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Nursing
is a dynamic, vital profession within the field of health
care. It encompasses the provision of health and illness
care to individuals, families, and groups in a wide
variety of settings.
The
Department of Nursing Education offers one program of
study leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(B.S.N.) which includes two tracks. Students
who desire to become professional registered nurses
enter the six semester basic track. The four-semester
degree completion track is for registered nurses
who have previously earned a diploma or associate degree
in nursing. The nursing program is accredited by the
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and
approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
The curriculum for
the BSN is based on a solid foundation of courses in
the humanities and social and natural sciences. Professional
nursing practice requires skill in Nursing Education
critical thinking, decision-making, human relations,
management, and research as well as the technologies
of nursing. Basic students complete many of the support
courses during the first year of college. Nursing courses
present the theory, science, and art of nursing through
classroom and hands-on clinical experiences beginning
in the sophomore year. Courses are sequenced to take
students from simple through complex nursing situations.
Clinical experiences include all major specialty areas
of health care and take place in a variety of regional
health care agencies. Personal growth and professional
responsibility are developed as students gain experience
in independent and collaborative roles delivering comprehensive
nursing care.
Upon
earning the B.S.N., graduates are eligible to take the
National Council Licensing Examination for Registered
Nurses (NCLEX RN) in any state. Graduates are prepared
as generalists to practice professional nursing in a
variety of settings, such as community and home health
care, hospitals, extended care facilities, and other
health care agencies. Additional graduate study in specialized
areas of nursing is recommended to those graduates who
desire to expand their opportunities in advanced practice
roles, administration, or nursing education.
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