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Nursing
Programs of Study
Overview
The program of studies for the nursing major is consistent with the college goal of providing a liberal arts education for students in a Christian context. The curriculum provides an approximate balance in general and professional education. Liberal arts courses related to aesthetic sensitivity, American heritage, Christianity, contemporary issues, moral responsibility, personal wellness, scientific literacy, societal structures and world community provide a foundation for the professional nursing courses. The professional nursing courses prepare the graduate for professional practice in various settings, provide a foundation for graduate study in nursing, and promote life-long learning and growth toward maturity as individuals, professional persons and citizens. The curriculum for the nursing major is designed to produce a Midland Nursing graduate who:
- demonstrates the critical thinking skills of reasoning, analysis, research and decision making reflective of evidence-based knowledge in nursing practice by:
- applying the nursing process to assist clients to meet basic human needs (physiological, emotional, environmental, cultural and spiritual) and to support and promote adaptation of clients as individuals, families, groups and communities;
- using decision making in providing client care;
- applying ethical principles and practices to nursing situations;
- using research findings in the practice environment.
- communicates therapeutically with clients and co-workers to facilitate nursing care delivery;
- performs evidence-based therapeutic nursing interventions to assist clients in meeting basic human needs and to support and promote adaptation of clients in any of a variety of settings;
- demonstrate professional attitudes, values and skills when fulfilling various nurse roles in promoting client adaptation by:
- accepting individual responsibility and accountability for one’s nursing practice;
- displaying respect for the uniqueness, worth and dignity of clients, selected groups and the community in nursing practice;
- complying with professional standards of the American Nurses’ Association;
- evaluating the effectiveness of teaching and learning concepts provided to clients and co-workers;
- demonstrating leadership in a variety of settings;
- implementing planned change in providing client care.
The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, Neb., 68509-4986, (402) 471-2133. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission is located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Ga 30326. The telephone number is (404) 975-5000. Graduates of the program are eligible to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) as required for state licensure as a registered nurse. They are prepared for entry level positions in the health care system.
Nursing majors must meet special requirements to be eligible to attend clinical learning experiences. The special requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: satisfactory completion of a nursing assistant course, completion of a health exam, satisfactory health status, compliance with immunization requirements, current CPR certification, satisfactory drug testing and satisfactory criminal background check(s). Nursing majors are strongly encouraged to have a health and hospital insurance policy in effect during their course of studies.
Nursing majors have additional expenses including, but not limited to, the following: uniforms, transportation to and from clinical sites, malpractice insurance, and standardized testing. Graduating seniors may purchase a nursing pin. All fees associated with the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure, are the responsibility of the graduating student.
A Nursing Student Handbook is given to nursing students upon enrollment in the first clinical nursing course. The Nursing Student Handbook is not intended to be a contract between the College/Program and the student, and may be updated from time to time while the student is enrolled in the program. Students are responsible for compliance with all Nursing Program Policies.
Clinical Experience
The program features an extensive amount of clinical experience. Midland enjoys a special relationship with Alegent Health in Omaha through common ties in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Nebraska Synod. Other institutions providing clinical opportunities include, but are not limited to: Fremont Area Medical Center, Fremont; Children’s Hospital and Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Omaha. There are also a variety of community-based experiences included throughout the curriculum. Students assume responsibility for their own transportation to and from clinical experiences.
An internship experience is required for students during their junior and/or senior years. The experience is designed to allow students to expand their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in the work setting under preceptorship of a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse.
B.E.N.D.
The Baccalaureate Experiential Nursing Degree (B.E.N.D.) program provides the already licensed registered nurse with the opportunity to receive credit for past learning experiences. Such credit can then be applied toward the hours needed to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Midland.
Testing out procedures for general college courses have been established. Likewise, validation procedures are available for some nursing courses. Previously earned credit for 200 and 300 level clinical nursing courses as well as NUR 480 are placed in an escrow account. The B.E.N.D. students will need to take NUR 101, 210, 392, 401, 460 and NUR 470. The escrowed courses will be placed on the student’s transcript during the student’s final semester prior to graduation. The registrar will complete an official evaluation of all transcripts to determine transferability of previous credit. The students must also fulfill other college requirements for graduation.
The sequence of the nursing courses is consistent with the traditional program. Applicants meet with a Nursing Department representative to plan their program of study on an individualized basis.
L.P.N. Connection
The L.P.N. Connection program has been established to meet the needs of the Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) who wants to pursue further studies in nursing to attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Midland. Through the L.P.N. Connection, current knowledge and experience of the L.P.N. is recognized to help advancement in the nursing profession.
Midland recognizes and applies toward the graduation requirement previous non-nursing credit from accredited institutions. The L.P.N. Connection Student is required to complete Foundations of Baccalaureate Nursing (NUR 101), NUR 210, NUR 202, and the remainder of the junior and senior nursing courses. The students must also fulfill other college requirements for graduation. Applicants will meet with an advisor from the Nursing Department to plan their program of study on an individualized basis. |