Carr College of Nursing

Programs

Dean: Cathleen M. Shultz, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., F.A.A.N.

Associate Dean: Da’Lynn Clayton, Ph.D., R.N.

Professor:

Cathleen M. Shultz, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., F.A.A.N.

Associate Professors:

Janice Bingham, M.S.N., R.N., F.N.P.
Da’Lynn Clayton, Ph.D., R.N.
Cheryl Lee, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., C.W.O.C.N.
Jerry Myhan, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.

Assistant Professors:

Jeanie Burt, M.A., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E.
Lisa Engel, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E.
Jackie Harris, M.N.Sc., R.N.
Karen Kelley, M.S.N., R.N., R.N.P.
Johnnetta Kelly, M.N.Sc., R.N., C.N.E
Juli Lane, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E.
Elizabeth Lee, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.
Patty Smith, B.S.N., R.N.

The College of Nursing offers multiple admission opportunities to prepare baccalaureate nurses for the challenges and rewards of professional nursing. The undergraduate nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) and has continuing full approval of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). These organizations are headquartered as follows: NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, 1-800-669-1656; and ASBN, University Tower Building, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204-1619, 501-686-2700.

The College of Nursing has adopted the Arkansas articulation plan, which serves to facilitate the advanced placement of licensed nurses (LPN and RN) within degree completion curriculum tracks. Graduates of the undergraduate program in nursing are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in any state, are qualified for generalist positions in professional nursing practice, and are qualified for graduate study in nursing.

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

The undergraduate program offers curriculum tracks to meet the individualized needs of students including: (a) 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); and (b) an Advanced Placement Track (APT) which is available to students who hold a current unencumbered Arkansas nursing license (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed psychiatric technical nurses). An individualized degree completion plan is collaboratively designed with the APT student; this culminates in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (full- or part-time options are available).

Mission and Philosophy: The 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 practice-oriented 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: Admission to the undergraduate Nursing Program requires a 2.0 overall GPA, a 2.5 GPA in prenursing courses, and junior standing. 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.

Students who wish to enter the undergraduate nursing program must file an admission application with the College of Nursing. Students who wish to enter fall 2010 or spring 2011 must apply for admission to the College of Nursing by the following dates: March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Contact the assistant to the dean (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 completed.

The student must present health documents indicating health status, completion of current immunizations including Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, tuberculosis skin test (PPD/intradermal) or chest X-ray, influenza vaccination, and other laboratory results as indicated on the College of Nursing Health Regulations Form, prior to participating in clinical activities related to 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 evaluations must be completed prior to admission.

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 363 , NURS 412 , NURS 452 , and all Level II nursing courses; this selection of courses constitutes a full upper-division nursing honors program.

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 & Religion  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 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 program 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. As the program develops, the College of Nursing hopes to offer a clinical nursing course at HIZ. 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 College of Nursing and the College of Bible & Religion, 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 two-week 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 300 , NURS 315 , NURS 321 , NURS 350 , NURS 351 , NURS 352 , NURS 362 , NURS 413 , NURS 450 , NURS 452 , NURS 453 , NURS 454 , NURS 455  and NURS 462 . These fee amounts are listed in the Course Fees  catalog section.

Beyond fees administered by the University, nursing majors incur personal incidental expenses for which students are personally responsible. These include selected clinical expenses, standardized tests, 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. 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.

Jimmy Carr College of Nursing