Description of the Program

The baccalaureate program in nursing at Washburn University is designed to prepare students as professional nurses. The focus of the program is the study of the individual and family life process from conception through aging, in varying stages of health within the context of community. The nursing curriculum builds upon and augments courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences and provides for application of this general education throughout the nursing major. Emphasis is on the development of the student as an integrated professional person. The BSN program is designed to be completed in 120 credit hours over 4 years.

An advantage of the School is its connection with the community and access to Topeka’s health care facilities that provide excellent learning environments for clinical learning experiences. Clinical experiences are coordinated with the theoretical content in nursing and are planned to meet specific objectives. A variety of community facilities are utilized including daycares, schools, clinics, public health agencies, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Community resources are selected according to their potential for illustrating principles and theories students are studying simultaneously in the classroom. Multiple resources may be used in any given course as deemed appropriate to meet course objectives.

Graduates of the program are prepared to function as generalists in nursing. They assume professional responsibility for health promotion, for care of people in acute and chronic illness, and for provision of supportive and restorative measures for realization of optimum health potential. Graduates of the baccalaureate program are eligible for examination for licensure as registered nurses and have the foundation for graduate study in nursing.

The baccalaureate nursing program was established at Washburn University in 1974 as a department within the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1982, the program was granted School of Nursing status and operates as one of the major academic units of the University.

Accreditation

The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at Washburn University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). The Pre-licensure BSN Program and all graduate APRN programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. All programs in the School of Nursing are approved by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Baccalaureate Program

At the completion of the nursing curriculum, the new graduate will:

• Integrate nursing science to build a foundation of knowledge to apply clinical judgment for competent practice.
• Coordinate evidence based person-centered care that applies a mutually acceptable plan for optimal outcomes.
• Collaborate with community partners for the advancement of equitable population health.
• Apply principles of improvement science to enhance quality and contribute to a culture of safety.
• Practice interprofessional communication and collaboration to optimize healthcare delivery.
• Coordinate resources across complex systems to improve healthcare delivery.
• Demonstrate ethical use of information and communication technology to enhance safe healthcare.
• Cultivate a professional identity that embraces nursing characteristics and values.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal wellbeing, lifelong learning and leadership opportunities.

RN Licensure

Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse from the Kansas State Board of Nursing or other State Boards of Nursing. To become licensed, graduates must complete the nursing program as verified by the Registrar and the Dean of the School; submit required applications, photos, fees, fingerprints, and transcripts; receive a passing score on the national licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) and meet all other requirements stipulated by the Board of Nursing. Graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee licensure as a registered nurse.

Nursing licenses may be denied by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Possible grounds for such action may include being guilty of a felony or misdemeanor involving an illegal drug offense if the KSBN determines that such person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. All criminal history must be revealed to and will be evaluated by the KSBN before licensure is granted or denied.

Nursing Continuing Education

The School of Nursing is a Kansas State Board of Nursing approved provider of mandatory continuing education for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. A series of workshops, seminars, and conferences that provide continuing education contact hours are offered each year through the School of Nursing. College credit nursing courses offered through the School of Nursing also meet continuing education requirements for RN re-licensure.

Eligibility for Graduation

Students who fulfill university and School of Nursing requirements for graduation are eligible for graduation and for attainment of the degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Candidates for graduation must have on file in the University Registrar’s Office,

1. a declaration of major on file;
2. a completed Application for Degree form; and
3. a degree audit.

The Dean of the School of Nursing, in conjunction with the University Registrar, validates that prospective graduates have completed all requirements for graduation. The University confers degrees at the end of each semester and at the end of the summer session. Students who are scheduled to complete final requirements for the degree and major during the following summer term may be permitted to participate in the Spring Commencement.

Admission

There are two pathways to formal admission into the School of Nursing:

1. Early Acceptance Pathway

The School of Nursing allows students admitted to WU directly from high school to apply for the Early Acceptance Pathway. This pathway guarantees the qualifying student a position in nursing school when they are ready. A separate application process is required the summer after high school graduation. Specific criteria must be met and maintained for this program.

2. Regular Admission Pathway

Students may apply for regular admission to the School of Nursing for Fall or Spring semester when meeting the following criteria:

• Completion of 30 hours of Washburn University general education requirements and School of Nursing prerequisite courses.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 (minimum).

The following items are required for application:

• School of Nursing application (separate from the University application)
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, sent directly to the University Registrar
• Two Reference Statements (forms available on the SON website)
• Washburn University application if not already a student at Washburn
• Written interview – questions provided in application packet

Applications are accepted September 1 to December 1 for Fall admission and March 1 to July 1 for Spring admission a year prior to expected date of entry into the program. To qualify for the WU academic scholarship, the university application and updated transcripts are due to the Admissions office by February 15. (School of Nursing scholarship requires separate application due August 15th and February 15th in School of Nursing office.)

Students transferring from another nursing program are required to submit the following additional documents to be considered for admission and/or placement in the nursing curriculum:

• A course syllabus for all completed nursing courses so that transfer credit may be awarded for equivalent nursing coursework.
• A letter of recommendation from the Dean or Chairperson that addresses the student's academic standing at the time of transfer.
• A letter from the student describing their reason for requesting a transfer.
• Applicants who have been previously dismissed from a nursing program will be considered for admission on an individual basis and space availability. A personal interview with a member of the faculty may be required of applicants for assessment of qualifications.

The School of Nursing Undergraduate Admission, Progression, and Retention (UAPR) Committee reviews applications and admits qualified applicants to fill available positions. A personal interview with a member of the faculty may be required of applicants for assessment of qualifications. Students are selected for admission to the nursing major without discrimination in regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation. The School of Nursing adheres to policies of non-discrimination as defined by various federal and state laws and regulations.

The School of Nursing seeks applicants who exhibit the interpersonal skills and behaviors that enable them to work compatibly with others in both the classroom and the clinical area. Applicants seeking admission should demonstrate emotional maturity, personal integrity, and ethical responsibility. Applicants also should possess the flexibility to deal with unexpected situations and should demonstrate a willingness to utilize constructive feedback to develop professional behaviors. The School of Nursing reserves the right to withhold admission to or withdraw students from the program who do not demonstrate these attributes. If the UAPR Committee is aware of a prospective student’s behavioral issues in pre-nursing or other classes, the Committee will require a FERPA release to conduct an investigation into those incidents prior to making a decision about admission.

Students with disabilities may voluntarily identify themselves to their course instructors to request accommodations. The Student Accessibility Services Office is available to students for assistance in arranging reasonable accommodations and identifying resources on campus.

Applicants who have been convicted of a felony may be considered for admission only if, in the judgment of the UAPR Committee, the applicant has been satisfactorily rehabilitated. However, applicants for admission should be aware that current Kansas law provides that no license or authorization to practice nursing as a licensed professional nurse, as a licensed practical nurse, as an advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse anesthetist shall be granted to a person with a felony conviction for a crime against persons as specified in Article 34 of Chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their appeal, or article 54 of Chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, or other applicable state statues. Newly admitted students will complete a background check and drug screen as part of clearance prior to beginning nursing classes.

Students are advised that nursing licenses may be denied or disciplined by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Possible grounds for such action may include being guilty of a felony or misdemeanor involving an illegal drug offense if the KSBN determines that such person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. Also considered are patterns of practice and other behaviors exhibiting an apparent incapacity to practice nursing. All criminal history must be revealed to and will be evaluated by the KSBN before licensure is granted or denied. Admission to and graduation from the School of Nursing does not guarantee that a student will be eligible for licensure.

Professional Aptitudes, Abilities and Skills and Essential Requirements for Nursing

School of Nursing admissions are based on academic achievement and additional program specific non-academic criteria that can be referenced in the catalog. Essential Requirements have been established identifying the occupational specific technical skills and standards required of students in the program. Meeting these standards is necessary for students to become successful in both their clinical coursework and later in their profession. Decisions to apply for admission to the School of Nursing BSN program should be made after considering the program Essential Requirements.

It is the responsibility of the faculty to be concerned with the rights of patients and to only place students that are capable of providing safe, high quality health care in clinical sites. The following list represents reasonable expectations for the student enrolled in the BSN nursing program at Washburn University. It is the responsibility of program applicants to carefully review the essential requirements and ask questions, if not familiar with the standards and skills listed.

Certain chronic or recurrent illnesses and problems that interfere with patient care or safety may be incompatible with nursing skills or clinical practice. Conditions that may lead to a high likelihood of student absenteeism should be carefully considered. Deficiencies in knowledge, judgment, integrity, character, or professional attitude or demeanor which may jeopardize patient care may be grounds for course/clinical failure and possible dismissal from the program. All applicants to the program must have the ability to meet the standards and skills listed below, with or without reasonable accommodation, if accepted to the program in order to complete the educational requirements for the applicable degree.

If a student cannot demonstrate the following standards and skills without reasonable accommodation, it is the responsibility of the student to request an appropriate accommodation with the Student Accessibility Services Office by the application deadline. The School of Nursing is committed to the principle of equal opportunity as defined in this catalog and will provide reasonable accommodation as long as it does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program offered, does not compromise patient safety, or impose an undue hardship.

Essential Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Completion Card for the healthcare provider
• Satisfactory Physical Examination (on program-specific form)
• Health insurance maintained throughout program
• Criminal history or record search
• Drug Screen

Current Immunizations

• Hepatitis B series and titer (booster or additional series may be required if immunity not achieved)
• Tetanus (within 10 years)
• 2 MMR (only 1 if born before 1957)
• TB skin test or negative chest radiograph (current for the year.) Two step testing on admission, one step annually thereafter.
• Varicella Zoster titer (vaccine may be required if immunity not achieved)
• Rubella and Rubeola titer (vaccine may be required if immunity not achieved)
• Influenza
• Other requirements such as COVID vaccine as mandated by clinical practice sites

Mobility and Motor Ability

The use of motor skills to execute gross and fine motor movements required to provide assessment, general care and emergency treatment of clients. Examples of such skills include but are not limited to the ability to:

• Walk, bend, stand, kneel, sit, stoop or crawl to perform patient care activities and administer patient interventions or assist with equipment or to administer emergency care (CPR).
• Reach above head in standing, to adjust and position equipment.
• Lift, pull, guide, transfer a patient of up to 150 lbs; lift, pull, guide, transfer a patient of up to 250 lbs using a two-man technique.
• Guide, resist and assist adult patients (or classmates) during patient transfers, ambulation, interventions and exercises, using your arms, legs or trunk to provide the necessary stabilization for a patient when performing patient care.
• Walk for extended periods of time; climb stairs & inclines while safely guarding an unstable patient.
• Assume a wide base of support, balance to guard, maintain and correct balance of an unstable patient on flat surfaces, inclines and stairs. Perform all patient physical assistance using safe and proper body mechanics.
• Demonstrate bilateral manual dexterity to perform clinical skills such as administering medications, initiating intravenous therapy, catheter insertion and dressing changes and assist with activities of patient care.
• Physical capacity to perform all essential skills and procedures to complete twelve hour work days and a 40 hour work week during nursing clinical experiences.

Sensory Abilities and Observation

The use of assessment skills such as observing faculty demonstrations, obtaining a health history from the client, and directly observing a client’s health condition. Students must be able to perform sensory skills (auditory, visual, and tactile) necessary to assess accurately the health status of clients. Examples of such skills include but are not limited to the ability to:

• See (with or without corrective lenses) patient skin, discriminate color changes, facial expressions and non-verbal communications, normal and abnormal patterns of movement; the environment for up to 20 feet; to read the electronic medical record and set parameters on patient care and monitoring equipment, and detect small calibrations on measuring instruments.
• Hear soft voices, masked voices, patient call systems, alarms, timers, hear with a stethoscope to assess blood pressure, heart, lung and abdominal sounds.
• Feel to discriminate small and large temperature differences; palpate pulses, discriminate sharp and dull, light touch and deep pressure sensation.
• Smell to detect odors related to patient assessment.

Communication

Communication with patients, members of the health care team and families in settings where communication typically is oral or written and in settings when time span for communication is limited. Examples of such skills include but are not limited to the ability to:

• Speak and express clearly and understandably in the English language, information to peers, faculty, patients, their families and other health care providers; demonstrate active listening skills.
• Read typed, handwritten, chart data and computer-generated documents in the English language; at a level of competency that allows safe and timely execution of essential tasks or assignments.
• Understand, interpret medical terminology and information given regarding status, progress and safety of a patient; to follow simple and complex instructions (oral or written) regarding patient care; and respond to non-verbal communication/behaviors of others.
• Follow directions accurately and efficiently, seeking clarification where necessary.
• Write to produce legible handwritten or computer word processed documents; use correct medical terminology, spelling, grammar and punctuation; organize and express thoughts in written form in the English language; to prepare accurate, thorough, legally defensible patient documentation.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively; interact professionally; to establish rapport with patients, colleagues and classmates; to resolve conflicts with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds; maintain confidentiality in all interactions.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

Critical thinking, problem solving and teaching skills necessary to provide care for individuals, families and groups. Examples of such skills include, but are not limited to the ability to:

• Think critically to identify and solve problems; identify cause/effect relationships; to apply reading, lecture and laboratory information to case study preparation; to employ effective teaching, learning and test taking strategies.
• Comprehend relevant information regarding patient diagnoses, nursing interventions, indications and contraindications from textbooks, medical records and professional literature.
• Prioritize events to provide for patient safety; appropriate patient interventions; multiple tasks; integrate information and make decisions about sequence and progression.
• Calculate to collect and/or interpret accurate patient data.
• Make clinical decisions to respond quickly and appropriately to changes in patient status; to analyze written, observed or verbal data about patients and make decisions to contact health care provider for clarification of orders and modify the nursing care plan; act safely & ethically in the nursing laboratory and clinical settings.
• Demonstrate short-term and long-term memory to accurately and quickly remember data from the chart and information relayed in verbal exchanges with other members of the health care team; to access learned knowledge to include but not limited to diagnoses, indications, contraindications for interventions, safety precautions, subjective reports of patients, emergency procedures; safety procedures; to participate successfully in the learning and evaluation of knowledge within the curriculum.
• Think quickly and clearly to execute all duties unimpaired by any condition or substance that alters mental processing, speed or quality of thought processes or judgment.

Behavioral and Social Characteristics

The ability to provide care that is client centered and shows respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of each individual, free from bias and discrimination, and without consideration for personal attributes or the nature of health problems. Students must be emotionally stable. Examples of such skills include but are not limited to the ability to demonstrate:

• Flexibility to adjust to a constantly changing and very demanding full-time schedule.
• Compassion and respect and ability to show empathy for patients and their families; for people of all personality types, backgrounds, ethnic race or socioeconomic backgrounds and medical condition/diagnosis.
• Cooperation to work as a member of a team; develop positive and effective relationships with faculty, clinicians, peers and patients.
• Recognition of limitations to request assistance when needed; accept correction and constructive suggestions; assume responsibility for personal development; utilize resources effectively.
• Tolerance for close physical contact with patients, peers and classmates during the provision of interventions and in lab; for close proximity and physical contact with patients that require use of standard precautions during therapy due to open wounds, incontinence or other potential exposure to bodily fluids or pathogens during treatment.
• Willingness to participate in lab activities that require palpation, measurement and other forms of therapeutic touching of patients; to serve as both the patient model and clinician during patient simulations that allow classmates to practice and perfect nursing skills.
• Ability to attend class and clinic promptly and regularly; to stay focused and on task in lecture and laboratory instructional time; to submit work products promptly when due; to submit to all classroom and clinical rules/policies; to demonstrate respect for other health care providers and the profession of nursing; to comply with all legal and ethical standards of practice.
• Stress management coping skills for fast-paced clinical situations; to manage multiple academic deadlines; deal effectively with psychosocial issues of catastrophic illness, disability and death, respond appropriately in a stressful environment and during impending deadlines; manage personal matters outside of class/clinical work day.
• The ability to plan ahead to arrange transportation and living accommodations for/during off campus clinical assignments to foster timely reporting to the classroom and clinical centers.
• Self care to maintain general good health and hygiene in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical settings.
• Initiative, enthusiasm and appropriate peer and patient interactions.

Applicants with English as a Second Language

Applicants with English as a second language must demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written English. To be considered for admission, applicants are required to submit either the iBT (internet based TOEFL) exam scores or the IELTS exam scores to the School of Nursing. The minimum score for each section is:

TOEFL Exam Scores

Section	Minimum Score TOEFL	Minimum Score IELTS
Writing	20	5.5
Speaking	20	6.5
Reading	19	6.5
Listening	20	6.5

Original scores are due in the School of Nursing at the same time official transcripts are due.

Degree Requirements

The curriculum is designed to be completed in four academic years and leads to the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Because of a required sequence for prerequisites and nursing courses, those interested in the program should contact the School of Nursing early in their program of studies for advisement. Application to the major generally is made the first semester of the sophomore year for admission to the nursing major in the first semester of the junior year.

In addition to the requirements stated below, students must complete 34-35 hours of General Education and any additional hours needed to reach the minimum 120 credit hours required for graduation. Some of the courses below may also fulfill general education or other degree requirements.  Please see your advisor for more information.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required General Education Courses
Social and Behavioral Science
PY 100	Basic Concepts in Psychology 1	3
Natural and Physical Science 2
BI 100	Human Biology 3	3
BI 101	Human Biology Laboratory 3	2
Subtotal		8
Required Courses inside Department 3
NU 220	Principles of Nutrition	3
NU 306	Health Assessment & Promotion	4
NU 311	Medical/Surgical I: Fundamentals of Nursing/Practicum	6
NU 318	Professional Transformation I: Becoming a Nurse	1
NU 320	Pathophysiology I	3
NU 322	Pharmacology I with Lab	2
NU 324	Pathophysiology II	2
NU 325	Nursing Informatics	2
NU 326	Pharmacology II	2
NU 328	Evidence Based Nursing	2
NU 348	Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing/Practicum	3
NU 360	Professional Transformation II: Nursing Role in Healthcare	1
NU 386	Medical/Surgical Nursing II/Practicum	6
NU 450	Professional Transformation III: Nurses as Leaders	2
NU 452	Maternal/Women/Newborn Nursing/Practicum	3
NU 456	Medical/Surgical Nursing III/Practicum	7
NU 462	Professional Transformation IV: Quality and Safety in Health Care	3
NU 465	Population Health with Practicum	3
NU 468	Pediatric Medical-Surgical Nursing with Practicum	3
NU 494	Capstone/Seminar	5
NU Nursing Elective		2
Subtotal		65
Required Courses Outside Department 3
BI 206	Introductory Microbiology (with lab) 4	4
BI 275	Human Anatomy (with lab) 4	4
BI 255	Human Physiology (with lab) 4	4
CH 121	General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 4	5
MA 140	Statistics 4	3
WU 101	The Washburn Experience 4	3
Subtotal		23
Total Hours		96

¹

Completion of this course will partially fulfill social and behavioral sciences general education requirement. An additional three credit hours in a department other than psychology are required.

²

Completion of these courses will fulfill natural and physical science general education requirement.

³

Courses must be satisfactorily completed with a grade of "C" or better

⁴

Courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to completing nursing courses