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- School of Nursing
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- Pre-Engineering and Physics-Engineering Dual Degree programs
- Pre-professional Programs
School of Nursing
Glenda C. Walker, D.S.N., R.N., Director
Nursing & Math 104
(936) 468-3604
Fax: (936) 468-1696
gwalker@sfasu.edu
www.fp.sfasu.edu/nursing
Greta Haidinyak, M.Ed., M.S.N., JD., R.N., Assistant Director
Faculty
Professor
Glenda C. Walker, D.S.N., R.N.
Associate Professors
Patty J. Ellison, Ph.D., R.N., Greta Haidinyak, J.D., R.N.
Assistant Professors
Sara Bishop, Ph. D., R.N.; Cindi McCarley, D.S.N., R.N.; Rose Powell, Ph.D., R.N.
Clinical Instructors
Debbie Arnold, R.N., Carol Athey, R.N., Erin Bailey, R.N., Susan Bullard, R.N., Anita Dawn Barnes, R.N., Wendy Donnell R.N., Della Connor, R.N., Deborah Ellisor, R.N., Jeanne Freitag, R.N., Christine Harper, R.N., Janice Hensarling, R.N., Laura Logan, R.N., Regina Low, R.N., David McCann, R.N., Susan McDonald, R.N., Karen Migl, R.N., Mary Pack, R.N., Tammy Robinson, R.N., Joanie Selman, R.N.
Areas of Study & Degrees
B.S.N.
Mission Statement for the School of Nursing
Our mission is to provide students a foundation for success as graduate nurses in the evolving world who are ethical, competent, critical thinkers and life-long learners by providing an educational environment that promotes holistic health care in a community dedicated to teaching, research, creativity and service.
Core Values
In the School of Nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University, we will:
The Individual Student:
Value and respect each student, faculty member, administrator, and staff as unique individuals and partners in the learning process.
Teaching and Learning:
Offer a broad foundation on which to base graduate education in the discipline of nursing. Each nursing graduate is expected to meet the academic and ethical standards of the profession of nursing by thinking in disciplined, critical, quantitative and qualitative ways.
Intellectual and Creative Discovery:
Encourage the student to investigate the health needs of a changing society and to think in creative ways to provide holistic health care in a culturally diverse world.
Service:
Produce graduates who collaborate with other health care professionals and clients in meeting the health care needs of a culturally diverse society; provide opportunities to enrich and improve the community through service-learning projects.
Academic Achievement:
Provide an environment in which the student becomes an ethically guided critical thinker who uses a substantive general education in traditional and nontraditional ways to provide proactive, compassionate care.
Vision
Be a model of nursing education proficiency and excellence whose graduates are ethical and competent practitioners and leaders in the profession.
Terminal Objectives for Graduates of the School of Nursing
Upon graduation from our program, the graduate is expected to:
- Apply knowledge of the physical, social and behavioral sciences in the provision of nursing care based on theory, research and evidence-based practice.
- Deliver nursing care within established legal and ethical parameters in collaboration with clients and members of the interdisciplinary health care team.
- Provide holistic nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole while respecting individual and cultural diversity
- Demonstrate effective leadership that fosters independent thinking and collaborative communication in the management of nursing care.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
- Serve as an advocate for clients and for the profession of nursing.
- Demonstrate continuing competence, growth, and development in the profession.
Student Scholarships
Many scholarships are available to students entering the nursing program at SFA. These scholarships have been established through the generosity of individuals, family members, and organizations that recognize and support the role of education in the advancement of the nursing profession. Further information regarding nursing scholarships may be obtained by contacting the Alumni Office or the University Advancement Office.
Army ROTC also provides two-, three-, and four-year scholarships to nursing students with an opportunity to attend specialized training while still in school. Contact the Department of Military Science for further details.
Student Organization
Student Nurses Association (SNA)
Honor Society
- Sigma Theta Tau -
- Omicron Eta Chapter - International Nurse’s Honor Society
Admission Requirements
A student requesting admission to the baccalaureate program in nursing must meet the following criteria:
- Full Admission
- Acceptance to SFA.
- Overall GPA of 2.5 in college work including transfer courses.
- Science GPA of 2.75 in college work including transfer courses. Courses calculated for science GPA are: BIO 238, 239, CHE 111, NUR 312, and BIO 308 or 309.
- Successful completion of the entrance testing. Scores to be submitted with application. Tests may be scheduled through SFASU Counseling and Career Services office.
- Grades for repeated courses will be averaged
- Completion of the following academic courses:
*cognates*BIO 238 & 239 8 hrs. *CHE 111 4 hrs. PSY 133 3 hrs. *HMS 236 or PSY 210 3 hrs. *HMS 236L 1 hr. ENG 131 & 132 6 hrs. SOC 137 3 hrs. Prescribed Elective I see model curriculum outline 3 hrs. Prescribed Elective II see model curriculum outline 3 hrs. Prescribed Elective III see model curriculum outline 6 hrs. *BIO 308 or 309 4 hrs. SOC 139 or ANT 231 3 hrs. *NUR 312 4 hrs. *HMS 239 or 339 3 hrs. MTH 220 3 hrs. CSC 101, 102, 121 or 201 3 hrs.
Total Prerequisites: 59 or 60 hrs, depending on choice of HMS 236 with lab or PSY 210. Specified cognates must be completed with at least a grade of C for acceptance into the Nursing Program. - Applicant must submit official transcripts from all colleges. This is in addition to the official transcripts given to SFA Admissions office. (The SFA transcript may be unofficial).
- Conditional Admission - This category is used only if there are vacancies after full/provisional applicants. Each student is reviewed on an individual basis.
- Admission Process - Sixty students may be admitted each fall and spring semester based on completion of prerequisites and attainment of admission criteria. Admission is competitive based upon the applicant’s overall and science grade point averages as well as a testing process. To be considered for admission review, the student must be admitted to the university and the completed application packet must consist of the following:
- Completed application to the School of Nursing
- Complete, official copies of transcripts from all previous college credit and SFA transcript. (SFA may be unofficial).
- Copies of accepted or denied petitions or petitions being submitted
- Completed Student Checklist which includes a written list of all courses currently being attempted for provisional admission. (If all courses are completed, no further action is needed). The Student Checklist is on the School of Nursing Web site. (www.fp.sfasu.edu/nursing)
- Copy of entrance test (NET)
- Student essay
- Copy of Anatomy and Physiology RN version entrance test
- Application Deadlines - Applications for admission to the fall class will be accepted from December 20 to January 25 each year. Applications for admission to the spring class will be accepted from July 15 to August 25 each year. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered only if vacancies still exist in the incoming class. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that all application materials are received by the School of Nursing prior to the deadline. Students applying for fall semester must have all prerequisites completed by the end of the spring semester prior to admittance in the fall. Applications are not retained from semester to semester. A full application package must be resubmitted.
- Eligibility - Any applicant who is not in good standing at another nursing program and is not eligible to continue or return to that program will not be eligible for admission into the School of Nursing program. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all nursing students upon being accepted into the program. A positive background check shows the student was arrested, charged, and/or convicted of a crime. A positive background check may result in a student’s inability to attend clinical classes until a declaratory order is obtained from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Resulting time delays could affect student progress. If a student knows of a possible problem, the student should seek a declaratory order from the BON prior to or concurrent with application to the program.
- Students who have completed courses at other institutions may transfer credits under the policies of SFA. Nursing hours will be evaluated individually for transfer. Nursing courses are to be taken in order or concurrently within their block. Any exception will be the decision of the Student Affairs Committee and the director.
- Admission Process - Sixty students may be admitted each fall and spring semester based on completion of prerequisites and attainment of admission criteria. Admission is competitive based upon the applicant’s overall and science grade point averages as well as a testing process. To be considered for admission review, the student must be admitted to the university and the completed application packet must consist of the following:
Other Expenses
Uniforms, shoes, name pin, stethoscope, lab kit and health insurance are all purchased prior to the first nursing course. A urinalysis for drug screening must be submitted prior to the first nursing course. Other requirements include MMR immunization, HBV immunization, (or serological confirmation of immunity), two doses of varicella vaccine unless first dose was received prior to age 13, serologic confirmation of immunity or written confirmation of varicella disease), annual TB screening and current BLS certification. The BLS Healthcare Provider card MUST be the American Heart Association. Traveling accommodations and expenses to clinical sites are the student’s responsibility.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the School of Nursing allows for individual planning and is based on the mission statement and core values. The curriculum plan includes courses in general education, science and the humanities and a nursing core. The curriculum exposes students to each of the major practice areas of nursing; clinical practice aids in development of skill competencies. The Nursing curriculum is being revised, please check the website and School of Nursing for updates.
The baccalaureate program is accredited by the NLNAC and the Texas Board of Nursing. Upon successful completion, students may apply to take the State Licensure exam.
Model Curriculum Outline
- Freshman Year
ENG 131 3 ENG 132 3 Prescribed Elect. I 3 *BIO 238 4 *CHE 111 4 PSY 133 3 CSC 101,102,121 or 201 3 Prescribed Elect III 3 __ 13 13 26 - Sophomore Year
*HMS 236/236L 4 MTH 220 3 (or *PSY 210) (3) *BIO 308 or 309 4 *HMS 239/339 3 *NUR 312 4 Prescribed Elect. III 3 SOC 139 or ANT 231 3 HIS 133 3 Prescribed Elect II 3 *BIO 239 4 __ _____ 16 - 17 17 33 - 34 - Junior Year
NUR 302 8 NUR 317 5 NUR 316 2 NUR 320 5 NUR 421 Pharm 2 NUR 325 3 PSC 141 3 __ __ 15 13 28 - Senior Year
NUR 324 2 NUR 423 6 NUR 414 5 NUR 415 5 NUR 417 5 NUR 416 3 PSC 142 3 Comprehensive Final HIS 134 3 __ __ 18 14 32
Total hours for degree = 120 hrs.
*Specified cognates must be completed with at least a grade of C for acceptance into the nursing program.
Comprehensive final must be successfully completed in the senior year.
Prescribed electives:
| Group I (select one course, 3hrs.) | Group II (select one course, 3hrs.) |
| ART 280, 281, 282 | ENG 200-235, 300 |
| MUS 140; MHL 245 | |
| THR 161, 370 | |
| DAN 140, 341 |
| Group III (select two 3 hr. courses) | |
| BCM 247 | ILA 111, 112 |
| COM 111, 170 | SPH 172, 272 |
| ENG 273 | |
| FRE 131, 132 | |
| SPA 131, 132 | |
Courses in Nursing (NUR)
| 300. | Issues in Nursing – Four semester hours. Introduction to current issues and trends in nursing with an emphasis on legal, ethical and political aspects. The course will provide information upon which to base life-long learning. |
| 302. | Nursing Fundamentals – Eight semester hours, four hours didactic and 12 hours clinical practicum. Basic nursing theory and skills for beginning clinical practicum. Required lab fee. |
| 303. | Nursing Theory, Process and Skills – Eight semester credit hours, five hours didactic and 9 hours clinical practicum. Bridge course for previously licensed nurses. Basic nursing theory and skills for beginning clinical program. Required lab fee. |
| 312. | Pathophysiology – Four hours didactic. Group study on the effects of the pathological processes and the compensatory mechanisms on normal physiological functioning. Assessment of health status and the rationale for selected therapies. Prerequisites: BIO 238 and BIO 239. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 308 or BIO 309. |
| 316. | Health Assessment – Two semester hours, one hour didactic and three hours clinical practicum. Includes learning concepts and performing health assessments for well individuals, including a complete history and physical examination, counseling and retrospective audits. Corequisite: NUR 302. Required lab fee. |
| 317. | Individuals in Situational Crisis – Five semester hours, two hours didactic and nine hours clinical practicum. Clinical application of nursing practice with patients experiencing pathological processes and the compensatory mechanisms on normal physiological functioning the assessment of health status and the rationale for selected therapies. Prerequisite: NUR 302. Corequisite: NUR 320. Required lab fee. |
| 320. | Individuals in Developmental Crisis – Five semester hours, two hours didactic and nine hours clinical practicum. Clinical application of nursing practice with patients experiencing developmental insufficiency. Prerequisite: NUR 302. Required lab fee. |
| 324. | Nursing in Community Systems – Two semester hours, two hours didactic. Introduction to primary nursing care with the community viewed as a social system. Prerequisites: NUR 317 & 320. |
| 325. | Nursing Research – Three semester hours, three hours didactic. Introduction to the concepts and process of research in nursing. Emphasis on critiquing published studies and developing plans for using research findings in practice. Prerequisite: MTH 220. |
| 414. | Families in Crisis – Five semester hours, two hours didactic and nine hours clinical practicum. Clinical application of nursing practice with both patients and their families when a patient is experiencing either a predictable or unpredictable crisis. Prerequisites: NUR 317, NUR 320, NUR 324. Corequisite: NUR 417. Required lab fee. |
| 415. | Leadership in Nursing Systems – Five semester hours, three hours didactic, and six hours clinical practicum. Preparation of baccalaureate educated nurses to assume beginning leadership roles in existing and/or emerging heath delivery systems, focusing on nursing application utilizing management skills, decision-making process and problem-solving. Prerequisites: NUR 325, 414, 417. Required lab fee. |
| 416. | Systems Health Promotion – Three semester hours, one hour didactic, and six hours clinical practicum. Practical application of theory in community clinical situations. Prerequisites: NUR 324, 414, 417. Required lab fee. |
| 417. | Family Self-Care in Situational Crisis – Five semester hours, two hours didactic, and nine hours clinical practicum. Focuses on the family as a unit with a sick child of any age. Content related to the care and treatment of the child and education for the family member care provider. Prerequisites: NUR 317, 320, 324. Corequisite: NUR 414. Required lab fee. |
| 421. | Pharmacology – Two hours didactic. Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of nursing care are introduced. Emphasis is on drug pharmacological actions and responses associated with major drug classifications, patient assessment and education about medications. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. |
| 423. | Nursing Process Practicum – Six semester hours, three hours didactic, and nine hours clinical practicum. Practical application of the theoretical base and leadership skills. Prerequisite: All required nursing courses. Required lab fee. |
| 425. | Advanced Nursing Theory – Process and Skills. Six semester hours. |
| 475. | Special Problems – One to six semester hours. Individual study in some area of nursing, guided through individual conference with assigned instructor. |
RN Transition Program
The School of Nursing at SFA encourages nurses who have completed their nursing education in either an associate degree or diploma program to obtain the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The RN-BSN online Transition program was established for the student who has previously passed the NCLEX-RN and has current licensure as a registered nurse and wishes to obtain the baccalaureate degree. The RN transition program courses will be online.
R.N. Transition Admission Policy
A student requesting admission to the baccalaureate program in nursing must meet the following criteria:
- Full Admission
- Acceptance to SFA
- a current licensure to practice as a registered nurse(RN)
- Science GPA of 2.75 in college work including transfer courses.
The following may be completed before or after admission to the School of Nursing:
*BIO 238 & 239 8 hrs *CHE 111 4 hrs PSY 133 3 hrs *HMS 236 or PSY 210 3 or 4 hrs ENG 131 & 132 6 hrs Prescribed Elective I (See curriculum model - Grp I) 3 hrs Prescribed Elective II (See curriculum model - Grp II) 3 hrs Prescribed Elective III (See curriculum model – Grp III) 6 hrs *BIO 308 or 309 4 hrs SOC 139 or ANT 231 3 hrs *HMS 239 or 339 3 hrs MTH 220 3 hrs CSC 101, 102, 121, 201 3 hrs
- Admission Process - Students may be admitted based on completion of prerequisites and attainment of admission criteria. When spaces are limited, admission of qualified applicants will be processed in the order received. To be considered for admission, the completed application packet must consist of the following:
- Completed application to the School of Nursing
- Complete, official (SFA may be unofficial) copies of transcripts from all previous college credit and SFA transcript (official or unofficial).
- Copies of accepted petitions or petitions being submitted.
- Completed admission checklist which includes a written list of all courses currently being attempted.
- Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN)
- Application Deadline - Applications for admission will be accepted from January 15 to February 15 each year. Applications received after this deadline will be considered only if vacancies still exist in the incoming class. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that all application materials are received by the School of Nursing prior to the deadline.
Students who have completed courses at other collegiate institutions may transfer credits under the policies of SFA. A maximum of 66 academic semester hours may be transferred from a junior college. There is no limit to the number of senior college hours that may be transferred; however, 42 hours of which 36 hours are advanced (300-499 level) must be completed in residence at SFA (Advanced Placement credit does not count as hours toward residency).
R.N. Transition Progression Procedure
Nursing 303 is the bridging course for the transition student. The student will receive eight hours of credit for Nursing 303.
The student will complete a six credit hour Nursing 425 course (Advanced Nursing Theory, Process, and Skills). Following successful completion of these two courses (NUR 303 and NUR 425) the students will be given advanced credit for the following nursing courses: 302, 317, 320, 421, 414, 417, and 423. Students in the transition program will complete the following nursing courses: 312, 316, 324, 325, 415, and 416.
Suggested Program of Study
After completion of all prerequisite courses, the suggested program of study is based on the professional portfolio and needs of the student. One example of a course of study is:
Summer I
Nursing 303, Transitions in Nursing, eight hours
Summer II
Nursing 425, Advanced Nursing Theory, Process, and Skills, six hours
Fall
Nursing 316, Health Assessment, two hours
Nursing 325, Nursing Research, three hours
Nursing 324, Nursing in Community Systems, two hours
Nursing 312, Pathophysiology, four hours
Spring
Nursing 416, Systems Health Promotion, three hours
Nursing 415, Leadership in Nursing Systems, five hours
The SFA School of Nursing is accredited by both the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and the National League of Nursing Accreditation Council (NLNAC).
If further information is required please contact:
The Texas Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 430, Austin, TX 78767-0430
(512) 305-7400
National League of Nursing Accreditation Council
61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
(800) 669-1656
All School of Nursing information is available online at: www.fp.sfasu.edu/nursing. Specific helpful links are Admission Process and Brochures.