Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing

351A Health Sciences Center, 766-4291
FAX: (307) 766-4294
Web site: http://www.uwyo.edu/Nursing
Dean: Mary E. Burman

Professors:
MARY E. BURMAN, B.S.N. University of Minnesota 1983; M.S. University of Michigan 1986; Ph.D. 1990; Professor of Nursing 2003; Dean of Nursing 2008.

PAMELA N. CLARKE, B.S.N. Wayne State University 1969; M.P.H. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1971; Ph.D. Wayne State University 1983; Professor of Nursing 2003.

PAMALA D. LARSEN, B.S.N. Fort Hays State University 1969; M.S. University of Colorado Health Science Center 1984; Ph. D. University of Northern Colorado 1989; Professor of Nursing 2006; Associate Dean of Nursing 2008.

 

Associate Professors:

ANN MARIE HART, B.S.N. Medical College of Virginia 1991; M.S. University of Wyoming 1996; Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder 2003; Associate Professor of Nursing 2009.


Assistant Professors:
MARY ANNE PURTZER, B.S.N. University of Nebraska 1975; M.A. University of Wyoming 2002; M.S. 2005; Ph.D. 2007; Assistant Professor of Nursing 2008.

 

Senior Lecturer:

Holly Miller


Associate Lecturers:
Margaret Cashen, Anita C. Deselms, Mary Sue Hager, Sherrie Rubio-Wallace, Linda Williams

 

Assistant Lecturers:
Karen Benjamin, Penelope Caldwell, Sandy Cole, Constance Diaz-Swearingen, Linda Johnson, Laura Meloche, Dana Murphy-Parker, Kristy Nielson, Lois Pine, Debora Retz, Janet Somlyay

 

Adjunct Faculty:
Margo Burrows, Sandra Conklin, Leigh Earle, Ann Enlow, Michael Enright, Tracy Farris, Pam Gale, Mary Gills, Julian Good, Jane Hartsock, Sue Hume, Ronda Kinsey, Sue Lowe, Teri Lund, James Martinchick, Susan Nelson, Marcia Newell, Jeanine Niemoller, Karen Ouzts, Shawn Petrini, Thelma Robinson, Phyllis Schulz, Scott Seys, Patty Sherard, Marsha Siegel, Janice Stephens, Veronica Taylor, Brenda Vance, Betty Varga, Clarann Weinart, Robert Weinland, Wendy Wright

 

Emeriti:
Marcia L. Dale, Beverly Taheri-Kennedy, Beverly McDermott, Fay W. Whitney, Elizabeth H. Wiest, Norma Wilkerson

 

The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing provides a curriculum based on the solid foundation of a general studies program. University students are individuals who come with learning preferences, different experiences, varied goals, and therefore, have unique learning needs. The primary responsibility of faculty is to empower students to become self-directed learners. Active learning is a teaching/learning partnership.

 

The outcomes of the undergraduate program are to:

1. Synthesize knowledge from liberal arts, sciences, and humanities through the process of critical thinking in the practice of professional nursing.

2. Use health promotion, illness prevention and health protection strategies for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

3. Make effective clinical decisions and evaluate outcomes of care through the application of the nursing process.

4. Participate in interprofessional teams.

5. Provide safe, compassionate, culturally congruent care to diverse groups, including rural populations.

6. Use evidence-based care to guide professional nursing practice.

7. Engage in individual and social advocacy in collaboration with clients.

8. Use technology and information systems effectively to promote optimal professional nursing practice.

9. Lead in the practice and profession of nursing.

10. Demonstrate behaviors that reflect accountability through adherence to the nursing code of ethics, professional and legal standards, and the values of nursing as a caring profession.

11. Engage in self directed professional development.

Graduates receive the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and upon successful completion of the licensure examination, are eligible to practice as registered nurses. Completion of the baccalaureate degree is a requirement for admission to graduate study leading to advanced nursing practice.

Graduate Program

The School of Nursing offers a graduate program for advanced practice in rural health nursing. This program includes two options: nurse practitioner (family or psychiatric mental health) and nurse educator. The program has been approved for inclusion as a WICHE regional graduate program. See the Graduate Bulletin for further information.

Accreditation and Membership

The baccalaureate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

 

The Wyoming State Board of Nursing has approved the program. A graduate is qualified to apply for admission to the licensing examination offered by the board.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program Scholastic Requirements

University and College of Health Sciences policies governing scholastic requirements, including major changes, probation and dismissal, apply to students enrolled in the School of Nursing. In addition to university/college requirements, the School of Nursing has the following scholastic requirements:

1. Grade of at least a C in all required courses.

2. Prerequisites must be met with C or better prior to entering each nursing course.

3. A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 based on required courses is the minimum required for admission to the nursing major.

4. Students must attain a 2.00 (C) or S in each nursing course, as well as a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 based on required courses to progress.

5. Single prerequisite, requisite, or nursing major course may not be repeated more than once.

6. Total of four prerequisite or requisite courses may be repeated.

7. Total of two nursing courses in the major may be repeated.

Physical Requirements

All nursing students must be able to perform the essential functions of a student nurse. Reasonable accommodations will be afforded to student nurses with disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Faculty and staff from the School of Nursing will work with staff from the University Disability Support Services office to determine what constitute reasonable accommodations.

 

As part of the requirements for admission and progression in the program, students will need to undergo criminal background checks. Drug screening may be required by some clinical sites.

Background Checks Requirements

Students enrolled in clinical training programs within the College of Health Sciences are placed in educational and clinical settings where highly vulnerable clients such as minor children, individuals with disabilities, and/or the elderly, are routinely served. These clinical/practice training sites (including schools, hospitals, pharmacies, and other university sites) routinely require criminal background checks for all students who engage in clinical activities. Therefore, background checks shall be required on all applicants to programs in the College of Health Sciences prior to admission into their prospective program.

 

Students applying for admission into the nursing major component of our BSN Program will be notified by the School of Nursing of the process for completing the required background check at the time of any admission offer. Previous background checks (e.g. CNA Certification, LPN or RN Licensure) are not acceptable to fulfill this expectation. The results of the background check may determine final admittance to our program.

 

You may also be required to update your criminal background check each year. Each clinical training site will be informed that you have passed a background check prior to your placement at that site; some sites may require a more current background check. In addition, students seeking readmission into the program are required to complete a new background check. Students are responsible for the costs associated with the admission background check and any other background checks that may be required.

 

Drug Screening Requirements

Drug screening may be required by some clinical training sites. Students will be notified by the School of Nursing should this be an expectation of them. Students may incur charges for this screening and will be notified of such at that time.

Cost of the Program

University fees, testing fees, and special supplies are paid for by students of nursing. Varieties of clinical facilities in and out of state are used in the practical application of learning. Responsibility for travel arrangements to the clinical areas rests with the student.

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program

 

The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing offers a baccalaureate program with three options to obtain the BSN degree:

 

1. Basic BSN – a basic, entry-level BSN option for the student wishing to become a registered nurse at the baccalaureate level.

2. Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree (BRAND) – an accelerated BSN option for the student who has already achieved a previous non-nursing baccalaureate degree and wishes to become a registered nurse at the baccalaureate level.

3. RN/BSN Completion – a BSN completion option for the registered nurse who wishes to further their education to the baccalaureate level.

 

Please refer to the appropriate following section to obtain specific details related to the option you are interested in for obtaining the BSN degree.

 

RNs with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree – for the student whose ultimate educational goal is to earn a master’s degree in nursing, it is not required that a baccalaureate degree in nursing be earned prior to applying for the graduate program. Evidence of additional prerequisite courses is required. All admission requirements to the graduate program must be met prior to acceptance for that program, and there is no guarantee of admission. See the Graduate Bulletin for further information.

 

 

Basic BSN

This option is an on-campus, basic, entry-level BSN option for students who are interested in becoming a registered nurse.

 

Second baccalaureate degree seeking students have the option of pursuing the Basic BSN or BRAND (see information under that heading). Students who are planning an associate degree for the RN first should consider the RN/BSN Completion (see information under that heading).

 

Admission

Students who meet university requirements are admitted to the university. Graduates of fully accredited high schools may declare the pre-nursing component of the Basic BSN (declared NURS major) with a minimum math placement score of 3 or an ACT math score of 23. For students who do not meet these requirements, it is suggested that they major in general undeclared so that they will receive more appropriate advising for their situation through the Center for Advising and Career Services until they meet requirements. As a general undeclared student, they would still be able to work toward becoming a pre-nursing major, but progression through the nursing curriculum will be delayed a minimum of one year until they have achieved eligibility to enroll and succeed in College Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry. Students seeking to transfer into the pre-nursing component must have a minimum nursing grade point average (NGPA) of 2.5 calculated on all prerequisite courses; however, this does not guarantee progression to the nursing major component. Further acceptance into the pre-nursing component of the Basic BSN will also be based on evaluation of their academic work with consideration of the School of Nursing BSN Program Scholastic Requirements.

 

Students typically apply for admission to the nursing major component in the spring of their sophomore year (spring in which completing their final prerequisite courses). Application to the nursing major component of this option must be received by the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing no later than February 1 for fall admission (postmarks do not meet the application deadline). Students applying for admission to the nursing major must be certified as a nursing assistant (CNA). (LPN licensure will also satisfy this requirement). Verification of active certification/licensure is required by application deadline. The number of students admitted to the nursing major is limited. Admission is a competitive process and applicants meeting minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to the major. Re-entry to this option is dependent upon space availability. The application deadline for spring re-entry is November 1.

 

Criteria for admission to the nursing major component of the Basic BSN include (refer to nursing website for current criteria as this information is under review; additional criteria to be implemented with incoming students fall 2009. Changes may also affect applicants for fall 2010 application to the nursing major component of Basic BSN):

 

1. Expectations noted within the BSN Program Scholastic Requirements, Physical Requirements, and Background Checks Requirements will be taken into consideration

2. Completion of specified course prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to the fall in which seeking admission.

3. Active CNA Certification (LPN Licensure) (can be from any state). 

4. Personal essays (applicants will be asked to address specific questions/topics as part of nursing application).

5. School of Nursing Basic BSN Recommendation Forms with attached letters (to be completed as part of the nursing application packet).

Program of Study

Nursing courses are usually fall and spring semesters of the university academic calendar. One semester of senior residency during spring of the senior year may require students to live in locations away from their home campus.

Curriculum

Minimum requirement to graduate from the School of Nursing with a major in professional nursing is 120 semester hours of credit. Students may have to take additional electives to meet minimum credit requirements.

 

Evaluation of transfer courses is required for determination of how courses may transfer to UW and be applicable to the nursing curriculum. Some course requirements could vary based on individual academic backgrounds.

 

In regard to the required courses, PHCY 4450 (Pathophysiology) and PHCY 4470 (Pharmacology), please be advised that these courses must be upper division (3000/4000 level); lower division/Community College level courses do not satisfy this requirement; transfer courses need to be reviewed for acceptability.

 

Area requirements for admission to the nursing major (JR/SR years) are as follows under the Basic BSN Course Sequence:

Basic BSN Course Sequence

(Active CNA certification required for application/admission to Nursing Major Component; verification required by application deadline.)

 

Pre-Nursing
Prerequisite Courses (Courses required for admission to the nursing major component.)
Hours

ENGL 1010 (WA)

3

Approved (WB) course (recommend taking a WB/CH course)

3

MATH 1400 (QA)

3

STAT 2050, or 2070 (QB)

4

LIFE 1010  (SB)

4

CHEM 1000 or CHEM 1020 (SP)

4

KIN 2040 (SB)

3

KIN 2041 (SB)

1

KIN/ZOO 3115

4

PHCY 4450

4

MOLB 2240

5

SOC 1000 or 1100 or ANTH 1200 (CS/G)

3

PSYC 1000 (CS)

4

FCSC 1140 or 1141

2-3

NURS 2340 or EDST 2450

3
Total Hours 49-50

Required Elective/Graduation Courses
(Additional USP and School of Nursing course requirements needed for graduation. Unless otherwise noted, these requirements may not be met with any of our specified prerequisite, requisite, and/or nursing major component courses. Recommend completing prior to admission, but must be completed by graduation.)

Hours

NURS 1000 (I/L)

1

Approved CA course

3

Approved CH course (if not met by WB/CH course)

3

Approved G course (if not met by ANTH 1200)

3

COJO 1010 (O)

3

PEAC 1001 (P)

1

Approved V course

3

Upper Division Elective (any 3000/4000 level course)

3
Total Hours 13-20

Nursing Major Component

(63 credits)
(Nursing application/fee required))

JUNIOR YEAR: Fall
Hours
2
1

NURS 3150

3

NURS 3440

3

NURS 3475

4

PHCY 4470

4
Total Hours 17

JUNIOR YEAR: Spring
Hours
2
3

NURS 4842

3

NURS 3844

3

NURS 3875

4
Total Hours 16

SENIOR YEAR: Fall
Hours

NURS 4150 (L)

3
3

NURS 4442

3

NURS 4475

4
Total Hours 16

SENIOR YEAR: Spring
Hours
3
12
Total Hours 15

Minimum Hours Required for the Degree

120
(Note: Course requirements/expectations are subject to change. Maintain contact with Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing for current expectations.)

BRAND

This option is for students who have already achieved a previous non-nursing baccalaureate degree and who are seeking an accelerated option for obtaining the BSN.

 

Working with the Outreach School, nursing theory and supporting courses are offered using a combination of online courses; hybrid courses with periodic intensive on-campus experiences; and by the use of the Outreach School’s video network. Clinical coursework is arranged at a WY healthcare institution. This option is a ‘summer to summer’ format with a full time schedule of courses.

Admission

Students must be admitted to the university by the application deadline (declared NUBR major). Application to the nursing major component of this option must be received by the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing no later than December 15 for summer admission. Applications are available online through the nursing web site and are submitted online. The number of students admitted to BRAND is limited and admission is a competitive process. Applicants meeting minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to this option. Acceptance into BRAND is also based on evaluation of students’ academic work with consideration of the School of Nursing BSN Program Scholastic Requirements. Applications will be reviewed following the application deadline and personal interviews will be scheduled for selected qualified applicants. Re-entry to this option is dependent upon space availability.

 

Criteria for admission to BRAND include:

 

1. Expectations noted within the BSN Program Scholastic Requirements, Physical Requirements, and Background Checks Requirements will be taken into consideration.

2. Completed baccalaureate degree prior to application to BRAND.

3. Completion of specified course prerequisites by the end of the fall semester prior to the summer in which seeking admission.

 4.Active CNA Certification or LPN Licensure (can be from any state).

5. Personal essays (applicants will be asked to address specific questions/topics as part of nursing applicaton).

6.Three letters of recommendation addressing adult learner capabilities (form available through nursing web site).

7. Interview.

8. Wyoming residency will have preference for admission.

Curriculum

Minimum requirement for the second bachelor’s (SB) degree candidate to graduate from the School of Nursing with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is 50 semester hours of credit. This curriculum option totals 58 credit hours.

 

The minimum requirement for a SB degree is 30 additional semester hours earned from UW, 12 of which must be in upper division level courses. If prior baccalaureate degree was earned through UW, the 30 credit minimum is in addition to the credits earned for previous degree.

Evaluation of transfer courses is required for determination of how courses may transfer to UW and be applicable to the nursing curriculum. Some course requirements could vary based on individual academic backgrounds.

 

In regard to the required courses, PHCY 4450 (Pathophysiology) and PHCY 4470 (Pharmacology), please be advised that these courses must be upper division (3000/4000 level); lower division/Community College level courses do not satisfy this requirement; transfer courses need to be reviewed for acceptability.

 

Area requirements for admission to the nursing major are as follows under the BRAND Course Sequence.

BRAND Course Sequence

Pre-Nursing Component
Prerequisite Courses
(Courses required for admission to the nursing major component.)

Hours

STAT 2050 or 2070

4

KIN 2040

3

KIN 2041

1

KIN/ZOO 3115

1

MOLB 2240

5

PSYC 1000

3

FCSC 1140 or 1141

2-3
Total Hours 22-23

(Students will have completed at minimum a baccalaureate degree, therefore the purpose and intent of the University's USP general education requirements will be satisfied.  Students lacking college level prerequisites will be advised accordingly)

Required Elective Courses
(Recommend completing prior to admission, but must be completed by graduation.)

Hours

Approved US/WY Constitution course

     3
(Students who have completed an acceptable, transferable US Constitution course will only have to complete the remaining WY Constitution component as required by UW. The WY Constitution component may be satisfied through the 1 credit exam or course.)  
Total Hours 3

Nursing Major Component
(58 credits)
(Nursing application/fee required.  Courses offered more than once a year depending on sufficient enrollment and faculty availability.)

Summer

Hours
1

NURS 3715

2

NURS 3730

2

NURS 3750

3

NURS 4450

4
Total Hours 12

Fall

Hours
6

NURS 3771

6

PHCY 4470

4
Total Hours 19

Spring

Hours
3
3

NURS 4736

3

NURS 4740

6

NURS 4741

3
Total Hours 18

Summer

Hours
10

NURS 4785

2
Total Hours 12

 

(Note: Course requirements/expectations are subject to change. Maintain contact with Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing for current expectations.)

 

RN/BSN Completion

This option is for the associate degree or diploma in nursing level registered nurse or the Wyoming associate degree nursing student who wishes to further their education to the baccalaureate level in nursing. Nursing theory courses are offered online. A clinical course is taken as near to the student’s home as possible, depending on the availability of adequate clinical sites. The clinical course is specific to BSN roles. No on campus time required.

 

Admission

Students who meet university requirements are admitted to the university (declared NUBS major) in the pre-nursing component of the RN/BSN Completion. Students are designated as pre-nursing until they have completed the RN/BSN application process and are formally admitted into the School of Nursing. Acceptance into the RN/BSN Completion is also based on evaluation of students’ academic work with consideration of the School of Nursing BSN Program Scholastic Requirements.

 

The opportunity exists for students who are currently enrolled in a Wyoming associate degree nursing program to pursue dual admission to RN/BSN Completion. In addition to a streamlined RN/BSN admission process, onsite mentoring and advising sessions are available.

 

Application to the nursing major component of this option must be received by the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing no later than June 1 for fall admission, October 1 for spring admission, or February 1 for summer admission. Applications are available online through the nursing web site and are submitted online. Students applying for admission to the nursing major component must have an active unencumbered RN license in the state in which planning to complete clinical course work (current documentation must be on file with the School of Nursing throughout participation in the RN/BSN Completion). Verification of active unencumbered RN licensure is required by application deadline. The number of students admitted to RN/BSN Completion may be limited based on School of Nursing resources. Applicants meeting minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to the major. Re-entry to this option is dependent upon space availability.

 

Criteria for admission to the nursing major component of the RN/BSN Completion include:

 

1. Expectations noted within the BSN Program Scholastic Requirements, Physical Requirements, and Background Checks Requirements will be taken into consideration.

2. Official transcripts are required from all other colleges/universities attended to be on file with the University of Wyoming.

• Official transcripts indicating an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school.

• Wyoming associate degree nursing students must provide evidence of completion of the first semester of a Wyoming associate degree nursing program with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.50 in the Wyoming associate degree nursing program. A final transcript will be required once the associate degree in nursing has been conferred.

3. Students must have a C or better in all required courses and a minimum nursing grade point average (NGPA) of 2.5 calculated on all completed requisite courses at time of formal admission.

4. Active unencumbered RN Licensure for students who have completed an associate degree or diploma in nursing program. Students currently enrolled in a Wyoming associate degree nursing program are required to obtain unencumbered RN licensure upon completion of that program and submit verification of RN licensure upon receipt prior to taking any of the senior (4000) level nursing courses.

Curriculum

Minimum requirement to graduate from the School of Nursing with a major in professional nursing is 120 semester hours of credit. Additional elective courses are required to complete the degree and can be taken anytime before graduation. It is important for students to be aware of course prerequisites for individual nursing courses and to be in regular contact with a nursing adviser.

 

Evaluation of transfer courses is required for determination of how courses may transfer to UW and be applicable to the nursing curriculum. Some course requirements could vary based on individual academic backgrounds.

 

In regard to the required courses, PHCY 4450 (Pathophysiology) and PHCY 4470 (Pharmacology), please be advised that these courses must be upper division (3000/4000 level); lower division/Community College level courses do not satisfy this requirement; transfer courses need to be reviewed for acceptability.

 

Area requirements for admission to the nursing major are as follows under the RN/BSN Completion Course Sequence.

 

RN/BSN Completion Course Sequence

(Documentation of a current active unencumbered RN license must be on file with the School of Nursing throughout participation in the program)

Pre-Nursing Component
Requisite Courses
(Students are encouraged to complete these courses before taking courses in the nursing major component.)

Hours

Approved (WA) course

3

Approved WB course
3
Approved QA course 3
STAT 2050 or 2070 (QB) 4

PSYC 1000 (CS)

3
ANTH 1200 (CS/G) or SOC 1000 (CS) or 1100 (CS) 3

KIN 2040 (SB)

3

KIN 2041 (SB)

1

KIN/ZOO 3115

4

MOLB 2021 (SB)

4

PHCY 4450 (SB)

4

PHCY 4470 (SB)

4

NURS 3010 (SB)

3
Total Hours 42

 

Required Elective/Graduation Courses
(Additional USP and School of Nursing course requirements needed for graduation. Unless otherwise noted, these requirements may not be met with any of our specified requisite and/or nursing major component courses.)

Approved CA course

3

Approved CH course

3

Approved G course (if not met by ANTH 1200)

3

COJO 1010 (O)

3

Approved S, SB, SP, SE course

3-4
Approved V course 3
Upper Division Elective (any 3000/4000 level course) 3
Total Hours 18-22

 

Nursing Major Component
(22 credits)

(Students must be formally admitted to the nursing major component to take these courses.)

NURS 3020 (D) 3
NURS 3040 2

NURS 3630 (P)

4

NURS 4150 (L)

3
NURS 4240 or NURS 4440 3-4
NURS 4250 (WC) 3
NURS 4875 4
Total Hours 25

Courses within the nursing major component of the RN/BSN curriculum are being reviewed. Anticipated changes will be made during 2009. For questions/updates, contact rn.bsn@uwyo.edu.

 

Escrow Courses
(Credits are automatically posted to the student’s UW transcript upon completion of NURS 3630, documentation of RN licensure and transcript verifying graduation from an associate degree or diploma nursing program. These credits represent credit for nursing content learned in the associate degree or diploma in nursing program.)

3
NURS 3475 4
NURS 3840 3

NURS 3842

3

NURS 3844

3
NURS 3875 4
NURS 4442 4
Total Hours 24
Minimum Hours Required for the Degree 120

(Residency Requirement: A minimum of 30 upper-division hours must be completed through UW.)

 

(Note: Course requirements/expectations are subject to change. Maintain contact with Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing for current expectations.)


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