Nursing

College of Science, Math, and Nursing

Faculty

Dr. Kimberly McCullough, DNP, RN, Program Chair

Prof. Andrea Anderson, MS, RN

Prof. Nicole Buhler, MSN, RN

Prof. Kimberly Devine, MSN, RN

Prof. Thomas Folliard, MSN, RN 

Prof. Stephanie Yeager, MSN, FNP-BC

Prof. Gwendolyn Zimmerman, MSN, RN

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850

Atlanta, Georgia 30326

404.975.5000

www.acenursing.org

Mission

The Department of Nursing as an integral part of Rockford University, holds a mission that is consistent with the mission and beliefs of the University. The mission of the Rockford University baccalaureate nursing program is to prepare registered professional nurses to provide quality nursing care to individuals, families, groups, and communities, within a global society. The graduate will attain the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for professional nursing practice by integrating liberal education and professional nursing education.

The Student Learning Outcomes of the University’s Nursing program are to prepare graduates to:

1. Synthesize knowledge and skills from nursing and a liberal arts education that includes both the sciences and the arts into professional nursing practice.
2. Prepare graduates to practice as baccalaureate generalist nurses to serve as providers of care and be contributing members of the nursing profession to meet the diverse health care needs of a global society.
3. Facilitate the internalization of the values of the discipline of nursing that include altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice.
4. Prepare graduates to be lifelong learners who serve as designers, managers and coordinators of care, and who are members of the profession.

The department offers a four-year track for students interested in becoming registered nurses which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The strong community-based clinical component of the program provides opportunities for the student to apply knowledge and skills in clinical settings. Successful completion of the degree qualifies students to apply for the professional nurse licensure examination.

The liberal arts education of Rockford University fosters a holistic view of persons, facilitates critical thinking and decision-making, provides opportunities for exchanging ideas, stimulates intellectual growth and creativity, and encourages contributions to the nursing profession and society. The integration of professional and liberal arts education at Rockford University ensures that students gain an appreciation for diversity, develop confidence in their own abilities, and apply their talents within a practice discipline.

Career Opportunities

A career in nursing is challenging and dynamic. Registered nurses with BSN degrees have numerous employment and advanced educational opportunities. Graduates from the Rockford University Nursing program obtain positions as staff nurses in acute care and community health, become nurse managers and staff developers, and practice occupational, home health, and school nursing. Many enter graduate school to pursue a specialized interest in nursing, such as nurse practitioners or nurse educators.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to completion of the academic program, there are special requirements for students that include CPR certification for health care providers, immunizations, uniforms and equipment, and malpractice insurance. The majority of these items are at students’ expense. Students will be notified in advance of expenses. Students are responsible for renewing CPR certification, annual TB tests, and annual influenza vaccines.

In addition, students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical experiences.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Additional requirements specific to the Rockford University Nursing program are found in the current Nursing Student Handbook. This is the department’s governing document. Students are advised to become familiar with the rules and regulations which govern admission to and successful progress through the program and consult it regarding questions about the program.

Admission to the Nursing Program

Early Action

An Early Action option is open to high school seniors, and is a formal understanding between the high school student and Rockford University in which the student may be granted admission to Rockford University and admission into the BSN program upon successful completion of the admission requirements. Selection is competitive and only a limited number of applicants will be accepted.

Students seeking to apply for the Early Action option may submit applications during their senior year of high school and must do the following:

1. Complete an application to Rockford University and be accepted for admission.
2. Submit application (found on the Nursing website) to the nursing program prior to completion of their senior year.
3. Submit proof of ACT/SAT composite score of at least 22/1100.
4. Submit a statement of interest.
5. Submit high school transcript showing completion of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better on a 4.0 scale: Biology, Chemistry, English and Math (at least two semesters, including algebra).

Standard Admission

Standard Admission is open to current Rockford University students and transfer students who have been accepted for admission to Rockford University. To apply to be accepted into the Nursing major, students must:

1. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 at Rockford University or on transferable course work at the time of application.
2. Submit an application (found on the Nursing website) to the Nursing program prior to March 1st for entry into the fall semester or prior to October 1st for entry into the spring semester.
3. Complete a minimum of 60 credits at the conclusion of the semester preceding entrance to the program.
4. Complete two of the three required science support courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Inorganic Chemistry, and Microbiology) prior to application to the program with a minimum science GPA of 2.50. All three sciences must be completed prior to starting the nursing program.

5. Complete the ATI TEAS nurse entrance exam within six months of application. Applicants have the option to take the ATI TEAS at Rockford University offered through the Center for Learning Strategy or from another institution.

6. Demonstrate math competence by one of the following means:
   • ACT math component score of 20 or higher within the last 5 years, or
   • Complete either MATH 120 or other college-level Algebra course with a grade of C or better within the last 5 years, or
   • Achieve proficiency level or higher on the nurse entrance exam math subscore, or
   • Achieve a score of 3 or higher on the Rockford University math placement exam