academic programs Nursing DEPARTMENT Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) (122 Credits) Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (RN/BSN) (184 Credits) Program Description The associate and baccalaureate degree programs provide the theoretical and clinical foundations for educational and career mobility in nursing. The programs prepare graduates to practice in a variety of rural and Native American health care settings. The core competencies integrate evidence-based practice with health promotion, acute, and chronic care of individuals across the lifespan, families, communities, and populations. The nursing curricula are based in part on the underpinnings of Knowles Adult Learning Theory, Campinha-Bacote Cultural Competence Model, and Leininger Theory of Transcultural Nursing. The nursing curricula are designed for students to earn their ASN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and return for one/two years to complete a BSN degree. The philosophy and organizing framework for the programs are published in the ASN and RN/ BSN Student Handbooks. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Nursing Department (406-275-4909) for the most current admission requirements and program updates. Also, consult our website, www.nursing.skc.edu for information. Career Pathways A graduate from SKC Nursing programs will be prepared to work as bedside nurses in a hospital setting or clinic setting. The beginning salary for a new graduate nurse is around $28,000 to $50,000 per year average. The beginning hourly wage of an RN is $16- $26 per hour. This number can increase over time, as the RN gains experience, certifications, or if the RN specializes in a specific area of nursing. The degree prepares the student for postgraduate studies and degrees in nursing or health-related fields. Students may continue going to school to receive an advanced degree at colleges or universities that offer bachelor, masters, and PhD programs in nursing. Accreditation The ASN and RN/BSN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Nursing Program information is printed in this catalog, the ASN and RN/BSN program information guides, the ASN and RN/BSN Handbooks and at the NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326. 404-975-5000 (www.nlnac. org). Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) Program The ASN program is designed to provide the entry-level skills and knowledge needed to obtain licensure and work as a Registered Nurse. The ASN program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing (301 South Park, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513 Phone: (406) 841-2340 (http://bsd.dli.mt.gov) ASN Program Admission Requirements Students interested in applying to the ASN program, must notify their academic advisor early in the advising process to ensure that course sequencing meets prerequisite requirements. ASN Admission application deadline is May 1st annually. Nursing Department application (send directly to Nursing Department). Students are eligible for admission after completion of all prerequisites. Transcript verification of all required prerequisites must be received in the nursing office by June 15th annually. A grade of B or better must be achieved for the following science and math prerequisites: BIOS 215 Anatomy and Physiology I BIOS 216 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab BIOS 217 Anatomy and Physiology II BIOS 218 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab BIOS 219 Anatomy and Physiology III BIOS 229 Anatomy and Physiology III Lab MATH 100 College Algebra or approved transfer equivalents (see SKC enrollment services for approved transfer courses) 92
Completion of the remaining course prerequisites must achieve a grade of C or better: ENGL 101 English Composition I ENGL 202 English Composition II PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology NAS open elective SPCH 100 Basic Communication HMNT 101 Introduction to Humanities, or PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy, or ENGL 210 World Literature EXPR-ART Elective or approved transfer equivalents (see SKC enrollment services for approved transfer courses) Completion of the application process and prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission to the nursing program (see acceptance process). Completion of an admission test selected by SKC Nursing Department. Admission documentation must be received in the nursing office by June 15th annually. The SKC application packet (send to Enrollment Services). One official copy of high school transcript (send directly to Nursing Department). Official college transcripts (send directly to Nursing Department). Criminal Background checks must be submitted with admission documents (fee may apply). Selection of ASN Applicants will be completed by June 30th annually Current certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant is recommended but no longer required for admission into the ASN program. Computer literacy is strongly encouraged as nursing course material is presented online. ASN Program Acceptance Process Incomplete application packets (missing required documents or prerequisites) will not be considered for admissions. The Nursing Department will begin screening all completed applications after June 15th. Admission into the Nursing Department is based on grade point average (GPA), Kaplan Admission Test score, and Native American enrollment status (Native American preference refers to Tribal members and descendants traceable to the second generation). Enrollment in the nursing program is limited, based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty. Students are admitted into the nursing program once a year in fall quarter. Students receive written notification of acceptance status by July 10th annually. Confirmation of Acceptance by Students To confirm enrollment in to the ASN Program and to be eligible to enroll in nursing courses, students must submit the following by August 15th annually, failure to comply will change acceptance status to nonacceptance status in the nursing program. A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines student responsibilities. A completed Health Form, documenting health status, immunizations, skin tests, and ability to meet physical and mental essential abilities criteria for nursing practice. Immunizations are required by clinical agencies; therefore, strict adherence to immunization deadlines will be enforced. Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage. A copy of a driver s license or a legal identification (must show photo) document such as a passport. Completion of uniform and nametag order forms must be turned in by the deadline. Both attendance at Nursing Institute in September, and completion of CPR training during Institute is mandatory. Expenses In addition to SKC tuition and fees, nursing students have significant costs including laboratory, program fees, textbooks, uniforms, nametag, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel. RN licensure expenses include the NCLEX-RN exam fee and travel to the testing site. A written list of nursing program expenses may be obtained at the Nursing Department. academic programs 93
academic programs Clinical Laboratories Nursing coursework includes interactive learning activities in the classroom, independent study, computer lab, campus practice lab, and clinical practice in a variety of institutional and community based health care settings. One lab credit hour represents two contact hours. Clinical facilities are located in Kalispell, Missoula, and other western Montana communities. Overnight stays in various communities may be necessary throughout the program. Clinical labs may be scheduled on days, evenings, nights, or on weekends. During the last quarter of the program, students participate in preceptorships, following the work schedules of RN preceptors. Students are responsible for housing and transportation to and from clinical facilities. Nursing Department Policies Due to the unique nature of the nursing profession, the Nursing Department maintains policies in addition to those of the college. The policies are available in the ASN Student Handbook. Examples include admission, progression, professional behavior, and grading policies. Additional Requirements for Licensure as a Registered Nursing (RN) Completion of the associate of science is not the sole criteria for obtaining a license to practice as a registered nurse. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (ncsbn.org) publishes requirements by state. The Montana Nurse Practice Act authorizes the State Board of Nursing (http://mt.gov/dli/nur/) to set requirements for RN Licensure in Montana. Requirements for licensure include: Graduation from an approved school of nursing. A passing score on the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam. The capacity to maintain the professional code of nursing practice. Licensure may be denied to graduates/nurses who demonstrate: Fraudulent information or misrepresentation in the licensing application or exam. Active history of substance abuse/chemical dependency. Failure to maintain the professional conduct of nurses. Conviction of a crime that relates adversely to the practice of nursing. Student Learning Outcomes The Associate Degree Program encompasses the five competencies expected of students: critical thinking, communication, culturally congruent care, citizenship, and care management. Upon completion of the ASN program, graduates will be able to: Utilize critical thinking and evidence-based interventions to coordinate holistic care. Incorporate information literacy and effective communication strategies in relationship-centered practice. Provide culturally congruent care to clients of their respective nursing practices. Demonstrate citizenship, integrity, self-reflection, and life-long learning in nursing practice. Utilize care management and leadership strategies to improve health outcomes of individuals, families, and groups. All nursing program information can be accessed through the Nursing Department (406-275-4909) and the website (nursing.skc.edu). 94
Associate of Science, Nursing CURRICULUM Fall (Level I Nursing) NSGD 209 Infectious Disease & 3 Epidemiology NSGD 126 Nursing Fundamentals: 9 Health Promotion PSYC 230 Developmental Psychology 5 Total 17 Winter (Level I Nursing) NSGD 316 Pharmacology I 3 NSGD 136 Nursing Fundamentals: 6 Chronic Care I NSGD 317 Pathophysiology I 3 NUTR 209 Nutrition for Health Sciences 2 Total 14 Spring (Level I Nursing) NSGD 326 Pharmacology II 3 NSGD 146 Nursing Fundamentals: 6 Acute Care I NSGD 327 Pathophysiology II 3 CURRICULUM Fall (Level II Nursing) NSGD 226 Nursing Applications: 9 Acute Care II NASD 101 History of Indians in U.S. 3 Winter (Level II Nursing) NSGD 236 Nursing Applications: 9 Chronic Care II NAS/FAH elective 3 or NAS/language elective Spring (Level II Nursing) NSGD 246 Nursing Integration: 9 Focused Care I NSGD 247 NCLEX Preparation 3 Total General 54 Education Requirements Total Nursing Credits 68 Degree 2 academic programs **ASN nursing students may apply to concurrently take RN/BSN program courses with advisor s approval. 95
academic programs Bachelor of Science Nursing (RN/BSN) Program The RN/BSN program is designed for RNs with an associate degree. Diploma certificate RNs may be accepted with approval. It builds upon associate degree coursework to expand the level, complexity, and scope of RN practice to provide clinical leadership and care for individuals, families, and populations. RN students are admitted to the program at the upper division level. Coursework may be completed with full-time or part-time enrollment. The Admission Process The RN/BSN application packet and all supporting documents must be received by the SKC Nursing Department no later than 5 p.m. on June 15th annually to be considered for enrollment in RN/BSN courses fall quarter of the same year. Students may apply for: Full-time or part-time plans of study. For those students wishing to attend school part-time, senior courses (NSGD 437, NSGD 455, NSGD 456) must be taken in sequence the final year. All other RN/BSN courses may be scheduled as desired in collaboration with the academic advisor. ASN nursing students may apply to concurrently take RN/BSN program courses with academic advisor approval. Student Learning Outcomes The RN/Baccalaureate of Science Degree Program encompasses the five competencies of critical thinking, communication, culturally congruent care, citizenship, and clinical leadership. Upon completion of the BSN program, graduates will be able to: Utilize critical thinking, nursing theory, and research to support decision-makingin nursing practice. Utilize skills in providing culturally congruent care to reduce health disparities and improve the effectiveness of healthcare systems. Utilize effective written and verbal communication and information technology to collaborate with health care members and disseminate nursing knowledge. Maintain a commitment to citizenship, integrity, self-reflection, and life-long learning in nursing practice. Utilize clinical leadership strategies to improve health outcomes of individuals, families, and populations. Admission Documents Deadline to submit all required application documents is June 15th. Application documents include: Nursing Department application Official copies of high school and college transcripts, send directly to Nursing Department. SKC Nursing Department PO Box 70 Pablo, MT 59855 Copy of current unencumbered RN license A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines colleague responsibilities. Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage Documentation of current CPR certification A legal document containing photo such as driver s license or passport A current criminal background check, unless student has had one within the past year. RN/BSN students must attend a required orientation prior to the beginning of classes. A completed Health Form, documenting health status, immunizations, skin tests, and ability to meet physical and mental essential abilities criteria for nursing practice. Immunizations are required by clinical agencies; therefore, strict adherence to immunization deadlines will be enforced. A GPA of 2.5 or greater for lower division general education and nursing coursework BSN advisors are available throughout the academic year for assistance with the admission process. Please call 406-275-4923 or 406-275- 4910 for further information. Application forms may be obtained from the Nursing Department or online at www.nursing. skc.edu. 96
The Acceptance Process Enrollment into baccalaureate level courses is based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty. The RN/BSN admission committee reviews all applications. Tribal members and American Indian descendants traceable to the second generation receive first preference for admission. RN/BSN students will be sent written notification of acceptance, acceptance with provisions, or non-acceptance into the RN/BSN program postmarked by June 30th. Expenses In addition to SKC tuition and fees, RN/BSN nursing students have significant costs including laboratory, program fees, textbooks, lab coat, nametag, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel. A written list of nursing program expenses may be obtained at the Nursing Department. Nursing Department Policies Due to the unique nature of the nursing profession, the Nursing Department maintains policies in addition to those of the college. The policies are available in the BSN Student Handbook. Examples include admission, progression, readmission, professional behavior, and grading policies. Program Delivery BSN courses are offered as hybrid campus/ online or online classes. General education courses are available online or on campus. Hybrid courses require weekly online activities and mandatory all day campus sessions scheduled one to three times a quarter. Approximately 6 to 20 hours per week is required of the student to be participating in on-line activities. Students must have access to a computer and high-speed Internet service. Students may choose to access these services on SKC campus if desired. Clinical Practicum Three senior nursing courses include clinical preceptorships in institutional or community-based agencies. Students are expected to identify clinical goals, site preferences, clinical availability, and arrange their own preceptorships with faculty approval. One lab credit hour represents two contact hours. One hundred (100) precepted hours of clinical are required per quarter. *RN/BSN course requirements in addition to ASN general education and degree requirements: MATH 241 Statistics SCLG 110 Introduction to Sociology or ANTH 101 Introduction to Anthropology or PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology NAS/ADV List E (300 or above) SPCH 360 or ENGL 306 NSGD 323 Genetics Genomics and Epidemiology NSGD 347 Issues in American Indian Health NSGD 384 Health and Humanities NSGD 390 Culture and Caring RN/BSN senior courses, which must be taken in the following sequence: NSGD 437 Nursing Applications: Leadership and Outcomes Management NSGD 455 Nursing Applications: Populationbased Care NSGD 456 Nursing Integration: Focused Care II **Students may wish to earn their BSN degree in nursing on a part time basis. In that case, students are encouraged to meet with their advisor to ensure appropriate sequence of coursework. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Total program credits: 184 Total nursing major credits: 108 Total general education credits: 76 Total upper division credits: 64 academic programs 97