Carr College of Nursing

Mission and Philosophy

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

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

1. The preparation of nurses 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 which 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 and graduate 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 which prepares graduates who have a respect for cultures and an understanding of world missions.

Accreditation

The Carr College of Nursing offers full time and part-time admission opportunities to prepare nurses for the challenges and rewards of professional nursing. The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Harding University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, D.C. 20001, 202-887-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.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).

Information regarding the Master of Science in Nursing program may be found here.  

Program Description

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 accelerated, year-round second degree program which culminates with the awarding of the BSN degree; (3) an individualized track is available to students who hold a current unencumbered nursing license (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses) without a bachelors degree. An individualized degree completion plan is collaboratively designed with the student to culminate in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (full or part-time options are available).

The Carr College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook contains a comprehensive description of all policies and procedures that apply to our students.

Curriculum Strands and Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the undergraduate program, the graduate will be prepared to:

Admission to the Program

Unconditional admission to the undergraduate nursing program (traditional or second degree) requires a 2.8 or higher GPA in prenursing courses. For traditional students, junior standing is required and for second-degree students an earned undergraduate degree is required with program prerequisites. If a student’s prenursing GPA is 2.5-2.79 on a 4.0 scale, the applicant may or may not 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 at least 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 1010/1010L ,  CHEM 2110 ,  BIOL 2400/2400L  or BIOL 3200/3200L , BIOL 2405/2405L  or BIOL 3210/3210L , BIOL 2410/2410L  or BIOL 3400/3400L , NURS 2030/2030L , NURS 3000 , and NURS 3630 . Admission GPA standards are:

• A student’s prenursing GPA equal to or higher than 2.8 earns admission consideration for unconditional admission. This allows each student to only have 4 credit hours of a “C”.
• A student’s prenursing GPA between 2.5 - 2.79 may or may not earn consideration for part-time conditional admission. The student who maintains a 3.0 in nursing courses after two part-time semesters may progress to a full-time track and unconditional admission to the program.

All science and nursing courses may only be attempted twice for consideration for unconditional admission. Additional considerations in the application process included, but are not limited to, science and prenursing faculty references and a student’s integrity, attitude, character, and work ethic. A standardized admission test measuring a student’s knowledge and understanding of prenursing content will be considered in the application process.

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 at (501) 279-4682 or e-mail nursing@harding.edu for further admission information and application forms. Second degree students are required to apply through a nursing centralized application system. 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. Official transcripts of all college credit granted elsewhere must be submitted to the registrar.  Reference evaluations must be completed prior to being considered for admission. The Carr College of Nursing director of admissions and faculty advisers are available to serve in academic and career planning. Individual and group academic advising sessions are available each semester. Students are encouraged to use this assistance to plan schedules which fit individual learning needs and prevent costly scheduling mistakes.

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.

Criminal Background Check Policy

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) requires that every nursing student in Arkansas be made aware of potential bars to being able to obtain nursing licensure.  Some clinical agencies require the nursing student to undergo background checks prior to participating in clinical experiences in the agency.  The Nurse Practice Act of the State of Arkansas details information regarding (1) the requirements that first-time applicants for nursing licensure in Arkansas undergo a state and national criminal background check; and (2) criminal offenses which can potentially disqualify an applicant from taking the licensure exam and/or receiving a professional nursing license. Graduating from a nursing program does not assure the student of ASBN’s approval to take the NCLEX-RN^® licensure exam.

Health Documents

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. Effective Fall 2019, all upper level Nursing students are required to provide current health insurance documentation.  Insurance must be maintained throughout the duration of the program.

Transfer of Credit

Students wanting to receive approval for prerequisite courses taken during the summer at other institutions must receive approval through the Registrar’s office.  A syllabus with a course description may be required to pre approve each requested course. Students may contact the director of admissions in the Carr College of Nursing for more information at nursing@harding.edu.

Licensure for Nursing Practice

Typically, 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. territory, are qualified for generalist positions in professional nursing practice. If students are citizens of another country, he or she should contact the Arkansas Board of Nursing staff for licensing eligibility or contact the dean of nursing for further information. (nursing@harding.edu)

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. Criminal background checks are required prior to beginning clinical experiences.

Graduating BSN seniors will be instructed how to apply for the NCLEX-RN^®. Test development and oversight is coordinated through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).  The exam is administered in every state and U.S. territory, and successful passage enables a graduate to practice anywhere in the United States and U.S. territories.  Final application approval for the examination through the Carr College of Nursing rests with the dean of nursing; final approval to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN^® rests with the state boards of nursing. Felony and/or FBI background checks and fingerprinting are required in the licensing application process and on admission to the BSN program.

Completion of Program

Following the Level 1 Carr College of Nursing admission, nursing courses are to be completed within four consecutive years. Should a student not complete the nursing curriculum within four consecutive years following admission to the nursing program, the student’s progress will be evaluated by committee, and an individualized remediation plan will be developed to ensure competency and safety as a program graduate. This plan may include requiring the student to repeat courses.

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 1000 , NURS 3510 , NURS 4200 , NURS 3540 , NURS 3630 , NURS 4120 , NURS 3450 , 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.

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.  Mission and health mission opportunities abound. NURS 2100 , NURS 3050 , NURS 3440 , NURS 4130 , and BMIS 3020  are available to enrich knowledge and skills with missions and health care. See the nursing health missions coordinator for details.  Students are encouraged to consider obtaining a leadership and ministry major or a health missions minor or a bible and ministry minor for Nurses. Details are available in this catalog and can be provided by the director of admissions in the Carr College of Nursing.

Interdisciplinary Missions Course

BMIS 3020 , 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.     

Mission and health mission opportunities abound.  NURS 2100 , NURS 3050 , NURS 3440 , and NURS 4130 , and BMIS 3020  are available to enrich knowledge and skills with missions and health care.  See the nursing health missions coordinator for details.  Students are encouraged to consider obtaining a health missions and/or Bible & Ministry minor for Nurses.  Details are available in this catalog and can be provided by the director of admissions in the Carr College of Nursing.

Nursing Fees and Incidental Expenses

In addition to general fees, Harding administers special fees for NURS 1000 , NURS 2030/2030L , NURS 2100 , NURS 3000 , NURS 3150 , NURS 3210 , NURS 3440 , NURS 3500 , NURS 3510 , NURS 4200 , NURS 3620L , NURS 4130 , NURS 3550 , NURS 3450 , NURS 4530 , NURS 4540 , NURS 4550 , and NURS 4620 .

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 3000 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 .

Faculty

Dean: Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE

Professor:

         Cheryl Lee, Ph.D., RN, CNE, CWOCN
              Assistant Dean of Clinical Education

Associate Professors:

# Gregory Brooks, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-C
     Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
Lisa Engel, D.N.P., RN, CNE
# Susan Kehl, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Debby Nutt, D.N.P., RN
Patty Smith, Ph.D., RN, CCRN-K
     Director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Assistant Professors:

Jeanie Burt, M.A., M.S.N., RN, CNE
# Dona Clarin, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC, SANE-P
      Director of the Master of Science in Nursing - FNP Program
Kim Cooper, M.S.N., RN, CNE
Jessica Gardner, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP-AC
Karen Garner, M.S.N., RN
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
Kristen McCook, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-BC
Ronda Reely, M.S.N., RN
# Susan Smith, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC
Kim Swenson, D.N.P., RNC-MNN
Elizabeth Thomason, M.S.N., RN

# Also teach graduate courses in the Master of Science in Nursing program.

Programs

• Health Studies (HLST), BS

• Nursing (ACNU) (Second BSN)
• Nursing Major (NURS), BSN

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Second MSN)

• Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Graduate)

• Bible and Ministry Minor for Nursing Majors
• Health Missions Minor