Catalog - Nursing

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Nursing (093)

Department Information

Kim Van Wagoner, Department Chair
Barbara Conway, Susan Garbett, Pamela Hart, Carol Ladle, Gayle Lee, George Quarez, Kathy Ricks, Shirley Stavast, Susan Towne
Departmental Office (208) 356-1325

The Nursing Department offers the following programs:

Associate in Arts and Sciences Degree with a major in Nursing

The course has been designed to prepare the Graduate to write the licensing examination for Registered Nurses. Associate Degree Nursing Education prepares the Graduate to give direct care to individuals with identified health problems whose nursing needs fall within prescribed standards of care. The Associate Degree Graduate is expected to practice under the supervision of a baccalaureate or master prepared registered nurse.

Upon completion of the Nursing curriculum, the Graduate will be able to:
1. Articulate role relationships of the associate and baccalaureate nurse.
2. Use the conceptual model as a guide for holistic nursing care.
3. Administer the variety of care required for patients from birth through senescence with identified health problems.
4. Be accountable for his/her delivery of health care.
5. Assume responsibility for personal and professional stewardship goals.

Entrance Requirements:

Students are accepted into the Associate Degree program following an evaluation by the admitting committee. The evaluation is based upon:
1. Scholastic record
2. American College Test (ACT)

Courses recommended to be taken in high school are chemistry, algebra II, nutrition, anatomy, physiology.

Information about how to apply for the Nursing Program can be obtained from the Admissions Office, Ricks College. A separate Nursing application is required. You must request a Nursing application be sent to you with your Admissions information or from the Nursing Department. This completed application must be on file with the Department of Nursing prior to February 15.

Beginning the academic year 1996, all students with English as a second language will be required to pass the TOEFL Examination with a score of at least 500. Check your local college/ university for availability. Ricks College offers the exam by request only.

Clinical experiences are in the areas of Rexburg, Idaho Falls and Blackfoot. To achieve the best possible clinical education, students will need to travel at different times during their course work. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the clinical areas.

All nursing students are required to carry student liability insurance against a malpractice suit. The insurance fee is $10 per semester.

LPN Career Mobility Program

LPNs are accepted by the same criteria as all applicants. Students accepted into the program will take the theory component and the clinical component will be individualized.

TRANSCULTURAL NURSING

A select number of students may choose to do a transcultural experience in Jerusalem, Israel or Merida, Mexico. Students going to Mexico are required to take one semester of the Spanish language.

Contact Carol Ladle, Clarke 150G, or Kim VanWagoner, Chairman, Clarke 175 for more information.

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Nursing (093)

Prerequisites: (Summer Session - 10 weeks)

If you completed one year of chemistry in high school with at least a “B” grade, follow this schedule:
BS 264 Anat & Phys I 4
BS 265 Anat & Phys II 4
Eng 111 College Comp 3

If you have not completed one year of chemistry in high school with at least a “B” grade, follow this schedule:
BS 264 Anat & Phys I 4
BS 265 Anat & Phys II 4
Chem 101 Intro Gen Chem 3
Chem 103 Intro Gen Chem Lab 1

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
FA 100 0
BS 221 Gen Micro, BS 222 4
PE-C 177 Fit for Life 1
Nurs 100 Fundamentals 5
Nursing 100A Professionalism 1
Family 210 Child Development
or FN 116 Diet Therapy (Optional) 3
Math 101 Intermediate Algebra 3
Total Credits 19

Second Semester
Religion 2
Psych 111 Gen Psychology 3
Nurs 101 Gerontology 2
Nurs 102 Metabolic/GU 2
Nurs 104 Gl and Cancer 3
Faml 210 Child Development
or FN 116 Diet Therapy (Optional) 3
Pharmacology 2-3
Total Credits 17-18

Summer Term (Five Weeks)
Mandatory for all Sophomore students to take this term.
Take one of the following modules for four (4) credits:
Nursing 103 - Psychiatric
Nursing 200 - Neuro/Endocrine
Nursing 201 - CV/Respiratory
Nursing 202 - Obstetrics
Nursing 203 - Pediatrics

Third Semester
Religion 2
Eng 111 College Composition 3
Nurs 204 Law & Ethics 1
Major Courses 8
Letter or Arts 3
Total Credits 17

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Nursing 205 Trends 1
Major Courses 8
Letter or Arts 3
Eng 211 Crit/Read & Writing 3
Total Credits 17

General Education Requirements

If you cannot take Eng 111 during your first summer, plan on taking it during your sophomore year.

Courses for Majors

These modules need to be completed by the end of the Sophomore Year:
Nursing 103 Psych 4
Nursing 200 Neuro/Endocrine 4
Nursing 201 CV/Respiratory 4
Nursing 202 Obstetrics 4
Nursing 203 Pediatrics 4

Transfer:
If you plan to continue on to other Baccalaureate Nursing programs, be sure to consult with your advisor during your freshman year.

Course Descriptions

Nurs 100 Fundamentals 5
Prerequisite: Acceptance into nursing program
Completion of prerequisites as stated in catalog
Two hours core-lecture plus nine hours clinical lab per week
Travel/Lab Fee: $55
Malpractice Insurance: $10
Syllabus: $45
Nursing Kit: $125
This course offers the student experience in basic nursing assessment and care of the hospitalized patient in acute care settings.

Nurs 100 A Professionalism; Interpersonal Skills 1
This class will meet one hour per week
Introduction of concepts related to professionalism including values, ethics, legal implications, cultural, and spiritual aspects. Communications and interpersonal skills will be emphasized.

Nurs 101 Gerontology 2
Prerequisites: Nurs 100 Fundamentals, BS 221 Gen Micro, Faml 210 Child Development
Three hours lecture and 12 hours clinical per week
Travel/Lab Fee: $55
This course relates to the assessment and care of the problems of aging.

Nurs 102 Metabolic/GU 2
Prerequisite: Nurs 100 Fundamentals, BS 221 Gen Micro, Faml 210 Child Development
Three hours lecture and 12 hours clinical per week
This course incorporates nursing assessment and management of disorders involving the kidney and related structures, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.

Nurs 103 Psychiatric 4
Prerequisite: Nurs 101, Nurs 102, Nurs 104, Faml 210, Psych 111
Three hours lecture, one hour clinical conference and 14 hours clinical per week
This course is designed to aid the student in applying the nursing process to the psychological needs of the patient as well as providing the student with a growing self understanding through the study of the principles of psychiatric nursing. (Block class)

Nurs 104 GI and Cancer 3
Prerequisites: Nurs 100 Fundamentals, BS 221 Gen Micro, Faml 210 Child Development
Three hours lecture and 12 hours clinical per week
Focus on problems of the gastrointestinal tract, and introduces the student nurse to the care of a person with cancer.

Nurs 200 Neuro/Endocrine 4
Three hours lecture, one hour clinical conference and 14 hours clinical per week
This course focuses on the assessment and care of the person with problems relating to neurological, sensory and endocrine systems and immobility. (Block class)

Nurs 201 Cardiovascular and Respiratory 4
Three hours lecture, one hour clinical conference, and 14 hours clinical per week
This course focuses on prevention of illness and patient teaching as well as covering assessment and nursing care of the person with problems relating to respiratory and cardiovascular systems. (Block class)

Nurs 202 Obstetric 4
Three hours lecture, one hour clinical conference, and 14 hours clinical per week
This course offers the student experience in the hospital and community settings in assessing and caring for the child bearing family. (Block class)

Nurs 203 Pediatric 4
Three hours lecture, one hour clinical conference, and 14 hours clinical per week
This course focuses on the assessment and care of the sick infant and child. (Block class)

Nurs 204 Law and Ethics 1
One hour lecture per week
Travel/Lab Fee: $55
Malpractice Insurance: $10
Syllabus: $50
This course focuses on professional accountability and legal aspects. (Fall Semester)

Nurs 205 Trends and Professionalism 1
One hour lecture per week
Travel/Lab Fee: $55
Malpractice Insurance: $10
Graduation Pin Fee: $35
This class is a continuation of Nurs 204 with a focus on licensure, professional and educational opportunities. (Winter Semester)

Nurs 290 Special Problems 1-3
This course provides the opportunity for study of pertinent topics not included in the Nursing curriculum. May be repeated for credit.

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