ELEANOR MANN SCHOOL OF NURSING

Barbara Conrad, Department Head, Ozark Hall 217, 575-3904

* Professor Emerita Battenfield * Associate Professor Emeritae Eldred, Sullivan * Professor Neighbors * Associate Professors Barta, Conrad * Instructors Blair, Breckenridge, Hutchcroft, Johnson, McConaughy, McHenry, Schmutzler, Seymour

The mission of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing is to promote the health of society through education of professional nurses, research and service.

The School, as an established entity within the College of Education and Health Profes-sions and the University of Arkansas, Fayet-teville, subscribes to the philosophy and stated mission of the University of Arkansas on teaching, research, and service. The School of Nursing provides nursing education to meet expanding health care needs. In recognition of the interrelationship between teaching, re-search, service, and the practice of nursing, in the changing health care needs of society, the faculty aspires toward excellence in teaching, contributes to research in nursing, and promotes improved health care.

The philosophy and purpose of the education are a synthesis of the personal beliefs of the faculty in relation to the person, society, environment, health, nursing, education, the learning process, and the role of the graduates of the program.

The person is a unique five dimensional being of interrelated and inseparable systems (biological, intellectual, psychological, social and spiritual) from which needs arise as the person develops throughout the life span. Each person is a member of a larger cultural, racial, and/or ethnic group and is unique in the way in which the dimensions are developed, intersected and expressed. Environ-mental influences alter the person's health within each of these dimensions. The person is influenced by and interacts as a whole with the internal and external environment to preserve vital functions, dignity and a meaningful existence.

Society is a dynamic and multicultural phenomenon functioning within the ever-changing environment. The basic unit in society is the family. It functions to socialize its members to cultural values and norms and is highly influential in shaping the health behaviors of its members. Individual persons and family groups combine and intersect to form and function as larger distinct and indistinct community units. These units also have needs which arise from biological, intellectual, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. The health of the person, family or community impinges on and affects the health of the others. Society has given nursing and other health care professionals the latitude and responsibility to assist clients (individuals, families, and communities) in meeting health care needs.

The environment, internal and external, consists of those forces which influence the dimensions of the client. These complex factors act upon the client and ultimately determine its form, survival and evolution. When the forces effect health, nursing becomes an integral part of the environment to assist the client in maximizing health.

Health is a general condition involving the total client within the environment. Health is dynamic and relative, wherein the person exists at varying points along the varying entities of the environment. Wellness and illness are relative states of health and may be a matter of one's perception.

Nursing is a helping relationship which assists the client in achieving wellness. It is a process that is both an art and a science. Professional nursing is derived from a specialized body of knowledge. The professional nurse draws from various academic disciplines to diagnose and make treatment decisions. Critical thinking is essential to the diagnoses and treatment decisions in nursing. The professional nurse practices in a variety of settings and collaborates with other health care professionals to assist the client in promoting health, preventing illness, maintaining or restoring wellness, or to cope with death. The therapeutic and significant contribution of nursing is through performance in the roles of caregiver, manager, teacher and researcher of health care. A critical thinking approach known as the nursing process is used to meet health care needs.

Professional nursing begins with a Bachelor of Science degree. Nursing education offers a research base for nursing practice that promotes the ability of the nurse to effect change needed to improve health. It is a process by which knowledge is continually synthesized and directed toward meeting the health care needs of clients. The learner develops and applies intellectual, interpersonal and psychomotor skills in assisting clients in a variety of settings through four nursing roles. Professional nursing education develops critical thinking, and acceptance of re-sponsibility for nursing interventions and accountability outcomes. In the study of professional nursing at the student builds on a planned general education from the academic disciplines and acquires theoretical and specific knowledge to meet health care needs. In addition the curriculum provides opportunity for students with technical nursing education to expand their knowledge and scope of practice. The baccalaureate program establishes a foundation for graduate education in nursing and for continued personal and professional development.

Learning takes place within the student and is ultimately the responsibility of the student. Knowledge and skills are enhanced when the student derives satisfaction from the learning environment and has the opportunity to explore and express thoughts and feelings. Acquisition of knowledge and skills promotes development of the student and is manifested by a change in behavior.

Faculty have the responsibility to ensure the quality of the nursing program. They define levels of expectations for students and maintain standards of nursing practice. They focus on students' learning needs when they select or manipulate the environment to enhance experiential learning. Faculty guide and direct learning through the development and implementation of the curriculum and through planned periodic evaluations based on program criteria. In clinical agencies both faculty and practicing nurses are role models for students.

Within a climate of mutual respect, students and faculty share in an interdependent enterprise of learning, inquiry and teaching. With guidance, students develop the ability to use critical thinking to integrate eclectic knowledge with current nursing theory and research-based practice. They learn personal and professional responsibility and accountablility. Progress, or lack of, in meeting performance expectations and improvements necessary for success is identified by teacher evaluation and student self-evaluation.

The baccalaureate graduate, as a member of the discipline, uses knowledge from a research base to fulfill the roles of the nurse in contemporary society as a caregiver, manager, teacher and/or researcher. On entry into practice the graduate makes clinical judgments using critical thinking and other key nursing concepts to address health care needs in diverse settings. The baccalaureate nurse works singularly or in collaboration with other health care professionals in coordinating and promoting the health of culturally diverse clients.

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas prepares students to enter the professional practice of nursing and/or pursue graduate-level nursing education. The curriculum provides the student with a theoretical base to practice professional nursing with diverse clients in various settings through the roles of caregiver, manager, teacher, and researcher. The program of study has been designed to emphasize one or more of these roles in each nursing course. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.). Persons convicted of a crime may not be eligible to take the NCLEX examination.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (B.S.N.) is awarded after successful completion of the nursing curriculum.

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a limited number of scholarships specifically for nursing students admitted to the School. These scholarships are awarded by the scholarship committee of the School of Nursing and include the Jerry Wade Davis, Jr., Scholarship, the Mervin Harold Davis Jr., Scholarship, and the Eleanor Mann Scholar-ship. Contact the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing about the guidelines and application deadlines.

ADMISSION TO THE B.S.N. PROGRAM

Admission Policies

Admission to the B.S.N. program is limited. Final approval for admission will be determined by the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing faculty. Requirements for admission into the professional program of study are as follows:

1. An overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. (Transfer GPA will be factored in if it is to the student's benefit. If U of A GPA is based on at least 12 hours of study and is greater than the transfer GPA, the U of A GPA will be used. If the student has less than 12 hours at the U of A, the transfer GPA will be factored in.)

2. Students will be ranked according to GPA for admission to the program.

3. Applications for admission must be submitted by December 1 for admission consideration. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.

4. Selection process will be completed by March 1.

5. All general education courses must be completed at the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the professional program of study.

6. The professional program of study begins in the summer following the sophomore year.

7. Students transferring from another nursing program must be eligible to return to that program to be considered for admission.

8. Students must meet the performance standards for the professional program of study.

9. CPR certification is required.

10. The completed Hepatitis B vaccine series must be verified.

11. Negative Tuberculin skin test or x-ray is required.

12. Health and liability insurance is required (check with the School of Nursing).

13. A car or reliable transportation is required.

14. A criminal background check is required and reported to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Advanced Placement for Registered Nurses

Applicant to the R.N. to B.S.N. track must:

1. Meet College of Education and Health Professions admission requirements;

2. Meet the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Admissin Requirements

3. Have completed the general education studies. (RN students who have completed 50 hours of the required general studies may petition for exception to this policy if MATH 1203, statistics, and NURS3013 have been completed.);

4. Have graduated from an Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved program, or an NLN-accredited out-of-state program;

5. Provide proof of and maintain unen-cumbered licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas.

6. Requirements necessary to receive advanced placement may vary with length of time since graduation and length of time of (or since) nursing employment.

7. Credit for courses listed below will be held in escrow upon successful completion of NURS 4213 and NURS 4214. The student will receive credit for these courses upon successful completion of the program.

NURS 3032 NURS 4241L

NURS 3141L NURS 3041L

NURS 3123/3133 NURS 3312

NURS 3341L NURS 4103/4112

NURS 4123/4133 NURS 4134/4144

RN students will be considered as a separate group for admission purposes.

Advanced placement for Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Psychiatric Technical Nurses.

Applicants for advanced placement into the LPN/LPTN to B.S.N. tract must meet all College of Education and Health Professions and Eleanor Mann School of Nursing admission requirements. They must also:

1. Have completed an Arkansas State Board approved LPN or LPTN program or an NLN accredited out-or-state program.

2. Provide proof of and maintain an unencumbered license to practice as an LPN or LPTN in the state of Arkansas.

3. Advanced placement may vary based on the length of time since completion of the LPN or LPTN and the length of time of (or since) nursing employment.

4. Students may receive credit for 12 hours in the nursing program through validation procedures. The student may validate NURS 4123/NURS 4133 Care of the Client I through the NLN Profile II Book I examination. They may validate NURS 3041L, and NURS 3141L Tech-nical Interventions in Nursing I and II, NURS 3312 Pharmacology, and NURS 3032 Therapeutic Communications through successful completion of the remaining courses in Level I of the professional program of study. The student will receive credit for escrowed courses upon successful completion of the professional program of study.

Performance Standards for Admission to and Progression in the Professional Program of Study

Professional nurses must have the knowledge and ability to completely assist the biological, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions of the client. After acceptance, but before admission to the B.S.N. program, students must show documentation for current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers. This requires the ability to successfully complete both the written and practical tests for certification. In addition, students admitted to the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing must meet the following abilities and expectations during their enrollment in the program.

1. Critical Thinking. Student nurses must be able to analyze data, explore interpretations, generate hypotheses, select actions and evaluate outcomes related
to nursing care of clients. In addition, applicants must be able to problem solve.

2. Psychomotor. Student nurses must be able to

a. assess clients through auscultation, percussion, palpation, and other diagnostic maneuvers;

b. manipulate equipment necessary to assist the client to desired outcomes;

c. lift and move clients to provide safe care and emergency treatment;

d. perform cardiopulmonary
resuscitation;

e. perform independently of others; and

f. possess cognitive abilities to measure, calculate dosages, reason, analyze, and synthesize.

3. Communication. Student nurses must be able to

a. receive, translate, and import information by oral and written means according to standards of the English language and safe nursing practice;

b. speak, hear, visually observe clients and interpret non-verbal behavior; and

c. effectively communicate verbally and in writing with all health care providers.

4. Behavioral/Social Attributes. Students are required to have social skills and emotional health sufficient to provide safe, therapeutic care. The ability to function in stressful environments and meet physically and mentally stressful demands is essential.

The study and practice of nursing requires strong emotional, intellectual, and physical capabilities. It is important for prospective nursing students to have a realistic view of the demanding curriculum before they decide to pursue the degree. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the School of Nursing if they have questions about their ability to function in the clinical settings.

Progression, Probation, Suspension, Withdrawal and Dismissal

1. Any nursing course in which a letter grade of "D" is received must be repeated. (Repetition of courses depends on clinical space available.)

2. Students who receive less than a grade of "C" or withdraw from any nursing course for any reason must petition the School's Admission and Advancement Committee for readmission to the nursing program. Final decisions for readmission rests with the nursing faculty.

3. Junior Progression Test Requirement (Students should contact their adviser for details.)

4. Senior Progression Test Requirement (Students should contact their adviser for details.)

5. Students are limited to one petition for readmission. Readmission is limited by space availability.

6. Students who are dismissed from any clinical course will be suspended from all clinical courses until the dismissal is reviewed by the faculty of the School. (Suspension means the student will not be permitted to attend any clinical assignment until the School reviews the issue.)

Readmission Policies

Any student whose enrollment in the professional program of study has been interrupted may seek readmission following the steps below:

1. Seek readmission into the University of Arkansas (if applicable).

2. Complete Readmission Application to the School of Nursing the semester prior to the semester of intended re-entry into the program.(Readmission is limited by space availability.)

3. If the student's enrollment was interrupted to attend another college, the University's transfer student admission policies would also apply for readmission.

Note: In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the University and College graduation requirements.

COURSES: NURSING (NURS)

NURS217V Independent Study in Nursing (1-2) (FA, SP) A selected learning experience in nursing to exchange knowledge about and/or practice in the profession. Objectives and experiences are designed on an individual basis with a faculty adviser.

NURS3013 Computers in Health Care Systems (FA, SP, SU) Focuses on the use of computers in the health care system. Basic computer terminology, equipment, evaluation of software, and nursing applications are discussed.

NURS3023 Concepts in Professional Nursing (SU) Presents an overview of theories, principles, and concepts essential to professional nursing practice. Includes ethics and legal implications relevant to health care systems. Focus is on the nursing process as the organizing framework for the delivery of care. Also explores the roles of the professional nurse, concepts of health promotion, and the structure and function of the family. Must be taken with or prior to the first nursing practicum course. This is a Level I course.

NURS3032 Therapeutic Communication (SU) Focuses on intrapersonal and interpersonal strategies necessary for effective nurse-client interactions. Introduces a variety of communication techniques skills including group process and dynamics. This is a Level I course.

NURS3041L Technical Interventions in Nursing: Laboratory I (SU) The first campus laboratory experience to acquire selected technical skills basic to nursing practice. This is a Level I course.

NURS3123 Nursing and Health Promotion (FA, SP, SU) An overview of theories of nursing principles and concepts from the liberal arts essential to the nursing profession. The nursing process, the roles of the professional nurse, and the dimensions of man are introduced. This is a Level I course. Corequisite: NURS 3023 and NURS 3041L.

NURS3133 Clinical Practicum: Nursing and Health Promotion (FA) The clinical component to NUSR 3123. Allows student to apply knowledge and practice skills utilizing the nursing process. This is a Level I course. Prerequisite: NURS 3023 and NURS 3032 and NURS 3041L.

NURS3141L Technical Interventions in Nursing: Laboratory II (FA) The second campus laboratory experience in a sequence of 4 courses. Technical skills in nursing practice to meet basic health care needs of the client are presented. This is a Level I course. Prerequisite: NURS 3041L.

NURS3312 Pharmacology in Nursing (FA) Focuses on the use of therapeutic drugs in the health care system. Nursing assessment of the client, safety measures, client education, and drug actions are emphasized throughout the study of drugs in relation to body systems. This is a Level I course. Prerequisite: CHEM 1074 and CHEM 1071L and MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L and ZOOL 2443 and ZOOL 2441L and ZOOL 2213 and ZOOL 2211L.

NURS3313 Pathophysiology (FA) Focuses on alterations in body systems and the clinical concepts of disease. This is a Level I course.

NURS3321 Health Assessment (FA) Focuses on the assessment of health status, environment, nursing care needs, and referral needs. Specific technical skills related to the assessment of the client are demonstrated and practiced by students. This is a Level I course. Prerequisite: ZOOL 2213 and ZOOL 2211L and ZOOL 2443 and 2441L.

NURS3322 Introduction to Teaching and Management in Nursing (FA) Introduces principles of teaching and management, and the professional nurse's role in these areas in the health care environment. This is a Level I course. Prerequisite: NURS 3023 and NURS 3032.

NURS3343 Introduction to Nursing Research (SP) Introduces principles of research and the professional nurse's role in research utilization in the health care environment. This is a Level II course.

NURS3341L Technical Interventions in Nursing: Laboratory III (SP) The 3rd campus laboratory experience in a sequence of 4 courses. Technical skills common to adult health nursing practice are presented. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4123 and NURS 4133. Prerequisite: NURS 3141L.

NURS4103 Care of the Client with Mental Health or Psychosocial Problems (SP) Presents basic mental health concepts and the application of the nursing process in the care of the mentally ill clients of all ages. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4112. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses.

NURS4112 Clinical Practicum: Care of the Mental Health or Psychosocial Problems (SP) Laboratory component of the mental health course. Allows students to work with clients with mental health problems, observe group process in therapy sessions, and develop interpersonal communication skills. This is a Level I course. Corequisite: NURS 4103. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses.

NURS4123 Care of the Client I (SP) Focuses on utilization and application of the nursing process in health promotion for adult clients with health deviations. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4133 and NURS 3341L. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses.

NURS4133 Clinical Practicum: Care of the Client I (SP) Clinical laboratory experience in a variety of health care settings for application of research-based knowledge and skills in the nursing care of adults with selected health problems. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4123 and NURS 3341L. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses.

NURS4134 Nursing Care of the Family (FA) Presents research based concepts of professional nursing care for the childbearing and childrearing family. Principles of health promotion and health education for expanding families are integral to the course. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4144 and NURS 4241L. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses and NURS 3341L.

NURS4144 Clinical Practicum: Nursing Care of the Family (FA) Clinical laboratory experience for application of research based knowledge and skills in the nursing care of the childbearing and childrearing family. Emphasis is on the birth process and health of children. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4134 and NURS 4241L. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses and NURS 3341L.

NURS4213 Care of the Client II (FA) Focuses on the application of the nursing process with the elderly clients in a variety of settings. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4214. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses and NURS 3343.

NURS4214 Clinical Practicum: Care of the Client II (FA) The laboratory experience for application of the nursing process in the care of the elderly in a variety of settings. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4213. Prerequisite: completion of Level I courses and NURS 3343.

NURS4241L Technical Interventions in Nursing: Laboratory IV (FA) The final campus laboratory experience in a sequence of 4 courses. Selected technical skills common to family and critical care nursing practice are presented. This is a Level II course. Corequisite: NURS 4134 and NURS 4144. Prerequisite: NURS 3341L.

NURS4313 Care of the Client III (SP) Focuses on utilization and application of the nursing process in the care of the critically ill client. Common principles and techniques essential to the care of clients in life-threatening physiologic crises are explored. This is a Level III course. Corequisite: NURS 4323. Prerequisite: completion of Level II courses.

NURS4323 Clinical Practicum: Care of the Client III (SP) A clinical laboratory experience for application of research based knowledge in the care of critically ill clients. This is a Level III course. Corequisite: NURS 4313. Prerequisite: completion of Level II courses.

NURS4603 Wellness and Illness in the Community (SP) Focuses on the use of the nursing process to assist with the health concerns of the individual, family, or community. The concepts of community health nursing, health care delivery, health education, school health, and health resources are explored. This is a Level III course. Corequisite: NURS 4613. Prerequisite: completion of Level II courses.

NURS4613 Clinical Practicum: Wellness and Illness in the Community (SP) The laboratory experience for the application of nursing process to assist the individual, family, or community in maintaining or restoring health in a variety of primary care settings. This is a Level III course. Corequisite: NURS 4603. Prerequisite: completion of Level II courses.

NURS4713 Seminar in Clinical Nursing (SP) Provides specific clinical learning objectives designed to meet the individual needs of the student. Focuses on the nursing roles of caregiver, teacher, manager, and researcher. Arrangements for a preceptor for guidance are made on individual basis. Must be taken the last semester of the student's enrollment in the nursing program. This is a Level III course.

NURS491V Independent Study in Nursing (1-3) (FA, SP) A selected learning experience in nursing to enhance knowledge and/or practice of the profession. Objectives and experiences are designed on an individual basis with a faculty adviser. May be taken with any 3500-level nursing course or above.

Footnote

8 Courses required for RN's seeking the B.S.N. This curriculum is subject to change to comply with national accreditation and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

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