2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Nursing
|
|
 Return to: Departments
Faculty:
Beals - Chair: Chrisenbery, Coleman, Cooper, Cowley, Floyd, Herchenroeder, and Lawrence
Health Sciences Building 246 • 417-625-9628
Mission
The MSSU Department of Nursing offers an innovative baccalaureate education through an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment in which faculty and students’ partner in the learning process to serve clients within local and global communities.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program prepares graduates to enter practice and deliver care focused on quality, safety, teamwork, and patient-centeredness. The degree is offered to the student seeking a baccalaureate degree, licensure as a registered nurse, and for licensed practical nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree and licensure as a registered nurse. This program is offered in a face-to-face learning environment with clinical experiences at a wide range of clinical site offerings. The program prepares the student for licensure and practice as a BSN prepared Registered Nurse. Application to this program is offered each January for a fall semester start. Application for spring semester start is offered each fall (pending state board of nursing approval summer of 2024). Admission to this program is competitive.
A RN to BSN degree option offers working Registered Nurses the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Science Degree. The RN to BSN degree option has a full-time or part-time plan of study with coursework completion in an online learning environment. Students will complete 48 practicum hours in a clinical area of their choosing in the last semester of the program. This program is offered as a rolling admission each summer, fall, and spring. Admission to this program is competitive. Admission for to the NURS major courses for the RN to BSN program in the catalog year 2023-2024 will commence in the Summer 2024 semester.
The program vision is to prepare graduates who will be knowledgeable, adaptable professionals who recognize the uniqueness and value of each client, serves as a client advocate, and demonstrates visionary leadership. The curricular framework is based upon Tanner’s Model of Clinical Judgement and Knowles Theory of Adult Learning.
The program has full approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, PO Box 656, Jefferson City MO, (573) 751-0681.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program at Missouri Southern State University at the College of Health, Life Sciences, and Education is located in Joplin, Missouri 64801-1595 and is nationally accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is continuing accreditation with the next site visit in the Spring of 2028. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Application for Registered Nurse Licensure in Missouri
According to Section 335.066 Missouri Nursing Practice Act (1-16), granting of the nursing baccalaureate degree does not guarantee eligibility to sit for the licensure examination or guarantee issuance of a license to practice nursing in the state of Missouri. For eligibility requirements to apply, write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) as specified in section 335.046-1 of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act. In addition, the applicant should: 1) be of good moral character; 2) have completed high school or equivalent; 3) have successfully completed basic professional curriculum in accredited school of nursing. Section 335.066, Missouri Nursing Practice Act (1-16), provides rules for denial, revocation or suspension of license and grounds for civil immunity. The Board may refuse to issue any certificate of registration or authority and permit or license stated in subsection two of this section. Detailed information may be obtained through the Missouri State Board of Nursing Website - www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
- The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 656 Jefferson City, Missouri.
- The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program at Missouri Southern State University at the College of Health Sciences located in Joplin, Missouri 64801-1595 is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
- The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is continuing accreditation.
- View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Nursing Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the nursing program, the graduate will be able to:
- deliver quality professional nursing care based upon knowledge and skills obtained throughout the nursing educational experience.
- practice in a variety of clinical situations using reasoning patterns and nursing intuition at the level of an advanced beginner.
- recognize the importance of ongoing, reflective, and independent learning throughout the professional nursing career.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership principles through client-centered care, teamwork, and collaboration.
- Differentiate professional implications (behaviors, standards, regulations) with respect to safe, ethical, quality, and evidence-based care.
- Provide inclusive holistic nursing care to promote health and prevent disease in all populations.
- Demonstrate adaptability by anticipating and responding to client needs to manage care in a variety of clinical situations.
- Apply evidence-based practice in the delivery of quality, client-centered care.
- Integrate a variety of technology and information technology to communicate, manage, and support clinical decision-making.
- Prioritize clinical actions by noticing, interpreting, responding, & reflecting on clinical findings.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the pre-licensure BSN and LPN to BSN program is once per year in August and once per year in January (spring admission pending approval from state board of nursing). The deadline for application and completion of admission examination is March 1st for fall (August) and November 1st for spring (January).
Continuous enrollment, readmission or admission to the University as a transfer student.
Cumulative GPA of 2.8 minimum based upon completion of first-year and sophomore courses listed in the suggested plan of study.
Completion of the following required prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher (may repeat required courses one time):
- BIO 121 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credit hours)
- BIO 221 Anatomy and Physiology II (5 credit hours)
- BIO 231 General and Medical Microbiology (5 credit hours)
- CHEM 125 Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences (4 credit hours) OR CHEM 151 General Chemistry I (5 credit hours)
- KINE 385 Nutrition for Human Development (3 credit hours)
- MATH 130 College Algebra (3 credit hours)
- PSY 100 General Psychology (3 credit hours)
- SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology or ECON 101 Economics of Social Issues (3 credit hours)
- Statistics (3 credit Hours) **PSY 320 Applied Statistics OR MATH 310 Elementary Statistics OR GB 321 Business Statistics I OR SOC/PSC 350 Social Science Statistics
Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 Entrance Exam minimum score of 75% on required sections (may repeat 1 time)
LPN-BSN track admission standards as above and including the following:
- Current undisciplined practical nursing license
- NLN NACE Exam (may repeat 1-time) **credit for courses with successful completion of a 75% or higher
All courses from the Suggested Plan of Study must be completed prior to entering the nursing major at the junior level.
Applications are processed, and files are managed in the Department of Nursing. Admission decisions are made by the Department of Nursing admission, progression, graduation committee. All admission decisions rendered are final and cannot be appealed. Applicants who are offered acceptance can expect to receive notification by email to their MSSU email address. Only letters sent directly to the MSSU Nursing Department may be considered official notification of acceptance to the program.
Please be sure to use your current email and mailing address within the application once submitted.
Upon acceptance to the program and prior to the beginning of the semester, nursing students must have the following completed and successfully passed.
- Application Admission fee
- Criminal Record Check
- State of Missouri Care Giver Background Screening
- Physical Exam with health requirements documented (immunizations, TB test, drug/alcohol screening)
Obtain and/or maintain current CPR from American Heart Association for Health Care Providers
RSMO 192.2495 prohibits a hospital from knowingly allowing those guilty of Class A and B felonies as defined by state law to give care to clients in the agency. Missouri Southern State University students are assigned to do clinical practice in cooperating hospitals and the Department agrees that students must meet these requirements. Results of a personal criminal history record check and caregiver background screening must be on file prior to the start of nursing courses. Applicants who have been found guilty and/or listed on background check lists in the Family Care Safety Registry pursuant to sections 210.900 to 210.937, RSMo of Class A and B felonies will be ineligible to enter the program. The Nursing program reserves the right to deny acceptance or continuation in the program for the following circumstances:
- a student is found to have a criminal record or arrest record regardless of a charge and/or outcome of the arrest/charge.
- a student or applicant does not disclose history of criminal record or arrest record.
Applicants for the pre-licensure BSN tracks must demonstrate evidence of personal characteristics and integrity that indicate high probability of successful degree completion and must meet application criteria necessary to complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Application information may be found at MSSU Pre-Licensure Nursing Program Application.
Information regarding readmission or transfer admission may be found within the Nursing Student Handbook located at: MSSU Department of Nursing.
The applicant is responsible for verifying that the Missouri Southern State University transcript contains all transcripted courses from other colleges and universities prior to the application deadline.
Transfer Policy for Students from a Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program:
- All program admission criteria must be met.
- A letter of reference is required from the Dean or Director of the nursing program previously attended stating the student left in good standing and is eligible for readmission.
- Transfer courses will be evaluated for course equivalency at Missouri Southern on an individual basis.
- Nursing courses with a clinical component must be fully met.
- Transfer is based on space availability.
Admission of Baccalaureate Degree Pre-Licensure and Post-Licensure Applicants
The University considers applicants holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution as having completed the General Education Requirements. Nursing applicants with a baccalaureate degree within another major must meet all stated admission requirements.
Cumulative GPA of 2.8 minimum based upon completion of baccalaureate degree.
Health Education systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 Entrance Exam minimum score of 75% on required sections (may repeat 1 time). Pre-licensure only.
Completion of the following required prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher (may repeat required courses one time):
Admission of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are admitted to the University as first-time (generic) or transfer students. LPN applicants must meet all University and program requirements for admission. A current undisciplined practical nursing license is required as an admission criterion. The LPN has the option to challenge 8 credit hours upon successful completion of the NLN NACE Exam(s) (may repeat 1-time) **credit for courses with successful completion of a 75% or higher. The following courses apply to the credit for courses option: NURS 307 Foundational Concepts of Nursing (6 credit hrs.) and NURS 314 Pharmacology I (2 credit hrs.).
RN to BSN track admission is offered on a rolling basis each summer, fall, and spring semester.
Admission for the NURS specific courses for the AY 2023-2024 will commence in the summer 2024 semester. Admission criteria include completion of an application by April 1st for summer start, July 1st for fall start, and October 1st for spring start. A RN to BSN track admission checklist may be found at RN to BSN Admission.
- Graduate from a fully approved and/or nationally accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program
- Unencumbered (undisciplined) license as a Registered Nursing in the state of Missouri or compact state
- The HESI A2 admission exam is not required for the RN to BSN program track entrance.
Special Costs
Costs incurred during the pre-licensure or post-licensure programs include, but are not limited to: laboratory, equipment, simulation center, required nurse bag equipped for courses, uniforms, pins, standardized examination costs, graduation costs, licensing examination costs, hepatitis series, current immunizations, etc. An estimated cost sheet for nursing students is available in the Department of Nursing or by emailing Kumbier-C@mssu.edu. Often these special costs, as well as tuition, are covered by financial aid.
Minors
Minors in supportive disciplines are available to nursing students. See requirements for the following suggested (but not exclusive) minors: Informatics, Business, Spanish, Health Administration, etc.
Students are required to have completed a physical examination/health verification after conditional admission to the nursing program. Students will be required to demonstrate physical and/or emotional fitness to meet the essential requirements of each course in the program. Such essential requirements include freedom from communicable diseases, the ability to perform certain physical tasks and suitable emotional fitness. Any appraisal measures used to determine such physical and/or emotional fitness will be in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Core performance standards for admission and progression which comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 are available in the office of the Department of Nursing.
For additional information on the Nursing Program contact:
The Department of Nursing
Health Sciences Building 243
417-625-9775 • beals-l@mssu.edu
ProgramsMajor Programs (Undergraduate)
CoursesNursing
Return to: Departments
|
