Nursing
Sharon Beasley, Ph.D., R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing,
Chair of the Division of Nursing;
skbeasley@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6841; 1st Floor Division of Nursing
Sara Bolten, R.N., M.S., Instructor of Nursing;
sbolten@mckendree.edu; (502) 266-6696; Kentucky campuses
Carolyn Hoffman, R.N., M.S.N, CPNP, Assistant Professor of Nursing;
cahoffman@mckendree.edu; (502) 266-6696; Kentucky Campuses
Berlinda Kern, R.N., M.S.N, Instructor or Nursing;
bkkern@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6437; 1st Floor Division of Nursing
Mary Ann Thompson, R.N., M.S.N., Dr. PH;
mathompson@mckendree.edu; (502) 266-6696; Kentucky Campuses
Sharon Lambert, D.N.S., R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing;
sllamber@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6845; 1st Floor Division of Nursing
Martha McDonald, D.N.S., R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing;
mmcdonald@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6843; 1st Floor Division of Nursing
Janice Wiegmann, Ph.D., R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing;
jwiegman@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6842; 1st Floor Division of Nursing
The Division of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree accredited
by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission located at 61
Broadway, New York, New York 10006 (800-669-1656).
The BSN degree is offered exclusively as a baccalaureate completion program for
graduates of associate degree or diploma nursing programs. Nursing courses are
offered in various formats at the main campus, at off-campus sites in Illinois (John A.
Logan College; Kaskaskia College; Lewis and Clark Community College; Olney
Central College; Rend Lake College; Shawnee Community College; Southwestern
Illinois College); in Kentucky (Louisville, Radcliff and Paducah), and at various healthcare
institutions.
Nursing majors are prepared as generalists in nursing practice. The curriculum
enhances registered nurses’ previous education and enables them to be flexible practitioners
in a dynamic health care environment. Nursing majors develop skills in clinical
problem-solving and critical thinking to assess, plan and implement nursing care of
individuals, families, and community groups. Students increase their ability to care for
individual clients by broadening their knowledge of disease processes and therapeutic
nursing interventions. Students acquire skills in holistic health assessments of individuals
and families. Students integrate theory-based clinical knowledge with principles of
health promotion to implement early detection and disease prevention strategies in a
community setting. To be effective in these activities, students utilize nursing research,
principles of leadership and management, and existing community resources.
Personal and professional development is realized through improved written and
oral communication, cultural sensitivity, and analysis of ethical issues. The nursing
major provides a sound foundation for those going on to graduate school in one of the
nursing specialty areas.
Procedures for acceptance into the nursing program
The applicant must submit the following:
1. Application for admission to the College as a transfer student
(a maximum of 70 hours will be accepted from a community college);
2. Application for admission to the Division of Nursing;
3. Copy of active license as a registered nurse;
4. Current CPR certification;
5. Proof of immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B
(influenza and DT vaccinations are recommended);
6. TB skin test or chest x-ray results.
Applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
1. An Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
2. An active RN license.
Those awaiting results of examinations for licensure (NCLEX-RN) may be admitted on
a conditional basis and enroll in non-clinical courses for one semester until notified of
licensure.
Continued enrollment
Students must be in good standing within the nursing program to continue with nursing
coursework. To remain in good standing, students must at all times have on file in
the nursing office a copy of current RN license, yearly TB skin test or chest x-ray
results, current CPR certification, and proof of required immunity/immunizations. A
grade of C or better must be achieved in each nursing course required for the major.
Any required nursing course for which a grade of C- or lower is received must be
repeated. Required nursing courses may be repeated only one time.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing will be awarded after completing
the following Division of Nursing requirements:
1. Complete a Degree Application (available in the Office of Academic Records)
the semester prior to the anticipated graduation date;
2. Complete a minimum of the final 32 credits from McKendree College;
3. Complete a minimum of 40 credits at the junior/senior level (courses numbered
300 or above);
4. Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade
point average (GPA) of 2.0;
5. Complete all degree requirements within eight (8) years of matriculation; and
6. Complete the following general education and nursing major requirements:
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 6 crs.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE (in addition to pathophysiology) 16 crs.
STATISTICS (3-4)
COMPUTER SOFTWARE (3 SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS) (3)
ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY, (9-10)
MICROBIOLOGY or COMPETENCY and,
CHEMISTRY or COMPETENCY (INCLUDING ONE LAB COURSE)
Ethics 3 crs.
PHI 391 BIOMEDICAL ETHICS (3)
or
NSG 405 ETHICAL/LEGAL ISSUES IN NURSING (3)
Additional general education requirements 24 crs.
FINE ARTS (3)
PHILOSOPHY or RELIGION (3)
HISTORY, ECONOMICS or POLITICAL SCIENCE (3)
LITERATURE (3)
ENGLISH I* (3)
McKendree C O L L E G E — 2 0 0 7 / 2 0 0 8 158 .
ENGLISH II* (3)
or
NSG 307 WRITING FOR NURSES (3)
PSYCHOLOGY (3)
SOCIOLOGY (3)
Speech communication competency will be achieved by integrating speech requirements
across the nursing curriculum. Guidelines and criteria for the research, writing
and delivery of presentations will be set by the Speech faculty.
NURSING MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 31 crs.
NSG 301 NURSING THEORY AND RESEARCH (W) (4)
NSG 320 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE (2)
NSG 345 TRANSCULTURAL NURSING (3)
NSG 350 HEALTH ASSESSMENT (3)
NSG 370 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (4)
NSG 400 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN NURSING (3)
NSG 420 FAMILY HEALTH NURSING (3)
NSG 450 COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (4)
NSG 470 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN COMMUNITY HEALTH (W) (4)
NURSING ELECTIVE (1)
NURSING ELECTIVES 21-22 crs.
NSG 302 BODY FLUIDS AND ELECTOLYTES (1)
NSG 303 INFECTIOUS DISEASES (1)
NSG 304 ANTIMICROBIAL PHARMACOLOGY (1)
NSG 305 CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL PHARMACOLOGY (1)
NSG 306 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PHARMACOLOGY (1)
NSG 308 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY REVIEW (1)
NSG 330 COUNSELING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (3)
NSG 335 METHODS OF TEACHING IN NURSING PRACTICE (3)
NSG 355 HEALTH POLICY AND ECONOMICS (3)
NSG 360 FRONTIER NURSING (1-2)
NSG 405 ETHICAL/LEGAL ISSUES IN NURSING PRACTICE (3)
NSG 430 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING (3)
NSG 301 NURSING THEORY AND RESEARCH (W) (4)
This course introduces students to the use of a theoretical model in nursing practice and research.
Students identify differences in selected nursing models. A special focus of this course is on the nurse as an intelligent consumer and evaluator of research. Students are able to describe basic research concepts and techniques and appreciate the ethics of nursing research. Evaluative skills are developed by critiquing current nursing research. Using peer reviewed research articles, students summarize nursing research on a selected topic. Prerequisite: MTH 310. Annually, Fall.
NSG 302 BODY FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES (1)
This course will be accepted for competency in chemistry. The focus in this web-based course is on the chemistry of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Students identify basic physiological processes responsible for maintaining balance. Major causes and signs and symptoms of imbalance are included, as well as nursing assessment and management or persons with imbalances. As needed.
NSG 303 INFECTIOUS DISEASES (1)
This course will be accepted for competency in microbiology. In this web-based course students focus on the identification, treatment, and control of selected infectious diseases using microbiology as a basis. Students explore a variety of both commonly occurring as well as infrequently occurring communicable diseases in mankind. As needed.
NSG 304 ANTIMICROBIAL PHARMACOLOGY (1)
In this web-based course students will engage in an in-depth study of commonly prescribed antimicrobials, their administration, and their implications for patient care in the treatment of bacterial, viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections. Drug resistant pathogens and their treatment will also be examined. As needed.
NSG 305 CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL PHARMACOLOGY (1)
In this web-based course students will engage in an in-depth study of medications commonly prescribed for patients with alterations in renal and/or cardiovascular function. Emphasis is placed on nursing implications for administration of medications, care of patients receiving them and education of patients and families related to safe and effective use of these medications. As needed.
NSG 306 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PHARMACOLOGY (1)
In this web-based course students will engage in an in-depth study of medications commonly prescribed for patients requiring pain management and/or those with disorders of CNS function. Emphasis is placed on the nursing implications for administration of medications, care of patients receiving them and education of patients and families related to safe and effective use of these medications. As needed.
NSG 307 WRITING FOR NURSES (3)
This online course is designed specifically for nursing majors to be the equivalent of English 112, which follows English 111 in the first year composition sequence. The class is a process-oriented writing course designed to further develop students’ abilities to engage in extensive pre-writing, revising, editing and polishing. Using disciplinary readings in nursing and medicine, this course emphasizes expository and persuasive analytical writing assignments and offers students further opportunities to strengthen their critical thinking skills. Students develop their abilities to use library resources and apply research techniques to a paper related to a nursing topic. As needed.
NSG 308 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY REVIEW (1)
This course will be accepted for competency in anatomy and physiology. In this web-based course students focus on the structure and function of the human body using the systems model. Because nurses base much of their practice on the understanding of anatomy and physiology, practice related information will be explored.
NSG 320 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE (2)
This course enables students to investigate symptom perception, management, and outcome evaluation to human responses that impact client populations across the life span. In this course students will investigate therapeutic approaches to frequently encountered human responses, such as pain, grief, anxiety, and fatigue. Through an in depth critique of current research literature, students evaluate therapeutic nursing interventions pertaining to symptom experience and symptom management. Annually, Summer.
NSG 330 COUNSELING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (3)
In this course, students develop interpersonal communication techniques essential for the practice of
nursing. Specifically, students practice active listening techniques to provide emotional care to clients in a variety of health care settings. As needed.
NSG 335 METHODS OF TEACHING IN NURSING PRACTICE (3)
A review of cognitive development will provide students in this web-based course with a basis for discussing the principles of teaching and learning. Students will develop skills in assessing learner readiness, writing behavioral objectives, and using basic presentation media. Students will prepare and present a teaching plan. Annually Spring, or as needed.
NSG 345 TRANSCULTURAL NURSING (3)
In this course, students develop cultural sensitivity by exploring and analyzing cultural beliefs, attitudes, and values of clients and health care providers. Students describe the health care practices of various cultures and subcultures and identify methods of delivering culturally competent care to clients of nursing. Annually, Summer. (Spring, Louisville/Radcliff).
NSG 350 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
30 hours lecture and 30 hours clinical (clock) hours (3)
The health assessment course facilitates the student’s development of the physical assessment techniques of inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion. Students will perform health assessments in a laboratory situation as well as on selected clients in a variety of clinical settings. This course meets for four clock hours per week. Annually, Spring. (Summer, Louisville/Radcliff).
NSG 355 HEALTH POLICY AND ECONOMICS (3)
This web-based course introduces students to basic concepts and principles of health policy, healthcare economics, and healthcare delivery in the climate of managed care. Public and private funding of healthcare will be discussed. Students will examine the history and evolution of healthcare in America and the impact of the current system on cost, availability, access, and quality of healthcare. The United States system of healthcare delivery will be compared to those of other nations. Future trends in healthcare will be discussed. Annually, Fall and Spring, (Louisville-Summer)
NSG 360 FRONTIER NURSING (1-2)
This course explores the role of Mary Breckenridge in establishing the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS)
in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. The social changes that resulted from improved maternalinfant care to the families in Eastern Kentucky are identified. Students examine the past and current role of nurse midwives and family nurse practitioners as primary health care providers in rural areas of Eastern Kentucky. Students also identify common cultural mores that influence health practices of the Appalachian peoples. A field experience to Frontier Nursing Service in Hyden, Kentucky is required. Annually, Spring.
NSG 370 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (4)
Pathophysiology introduces students to the causes and mechanisms of disease. Students will recognize the symptoms of diseases in relation to the underlying biochemical, genetic and metabolic malfunctions. Students will be able to describe the pathogenesis of neoplasms, inflammatory disorders, disorders of the immune system, and specific hematologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, muscular, and endocrine disorders. Annually, Spring. January/February Louisville/Radcliffe
NSG 380-389 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING (1-4)
Studies in current topics or specialized areas of nursing practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program or consent of instructor. As needed.
NSG 400 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN NURSING (3)
This course provides an opportunity for students to investigate theories of leadership and management. Using classroom exercises, students develop management skills in the areas of communication, time management, decision making, performance appraisal, risk management, resource allocation, and. change. Students develop citizenship skills by participating in sociopolitical activities. Annually, Spring. (January Louisville/Radcliffe)
NSG 405 ETHICAL/LEGAL ISSUES IN NURSING (3)
In this course, students discuss legal issues impacting current nursing practice. Students explore
historical and social factors influencing the development of ethics in nursing practice and analyze ethical problems inherent in contemporary practice of nursing. Students analyze emerging professional roles in nursing, paying particular attention to the advocate component of these roles. Annually, Summer. December Louisville/Radcliffe
NSG 420 FAMILY HEALTH NURSING (3)
The focus of this course includes family theory and assessment of the total family. Critical thinking skills are challenged as students analyze and synthesize family data to develop case management strategies for families at risk. Factors that influence family development are examined. The effects of social, cultural and economic factors that influence family health behaviors and health risks are studied. The Roy Adaptation Model and various family theories serve as a foundation for exploring strategies to facilitate family adaptation. Annually, Fall. September Louisville/Radcliffe
NSG 430 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING (3)
The focus of this web-based course is on analyzing historical events of the nursing profession and their relationship to current issues in nursing. Students will investigate the origins of the profession, the evolution of nursing practice, and the development of nursing education. Exploring historical perspectives will enable students to project future trends in the practice of nursing. Annually, Fall.
NSG 450 COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (4)
In this course, students differentiate primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care and, at each
level, develop nursing interventions for managing the health care of groups in the community. Students identify methods of delivering culturally competent care to community groups. Students develop beginning level skills in epidemiological investigation, community assessment and community health education. By examining the health risks of a selected population group, students develop knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention concepts. Annually, Fall. October/November Louisville/Radcliffe
NSG 470 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN COMMUNITY HEALTH (W)
120 clinical (clock) hours (4)
This clinical course is designed to apply principles of community health nursing, case management,
leadership and change in a community setting. Expanding upon current knowledge and experience base, students will participate in a variety of clinical activities in the community. Students will design, implement and evaluate a project focusing on community health. This project will challenge critical thinking skills as students analyze and synthesize data to develop nursing interventions for population groups. Annually, Spring. Prerequisite: NSG 301 and NSG 450. Pre- or co-requisite: NSG 400. (February/March Louisville/Radcliffe)
NSG 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING (1-4)