Nursing (NUR)
The nursing department at DWU offers the following programs (each program is outlined in its own section below):
     Associate of Arts in Nursing, AA - Mitchell and Huron
     Associate of Arts in Nursing, AA - LPN-RN, Sioux Falls
     Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, BAN - RN-BAN Completion Program

Mission Statement of the Department of Nursing
The Dakota Wesleyan University Department of Nursing aspires to prepare students for a meaningful career in professional nursing in a liberal arts setting. The nursing faculty cultivates a challenging learning environment based on Christian values and acceptance of diversity. The department of nursing fosters professional growth, leadership, lifelong learning and commitment to service.

Associate of Arts in Nursing, AA (Mitchell and Huron)
The nursing program at DWU reflects the institution’s commitment to service and leadership within the region. The associate degree nursing program provides a curriculum designed to prepare the graduate for general staff nursing positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other community agencies. Students accepted into the two-year nursing curriculum, available in Mitchell and Huron, can complete the required 71 credit hours in the nursing program within two years and two summer sessions. Courses for the required 25 nursing credits in the one-year LPN-RN curriculum, offered on the Southeast Technical Institute campus in Sioux Falls, are designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to enhance knowledge of human health needs and nursing interventions while developing management of care skills needed by the registered nurse (RN) in the current health setting. Upon successful completion of the program and upon full payment of all money due to the university, the graduate will receive the associate of arts degree and will have satisfied the academic requirements necessary for eligibility to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for licensure as an RN. The A.A. nursing program was awarded continuing accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) through 2011 and is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Information about the nursing program may be obtained from NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta GA 30326; Phone: 1-404-975-5000; Fax: 1-404-975-5020 or www.nlnac.org.

The nursing program includes nursing and non-nursing courses. Graduates of a NLNAC-accredited associate of arts degree nursing program may apply the hours of nursing credit earned as a minor toward a non-nursing bachelor of arts degree at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Students may have the opportunity to take online support and general education courses while completing the A.A. plan of study. Role development courses (NUR 104, NUR 204, NUR 205) are delivered online in Mitchell.

Licensed practical nurses and applicants with previous learning in nursing may be enrolled with advanced placement in the nursing curriculum. Credit for science courses taken 10 years ago or more must be validated by successful completion of a test or retaking the course. The university may waive this requirement for applicants who maintain current knowledge in the sciences by working in nursing.

Applicants who enroll with credit for previous learning must take at least the last 23 hours of nursing courses at DWU in order to graduate from the nursing program. Nursing students who enter the nursing program with credit for prior learning in nursing are required to take NUR 105 before or concurrently with the nursing course taken in the nursing program in Mitchell or Huron.

Students who are licensed practical nurses must hold and maintain active licensure in South Dakota throughout the course of study.

Dakota Wesleyan University Department of Nursing has contracts for nursing student clinical experiences with Avera Queen of Peace Hospital/Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell; Huron Regional Medical Center, Huron; Avera St. Benedict Health Center, Parkston; Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls; Sanford Health, Sioux Falls; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Sioux Falls; Firesteel Healthcare Center, Mitchell; Sun Quest Health Care Center, Huron; Violet Tschetter Memorial Home, Huron; Human Services Center, Yankton; Community Counseling, Huron; and other hospitals and community agencies across the state. Clinical rotations may require some travel.

Policies described in “Academic Regulations” and in the DWU Catalog and in the DWU Student Handbook apply to nursing students; however, because of the nature of the program, additional policies regarding health requirements, class and clinical attendance, grading scale and progression are available to nursing students in the DWU A.A. Nursing Student Handbook.

There are specific laws and rules regulating nursing in South Dakota that list reasons a license to practice nursing may be denied, revoked or suspended. Questions regarding these rules should be clarified by seeking advice from the South Dakota Board of Nursing at (605) 362-2760 before admission into the nursing program. A candidate for licensure as a registered nurse must have the abilities and skills that enable him/her to acquire essential specialized knowledge and to use this knowledge in planning and delivering nursing care. A copy of “Abilities, Skills and Characteristics Essential for Admission and Retention in the Dakota Wesleyan University Nursing Program,” included in the DWU A.A. Nursing Student Handbook, is available from the department of nursing. Nursing students are expected to verify that they have the physical, emotional and other capabilities required to function as a nursing student and as a registered nurse. Admission may be denied or revoked if a student is unable to meet these basic abilities and skills.

Nursing students are expected to adhere to the principles of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, adopted by the American Nurses Association, which communicates a standard of professional behavior throughout the nursing program. A copy of the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses is included in the DWU A.A. Nursing Student Handbook.

Associate of Arts in Nursing Admission Requirements (Mitchell and Huron)
Students who wish to be considered for the nursing or pre-nursing program must provide documentation of the following requirements:

• ACT composite score of 18 or above;
• reading placement of 11 or above, or an 18 or above in the reading portion of the ACT; and
• high school or college cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above. Transfer students must provide documentation of earning a minimum grade of C in English composition and C- in other prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university. Science courses must be completed in the past 10 years. No support course can be repeated more than one time.

First priority for admission to the A.A. nursing program is given to applicants meeting all admission requirements by Feb. 1. Qualified applicants will be admitted on a space available basis after Feb. 1. If there is not an available opening in the A.A. nursing program, students who have met admission requirements and been accepted will be put on a waiting list and be notified by admissions if an opening becomes available.

A.A. Clinical Requirements
Documentation of the following requirements must be provided before students can participate in clinical experiences.

• Medical Information requirements for nursing students (including immunizations)
• Current CPR certification (adult, child, infant, AED)
• Completion of criminal background check

DWU A.A. nursing students are covered under a blanket professional liability insurance policy ($1,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate), which only covers the student while he/she is participating in clinical learning experiences for the DWU A.A. Nursing Program.

An admission appeal process exists for students who do not meet the above requirements but have extenuating circumstances. Address written requests for exceptions to the admission requirements policy to the Nursing Admission Committee and mail to Admissions, DWU Campus Box 902, 1200 West University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301.

Associate of Arts in Nursing (Mitchell and Huron)
Admitted nursing students are required to demonstrate specific nurse aide competencies or successfully complete a nurse aide course before entering NUR 101. The opportunity to demonstrate nurse aide competencies or complete a nurse aide course is offered at Dakota Wesleyan University before classes begin in August.

Students must take nursing courses in sequence.

* Credit hours of nursing theory and clinical (i.e. NUR 101 is 6 credits, with five hours of theory and three hours of clinical per week). Each clinical credit in nursing courses equals three clinical hours per week.

Course Descriptions for AA - LPN-RN (Sioux Falls)
206 RN Role Development and Care Management I 1 hour F
The focus of this non-clinical course is to prepare the associate degree graduate for a career within the profession of nursing. It will build upon the nursing knowledge base of the LPN with regards to legal responsibilities in the workplace. Students will learn about present and future trends in nursing. In this course, students will focus on the RN roles of provider of care, manager of care and member within the profession of nursing. Opportunities are available for students to analyze self-behaviors that reflect the values and professional identity of the registered nurse.

207 RN Role Development and Care Management II 1 hour S
This non-clinical course builds upon the information and skill developed in NUR 206. Virtual and actual experiences will be given to the students for the purpose of challenging them to use critical thinking and interpersonal management techniques to solve nursing care problems common in modern health care settings. They will also be challenged to develop in the roles of nursing leader and client advocate.

208 Nursing Care and Management of the Obstetric Client 2 hours (1.5, .25, .25) * F
This clinical course focuses on the study of nursing interventions of the entry-level nurse to assist women during the childbearing years. The course provides theory, seminar and selected clinical experiences to provide the student with learning opportunities to apply theory to the practice of holistic care of the childbearing client and the newborn who are members of a family. An additional fee is required.

209 Nursing Care and Management of the Pediatric Client 2 hours (1.5, .25, .25) * S
This clinical course assists the student to use the nursing process and caring concepts to assist the child and his/her parents to meet complex needs as he/she adapts to various stressors which might include
illness or deviations in growth and development. Learning opportunities in theory, seminar, and selected clinical experiences will engage the student in critical thinking, decision-making and application of the nursing process to the care of pediatric clients. An additional fee is required.

212 Nursing Care and Management of the Medical-Surgical Client I 7 hours (5.5, .5, 1) * F
This clinical course builds upon the knowledge and skills obtained in the LPN program. Emphasis is placed on nursing care and management of the adult and aging client who is challenged by medical problems and the treatments, including surgery, that relieve or cure them. Students will be given learning opportunities in theory, seminar and selected clinical experiences to assist them in applying nursing care principles required of the RN to manage the complex care of clients. An additional fee is required.

213 Nursing Care and Management of the Mental Health/Illness Client 2 hours (1.5, .25, .25) * F
This clinical course focuses on the nursing process of caring for individuals experiencing mental and emotional problems which result from various causes which may include major life stressors, and chemical neurotransmitter substance changes. In theory, seminar and simulated clinical experiences, the student will gain knowledge to provide therapeutic nursing interventions to clients to assist them in biopsychosocial adaptation. An additional fee is required.

214 Nursing Care and Management of the Medical-Surgical Client II 7 hours (5.5, .5, 1) * S
This clinical course builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the LPN program and the preceeding NUR courses. Emphasis is placed on nursing care of the medical client experiencing acute and complex health deviations. Students will learn nursing concepts which will enable them to provide holistic care focused on expected client outcomes of health promotion, prevention, maintenance, and restoration. Learning opportunities will be provided in theory, seminar and selected clinical experiences to enhance their abilities to apply nursing care principles to clients as they adapt to biopsychosocial health changes. An additional fee is required.

250 Practicum in Nursing Process 3 hours (0,3) TBA
This clinical course is planned to assist the nursing students’ move into the role of the associate degree registered nurse with increased ease and assurance. Students will experience a one-to-one relationship with a registered nurse preceptor who serves as a role model and provides immediate feedback to the student. Clinical experience will provide maximum opportunities for synthesizing theory in a clinical setting. An additional fee is required. This course is offered Credit/No Credit only.

* Theory hours (1 credit hour = 1 contact hour/week x 15 weeks); Seminar hours (1 credit hour = 2 contact hours/week x 15 weeks); Clinical hours (1 credit hour/week x 15 weeks)

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, BAN – RN-BAN Completion Program
The Dakota Wesleyan University RN to Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (RN-BAN) Completion Program is an upward mobility program designed to provide professional development for already licensed registered nurses who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing program. RN students have the opportunity to complete a liberal arts bachelor’s degree that is built upon the core values of learning, leadership, faith and service.

The RN-BAN Completion Program builds upon previous knowledge and provides the opportunity for students to develop abilities and skills related to the roles of a bachelor’s prepared nurse, including provider of care; manager of care; member of a profession; and leader. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of nursing theory through the application of Roy’s Adaptation Model.

The nursing component of the RN-BAN Completion Program is offered online, which accommodates the goal-directed adult learner who often has multiple roles and an inflexible schedule that makes a face-to-face learning environment inconvenient. Students may assess whether an online learning environment accommodates their learning style and personal attributes by reading, “Is Online Learning for You?” on the DWU Nursing Program Web site. Enrollment for each online nursing course is limited to 20 students in order to enhance teacher/student interaction.

The majority of the non-nursing coursework is offered face-to-face at DWU, and if the student is unable to complete a non-nursing course in a face-to-face format, the student may transfer an equivalent online course from another accredited university. The student should consult the DWU Registrar for information related to transferring coursework.

The RN-BAN Completion Program includes 20 credits of online nursing courses. Core nursing courses focus on enhancing skills in leadership and management; decision making and problem solving; nursing research and evidence-based practice; health promotion; health assessment; service to community; in-depth study of pharmacology; and care of families, populations and communities. Students also complete a nursing course elective. The elective nursing courses focus on integration of faith and health; more in-depth exploration of pathophysiology; and care of the client who has a chronic illness. RN students will have the opportunity to apply and synthesize nursing content through participation in clinical experiences, which may be completed with clinical preceptors, near their own communities.

The RN-BAN Completion Program has been granted full approval by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Admission into the RN-BAN Completion Program is competitive. Course size for all online nursing courses is limited to 20 students in order to enhance student/teacher interaction. No applicant is barred from the RN-BAN Completion Program because of sex, race, creed, color, marital status or national origin. A Nursing Admission Committee selects applicants deemed to be best qualified to succeed in the RN-BAN Completion Program. Initial consideration of applications for fall semester admission into the RN-BAN Completion Program will begin on Feb. 1. Application materials received after Feb. 1 will be considered in the space available basis.

If there is not an available opening for the RN-BAN Completion Program, students who have met admission requirements and been accepted will be put on a waiting list and be notified by the RN-BAN Completion Program Director if an opening becomes available.

An admission appeal process exists for students who do not meet the above requirements but have extenuating circumstances. Address written requests for exceptions to the admission requirements policy to the Nursing Admission Committee and mail to Admissions, DWU Campus Box 902, 1200 West University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301.

RN-BAN Completion Program Admission Requirements

• Current RN licensure from the state of residence
• Meet all requirements for admission to DWU
• Received an associate degree or diploma from an accredited higher education institution
• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 for previous college work
• Completion of Application for Admission to DWU, RN-BAN Completion Program

RN-BAN Completion Program Clinical Requirements
These requirements must be met before students can participate in clinical experiences.

• Verification of immunizations
• Current CPR certification (adult, child, infant, AED)
• Completion of criminal background check

DWU RN-BAN Completion Program students are covered under a blanket professional liability insurance policy ($1,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate), which only covers the student while he/she is participating in clinical learning experiences for the DWU RN-BAN Completion Program. It does not cover the student at any other time in which he/she is practicing nursing. The student is strongly urged to purchase his/her own professional liability insurance at his/her own cost.

RN-BAN Transfer Credits
Students are allowed to transfer up to 40 credits of approved nursing coursework from an accredited university or college associate degree nursing program. A grade of “C” or better is required for all nursing courses being considered for transfer credit.

Students may transfer non-nursing coursework from accredited universities and colleges. However, 30 of the last 40 credits must be earned at DWU. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A grade of “C-“ or higher must be earned in all non-nursing courses being considered for transfer credit, except for transfer credit for ENG 111 Expository Writing, which must be a “C” or higher. Science courses must have been completed in the past 10 years. The university may waive this requirement for applicants who have maintained current knowledge by practicing in nursing.

Diploma program nursing and non-nursing coursework will be completed on a course-by-course basis. Criteria that may be used to award appropriate credit are comparison of course competencies and objectives and credentials of faculty who taught the course work.

Credit for learning may be granted for nursing and related non-nursing coursework. Credit for learning is accepted toward the hours required for graduation if the experience produced learning outcomes similar to those approved for the regular academic credit at DWU and upon acceptance and approval of documentation which details the learning experience. Credit for learning may be granted only with the approval of the RN-BAN program director, the faculty adviser, and the dean of the College of Healthcare, Fitness, and Sciences. The cost for each semester hour of credit for learning is payable to the business office. See further policies related to nontraditional credits in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

RN students who have graduated from an associate degree nursing program that has less than 40 credits of nursing coursework, have passed the NCLEX RN, but do not meet the requirements for granting nursing credit through Credit for Learning, will not be required to take additional nursing coursework to equal 40 credits. However, the student will be required to take, along with the required general education and support course credits, additional credits to equal 127 credits for graduation.

Required Core Nursing Courses in addition to credits of nursing transferred from associate or diploma program. (Will accept up to 40 credits of nursing from A.A. or diploma program. See transfer credit policy in RN-BAN Completion Program Student Handbook)

* Students are required to take all core courses and may choose from the nursing course electives listed below to fulfill three credits. Nursing electives are offered on a rotating basis. Students should work with their adviser in integrating the nursing elective into their plan of study.

Nursing Electives

General Education and Support Courses that are required and to be completed during Associate or Diploma Program and during the RN-BAN Completion Program

General Education Requirements:

* See General Education courses

Support Course

Course Descriptions for BA Nursing (RN-BAN Completion Program)
300 Pharmacology 3 hours F
This asynchronous online pharmacology course focuses on the basic and clinical concepts of pharmacology in nursing practice. Students will examine concepts related to pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions and contraindications, therapeutic indications and nursing implications.
Prerequisites and/or concurrent: NUR 301 or by permission

301 Introduction to Baccalaureate Nursing 1 hour F
This course provides a comparison of pathways for entry into nursing practice, an introduction to the baccalaureate nurse roles, and an overview of the content themes that are integrated throughout the DWU, R.N.-B.A.N. completion program. Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing will be analyzed as a framework for nursing practice.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the R.N.-B.A.N. Completion Program

302 Health Assessment and Promotion 3 hours (2,1) F
This course introduces the student to health promotion, teaching/learning, and lifestyle behavior change models that enhance adaptation abilities of individuals, families, populations and communities. Students have the opportunity to build on foundational assessment skills and to analyze the variance between normal and abnormal health findings.
Prerequisite and/or concurrent: NUR 301

303 Nursing Research 3 hours F
This course provides an overview of the research process and emphasizes the active participation of the baccalaureate nurse in using the research utilization process as a means of promoting evidence-based practice.
Prerequisite: MTH 200
Prerequisite and/or concurrent: NUR 301

304 Leadership for the Baccalaureate Nurse I 2 hours F
This course explores leadership and management principles which empower others in various healthcare situations and organizations. Students explore the impact of critical thinking elements on effective decision making in the practice of nursing, and apply critical thinking in leading others through change, financial management and strategic planning.
Prerequisite and/or concurrent: NUR 301

305 Family, Community Perspective: Coping with Chronic Illness 3 hours S
This course focuses on enhancing the adaptive capabilities of families and communities in relation to chronic illness. Students will utilize The Roy Adaptation Model to enhance understanding of the impact of chronic illness and the issues related to adaptation to such illness. Prerequisite: NUR 301 and by permission

306 Integration of Faith and Health 3 hours S
This course focuses on the impact of faith and spirituality on healing and health. Students explore the roles and functions of the faith community nurse/parish nurse.
Prerequisite: NUR 301 and by permission

307 Pathophysiology for Nursing 3 hours SU
This course explores the person’s physiological adaptive modes and the adaptive responses that occur during illness.
Prerequisite: BIO 211, BIO 312, NUR 301 or by permission

400 Family, Community and Populations 3 hours (1,2) S
This course explores the multiple roles of the community health nurse. Students use the nursing process in enhancing adaptation of families, communities and populations as they implement lifestyle behaviors that protect and promote health and well-being.
Prerequisite: NUR 301, NUR 302
Prerequisite and/or concurrent: HLT 300

401 Leadership for the Baccalaureate Nurse II 2 hours (1:1) S
This course provides a capstone experience for the student, in which such topics as health policy, quality improvement, case management, team building and staff development are explored. The student completes a capstone project in which the roles of the baccalaureate nurse are synthesized.
Prerequisite: NUR 300, NUR 301, NUR 302, NUR 303, NUR 304
Prerequisite and/or concurrent: NUR 400, NUR elective