University of Kentucky Undergraduate Bulletin

2003-2004


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"Coming to the College of Nursing at UK as an out-of-state student was the best academic decision of my life. Initially, I had feelings of excitement and fear about the challenges that I was about to face. The course work has tested my ambitions and intellect in becoming an accredited and established nurse. This experience has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and also what it feels like to be exhausted. I have also had the honor of being selected to participate in the Nurse Scholars Program. This program explores areas in nursing such as research, career opportunities and interactions with other healthcare professionals. I have spent my time at the college trying to live up to the quality of care provided and demonstrated by the faculty and staff. Their enthusiasm has facilitated my perseverance. There is no doubt in my mind that the College of Nursing has prepared me to impact my patients' lives with compassion and knowledge as it has done for me."

-- Stephanie M. Outterson

Senior, College of Nursing

 


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.


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:

  • Bachelor of Science in 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:

  • observation;

·         communication;

·         sensory and motor coordination and function;

·         conceptualization, integration, and quantification; and,

·         behavioral and social skills, abilities and aptitude.

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:

a) high school grade-point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale;

b) meets criteria for selective admission to the University of Kentucky (see the Undergraduate Admission section of this Bulletin for more information).

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

a) a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5;

b) a grade of C or better in all required pre-nursing courses;

c) a certificate from an approved certified nursing assistant program;

d) 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,

e) 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:

a) 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;

b) 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;

c) grades of C or better in all courses required for CON curriculum;

d) 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;

e) 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

f) 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:

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

b) 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;

c) a statement of academic and professional goals; and

d) 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:

    English -- 6 semester credits

    Natural Sciences -- 6 semester credits

    Social Sciences -- 6 semester credits

    Humanities -- 6 semester credits

    Nursing* -- 28 semester credits


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. 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.

 

 

University Studies Requirements

Hours

See "University Studies Program" on pages 68-72 for the complete University Studies requirements. The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill University Studies areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the University Studies Program requirements.

Inference-Logic

STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment

3

Social Sciences

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology

4

 

 

 

Premajor Requirements

Hours

ANA 209 Principles of Human Anatomy

3

CHE 104 Introductory General Chemistry

3

CHE 106 Introduction to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry with laboratory

4

COM 199 Presentational Communication Skills

1

ENG 101 Writing I

3

ENG 102 Writing II

3

PGY 206 Elementary Physiology

3

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology

4

University Studies Social Sciences Requirement (second course)

3

Subtotal: Premajor Hours

27

 

 

Major Requirements

Hours

NUR 860 Foundations for Professional Nursing

2

NUR 861 Family Health Promotion and Communication Across the Lifespan

8

NUR 862 Pharmacology

3

NUR 863 Professional Nursing Care Across the Lifespan

8

NUR 864 Pathophysiology

3

NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems

7

NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches

3

NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families

7

NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery

3

NUR 881 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

5

NUR 883 Public Health Nursing

5

NUR 884 Career Management in Nursing

2

NUR 885 High Acuity Nursing

5

NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice

6

BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology

3

STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment

3

NFS 212 Introductory Nutrition

3

HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems

3

Subtotal: Major Hours

79

 

 

Electives

Electives should be selected to complete the minimum 124 hours required for graduation.

Subtotal: Electives

minimum of 3

 

 

TOTAL HOURS:

124


Sample Curriculum
Baccalaureate Program
(Four-year Students)

Freshman Year

First Semester

Hours

ANA 209 Principles of Human Anatomy

3

CHE 104 Introductory General Chemistry

3

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology

4

ENG 101 Writing I

3

COM 199 Presentational Communication Skills

1

Second Semester

PGY 206 Elementary Physiology

3

CHE 106 Introduction to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry with laboratory

4

ENG 102 Writing II

3

University Studies (Social Science)

3

University Studies

3

 

Sophomore Year

First Semester

Hours

NUR 861 Family Health Promotion and Communication Across the Lifespan

8

STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment

3

NFS 212 Introductory Nutrition

3

NUR 860 Foundations for Professional Nursing

2

University Studies

3

Second Semester

NUR 863 Professional Nursing Care Across the Lifespan

8

NUR 862 Pharmacology

3

BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology

3

or

HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems

3

 

Junior Year

First Semester

Hours

NUR 864 Pathophysiology

3

NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems

7

BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology

3

or

HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems

3

University Studies

3

Second Semester

NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families

7

NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches

3

University Studies

3

University Studies

3

 

Senior Year

First Semester

Hours

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 Semester

Hours

NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing

4

NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment

2

NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches

3

STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment

3

Second Semester

NUR 883 Public Health Nursing

5

NUR 864 Pathophysiology

3

NUR 862 Pharmacology

3

Elective*

3

Third Semester

NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery

3

NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice

6

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:

a. have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale,

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

c. 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

d. one year nursing experience,

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

f. 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:

a. 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale,

b. satisfactory GRE scores,

c. satisfactory progress in RN/BSN sequence,

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

e. evidence of physical and health assessment skills,

f. 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:

First Semester

Hours

NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing

4

NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment

2

NUR 602 Research Methods in Advanced Practice Nursing

3

STA 570 Basic Statistical Analysis

4

or
EDP 557 Gathering, Analyzing and Using Educational Data

3

Second Semester

NUR 883 Public Health Nursing

5

NUR 653 Pathophysiology

3

Elective

3

Third Semester (summer)*

NUR 604 Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing

3

NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice

6

Fourth Semester

NUR 601 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing

2

NUR 603 Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing

3

NUR 652 Pharmacologic Applications in Primary Care

3

Fifth Semester

NUR 631 Applications of Advanced Health Assessment

2

NUR 7XX Specialty Seminar

3

Sixth Semester (summer)**

NUR 632 Comprehensive Patient Management I***

2

Seventh Semester

NUR 605 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

3

NUR 7XX Practicum I

6

Eighth Semester

NUR 633 Comprehensive Patient Management II***

2-4

NUR 7XX Practicum II

4

*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 College of Nursing Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, (859) 323-5108.