University of Kentucky Undergraduate Bulletin

2001-2002




Visit the UK College of Nursing Web site.



"As I begin to think about my scholastic experiences at UK, it is difficult to fathom a different career choice. The College of Nursing has supplied me with a wonderful knowledge base to enter the work force; leadership opportunities that enable me to act as a multifaceted professional; and unbelievable peers and professors that have provided me with laughs and extraordinary opportunities. The opportunities I speak of are directly related to a student's personal interest and the faculty's wide range of specialties. Because I was honored by selection for the Nurse Scholars Program, I am participating in nursing research, have a professional mentor to provide career guidance, and attend numerous educational seminars. Without any doubt, the UK College of Nursing not only has prepared me to be the best possible nurse, but has also taught me the importance of continually striving for personal achievement and satisfaction."

- Natasha Waldenmayer
Junior Nursing Student




Carolyn A. Williams, Ph.D., is Dean of the College of Nursing; Marcia Stanhope, D.S.N., is Associate Dean; Julie Sebastian, Ph.D., is Assistant Dean for Advanced Practice Nursing and Clinical Practice; Lynne Hall, Dr.P.H., is Assistant Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies; Dorothy Brockopp, Ph.D., is Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies.



APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR COLLEGE OF NURSING

Deadline for all categories of students, regardless of term of enrollment, is:

May 1

After the deadline, eligible applicants will be accepted on a space-available basis. It is advisable to initiate the application process early; it is a two-step process, involving completion of a goal statement and a reference.



Accreditation

The College of Nursing has had continuous accreditation by the National League for Nursing since 1967. The baccalaureate degree curriculum offered by the College of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing and approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.


Undergraduate Program in Nursing

The University of Kentucky grants the following degree in the College of Nursing:



ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The College of Nursing enrollment is composed of four-year students, associate degree nursing graduates, and diploma nursing school graduates. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the College of Nursing. Preference is given to Kentucky residents.

Applicants must be in a state of good health enabling them to carry out the functions of the professional nurse. Routinely, each student will be required to obtain a rubella and rubeola titers, hepatitis B immunizations, and have an annual tuberculin test or chest x-ray.

The University of Kentucky will consider for admission any applicant who demonstrates the ability to perform or to learn to perform the skills listed below. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of any disability, but an applicant with questions about these technical requirements is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the dean for the particular program of study. If appropriate, and upon the request of the applicant, student or faculty, reasonable accommodations for a disability will be provided.

Students must possess aptitude, abilities, and skills in five areas:

Full details on these standards are available by contacting the College of Nursing.

Progression to upper-division is regulated so that the total number of full-time equivalents at the beginning of the junior year does not exceed 72.

Admission Criteria

Criteria for admission to the 4-year BSN program include:
  1. Freshman Student:

    Students will be admitted as freshmen to a pre-nursing curriculum based on the following criteria:

    1. high school grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;

    2. meets criteria for selective admission to the University of Kentucky (see the Undergraduate Admission section for more information);


    Admission to a nursing curriculum will occur at the sophomore level for all students based on evaluation of the following criteria:

    1. a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5;

    2. a grade of C or better in all required pre-nursing courses; and

    3. a certificate from an approved certified nursing assistant program;

    4. an essay which articulates reasons for choosing nursing as a career, with criteria established by the College of Nursing. Essay criteria are available by calling (859) 323-5108; and,

    5. one letter of reference from an individual who can assess potential for success (e.g., teacher, employer). Reference forms are available by calling (859) 323-5108.


  2. Transfer Student:

    1. with less than 24 hours of college credit - must meet the criteria for entering freshmen and maintain a GPA of 2.5 on all college work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;

    2. with more than 24 hours of college credit - must maintain a 2.5 GPA on all college work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;

    3. grades of C or better in all courses required for CON curriculum;

    4. ability to articulate reasons for choosing nursing as a career, as evidenced in an essay, with criteria established by the College of Nursing. Essay criteria are available by calling (859) 323-5108;

    5. one letter of reference from an individual who can assess potential for success (e.g., teacher, employer). Reference forms are available by calling (859) 323-5108; and

    6. completion of an approved certified nursing assistant program.


  3. Students will be eligible to apply for readmission to the College of Nursing after suspension from the College when they meet criteria as stated in Section 2 a and b of this policy.


  4. A student who is a registered nurse will be considered for admission to upper-division courses in the nursing program based on the following criteria:

    1. the applicant must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Kentucky;

    2. an associate degree in nursing from a college accredited by one of the six regional academic accrediting associations with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 in all course work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;

    3. a statement of academic and professional goals; and

    4. a letter of reference from a supervisor.


The registered nurse who is a graduate of a diploma program will be considered for admission after earning a minimum of 60 college credits which include:


The applicant must have at least a GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 in all college course work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions, and must have satisfactorily completed the ACT-PEP tests which establish the nursing credits.

*Nursing credits may be earned from regionally accredited colleges by taking the courses or by taking the ACT-PEP tests. It is strongly recommended that applicants contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing regarding the approved nursing ACT-PEP credits. All nursing courses taken in associate degree or diploma programs are considered lower-division courses and are not equivalent to upper-division courses in this program.

The application deadline for admission to the Nursing program for all categories of students is May 1.

Application for Admission

All applications and transcripts for admission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions according to the deadlines listed in the box above. Freshmen and RN applicants are considered for fall admission only. Transfer applicants will be evaluated for fall and spring admission, according to the deadlines listed. Those accepted for admission must notify the college within 30 days, in writing, of their intent to enroll. Late applicants will be considered for admission on a space-available basis.

Part-Time Study

Students who are working toward the completion of the B.S.N. degree on a part-time basis must plan a course of study with the appropriate College of Nursing personnel or committee and may not alter that plan without prior approval from the College of Nursing.

Candidates for the degree who do not complete all requirements within a seven-year period (five years for R.N. students) after admission will have their records reevaluated and may be required to repeat or take selected courses.

Financial Aid

The college has a few scholarships designated for Nursing students. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing.

Students may also wish to pursue funds available through hospitals and other agencies that offer financial assistance in return for a work commitment.

Academic Advising

Students who are admitted to the College of Nursing are assigned to an advisor within the college. Curriculum plans are determined in the first semester of enrollment in the college and updated each semester. Questions regarding progression through the program may be directed to the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing.



DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must satisfy the University requirements for graduation, including University Studies, and obtain a 2.0 grade-point average in nursing in the courses listed below. A grade of C or better must be attained in all courses required in the nursing curriculum in order to proceed to the next clinical course or to graduate. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for graduation.


Sample Curriculum
Baccalaureate Program
(Four-year Students)

Freshman Year
First SemesterHours
ANA 209 Principles of Human Anatomy3
CHE 104 Introductory General Chemistry3
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology4
ENG 101 Writing I3
COM 199 Presentational Communication Skills1
Second Semester
PGY 206 Elementary Physiology3
CHE 106 Introduction to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry with laboratory4
ENG 102 Writing II3
University Studies (Social Science)3
University Studies 3


Sophomore Year
First SemesterHours
NUR 861 Family Health Promotion and Communication Across the Lifespan8
STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment3
NFS 212 Introductory Nutrition3
NUR 850 Nursing and Society I1
NUR 852 Nursing and Society II1
University Studies3
Second Semester
NUR 863 Professional Nursing Care Across the Lifespan8
NUR 862 Pharmacology3
BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology3
or
HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems3


Junior Year
First SemesterHours
NUR 864 Pathophysiology3
NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems7
BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology3
or
HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems3
University Studies3
Second Semester
NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families7
NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches3
University Studies3
University Studies3


Senior Year
First SemesterHours
NUR 883 Public Health Nursing 5
NUR 881 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 5
NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery 3
Elective 3
Second Semester
NUR 885 High Acuity Nursing 5
NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice 6
NUR 884 Career Management in Nursing 2



Sample Curriculum
Baccalaureate Program
(Registered Nurses)

Junior Year

First SemesterHours
NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing4
NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment2
NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches3
STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment3
Second Semester
NUR 883 Public Health Nursing5
NUR 864 Pathophysiology3
NUR 862 Pharmacology3
Elective*3
Third Semester
NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery3
NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice6
Elective*3
*Optional -- for students who wish to take full time course work.


Curriculum Policies
Students are expected to be familiar with the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to confer with advisors in the College of Nursing when selecting courses.

Since the health needs of the nation are constantly changing, an effective curriculum requires continuous review and evaluation, which may necessitate revision of courses and requirements. Thus, there can be no guarantee that course content will be identical in each subsequent academic year. Furthermore, to continue to meet the changing emphasis in nursing education, some courses will require educational experiences for students in community facilities outside of Lexington.


Outcome Objectives

  1. Exemplifies a personal philosophy of nursing that is consistent with professional standards.

  2. Applies the nursing process as a method of providing professional nursing care to prevent illness; promote, maintain, restore client health; and/or assist clients to a peaceful death.

  3. Practices critical thinking skills to make independent and collaborative decisions.

  4. Incorporates research findings into professional nursing practice.

  5. Provides professional nursing care to clients with actual and potential health problems in diverse settings.

  6. Collaborates in planning, delivering, and evaluating nursing services in a changing society.

  7. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional behavior.

  8. Employs theories of leadership and management in providing professional nursing care.

  9. Demonstrates leadership in addressing professional nursing and health issues.

  10. Provides professional nursing care based on an evaluation of internal and external forces affecting client systems.



B.S.N. - M.S.N. in NURSING

Prospective students for the Master of Science in Nursing are eligible to enroll in a combined B.S.N.-M.S.N. course of study. Students who successfully complete the requirements are awarded both Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing degrees. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is May 1. Late applicants will be considered on a space-available basis.


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A student seeking admission to the B.S.N. must meet the following criteria/portion of the option:
  1. have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale,

  2. have Kentucky licensure as R.N. before enrolling in first clinical course,

  3. earned the Associate Degree in Nursing or diploma with 60 college credits meeting specific requirements:


    Nursing -- 28 semester credits

    English -- 6 semester credits

    Natural Sciences -- 10 semester credits

    Behavioral Sciences -- 6 semester credits

    Electives -- 10 semester credits


  4. one year nursing experience,

  5. three letters of reference, one from most recent employer,

  6. interview.

Admission to the B.S.N. portion of this degree option does not necessarily constitute admission to the M.S.N. portion of the degree program. The following criteria must be met:


Progression to Graduate Courses

Students wishing to progress to the graduate courses must pay Graduate School fees and meet the following requirements:

  1. 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale,

  2. satisfactory GRE scores,

  3. satisfactory progress in RN/BSN sequence,

  4. licensure in Kentucky and clinical experience in area of interest,

  5. evidence of physical and health assessment skills,

  6. admission to The Graduate School.


B.S.N. - M.S.N. Degree Requirements

In addition to completing the University Studies requirements, the student must complete the following:


Sample Curriculum
B.S.N. - M.S.N. Program


First SemesterHours
NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing4
NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment2
NUR 602 Research Methods in Advanced Practice Nursing3
STA 570 Basic Statistical Analysis4
or
EDP 557 Educational Statistics3
Second Semester
NUR 883 Public Health Nursing5
NUR 653 Pathophysiology3
Elective3
Third Semester (summer)*
NUR 604 Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing3
NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice6
Fourth Semester
NUR 601 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing2
NUR 603 Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing3
NUR 652 Pharmacologic Applications in Primary Care3
Fifth Semester
NUR 631 Applications of Advanced Health Assessment2
NUR 7XX Specialty Seminar3
Sixth Semester (summer)**
NUR 632 Comprehensive Patient Management I***2
Seventh Semester
NUR 605 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice3
NUR 7XX Practicum I 6
Eighth Semester
NUR 633 Comprehensive Patient Management II***4
NUR 7XX Practicum II4
*During these summer sessions, students take NUR 604 during the Four-Week session and NUR 886 during the Eight-Week session.
**During this summer session, students take NUR 632 during the Four-Week session.
***Nurse practitioner students only.


Graduate course work required for the student's program of study is located in the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook.


Graduate Study

The College of Nursing offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students may obtain information on this program by referring to The Graduate School Bulletin or contacting the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing, 315 CON/HSLC, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, (859) 323-5108.





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