Carr College of Nursing

Carr College of Nursing

List of Programs

Dean: Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Associate Dean: Greg Brooks, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-C

Associate Professors:

Gregory Brooks, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-C
Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Cheryl Lee, Ph.D., RN, CNE, CWOCN
    Assistant Dean of Clinical Education
Jerry Myhan, M.S.N., RN, APRN, FNP-BC
Debby Nutt, D.N.P., RN

Assistant Professors:

Jeanie Burt, M.A., M.S.N., RN, CNE
Dona Clarin, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC, SANE-P
Kim Cooper, M.S.N., RN
Lisa Engel, M.S.N., RN
Jessica Gardner, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP-AC
Jackie Harris, M.N.Sc., RN, CNE
Karen Kelley, M.S.N., RN
Nona Lacy, M.S.N., RN, RNC-NIC
Juli Lane, M.S.N., RN, CNE, SANE-P
DeeAnn Martin, M.S.N., RN, ARNP, CPNP
Patty Smith, Ph.D., RN, CCRN
Susan Smith, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC
Kim Swenson, M.S.N., RNC-MNN

Instructor:

Ronda Reely, M.S.N., RN

The Carr College of Nursing offers full time and part-time admission opportunities to prepare baccalaureate nurses for the challenges and rewards of professional nursing. The undergraduate nursing program has continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000, (www.acenursing.org); and has continuing full approval of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) University Tower Building, 1123 South University Ave., Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204-1619, 501-686-2700 (www.arsbn.org).

The undergraduate program offers curriculum tracks to meet the individualized needs of students including: (1) a four-year, full-time traditional track which culminates with the awarding of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (part-time options are available); (2) an individualized track or advanced placement track (APT) is available to students who hold a current unencumbered nursing license (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed psychiatric technical nurses) without a bachelors degree. An individualized degree completion plan is collaboratively designed with the student to culminates in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (full or part-time options are available).

Mission and Philosophy: The Carr College of Nursing’s mission statement is “Developing Nurses as Christian Servants.”

The nursing program fosters a supportive environment that challenges professional nursing students to reach their full potential. The program’s purpose is to provide a quality professional education that leads to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals. This involves the following goals:

1. The preparation of graduates who provide nursing care reflective of their faith and Christian service and who value lifelong intellectual growth.
2. The encouragement of evidence-based and critical thinking that acknowledges dependence on God and is built upon a liberal arts foundation.
3. The development of a commitment to Christian values, ethics, intellectual excellence, and undergraduate standards of professional nursing practice.
4. The promotion of supportive personal and professional relationships.
5. The promotion of lifelong health habits that contribute to a better quality of life physically, spiritually, psychologically and socially.
6. The emphasis of a servant-leadership lifestyle that prepares graduates who have a respect for diverse cultures and an understanding of world missions.

Admission to the Program: Unconditional admission to the undergraduate nursing program requires a 2.8 GPA in prenursing courses and junior standing. If the prenursing GPA is 2.5-2.79 on a 4.0 scale, the applicant may be considered for part-time admittance. Priority for admission is given to students with high prenursing GPA’s. To remain in the program, the student must maintain a 2.5 GPA in nursing, including a grade of “C” or better in all nursing courses, and make satisfactory progress toward the degree.

The prenursing GPA will be calculated on the science and nursing courses: CHEM 114 , BIOL 159  or CHEM 215 , BIOL 249 , BIOL 253 , BIOL 271 , NURS 203 , NURS 300 , and NURS 363 . Admission GPA standards are:

• A student’s prenursing GPA equal to or higher than 2.8 earns admissions consideration for unconditional admission. This allows each student to have 4 credit hours of “C.”
• A student’s prenursing GPA between 2.5 - 2.79 earns admissions consideration for part-time conditional admission. The student who maintains a 3.0 in nursing courses after 2 part-time semesters may progress to a full-time track and unconditional admission to the program.

All science and prenursing courses may only be attempted twice for consideration for unconditional admission. Students making a “C” in CHEM 114  will be required to complete BIOL 159  before registering for BIOL 249 .

Additional considerations in the application process include, but are not limited to, science and prenursing faculty references and a student’s integrity, attitude and character.

To remain in the program, the student must maintain a 2.5 GPA in nursing, including a grade of “C” or better in all nursing courses, and make satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Admissions occur twice per year. Students who wish to enter the undergraduate nursing program must file an admission application with the Carr College of Nursing. Students who wish to enter fall or spring must apply for admission to the Carr College of Nursing by the following dates: March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Contact the director of admissions (501-279-4682) or e-mail nursing@harding.edu for further admission information and application forms. No final action will be taken on an application until the student has been admitted to the University, all prerequisites have been met, and the application has been received. Reference evaluations must be completed prior to being considered for admission.

The student must submit health documents electronically indicating health status, completion of current immunizations including Varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, tuberculosis skin test (PPD/intradermal) or chest X-ray, influenza vaccination, and other laboratory results as indicated by the Carr College of Nursing, prior to participating in clinical activities of the nursing program. Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required. Health and disability insurance coverage are strongly recommended. Official transcripts of all college credit granted elsewhere must be submitted to the registrar. Reference forms must be completed prior to consideration for admission.

Licensures for Nursing Practice

Graduates of the undergraduate program in nursing are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examinations for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in any state and U.S. territories, are qualified for generalist positions in professional nursing practice, and are qualified for graduate studies in nursing. 

According to ASBN regulations, nursing majors may take the Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam following successful completion of acute nursing (NURS 352 ) and pediatric nursing (NURS 450 ) courses. Interested students are encouraged to contact the dean for further information.

The Arkansas Board of Nursing requires every nursing student in the state to be aware of potential barriers to licensure. Criminal offenses can disqualify nursing applicants’ licensure application. See the dean of the college for details.

International Students

If the applicant is not born in the United States or in a country where English is the official language, the applicant may document their English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. An official TOEFL iBT composite score of at least 83 with a minimum speaking score requirement of 26 (out of 30(90%)). The test must have been taken within the last calendar year of admission. Official TOEFL exam score report reflecting successful completion must be received no later than the nursing program application deadline date. The TOEFL iBT test can be taken in the Harding University Testing Office. The test will be an expense to the student. Please contact the Testing Office for details at 501-279-4415 or online at www.harding.edu/testing.
2. If the applicant’s entire educational experience has been in the United States, the applicant is not required to take the TOEFL. To document this, the applicant must provide records/transcripts from the time that the applicant entered school in the first grade through junior high, high school, and college. If the applicant cannot provide this documentation, the applicant may appeal first to the Carr College of Nursing Admissions Committee, and then to the dean of the college.

Honors

Nursing majors interested in honors courses are to apply through the Honors College office. Nursing courses that can be taken for Honors credit are NURS 100 , NURS 351 , NURS 352 , NURS 354 , NURS 363 , NURS 412 , NURS 452 , and all Level II nursing courses; this selection of courses constitutes a full upper-division nursing honors program in collaboration with the Honors College .  Students unconditionally admitted to the Carr College of Nursing who maintain a 3.25 overall grade point average may graduate as an Honors College graduate by earning a minimum of 20 hours of honors credit completing at least four honors contracts and any courses designated as (H) sections or HNRS courses. Nursing majors who wish to graduate at the highest level, Honors College Graduate with Distinction, should contact the Honors College about requirements.

Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

The Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Inc., a collegiate honor society in nursing, was chartered at Harding University on Feb. 9, 1982. Application for this chapter was made by the local Honor Society of Nursing that was installed in fall 1976. Membership in Sigma Theta Tau is by invitation based on demonstration of outstanding qualities in character, leadership, nursing ability and scholastic achievement.

Second Major in Leadership and Ministry

Students interested in a second major in leadership and ministry must take 33 hours of Bible courses as specified in the leadership and ministry major listed in the College of Bible & Ministry  catalog section. Requirements for this major may be partially met through Bible courses required for the nursing major.

Health Care Mission Opportunities

Nursing is an ideal profession for service to others. In addition to the many clinical opportunities, the nursing curriculum offers numerous stateside and international health care missions clinical opportunities. Since the first graduating class in 1977, nursing students have participated in health care missions as part of the nursing curriculum. Both short term (7-10 days) and long term (4-6 weeks or up to a semester) opportunities are available. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in health care missions as a part of their nursing experiences.

In fall 2007, Harding University in Zambia (HIZ) was begun. This International Programs  site has a health missions emphasis and nursing students are encouraged to participate in this semester-long experience. Students may work toward completion of their Health Missions Minor  while participating in the HIZ program. This type of experience greatly enhances students’ cultural awareness and provides additional opportunities to follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician. Contact the nursing health missions coordinator for details.

Interdisciplinary Missions Course

BMIS 388 , Development Ministry, an interdisciplinary missions course between the Carr College of Nursing and the College of Bible & Ministry, is offered during intersession. This course provides hands-on training in various types of benevolent outreach to the poor, including appropriate technology, water development and sanitation, primary health care, intensive gardening, and livestock management. Students are introduced to theological as well as strategic issues in relief and development. This 12-day intersession course is held at Harding University Tahkodah (HUT) in Floral, Ark., where students experience living in a global village.     

Nursing Fees and Incidental Expenses

In addition to general fees, Harding administers special fees for NURS 100 , NURS 203 , NURS 210 , NURS 300 , NURS 315 , NURS 321 , NURS 344 , NURS 350 , NURS 351 , NURS 352 , NURS 362 , NURS 413 , NURS 450 , NURS 452 , NURS 453 , NURS 454 , NURS 455 , and NURS 462 .

Beyond fees administered by the University, nursing majors incur personal incidental expenses for which students are personally responsible. These include selected clinical expenses, health-related expenses, NCLEX-RN licensure application fees, health insurance, uniforms, equipment and transportation expenses. The table below lists approximate expenses.

Costs listed are approximate and subject to change. Computer requirement: Effective Fall 2015, all students involved in the nursing degree program must have ready access to a laptop computer and designated software.  Specific computer and software requirements are posted on the Harding University Carr College of Nursing website.  (Courses that require the student to regularly bring a laptop to class include all nursing courses numbered 300 and above.)  Each student must carry nursing liability insurance, which is included in course fees. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all health facilities where learning experiences are provided. Each student must have access to a car during the entire nursing program for individual clinical experiences.

These costs are above the usual University fees and tuition charges which are found here .

Carr College of Nursing

Carr College of Nursing Graduate

Programs of Study

Master of Science in Nursing 

Program Description

Harding University Carr College of Nursing (HCCN) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. Successful completion of this degree program will prepare the graduate to sit for national certification exams, which will allow the graduate to be recognized as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. With the education and certification of a Family Nurse Practitioner, the NP will be able to work as a primary care provider within a variety of settings and with patient populations across the lifespan. As state and federal decisions shape the future of health care and advanced nursing practice, the graduate will be positioned to make a significant impact on safe, quality patient care.

The faculty of the FNP program work within HCCN and the Center of Health Sciences. The curriculum is 45 semester credit hours in length and requires 720 clinical practicum hours. Students participating in the FNP program attend classes three semesters a year, participating in a hybrid online format. The full time plan of study can be completed within two years, while the part-time plan of study can be completed in three years. There are three required on-campus workshops each year. A post-masters certificate and a second MSN options are available in which the applicant’s previous master’s degree is reviewed and considered prior to developing the applicant’s plan of study for the FNP program.

The MSN program is located in the Carr College of Nursing. Additional information can be found on the Carr College of Nursing web page. For more specific information call (501) 279-4859 or email gradnursing@harding.edu. The HCCN Graduate Student Handbook contains a comprehensive description of all policies and procedures that apply to graduate students.

Faculty

Dean: Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Associate Dean: Gregory Books, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC
 

Associate Professors:

Gregory Brooks, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC
Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Jerry Myhan, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-BC

Assistant Professors:

Dona Clarin, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC, SANE-P
     FNP Clinical Director
Susan Smith, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC

Mission of HCCN and the MSN Program

The mission of Harding is to provide a quality education that will lead to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals. Harding seeks to develop a Christian scholar who promotes Christian ethics in their profession and citizenship with a global perspective. The College of Nursing’s mission statement is “Developing Nurses as Christian Servants.” Together, the University and College missions provide the context for the educational direction of the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the Carr College of Nursing.

The graduate nursing program provides a supportive and nurturing environment for registered nurses to develop as advanced practice nurses. The graduate program’s purpose is to provide an evidence-based, quality education that leads to an understanding and philosophy that is consistent with Christian ideals. Nurse Practitioner students learn to focus on individual and family units, as well as local and global communities.

Curriculum Strands and Student Learning Outcomes

The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) serve as foundations for the HCCN MSN curriculum strands and student learning outcomes. The influences of Christian principles, values and the mission of Harding University as a faith-based institution are integrated throughout the curriculum. The concepts of the HCCN MSN student learning outcomes and strands are derived from the undergraduate foundations and built upon national advanced practice curriculum and practice expectations. Program objectives are focused to help students meet basic FNP practice competencies set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).

At the completion of this program, the advanced practice graduate will be prepared to: 

Adapted from National League for Nursing. (2010). Outcomes and competencies for graduates of practical/vocational, diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate, master’s, practice doctorates, and research doctorate programs in nursing. New York: National League for Nursing.

Admission Requirements and Process

The policies and criteria are conveyed to prospective students via the Harding University Graduate and Professional Catalog, HCCN Graduate Student Handbook, letters, phone calls, electronic communication, and personal interviews.

The minimum standards for admission to the MSN FNP program at HCCN are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing with an upper division nursing major from a nursing program accredited by a nursing accreditation body and from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.
2. Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. If the GPA is below 3.0, conditional acceptance may be considered.
3. Satisfactory completion of undergraduate basic inferential statistics, health assessment, and nursing research courses; each completed with a final letter grade of “C” or better.
4. Although not an official requirement, those who have submitted a score for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) will be able to have their scores reviewed and considered as part of their admission into the program.
5. If the applicant was not born in the United States or in a country where English is not the official language, the applicant may document their English proficiency based on the following criteria:
   1. An official TOEFL iBT composite score of at least 83 with a minimum speaking requirement of 26/30 or 90%. The test must have been taken within the last calendar year of admission. An official TOEFL exam score report reflecting successful completion must be received no later than the application date. The TOEFL iBT can be taken in the Harding University Testing Office. The test is an expense to the student. Please contact that office for details at 501-279-4415 or online at www.harding.edu/testing
6. Unencumbered current, compact or state RN license
7. Proof of 2000 hours of work experience as an RN before registering for any practicum course.
8. Evidence of meeting health related requirements is required.
9. Evidence of current health insurance maintained throughout the program.
10. Evidence of current CPR for health care providers maintained throughout the program.

Students are to complete an online application form through Nursing CAS and a supplemental application through the Carr College of Nursing prior to consideration for admission to the program. Application elements are listed below:

1. Online applications available at NursingCAS and Carr College of Nursing.
2. Official transcripts of all completed academic courses.
3. MAT or GRE scores if available.
4. Three references pertaining to academic and professional work.
5. Submission of health requirements (see above).
6. Completion of the criminal background check.
7. Verification of current unencumbered RN license for state of residence and/or practice.
8. Submission of professional paper addressing career goals with two references in American Psychological Association (APA) format (includes in-text citation and reference list); limited to two typed, double-spaced pages.
9. Application for admission to the graduate program will be considered complete when all materials are collected in NursingCAS, and a supplemental application (pdf) with the $50 application fee submitted to HCCN.

Admission to the MSN program is competitive. Applications will be reviewed by the graduate faculty based upon criteria discussed above and will be followed up with an interview to be set up after the submission deadline. Following the selection process, students will receive a letter of acceptance, admission as an alternate, or non-acceptance. If a student receives a non-acceptance letter, he or she may re-submit an application after one calendar year.

Health and Related Requirements

Vaccination requirements for those students, who may be 60 or older before applying for admission or during the program, are available upon request.

Transfer of Credit

Students who have completed coursework at other accredited colleges and universities may petition to have equivalent courses credited for their current degree. Transferred courses must be equivalent of courses assigned as part of the designated curriculum for their designated MSN program. Once the applicant has submitted their application to the program, they may meet with the FNP program director to complete a transcript analysis and review of course content for equivalency of content. Equivalency of courses is done prior to developing the student’s plan of study and degree completion form. Transfer work will be based upon the student’s requested path of study. Nursing students who will be completing courses at other universities or colleges during their enrollment at Harding must have prior approval of the dean or associate dean. The following guidelines are used when evaluating transcripts for potential course transfer:

1. Courses considered for transfer credit in the MSN program will be evaluated by FNP faculty and/or staff for equivalency and must be consistent with the courses offered for the degree program. Graduate courses must have a grade of B- or better (A-F scale).
2. Courses considered for transfer must be taken within five years prior to admission to the program. Courses beyond five years will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Relevance and currency to nursing curriculum and practice are major considerations. Certification exams and/or proficiency exams taken within the past five years may be considered.
3. Evaluation will be based upon review of a complete syllabus of course being considered for transfer and the request for course substitution and other materials deemed relevant to make the best decision.
4. Beginning fall 2016, no more than six credit hours of graduate work for the MSN program will be considered for transfer credit.
5. Students transferring from a current graduate program must have a letter of good standing from the current program director.

Post-Master’s Students

Students who have a previous Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited university or college will be able to apply for the Post-Master’s program for FNP studies. Students who enroll in this pathway will need to complete the application process as previously discussed and may elect to have credit hours transferred from their previous studies. Degree plans may be individualized based up on previously completed work. Transfer credit and course plans of study will be reviewed on an individual basis with the FNP program director with approval from nursing administration.

Second Master of Science in Nursing Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner Program

This option is available to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses who have completed an MSN and desire the preparation in another specialty area and an additional Master’s degree. Up to 15 credit hours of essential MSN courses may be transferred for the MSN FNP degree completion of 45 credit hours. Federal financial aid may be available for students who pursue this degree option.

Post Master’s Certificate in the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program

This option is available to registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses who have earned a MSN in another area of emphasis and desire to complete the educational requirements to become certified Family Nurse Practitioners. Students in this option may complete up to 32 credit hours in the MSN FNP program. Upon completion of the required courses, students will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioners. Federal financial aid is not offered through Harding University for this certificate program, however private lending options may be available.

Program Fees and Incidental Expenses

Beyond tuition and university fees, graduate nursing students will incur personal incidental expenses for which the students are personally responsible. These may include but are not limited to a computer, mobile computing device, clinical expenses, health-related expenses, standardized tests, certification preparation and examination fees, health insurance, lab coats, program patches, health care assessment equipment, transportation, and personal costs while attending campus activities.

Computer requirements

Proficiency in basic computer skills (word processing, databases, Internet searches, and email) is expected of all graduate students. Courses will be offered through an online format and will require personal access to high speed Internet with video and audio streaming capacities. Students are required to have a computer upon entry to the program. Other minimum technology requirements and a mobile computing device will be identified following admission to the program.

Equipment Requirements

All students will be required to purchase or have equipment to meet program requirements. An equipment list and the dress requirements will be provided after admission.

Liability Requirements

Each student will be covered with professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 per incident, and $5,000,000 in the aggregate prior to direct care clinical experiences. The policy is paid from student fees and is maintained by the University throughout the student’s enrollment in the program. Liability insurance will only cover incidents occurring during clinical experiences and activities associated with the student role.

Travel Requirements

Travel to school and clinical sites is an expected part of MSN studies. Clinical experiences will necessitate travel to a variety of primary care sites. Students will be responsible for all costs associated with clinical experiences, such as transportation, meals, additional clinical requirements, etc. Some sites may require arrangements for accommodations which will also be the student’s responsibility.

Students are also required to travel to the Searcy campus for on-campus orientations and designated intensive studies. Schedules will be announced prior to each semester, and students are to arrange personal schedules accordingly.

All students are required to have access to a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and current auto liability insurance throughout the program.

Background Check Requirements

Criminal background checks with cleared acceptable results are required prior to admission and throughout the program. Students are to consent, submit, and successfully complete a criminal background check through a program-selected vendor as a condition for final admission to the program. This process requires a legible set of fingerprints to be sent to the selected vendor, and the fees are to be paid by the students. The Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will generate the reports. The student is required to submit proof of completion to the HCCN student files, and may be required to submit copies to one or more clinical facilities.

Certain conditions may disqualify an applicant for admission to the program. If the program determines a student has a non-eligibility condition in his or her history, or was not cleared in the Criminal Background Check process, the application to the program may be denied.

Conditions that may disqualify students for admission to or progression in the HCCN graduate program: 

1. A nursing license that has a pending investigation or is encumbered
2. Any criminal offense including those pending appeal, such as has the student:
   1. Been convicted of a misdemeanor?
   2. Been convicted of a felony?
   3. Pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
   4. Received deferred adjudication?
   5. Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
   6. Been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? Court-ordered confinement?
   7. Been granted pre-trial diversion?
   8. Been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
   9. Been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
   10. Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?

*May only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.

Students are required to submit to drug testing as required by the program and clinical sites. These costs are the students’ responsibility. A positive drug screen results in program dismissal. Both criminal background checks and drug screens are common pre-employment procedures and required for professional practice.