive credit for only one
course among MAT 116QR, MAT 117QR and MAT 208QR.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT090, an ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT
510 or above), or a passing score on MAT090 placement exam.
PHI 214BR - Contemporary Moral Issues
(4 credits)(NWCore option under Belief and Reason) A philosophical
exploration of several contemporary moral issues. Possible topics include
abortion, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, cloning and
stem-cell research, war and terrorism, capital punishment, global
poverty, factory farming and experimenting on animals, homosexuality and
same-sex marriage, etc.
PSY 221SS - Developmental Psychology: Childhood
(4 credits)(IGE option under Self and Society) This course explores
the development of the child from the prenatal period into adolescence.
Children's physical, cognitive, emotional, personality, social, moral and
faith development is examined. Psychological research methods for
studying children are covered.
PSY 225 - Developmental Psychology: Adulthood
This course explores psychological issues and theories in normal adult development, with emphasis on cognitive, social and personality functioning from young adulthood to old age.(4 credits)
PSY 360 - Psychopathology
(4 credits) This course will provide a broad survey of what is considered
to be disordered in behavior, emotional expression, and cognition in
adults. Emphasis will be placed on a scientific view of psychopathology.
The two main foci of the course are the (a) description of various
behaviors, symptoms, syndromes and illnesses as described in the most
recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the
American Psychiatric Association, and (b) research and theories
concerning etiology including discussion of environmental, biological,
social and interactive perspectives. While intervention and childhood
disorders will be discussed, they are not the primary focus of this course.
Prerequisite: 4 credits of psychology courses.
SOC 101SS - Principles of Sociology
(4 credits)(IGE option under Self and Society) An introduction to
sociology, its major concepts, tools and perspectives. This course
provides an understanding of societies; of culture; of major social
institutions such as the family, religion and education; of social
inequality; and of social change.
Total credits required: 100
Note: Students must complete a certified nurse aid (CNA) course prior to matriculating at Northwestern or in conjunction with Northwest Iowa Community College during the student's first semester.
Health-Related Service-Learning Mission Requirement and E-Portfolio
All nursing majors are required to complete:
- More than 700 hours of clinical;
- An electronic portfolio including the BSN program's philosophy, conceptual framework, program outcomes, and capstone programs across the curriculum and the student's associated reflection;
- Oral and written communication competencies;
- The health-related mission/service experience and associated cross-cultural portfolio (see option 1 and 2 as follows).
Option 1: Complete NUR350 and the nursing related GEN350 Shalom and Cross-Cultural Populations course or any GEN350 approved by the Department of Nursing. BSN students will also need to submit a cross-cultural portfolio. The department's approval of other GEN350's will be based on such a course meeting the related program outcomes (relationship with diverse others, ethics/social justice & shalom). Students will be allowed to take the NUR350/GEN350 sequence as either sophomores or juniors. Non-nursing students will be welcomed in the nursing-related GEN350 on a space available basis.
Option 2: Students will complete NUR350, a cross-cultural course and a service/mission experience approved by the Department of Nursing based on such a service/mission experience meeting the related program outcomes. Students will also be required to submit a cross-cultural portfolio.
Note:
Nursing course semester credits reflect lecture and clinical hours. A grade of C or above must be attained in all cognate and nursing courses.
