Saint Francis Medical Center - College of Nursing

Welcome to Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. We welcome your interest and consider it our pleasure to participate in your educational goals. Whether you are seeking specific information about the undergraduate or graduate programs or would like to just learn more about the College, you will find our website informative about the College’s many nursing education opportunities.

Since 1905, the College has been dedicated to the highest levels of patient care and has gained a reputation for excellence in nursing education. We provide the academic environment that will educate students to meet the many challenges of health care. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a variety of options within each degree.

MISSION & PHILOSOPHY

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a small, private, Catholic, single purpose institution. The College, founded and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, is enriched by the heritage of the Sisters who have a mission of caring and commitment to quality health care. The College is located in Peoria, Illinois, on the campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a large, tertiary health care and teaching institution.

OUR MISSION

The College provides nursing education programs at the undergraduate and the graduate level. The upper division baccalaureate program prepares men and women for the practice of professional nursing. This program builds upon and incorporates knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences. The graduate program builds upon prior nursing knowledge and experiences and prepares the nurse for advanced roles in nursing. The College offers opportunities for the personal and professional development of the student. The primary commitment of the College is to undergraduate and graduate nursing education. The College encourages the participation of the faculty and students in scholarly activities that contribute to learning, nursing, and health care. The College serves the community by providing competent entry level and advanced practitioners responsive to the changing health needs of society and the health care system. The College serves the community through participation in health-related activities and organizations.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, developed by the faculty, is congruent with the Corporate Philosophy and Corporate Mission Statement of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. It is in accord with Catholic philosophy and follows the ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi who had a great love for God and humankind, especially the sick and the poor.

We believe each person is created by God with a mortal body and an immortal soul whose ultimate aim is eternal salvation. We believe each person born with intellect and free will, has personal dignity and natural rights with associated responsibilities to God, humankind, and society.

The individual, a member of society, is an adaptive being who is constantly interacting with the environment while striving toward self-actualization throughout the life cycle. We believe society is a multicultural system composed of interdependent individuals, families, groups, and communities. Society has the responsibility to provide a health care system which is responsive to changing knowledge, technology, and human resources, and is accessible to its members.

The faculty believe health is a dynamic state in which the individual adapts to one's internal and external environments so that there is a state of physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual well-being. We believe that health encompasses both wellness and illness. Inherent in the individual's rights is the right to attain optimal health and the right to access to health care.

We believe professional nursing is an art and an applied science which builds on the behavioral, natural and social sciences. Nursing utilizes selected concepts, theories, principles and research in the implementation of the nursing process. The nurse, through application of the nursing process, assists the client in reaching optimal health status by facilitating adaptation within the individual's social system. As the health care system changes, the professional nurse must be prepared to assume a variety of emerging roles. The goals of nursing are the promotion and maintenance of health; the care and rehabilitation of the sick and the injured; and the support of the dying.

We believe caring is an essential element of both the art and science of nursing. Caring permeates all areas of nursing practice and facilitates the achievement of nursing goals. Caring is a helping relationship which is influenced by cultural and spiritual values and which promotes growth and self-actualization of the client and the nurse.

The faculty believe learning, a life-long process, occurs when the individual is an active participant. Learning is both an independent and an interdependent process. The faculty recognize that the learner is a unique individual who comes from a sociocultural background with diverse life experiences and varied attitudes and values. The faculty accept responsibilities as educators to create a learning environment which facilitates the development of the individual's potential. Planned learning activities encourage intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, effective communication and self-directed, independent learning.

The faculty believe baccalaureate nursing education builds upon and incorporates the natural and social sciences and the liberal arts. This broad foundation provides the understanding of humankind and society necessary for the learner to begin the implementation of the nursing process. We believe the professional nursing education integrates theories, principles and facts from the general studies with the nursing theories, concepts and experiences. Baccalaureate nursing education prepares the graduate for the practice of professional nursing as a generalist who is able to function independently and interdependently with individuals, families and groups in a variety of health care settings.

Masters nursing education prepares the advanced practice nurse who functions autonomously in a variety of roles and integrates theory, research, and practice for the improvement of client care and the advancement of the nursing profession.

We believe the Judeo-Christian tenets underlying the nursing education at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing promote values essential for the development of a personal and professional philosophy of God and humankind. These values, inculcated throughout the curriculum, guide the learner to evolve into an ethical and accountable professional nurse.

HISTORY

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing continues the history of nursing education started by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Peoria, Illinois, whose mission is to provide healthcare to the sick, injured, and poor and education for healthcare providers to the community of Peoria and surrounding areas.

St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing was organized in 1905, for Sisters only. The school's diploma program was approved by the State of Illinois in 1915, and opened to lay students in 1918. The School maintained continuous State approval of the diploma program. In 1950, the School received accreditation of the diploma program from the National League for Nursing (NLN) which continued through graduation of the last class in 1987.

Throughout its existence the School of Nursing contributed significantly to the profession of nursing through its graduates. From 1905 through 1987, approximately 3400 students graduated from the diploma program.

Throughout the years, the school developed, enriched and improved its educational program based upon the needs of health care consumers and changing trends in nursing and health care. Examples of responses to changing needs in health care and education were: provision of an accelerated program for the U.S. Cadet Corps; participation in an Exchange Visitors Program for students from China; and the provision of courses for affiliate students from other nursing programs in Illinois.

The College of Nursing was established in November 1985, with approval of the baccalaureate program by the State of Illinois. The College enrolled its first students as juniors in August 1986. The first class graduated in May 1988. The College has graduated 834 students as of December 2002.

The College faculty and administration are committed to quality education as demonstrated by institutional and program accreditation. The College was granted candidacy with the North Central Association (NCA) in 1987, initial accreditation in 1991, and continued accreditation in 1996. In March 1992, the College received initial accreditation of the baccalaureate program from the NLN. In November 1996, the National League for Nursing (NLN) Board of Review granted the College continued accreditation of the baccalaureate nursing program. In keeping with the Mission of the Sisters, the College of Nursing continues a tradition of excellence in nursing education.

In March 2000, the College received approval from the OSF Healthcare Systems Board of Directors to develop and implement a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. In May 2001, the College received approval from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to offer a MSN program. In June 2001, NCA approved the program. The program of study is designed to provide baccalaureate professional nurse with current advanced knowledge and skill in Medical-Surgical Nursing with an option for either clinical practical or education.

The College offers through distance learning, some of the courses, which enable registered nurses the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Summer 2000, the Illinois Board of Higher Education approved the use of video conferencing and web-based delivery all courses required by registered nurses. The College also received approval from the NLNAC in May 2001 and NCA in June 2001 to offer to registered nurses both baccalaureate and master's courses using distance education technology.

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Saint Francis Medical Center - College of Nursing Nursing School Location

Saint Francis Medical Center - College of Nursing Courses

HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course is designed to develop skills for assessing physical, developmental, psychosocial and psychospiritual aspects of well clients with emphasis on normal variations. Communication skills, interviewing techniques and history taking essential to the nursing process are taught and practiced. Opportunities for practicing communication and physical assessment skills are provided in the professional skills laboratory. Optional practice laboratory sessions are offered to enhance learning. The course is taken prior to or concurrently with Concepts Basic to Nursing.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This course presents the concepts and theories of adaptations in altered health states and their application to physiological needs. Major health problems of varying age groups are utilized to illustrate these concepts and theories. Throughout the course the student applies previously acquired knowledge from anatomy and physiology, chemistry and microbiology, as well as other basic sciences.

PHARMACOLOGICAL BASIS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
This course provides a broad overview of the historical development, regulatory controls and current practices of pharmacotherapeutics. Drug classifications with related actions, effects and interactions are presented. The roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse in drug therapy are identified.

CONCEPTS BASIC TO PROFESSIONAL NURSING
This course presents the concepts and theories basic to the practice of professional nursing. It provides a broad overview of the philosophy and organizing framework of the College. The history of nursing, code of ethics, nurse practice act and standards of nursing practice are introduced. The roles and characteristics of the professional nurse, with emphasis on the role of care giver and educator, are discussed. The components of the nursing process and its application to the client's needs in health promotion and maintenance are presented. The course includes religious beliefs and practices as a basis for planning care to meet spiritual needs of clients. Opportunities to learn and practice cognitive and psychomotor skills are provided in the professional skills laboratory and in predictable clinical situations. Optional laboratory sessions are offered for additional practice. The student recognizes the influence of leadership and research on client care and the profession. The course is taken concurrently with or after Health Assessment.

JUNIOR YEAR, SECOND SEMESTER

ETHICS AND HEALTH CARE IMPLICATIONS
The course is designed to guide the student in developing a basis for making bioethical decisions from a Judeo-Christian value system. The student is acquainted with the ethical systems utilized in bioethical decision-making. Selected health situations requiring ethical decisions are studied.

NURSING CARE OF CLIENTS WITH PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS
In this course concepts and theories related to human behavior and psychopathology are studied. The nursing process is implemented to meet client needs with emphasis on the higher level needs of safety and security, love and belonging, and esteem and self-esteem. The therapeutic use of self and concepts of group process are utilized as interventions for assisting clients to adapt within their social system. The facilitator role of the nurse is emphasized within this course. The collaborative relationship between the nurse and other health team members in the mental health care system is explored. Nursing responsibilities associated with mental health treatment modalities are practiced. Learning experiences intermediate, and community settings are utilized for promotion and restoration of health and rehabilitation for individuals, families and groups.

NURSING CARE OF THE CHILD AND FAMILY
In this course concepts and theories related to the process of childbearing and childrearing are studied. The nursing process is implemented to meet the physiological and psychological needs of the family and its individual members with special emphasis on the higher level needs of safety, security, protection, love and belonging. Interactions between the nurse, child and family are stressed. The role of educator is emphasized within this course. Learning experiences include opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in the care of children from birth through adolescence and families throughout the childbearing cycle. A variety of acute care and community settings are utilized for promotion and restoration of health and rehabilitation for individuals and families.

SENIOR YEAR, FIRST SEMESTER

NURSING RESEARCH
This course focuses on the research process as an integral component of professional nursing. Concepts and theories from the liberal arts and science background serve as a base for the acquisition of new research knowledge and skills. The types of research methodology and the steps in the research process are presented. Selected research findings are utilized in exploring nursing care alternatives. Utilizing knowledge of the research process, the student critiques research articles and prepares a proposal based on an identified nursing problem.

NURSING CARE OF THE ADULT CLIENT IN ILLNESS
This course centers on care of adult clients in illness focusing on promotion and restoration of health and rehabilitation. The student implements the nursing process in the care of clients experiencing a disruption in one or more of the basic physiological needs. The holistic nature of the client is emphasized in designing individualized care. Integrated within this course are the nursing responsibilities related to therapeutic interventions. These interventions include drug therapy, diet therapy, surgery and other treatment modalities. Opportunities for application of knowledge and skills are provided in a variety of setting in predominantly predictable situations.

NURSING CARE OF CLIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
In this course, concepts and theories of community health are studied. Health needs, problems and issues impacting on the community and available community resources are discussed. The course focuses on implementation of the nursing process for clients of all ages in wellness and illness in the community setting. The basic needs of the client are addressed with particular emphasis on the higher level needs of safety, security, love and belonging. The student identifies and selects appropriate community resources based on the assessment of client needs. Learning experiences are provided with clients from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic groups. A variety of community settings are utilized.

SENIOR YEAR, SECOND SEMESTER

PERSPECTIVES FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE
This course presents issues, problem and changes confronting the profession of nursing. The emergence of new roles in nursing and the relationship of nursing to the health care delivery system are studied. The student explores the impact of selected influences on the present and future practice of nursing. The responsibilities of the nurse to the profession are emphasized.

NURSING CARE OF CLIENTS IN COMPLEX SITUATIONS
In this course the student studies concepts and theories related to the care of individuals, families or groups experiencing a critical disruption in one or more need, in crisis, or who are dying. Emphasis is on the restorative and supportive care of clients in predictable and unpredictable situations. Clinical application focuses on the care giver and leadership roles of the nurse. Students have the opportunity to: practice skilled nursing interventions for clients in crisis; participate as an integral member of the health care team; and utilize management principles in the leadership role. The interrelated professional roles of care giver, advocate, facilitator, educator, leader, manager and researcher are practiced. A variety of settings are available for clinical application.

MANAGEMENT FOR NURSES
This course emphasizes the concepts and theories utilized in the managerial process as it relates to nursing. Topics include: management theories, change process, conflict resolution and decision-making. The roles and responsibilities of an effective manager are discussed. Emphasis is on communication skills that facilitate interactions which promote caring, productive working relationships. Opportunities for application of management principles/skills are provided in the course,

ELECTIVE OR INDEPENDENT STUDY
Health related topics of interest to the student allow for an in-depth study to enhance student learning. An independent study with a clinical focus including a seminar and experience is available in various clinical areas. A variety of elective courses may be offered pending student interest and enrollment.

ONCOLOGY NURSING
In this course the student studies concepts and theories related to the care of individuals and their families experiencing a diagnosis of cancer. Emphasis is on restorative, rehabilitative and supportive care of clients. Student have the opportunity to explore and area of interest related to the care of the oncology clients.

EMERGENCY NURSING CARE OF CLIENTS
This course incorporates the nursing process with the study of emergency nursing care that assists clients in a variety of emergency situations. The topics include: standards, concepts, laws, current research and ethical implications. The roles and responsibilities of the nurse in emergency care are discussed. Emphasis is on priority setting, critical assessment, interview strategies and the application of the nursing process to provide caring and meet course objectives. (2/1)*

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR IN SOCIETY
This course promotes a bio-psychosocial view of substance abuse and addictive behavior. It focuses on the nature, causes, prevention, intervention and rehabilitation of these problems. Students learn ways in which abused chemicals have been regarded in society and factor that may contribute to current concepts about adverse consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse and addictive behavior. Prevention programs, formal recovery programs and self-help programs are visited and appraised.

NURSING CARE OF THE CRITICALLY ILL ADULT
This course utilizes the nursing process to study the nursing care of critically ill adult clients with a variety of problems. Topics to be covered include concepts, standards of practice, current research and ethical implications. The roles and responsibilities of the nurse in the critical care setting are discussed. Appropriate research findings are discussed as they relate to care of the critically ill client.

PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE NURSING
This course includes the study of concepts and principles from the sciences and nursing as they relate to the care of the critically ill pediatric client. Emphasis is placed on the psychosocial and physiologic needs of the client and family. The roles and functions of the nurse are discussed, as well as the ethical/legal issues encountered in the critical care environment. Appropriate research findings are discussed as they relate to the care of these clients. Students utilize the critical care unit to observe and assist with nursing care of the pediatric client.

NURSING CARE OF THE PERIOPERATIVE CLIENT
This course is designed to assist the student in providing holistic nursing care for the client in the perioperative and perianesthesia setting. Guided by the professional standards of care, the student practices therapeutic use of self in the roles of caregiver, client advocate, educator, facilitator, and research consumer. The nursing process and concepts of caring are applied in accordance with the Christian belief in the dignity and worth of the individual and family. Previous coursework provides a basis for care of clients in unpredictable situations. Content includes preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative assessment/care, physiologic challenges such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, thermoregulation, positioning, and pain complications, as well as, legal, ethical, and research issues. The student enhances critical thinking and professional communication in using the nursing process to develop and implement nursing care in the ambulatory and hospital settings.

SUMMER CLINICAL ELECTIVE
This course helps prepare the baccalaureate-nursing student to integrate nursing theories, concepts and experiences in the preparation for the practice of a professional nurse. Within this course, the goals of nursing are the promotion and maintenance of health; the care and rehabilitation of the sick and the injured; and the support of the dying based on the catholic ethical principles and Catholic social teachings. Learning is both an independent and an interdependent process. The student functions with the interdisciplinary team and is assigned to a preceptor who serves as a role model and clinical resource person while enrolled in this nursing education program.

Other nursing schools in Peoria

Bradley University (Department of Nursing) Established in 1956, Bradley University’s Department of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate programs of study, as well as a special summer ... Address: 1501 W. Bradley Avenue

Methodist College of Nursing Methodist College of Nursing (MCON) is a single purpose college offering the baccalaureate nursing program (BSN). There are two tracks in this program... Address: 415 St. Mark Court

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