   NursingBachelor of Science Degree
OverviewThe Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing at Northwest University graduates scholarly professional nurses who practice from a uniquely Christian worldview and are dedicated to helping all human beings in pursuit of holistic health. Upon successful completion of the four-year pre-nursing courses and nursing curriculum requirements, students are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination leading to the Registered Nurse (RN) status in the State of Washington. This licensure allows graduates to practice professional nursing in health care systems across Washington State and seek reciprocal licensure in all states and territories of the United States of America or any nation in the world. Program Clinical Requirements Nursing students make application for admission into the nursing curriculum following completion of their designed pre-nursing courses that include required foundational sciences and general courses to meet the General Education requirements of the University. The unique clinical situations in the Nursing Program require applicants to submit the following records before entering the clinical nursing sequence:
Students successfully completing the Nursing Program of studies are awarded a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Nursing degree. Entry into professional nursing practice occurs after successfully passing the RN licensure examination. Summary Criteria for Admission into the Nursing Courses Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree’s General Education requirements with a grade point average (GPA) of at least “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) and a grade of at least “B-” (2.7 on a 4.00 scale) in each of the following courses: College Chemistry II (organic chemistry and biochemistry), Anatomy & Physiology I and II, and General Psychology. Meet test score expectations as determined by nursing faculty on entrance competency exams for oral and written communication, reading, and computation. Assessment of applicant’s potential for success as a registered professional nurse by faculty and other credentialed professionals using data from interviews; a written self-analysis and essay answering specific questions; two reference letters speaking to the applicant’s character, leadership activities, and service commitment; Test of Essential Academic Skills; and official transcripts documenting the applicant’s previous academic work. (Transfer students) Complete the same requirements for admission to the Nursing Program as other students of Northwest University. [Acceptance to the University is the first step but does not guarantee admission into the nursing curriculum. Questions regarding transfer status, acceptance of previous nursing courses completed outside of the Northwest University Nursing Program, and admission to the Program are managed by the Dean of the School of Nursing (hereafter, “the Dean”) or designated faculty]. Sequence of Course Work and Professional Nursing Practice Pre-nursing students are identified upon application and entry to the University in order to assist them into the required courses of the Nursing Program. Nursing faculty are assigned to advise these students and carefully plan their sequential and orderly completion of the foundational course work and other requirements. Nursing faculty members become acquainted with their advisees and recognize individual qualifications that can enhance the students’ potential for successful professional nursing practice. Students begin their nursing courses as a cohort group and quickly immerse into a vigorous routine of classroom studies with clinical practice. At this time, students are required to reduce any outside employment to one shift per week that does not conflict with their clinical schedules. During the senior year, especially the final semester of intense clinical work that may be conducted abroad, students should plan to drastically reduce hours or take a leave of absence from their outside employment. When enrolled in 17 semester credits of nursing coursework, nursing students are not permitted to enroll in Northwest University non-nursing courses. An overall GPA of 3.00/4.00 must be maintained throughout the sequence of nursing courses, and the minimum passing score for any nursing course is 2.70/4.00. A student not meeting the minimum requirements of a lecture may not be allowed to participate in a related practicum course if faculty deem the situation to pose a safety concern. A student who leaves the cohort group for any reason, such as, but not limited to, personal or academic, is required to meet with the respective faculty advisor to propose a new plan to the Dean for re-admission to the Nursing Program or consideration of other options. Clinical nursing practice is conducted every semester of the nursing curriculum, always under the supervision of nursing faculty, and frequently in concert with professional nurse clinical mentors. The purpose of this tandem clinical practice with theory courses is to:
A fee, which is assessed on a per-credit basis and which supplements tuition, is charged for practicum courses that provide clinical experience. (See the Tuition & Fees page for additional fees associated with the School of Nursing.) Registered Nurse Licensure in the State of Washington After successful completion of the Nursing Program at Northwest University, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Nursing. Entry into professional nursing practice occurs after successfully passing the RN licensure examination. This program includes an appropriate pre-testing program, to prepare the nursing graduate to take the Registered Nurse licensure examination in the State of Washington. A one-time, non-refundable testing package fee is charged for pre-testing sessions and covers the official grading, access to results, and a set of content-specific test review modules. The Dean and faculty advisors assess the composite results of all official pre-tests (or practice tests) to identify areas for further review and study. Throughout the nursing program, students are expected to work closely with their Dean and faculty advisors to prepare to pass the RN licensure examination with high scores. Such preparation includes taking advantage of computerized pre-tests, content review modules, and study group sessions. Students are advised to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam in the State of Washington. The graduate may, if desired, then apply for RN licensure by endorsement from any other U.S. state following initial licensure in Washington State. The Dean provides a signature authorization for Northwest University that each student has officially completed the professional Nursing Program and is eligible to apply for Registered Nurse testing and licensure. The nursing graduate is responsible for final preparation and mailing of the application for testing and RN licensure, transcript requests, all RN testing and application fees, results, and license maintenance. Students seeking admission to the Nursing Program must be aware that the State of Washington or any other State may withhold the Registered Nurse license application if the applicant has a record of criminal conviction or committing a serious crime. Students should discuss this matter with the Dean before making final application to the Nursing Program since application materials include the Washington State Patrol Criminal Check form. Any criminal incidences occurring during the nursing courses must be reviewed immediately with the Dean, and may cause immediate dismissal from the Nursing Program and/or jeopardize the application for Registered Nurse licensure. Nursing Program Objectives As competent beginning professional nurses, the graduates of the Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing at Northwest University effectively:
General Education Requirements (58 credits)
Major Requirements (64 credits)
General Electives (3 credits)
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