Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Accredited by the:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
655 K Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 887-6791
ccneaccreditation.org

Faculty: Associate Professors: Borton (chair), Erickson (Senior Academic Director of Online Education), Grugan (Associate Dean for Student Success), SMith (DNP Program Director);  Assistant Professors Boyer, Bridgewater, Clark, Copeland, Fogelmark, Friebohle, James, Hinspeter, Hinthorne, Hoyle, Krause, Muller, Nelson, Pierce, Ragon, Reed, Singh, Tupper, Warmick, Welker

Professional Staff: Daly, McKenzie

The Department of Nursing offers a undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates of the program are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.) upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). 

The purpose of the BSN program is to prepare graduates for the beginning practice of professional nursing in a variety of settings. To achieve this purpose, a four-year educational program is provided which includes foundation, elective, and supporting courses in the humanities, the social sciences, the sciences, mathematics, and the theory and practice of nursing. The faculty believes that nursing education is a dynamic interactive process. Baccalaureate nursing education prepares students to integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to enter practice as generalists. Baccalaureate educated nurses are prepared to translate, integrate, and apply knowledge to improve patient outcomes and foster a culture of safety.

The objectives of the curriculum are to prepare graduates for

1. professional growth and advancement through acquired knowledge and experience;
2. graduate study in a major field of concentration in nursing; and
3. continuous personal growth and development.

The faculty of the Department of Nursing reserves the right to revise policies and course requirements based upon changes in accreditation, licensure, and nursing practice.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the University and of the Department of Nursing.

Instruction and Requirements

Instruction is provided in classrooms and laboratories on the campus and in a variety of health care agencies in the community. Clinical experiences (practicum) are planned and supervised by Department of Nursing faculty members.

In addition to the fees and expenses listed in the University catalog, students majoring in nursing are financially responsible for the purchase and maintenance of health insurance, uniforms, for certain practicum and laboratory supplies and materials, and for transportation between the campus and the community agencies where clinical experiences are provided.

Prior to enrollment in the first nursing course that includes a practicum, each student must show proof of

1. Immunity to Rubella (German measles) by one of the following:
   • written verification of having had the immunization, or
   • written verification of rubella titer greater than 1:10
2. Immunity to Rubeola
   • Written verification of having had the immunization
   • Most individuals would have had an MMR booster before entering high school, which covers both the Rubella and Rubeola
3. Immunity to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
   • Series of (3) doses given at one-month and six-month intervals after the initial dose.
4. Tuberculin Test Results
   • A negative, two-step tuberculin skin test administered or negative blood test
5. Tetanus/Diphtheria with Pertussis (T-DAP)
   • Documentation of receiving a T-DAP, which included the Pertussis vaccine, within the last 10 years after age 17
   • If your TDAP is over 10 years old, students are required to also get a TD booster
6. Varicella Titer
   • Written documentation of a blood test showing immunity to the Varicella (Chicken Pox) virus.
     • documentation of a positive titer or
     • if the titer is negative, submit documentation of receipt of a booster.
7. CPR/BLS Certification
   • Certification must be “Health Care Provider” or “Professional Rescuer” level
8. Drug screen
9. Student Nurse Liability Insurance
   • Offered under a blanket policy carried by the University.
10. Flu Vaccine
    • Seasonal flu vaccine each fall by October 31st annually
11. Fingerprint Background Check
12. Personal Health and Hospitalization Insurance

These requirements must be current for the entire academic year of enrollment in all practicum courses: 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
NUR 203	Fundamentals of Nursing - Practicum	2.0
NUR 207	Adult Health I: An Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing	2.0
NUR 307	Maternal-Newborn Nursing - Practicum	2.0
NUR 309	Nursing of Children (Practicum)	2.0
NUR 315	Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (Practicum)	2.0
NUR 317	Adult Health II: Medical-Surgical Nursing (Practicum)	2.0
NUR 403	Community Health Nursing - Practicum	2.5
NUR 409	Senior Practicum I	2.5
NUR 413	Leadership Practicum	2.5
NUR 417	Senior Practicum II	2.5

Students must maintain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average in order to maintain enrollment in the nursing program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required in the nursing major.