Luther College - Nursing Department

The goal of Luther's nursing faculty is to prepare nurses to function autonomously and interdependently with individuals, families, groups, and communities to promote, maintain, and restore optimal health in a variety of health-care settings. The nursing major, therefore, offers an integrated program of liberal arts and 14 professional nursing courses. The program gives students a broad approach to nursing, providing a base for graduate study or immediate entry into the nursing profession.

Following graduation, Luther nursing students may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Luther College also offers a baccalaureate completion program for registered nurses. More information is available upon request.

PREPARING FOR THE NURSING PROFESSION

The first year at Luther provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. All nursing majors are assigned a faculty adviser to help each student decide whether to pursue a nursing curriculum plan. All students interested in nursing are invited to participate in the nursing student club (PRN).

Clinical nursing courses begin in the fall of the sophomore year. Nursing courses at this level emphasize health assessment and fundamental skills throughout the life span in a variety of settings. These learning experiences develop new communication and interpersonal skills.

Third-year students experience a concentrated study of nursing concepts by caring for children and adults with physical and emotional problems. The sites for this clinical experience are Rochester Methodist Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, affiliates of the Mayo Clinic; the Federal Medical Center; and a variety of community-based health-care agencies in Rochester, Minn.

The senior year provides final preparation for entry into the practice of professional nursing. Courses focus on promoting health and preventing illness in childbearing families and in community groups. Students further develop leadership management and research skills through selected areas of nursing.
GUIDELINES FOR PROGRESSION IN THE NURSING MAJOR

1. Satisfactory completion of an annual health examination.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Luther College of 2.5.
3. No courses required for the major (nursing courses and correlative courses) have been repeated more than one time.
4. No more than two courses required for the major (nursing courses or correlative courses) have been repeated.
5. Satisfactory performance in all clinical experiences.
6. A grade of C is the minimum in any course required for the nursing major.

Minimum requirements must be met to be considered for enrollment in nursing courses. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement in the courses. Decisions affecting progression in the major will be made at the end of each semester.

NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS

Nursing scholarships are available for prospective Luther students who rank in the top 20 percent of their high school classes. These scholarships are available to incoming students on a competitive basis upon admission. Selection of recipients is based on academic information submitted on the application and the high school transcript. Scholarship renewal is based on satisfactory academic and clinical performance in the major.

All nursing students benefit from the Bernice Fischer Cross and Bert S. Cross Perpetual Endowment for the Luther College Mayo Nursing Program and Health Sciences Program. This is used for equal-share assistance for the Luther College nursing students enrolled in the curriculum provided at the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, Minn. The endowment is not a need-based scholarship.

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Luther College - Nursing Department Nursing School Location

Luther College - Nursing Department Courses

HUMAN SEXUALITY
A study of the field of human sexuality. The origins of sex roles, myths, stereotypes, and realities of this important aspect of life will be presented. The complexity of the sociological, psychological, biological, and legal components of the sexual being will also be included. The class is open to all students on campus.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.

NURSING, THE INDIVIDUAL, AND THE HEALTH CONTINUUM I
A focus on the concepts of the health continuum and the role of the nurse. An introduction to the caring process with an emphasis on developing beginning clinical skills and knowledge of the nursing process and therapeutic interaction.

NURSING, THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE HEALTH CONTINUUM II
A focus on the concepts of the health continuum, the role of the nurse, and an introduction to the application of the caring process. Emphasis is placed on the beginning clinical skills and knowledge of health assessment.

TRANSITION TO BACCALAUREATE NURSING
A seminar and laboratory course designed to facilitate transition of the registered nurse from diploma or associate degree nursing education to baccalaureate degree nursing education.

PSYCHOSOCIAL NURSING
Theory and application of psychosocial concepts in determining needs of self, clients, and family. Application of the caring process with an emphasis on therapeutic interaction and the nursing process to individuals experiencing a disruption in their psychosocial health.

INTERRUPTIONS OF THE HEALTH CONTINUUM I
Students use the caring process to help adult clients experiencing pathophysiological interruptions to health. Emphasis is on developing skills to provide care primarily for adults with acute illness. The nursing process, health assessment, principles of rehabilitation, teaching-learning and discharge planning are included.

INTERRUPTIONS OF THE HEALTH CONTINUUM II
Continuation of Interruptions of the Health Continuum I. Emphasis is on refining clinical skills in caring primarily for adults with surgical interruptions and/or those experiencing critical illness.

NURSING OF CHILDREN: A FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH
The caring process with an emphasis on the nursing process is applied to the care of children who are both well and experiencing illness. A family-centered approach is developed. Assessment, teaching, and guidance are used to support and promote optimal health for the child within the family.

TRENDS AND ISSUES IN NURSING
Identification and exploration of current issues and trends in nursing. Emphasis is on economic, ethical, legal, political, social, and technological forces affecting nursing practice. Professional nursing concepts, levels of nursing proficiency and career planning are examined.

RESEARCH METHODS IN NURSING
The research process as a problem solving sub-tool of caring is studied. Research designs are examined, and students will begin the senior project.

INTERNSHIP
A work-study on-the-job learning experience which provides an opportunity for nursing students to expand the breadth and/or depth of knowledge in a specific area of nursing.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

MATERNITY NURSING: A FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH
The caring process with an emphasis on the nursing process is applied to the care of families with a focus on the childbearing phase, including normal and high risk patients. Teaching and health promotion are emphasized, along with client management skills.

COMMUNITY-CENTERED CARE
The study of the community and its population groups. Focus on levels of prevention in the use of the nursing process to promote, maintain and protect the health of individuals, groups and communities. The caring process is emphasized. Clinical experience is in schools, agencies, and community groups providing services in Northeast Iowa.

SYNTHESIS OF NURSING PRACTICE
The caring process is used to assist clients experiencing pathophysiological interruptions to health. Emphasis is on refining clinical skills in caring for adults with more complex chronic illnesses and the collaborative role of the professional nurse across the multidisciplinary health care team. Leadership/management concepts as they apply to professional nursing are emphasized.

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
A study and analysis of economic, social, political and ethical factors that affect management of human, technological, and financial resources in health service organizations. Includes the historical development of health care delivery and reform issues in the U.S. and selected other industrialized nations. There will be a particular focus on strategic and operational management of hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health care agencies. Rural versus urban issues will also be addressed.

SENIOR PROJECT

SENIOR HONORS PROJECT
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.

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