Nursing

Chairperson: Mary Sue Gorski
Professors: S. Norwood, M. McFarland
Associate Professor: G. Ray Springer
Assistant Professors: D. Abendroth, S. Berg, C. Fitzgerald, M. Gorski, D. Smith, N. Beckham
Instructors: C. Hollenback, J. Tiedt

Introduction

Grounded in Jesuit and Nursing traditions, the pre-licensure BSN nursing program offered by the Department of Nursing at Gonzaga University focuses on the values of servant leadership, social justice, community and reflective practitioner. The nursing program embraces the framework of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) which includes nurses work, nursing roles, complexity of health care, organizations, individuals, families, communities and populations.

BSN Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

• Integrate knowledge of research, communication skills, and theory and technological tools to implement the professional nursing roles with and in a complex adaptive system.
• Create a therapeutic and collaborative environment that facilitates culturally sensitive healthcare for individuals, families, organizations, communities, and populations.
• Assume professional accountability and responsibility through reflective practice, critical thinking, and use of ethical and legal standards of practice.
• Promote change in current and future health care practices through the use of servant leadership principles and knowledge of complex adaptive systems.
• Promote the nursing profession and advance social justice for the underserved through the use of nursing and Jesuit values.

Program Overview

During their first two years at Gonzaga University, students complete their GU core classes and nursing prerequisites. At the end of their sophomore year, students apply for admission to the upper division nursing program. Admission to the upper division BSN program is competitive and selective. Not all students who apply can be accommodated. Completed applications for admission to the upper division nursing program must be received by the Nursing Department by February 1st for fall admission. Students will be admitted to the upper division nursing program once a year. This is a competitive process and each candidate is evaluated on his/her overall portfolio, which includes recommendations, resume, personal essay, and cumulative GPA. Students who are admitted to the upper division nursing program begin coursework and clinical experiences in a variety of community and healthcare settings to prepare them to practice as a professional nurse. The program also prepares students to take the NCLEX exam after graduation, which is a requirement for licensure as a registered nurse.

The Gonzaga University Department of Nursing offers two plans of study to earn a BSN degree:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for individuals seeking initial preparation and licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students complete the general university requirements of Gonzaga University and the courses prerequisite to nursing, then apply for admission to upper division nursing courses. They complete the majority of their nursing coursework during the last two years of study.
• 
  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed exclusively for individuals who have already earned a diploma or associate degree in nursing and are presently licensed as a RN. This program is called the RN-BSN program. The RN-BSN program is designed to meet the needs of working registered nurses in their hometown. The program is offered through a flexible combination of on-campus and distance learning components. Clinicals are arranged through Gonzaga in the student’s home community. The program emphasizes individualized advising and can be completed through part-time or full-time study. A BSN degree is awarded from Gonzaga University, and all courses are offered through Gonzaga.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BSN program is competitive and selective. Not all who apply can be accommodated. Students will be admitted to the upper division, pre-licensure nursing program once a year. Completed applications for admission must be received by the Department of Nursing by February 1st for fall admission. Students should meet with a Department of Nursing advisor prior to or upon entering Gonzaga University to ensure proper selection and sequencing of prerequisite courses for the BSN program. The decision to admit a student to the upper division nursing program will be based on the overall portfolio of the applicant that includes the following admission criteria:

1. 1) Completed a minimum of 45 semester credits (meaning that eligible applicants will have completed at least three semesters of coursework).
2. 2) Completed GU nursing prerequisites or be able to complete them by the end of the spring term.
3. 3) A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.90 (4.00 scale) for all attempted coursework.
4. 4) Earned a grade of “C” or better in all nursing prerequisite courses.
5. 5) Pre-requisite nursing courses may have been repeated one time only.

Evaluation Criteria

To be considered for admission to the BSN program, applicants must:

1. 1) Submit a typewritten personal statement addressing the following:
   1. a) Desire for achieving a BSN degree and interest in Gonzaga’s nursing program.
   2. b) Professional goals in nursing after graduation.
   3. c) Strengths, leadership, work experiences, community service, and significant accomplishments relevant to your success in the BSN program.
2. 2) Resume (follow format outlined in the application packet).
3. 3) Submit two professional recommendations from people who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in nursing school. A form for this purpose is included in the BSN application packet. At least one recommendation must be from a college professor/instructor.

Transfer Student Admission Criteria

Eligible transfer students will be admitted to Gonzaga University and are eligible to apply to the GU nursing major. They must complete GU nursing pre-requisites or they must be completed by the end of the spring term in which application is submitted. (Admission to the university does not guarantee progression to the nursing major). To be eligible for admission to the GU nursing major, students:

1. 1) Must meet all Gonzaga University admission requirements for transfer students.
2. 2) Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.90 on a 4.00 scale from all college coursework.
3. 3) Must have a “C” or better in all nursing prerequisite coursework.
4. 4) Must have met algebra proficiency requirement at the community college level either through proficiency testing or completion of an intermediate algebra course.

Transfer applicants from other colleges and universities to the nursing major should note that all credits submitted for transfer approval must have a grade of at least a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, must represent college-level coursework, and must be academic in nature for acceptance by the University.

Students may not transfer more than 64 semester credits or 96 quarter credits from a two year college.

Students transferring to GU with 64 semester credits from a community college may not return to a two year college for any additional transfer credit.

All transfer students must complete at least 30 semester credits at Gonzaga University immediately preceding their graduation from the University.

RN to MSN Program

Distinctive features of the RN to MSN Program include a dual emphasis on role preparation and advanced clinical preparation; emphasis on the Jesuit-inspired values of knowledge, sensitivity, excellence, integrity, and justice; the development of critical reasoning and ethical decision-making skills; flexibility; and the ability to earn a master’s degree in less time and with fewer credits than would be needed in separate BSN and MSN degrees were earned. It is important to note that the MSN is the degree awarded and there is no option for a BSN degree.

Admission Requirements RN to MSN Program

Admission decisions are based upon an applicant’s total profile and space availability. Selection is based on:

1. 1) Complete Gonzaga University application for admission.
2. 2) One official transcript from every college and university or nursing school attended.
3. 3) An associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or diploma in nursing from a state approved program.
4. 4) GPA of 3.00.
5. 5) Photocopy of current unencumbered RN license.
6. 6) Typewritten statement (maximum 500 words) which describe the applicant’s:
   1. a) Interest in the RN to MSN Program and MSN option as well as what he/she hopes to gain from achieving the RN to MSN degree.
   2. b) Professional goals.
   3. c) Personal and professional strengths.
   4. d) Professional experiences.
7. 7) Current professional vita.
8. 8) Satisfactory letters of recommendation from two individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s leadership, interpersonal skills, professional practice, critical thinking and judgment, and potential for advanced study (e.g., employer, professional colleague, professor).
9. 9) Satisfactory score on the Miller Analogy Test within the last five years.
10. 10) Submission of an official TOEFL score of at least 550 by each international applicant who has graduated from a foreign college or university and/or whose native language is not English.
11. 11) Submission of a financial declaration and supporting documentation by each international applicant.

Prerequisites

An academic writing assessment will be required prior to starting the program. If the assessment determines a need for improvement in academic writing competencies, the student will be required to complete a self paced on line writing course. In some instances, depending on the applicant’s background and goals, some undergraduate or foundational graduate coursework may be required prior to enrolling in selected graduate courses. Such requirements may be fulfilled while completing other graduate courses.

Degree Requirements

The RN to MSN degree requires a total 30 bridge credits completed with a minimum of 3.0 GPA before progressing into the MSN course work.

Students are admitted into the RN to MSN program, however, progression into the graduate level courses requires a second review. Students who have earned a 3.00 GPA in their coursework at Gonzaga and have a satisfactory faculty recommendation and MAT score are guaranteed progression. (See the Graduate Catalogue for specific program description)