JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing
Location: 233 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
Nursing Advising for Pre-Nursing Students (409) 880-8822
Advising for R.N.-B.S.N. (409) 880-7295
Advising for M.S.N. (409) 880-7720
Interim Chair: Dr. Cynthia Stinson, (409) 880-8833, Email, 233 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
Degree Coordinators:
- Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies, Iva Hall, (409) 880-8831, Email, 254 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
- R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Track, (409) 880-7295, Email, McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
- Director of Graduate Nursing Studies, Nancy Blume, (409) 880-7720, Email, 252 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing faculty believe in preparing students to become competent graduates who provide quality nursing care to diverse populations in an ever-changing society. Personal, social, and professional strengths of the graduates are developed to form a basis for continued growth.
Nursing is based on the concepts of professional integrity, effective communication, active inquiry, and service to the community. The goals of nursing are to assist humanity in disease prevention, health promotion, health maintenance and restoration, and the support of death with dignity. Nursing utilizes a spirit of caring, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and therapeutic interventions to contribute to the health of the individual and society. The responsibility of nurses is to utilize the nursing process to assist people to meet health care needs and to attain health-related goals. The faculty believe in the preparation of professional nurses for four major roles: member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate and member of the healthcare team.
Baccalaureate Degree graduates are prepared with a broad perspective and understanding of society, the environment, and people as diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. Baccalaureate education incorporates a broad range of basic, behavioral and social sciences, communication and data analysis content to provide a strong foundation for future critical thinking and problem solving. A baccalaureate degree is the most common requirement for entry into graduate nursing education where nurses may further develop their professional roles to become nurse educators, researchers, administrators, or advanced practice nurses.
Nursing students meet course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory and simulation activities, and clinical experience in healthcare facilities under the supervision of university faculty. Students are expected to adhere to rules and regulations of ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University and the various agencies to which they are assigned. Specific policies may be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies.
Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-R.N.) in order to receive licensure to practice professional nursing. Graduates will be required to meet criteria established by the Texas Board of Nursing in order to take the NCLEX-R.N. examination.
·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University nursing programs are fully accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, phone 404.975.5000, fax 404.975.5020).
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and one dual track in nursing and business. The graduate nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis. Potential students who qualify with a high GPA and are graduates of a nationally accredited undergraduate program may have the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) waived in the admission process. A Post-Master's Certificate option is also available in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. Applicants for the Post-Master's Certificate program must have a MSN degree and meet additional entrance requirements.
Admission and Progression in Nursing Undergraduate ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøs
Students seeking admission to the pre-licensure baccalaureate (B.S.N.) nursing program must submit an Application for Admission to Nursing. Admission to nursing is competitive. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in pre-requisite courses and in required science courses, have met the THEA requirement, and be in good standing in the university with an overall career GPA of no less than 2.0.
Students not enrolled at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø must submit two separate applications: one for admission to ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø (), and one for admission to the nursing program (obtained from the Nursing Information Center, Room 255, McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building or on the Forms page of the Nursing Department website).
Applications for admission to the nursing programs must be received by March 1 prior to the Fall semester admission and October 1 for Spring semester admission. The following items must accompany the application:
- Application fee,
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended,
- Official transcript evaluation by ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University,
- Pre-admission test scores, and
- Written documentation showing passing all components of THEA.
Applicants are urged to follow application instructions carefully to ensure processing by the Admissions Committee. Admission to the nursing program is competitive. Students are responsible for assuring that their applications are complete, including the transcript evaluation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Students seeking readmission are required to submit an application and fee.
Applications for admission to nursing are evaluated competitively on the following basis:
- Admission to the university (See Admissions section of this bulletin.)
- Transcript evaluation of previous college work.
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses and science courses with a minimum grade of "C" and a minimum 2.5 GPA in pre-requisite courses and a minimum science GPA of 2.5.
- Overall academic career GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Pre-admission exam scores. A minimum score of 79 is required on the Reading section of the entrance exam. (Contact Nursing Information Center for information.)
- Admission may be limited by available space.
- See program of choice for additional requirements.
Note: Approval is being sought to require all core courses (including pre-requisites), with the exception of Political Science and PE, be completed prior to entering the B.S.N. program. If approved, this policy change will be effective for students applying to enter the B.S.N. program in the Spring 2014 semester.
Official transcript evaluation by ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University is required for all transfer credits. Transfer credits which are not equivalent to ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø credits must be evaluated on an individual basis by the appropriate department chair.
As part of the admission process, students are required to:
- Complete criminal background screening;
- Obtain CPR certification;
- Document essential health competencies and update immunizations; and
- Obtain nursing liability insurance.
Students accepting admission into the Undergraduate ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø must demonstrate essential physical competencies for nursing. (Request a copy from the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies). Students must also demonstrate emotional capability for completing the program's instructional and clinical practice. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) requires students to report significant mental diagnoses and treatment to TBON, as well as any involvement in illegal activities or arrests.
For progression in the program, a minimum grade of "C" must be earned in English composition, nursing and science courses, and an overall academic GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in all course work.
A B.S.N. student who fails a nursing course must apply for readmission to progress. If re-admitted, the B.S.N. student must repeat all designated corequisite courses. B.S.N. students may be readmitted only one time. Under no circumstances may a nursing course be repeated more than once. Failing two nursing courses results in program failure.
See the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Handbook for specific policies. The handbook is available by contacting the Dishman Department of Nursing, (409) 880-8831.
Students are required to complete nursing courses in the sequence identified on the program of study. Due to the required sequencing of the nursing program courses, students who fail a nursing course will not be allowed to progress to the next courses. Re-admission to the program is not guaranteed and is based upon space availability, assessment of previous performance in the program, and grades. Progression policies are published in the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook.
B.S.N. students requesting readmission or transfer must submit an application for readmission or transfer to the Nursing Admissions Committee by October 1 for Spring admission and March 1 for summer and Fall admission. Students who have been un·¬ÇÑÉçÇøful ("D" or lower) in one or more nursing course(s) at another nursing program are not eligible for admission. Transfer students are admitted on a space-available basis. See department transfer policy available from the Nursing Information Center.
Additional costs above tuition and fees are involved in nursing programs. Uniforms, equipment, instruments, liability insurance, health examinations, immunization costs, CPR certification, special testing fees, course packet fees, additional laboratory/clinical fees and transportation to clinical facilities are the student's responsibility. Financial aid is available for eligible students (see Financial Aid and Awards section of this bulletin).
Liability insurance, CPR certification, health examinations and immunizations must be renewed each year of the nursing program. Students may be assigned to clinical experiences during day, evening, night or weekend hours. Clinical agencies may require additional health examinations, dress codes or conformity with other policies. Students will be informed in advance of such requirements.
Eligibility for Graduation
In addition to the university graduation requirements and compliance with the written degree plan, students must pass a nationally standardized examination designated by the department in order to graduate from the respective program. The courses of the final semester of each program constitute the capstone experience. The Department recommends that all other course requirements are completed prior to entry into the final capstone semester. Further explanation is provided in the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Handbook.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - 124 hrs
R.N./B.S.N. Articulation Track – 124 hours
(Up to 66 hours of non-nursing hours can transfer from a community college in addition to 32 hours of escrow credit for prior nursing courses.)
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing – (Nursing Administration or Nursing Education) 37 hours
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration Dual Degree - 61 hours
Post-Masters Certificate – 20 hours
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies: Iva Hall 254 McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building
Completion of the program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. Recipients of the degree are eligible to make application to take the NCLEX-R.N. exam to become a Registered Nurse (R.N.).
The baccalaureate program also provides an opportunity for Registered Nurses who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This special track is called the R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Track. Please refer to separate admission requirements in the appropriate section below.
To be considered for admission to the B.S.N. program, the student must:
- Have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" and GPA of 2.5.
- Have a minimum grade of "C" with a GPA of 2.5 in the sciences (Biology and Chemistry courses).
- Have an overall academic grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
- Have a minimum grade of "C" in Nursing Pathophysiology from an accredited college or university that was earned no more than 3 years prior to admission.
- Have a minimum grade of "C" in Theories of Nursing taken at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University prior to admission.
- Meet criteria in the section on Admission to Department of Nursing.
- Take the department designated pre-admission exam. A minimum score of 79 is required on the Reading section of the entrance exam.
Applications are available by calling the Advising Center at (409) 880-8868 or via the web. B.S.N. students are admitted for Spring and Fall semesters.
R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Track
Coordinator: Jan Akright, McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Bldg. Phone (409) 880-8841
The flexible online R.N.-B.S.N. track is designed for the career-oriented registered nurse seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. The nurse must be a registered nurse (R.N.) with an active unencumbered nursing license. Progression through the track is dependent upon the nurse's initial nursing preparation. Admission to ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University is required as well as admission to the R.N.–B.S.N. Articulation Track in the Dishman Department of Nursing. Official transcripts from other colleges or universities must be evaluated by ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø. The nursing courses for this track are offered online.
R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Track Admission Criteria
R.N.-B.S.N. students are admitted five times per year (January, March, June, August and October). Applications are made through . Instructions to apply are available here. Follow the instructions carefully so that the correct major is chosen. If the wrong major is selected, there can be a delay in the admission decision.
The Admission Process is as follows:
-
The student should follow the instructions for ApplyTexas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
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Send official transcripts to the Admissions office at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
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The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University Admissions Office will then determine the student's admission status, whether and what courses will transfer, and will send an email as to the student's admission acceptance.
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After ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University admits the student, the Nursing Department will be notified.
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The R.N.-B.S.N. Office will review the file and transcripts. If the student meets the requirements, a Nursing Department letter of acceptance will be emailed to the student along with an individualized degree plan. The student will need to reply to the acceptance email as soon as possible.
-
After the R.N.-B.S.N. Office receives a student's email confirming acceptance, the R.N.-B.S.N. office will enroll the student into the course(s) as indicated on the degree plan.
Curriculum Plan for R.N. to B.S.N. Track
This plan of study shows the minimum required hours to complete the degree, if all core course requirements have been met. The remaining 24 credit hours of non-nursing core curriculum (general education) courses can be taken while enrolled in nursing courses. Consult with the R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Advisor for the best options, (409) 880-7295. Students enrolled full time can complete the nursing courses within 13.5 months. Part-time study is available.
R.N.-B.S.N. track online nursing courses are eight weeks long. The required nursing courses consist of thirty credit hours. Students may be admitted to the R.N.-B.S.N. track even if core courses are still needed. All core course requirements must be met to graduate.
Generally, students take one to two courses per eight-week period in order to complete the program in 13.5 months (if all co-requisites and core courses are fulfilled prior to admission).
Some courses must be taken in a specific order. For example, College Algebra (MATH 1314), must be completed before Statistics (PSYC 2317 or MATH 1342). Statistics must be completed before Nursing Inquiry & Evidence-based Practice (NURS 4390).
Nursing Theories and Online Education (NURS 4321) is the first nursing course. Nursing Inquiry & Evidence-based Practice (NURS 4390) is taken before Nursing Practice courses. Synthesis of Professional Nursing (NURS 4580) is the capstone course and is taken last.
Pre/Co-requisite Courses |
Core Nursing Courses |
|||
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 | NURS 4321 Nursing Theories & Online Education | 3 | |
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 | NURS 4316 Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment | 3 | |
BIOL 2420 Microbiology | 4 | NURS 4390 Nursing Inquiry and EBP | ||
PSYC 2315 Lifespan | 3 | NURS 4540 Nursing Practice: Care of Communities | 5 | |
MATH 1314 College Algebra Communication |
3 |
NURS 4620 Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States |
6 | |
MATH 1342 or PSYC 2317 Statistics FCSC 1322 Intro. to Nutrition |
3 3 |
NURS 4550 Nursing Practice: Leadership & Management in the Healthcare System |
5 | |
ENGL 1301 English Composition I ENGL 1302 English Composition II |
3 3 |
NURS 4580 Synthesis in Professional Nursing | 5 | |
Social Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | Total Core Nursing Courses | 30 | |
Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |||
Creative Arts Elective | 3 | |||
HIST 1301 US History I | 3 | |||
HIST 1302 US History II | 3 | |||
POLS 2301 US Government I |
3 | |||
POLS 2302 US Government II | 3 | |||
Elective | 1 | |||
Elective | 3 | |||
Elective | 3 | |||
Total Pre/Co-requisite Courses | 61 | |||
ESCROW COURSES
Thirty-two hours of essential upper division escrow credit will be added to the R.N. to B.S.N. student's transcript in the last semester of the curriculum.
ESCROW COURSES | |
NURS 3440 Concepts of Professional Nursing | 4 |
NURS 3241 Practicum: Concepts of Professional Nursing | 2 |
NURS 3110 Nursing Simulation Lab I | 1 |
NURS 3520 Care of Adults | 5 |
NURS 3221 Practicum: Care of Adults | 2 |
NURS 3112 Nursing Simulation Lab II | 1 |
NURS 3230 Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 |
NURS 3231 Practicum: Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 |
NURS 4560 Care of the Parent-Child Family | 5 |
NURS 4261 Practicum: Care of the Parent-Child Family | 2 |
NURS 3330 Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
Total | 29 |
Non-Nursing Credits:
Only non-nursing credits which carry college credit may transfer. See Transfer Credit Evaluation in this bulletin.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credits from a junior college are limited to 66 semester hours of the number of hours required by the university during the freshman and sophomore years in the chronological order in which the student plans to enroll. No junior college credits will be considered for upper (junior-senior) level.
Graduate ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø
Director of Graduate Nursing Studies: 252A McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building, M.S.N. Advising: (409) 880-7295
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and one dual track in nursing and business. The graduate nursing program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis. Potential students who qualify with a high GPA and are graduates of a nationally accredited undergraduate program may waive the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the admission process. A Post-Master's Certificate option is also available in Nursing Education or Nursing Administration. Applicants for the Post-Master's Certificate program must have a M.S.N. degree and meet additional entrance requirements.
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing Administration Track
The Nursing Administration track provides registered nurses with preparation for advanced roles as Nurse Administrators. Primary focus is placed on advanced knowledge central to organization, management, leadership, healthcare policy, and economics. Research and theory are used to explore issues related to patient outcomes. Nursing Administration courses and business support courses in financial accounting, economics, and marketing prepare leaders for a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Practicum experiences provide administrative learning and opportunities.
Nursing Education Track
The Nursing Education track provides registered nurses with the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to become educators in academic settings. Particular focus is placed on teaching-learning strategies and theories, curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, and role development as an educator. Practicum experiences provide the student with expert teacher mentors in the nursing education environment.
Dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (M.S.N./M.B.A.)
This degree provides the nurse executive with leadership skills for complex healthcare organizations. Advanced knowledge from nursing administration, business, finance, and the managerial arena prepares a well-rounded nurse leader.
Graduate Admission
M.S.N. students are admitted five times per year (January, March, June, August and October). Applications are made through . Nurses seeking admission to the M.S.N. program at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University, JoAnn Gay Dishman Department of Nursing must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)).
- 3.0 GPA or higher for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Satisfactory scores on either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE-see graduate catalog) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) taken within the last five years. Entrance exams may be waived for those who graduate with a B.S.N. from a nationally accredited program and possess an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Current unencumbered, verifiable R.N. license from any state in the United States or territories covered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
- College statistics course taken within the last five years with a grade of "C" or better.
- Clear criminal background check.
- Health and Immunization Record documentation.
The Admission Process is as follows:
- The student should follow the instructions for ApplyTexas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
- Send official transcripts to the Admissions office at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
- Only after all transcripts have been received can the Office of Graduate Nursing Studies determine the student's admission status, GRE requirement, whether and what courses will transfer, and will send an email as to the student's admission acceptance.
- The Office of Graduate Nursing Studies will contact the student to arrange a mandatory advising appointment, discuss plan of study, and mail an official letter of acceptance to the student.
- Following the mandatory advisement, the students will be responsible for enrolling in the specified courses for their accepted term by using their Self-Service Banner accounts.
Degree Requirements
- Meet all graduate degree requirements.
- Complete 37 semester hours of graduate work as specified by the department including at least 4 hours of Advanced Role Practicum in the selected track.
- Successfully pass a comprehensive examination.
- Meet the specific requirements listed in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Nursing section of this catalog.
Core Courses (MSNC) (Required)
MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations
MSNC 5311 Nursing Research
MSNC 5312 Healthcare Policy & Finance
MSNC 5315 Advanced Nursing Issues
MSNC 5195 Evidence-based Project I
MSNC 5296 Evidence-based Project II
Nursing Administration Track Courses (MSNA)
MSNA 5320 Role Development for Nurse Administrators
MSNA 5321 Planning & Organizing Healthcare Delivery
MSNA 5221 Practicum in Administration I
MSNA 5331 Directing and Controlling Healthcare Delivery
MSNA 5232 Practicum in Administration II
MSNA 5323 Health Information Systems
Required Courses in the College of Business for Nursing Administration Track
ACCT 5200 Financial Accounting
ECON 5200 Foundations of Economics
MKTG 5200 Marketing Concepts
Nursing Education Track Courses (MSNE)
MSNE 5330 Advanced Health Assessment
MSNE 5350 Role Development, Learning Theories and Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators
MSNE 5351 Curriculum Design
MSNE 5352 Measurement and Evaluation
MSNE 5349 Advanced Pathophysiology
MSNE 5254 Nurse Educator Practicum I
MSNE 5255 Nurse Educator Practicum II
MSNE 5356 Advanced Pharmacology
Academic Standards
- A written comprehensive examination and Evidence-Based Project are required.*
- Alternate admission criteria may be used for admittance by using a formula method that considers both the undergraduate GPA and MAT score and approval of the graduate faculty.*
*See the Graduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook for specific policies. The handbook is available from the Graduate Nursing Studies Office, P.O. Box 10081, Beaumont, Texas 77710, (409) 880-7720.
Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing
The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø is a 20 credit hour curriculum to broaden the expertise of nurses with a previous Master's degree in Nursing to include Nursing Education or Nursing Administration. Courses are track-specific for either Nursing Education or Nursing Administration.
Post-Master's Admission Requirements
The student seeking a Post-Master's Certificate will meet the following admission requirements:
- Completion of a Master's degree in Nursing with a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Submission of official transcript of completed Master's degree in Nursing.
- Completion of the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø University Graduate Admission Form.
- Unencumbered R.N. license and unencumbered advanced practice license (if applicable)
- Clear criminal background check.
Post-Master's Curriculum Courses
Each track contains 20 credit hours total.
Post-M.S.N. Nursing Education Track
MSNE 5330 Advanced Health Assessment
OR MSNE 5349 Advanced Pathophysiology or MSNE 5356 Advanced Pharmacology (or Transfer Equivalent)
MSNE 5254 Nurse Educator Practicum I
MSNE 5350 Role Development, Learning Theories and Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators
MSNE 5352 Measurement & Evaluation
MSNE 5255 Nurse Educator Practicum II
MSNE 5330 Advanced Clinical Concepts
MSNE 5351 Curriculum Design
MSNC 5197 Advanced Nursing Role Synthesis (Capstone)
Post-M.S.N. Nursing Administration Track
MSNA 5320 Role Development for Nurse Administrators
ACCT 5200 Financial Accounting
MSNA 5321 Planning & Organizing Healthcare Delivery
MSNA 5331 Planning & Controlling Healthcare Delivery
MSNA 5221 Administration Practicum I
ECON 5200 Foundations of Economics
MKTG 5200 Marketing Concepts
MSNA 5232 Administration Practicum II
MSNC 5197 Advanced Nursing Role Synthesis (Capstone)