Nursing

303 Stark Hall
507.457.5120
Nursing website
Email: nursing@winona.edu
Sandy Herron, Chairperson

Faculty

Note: All nursing faculty are registered nurses.

Megan Anibas, Associate Professor; BS, MS, DNP, Winona State University; 2013 -
Cynthia Bork, Associate Professor; BS, College of Saint Teresa; MS, Winona State University; EdD, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; 1993 -
Annette Caflisch, Assistant Professor; BSN, Graceland College; MSN, University of Phoenix; EdD, Argosy University; 2010 -
Autumn Cole, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSN, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; DNP, Winona State University; 2019 -
Marguerite Dummer, Assistant Professor; BS, College of St. Benedict; MA, Bethel University; 2017 -
Amber Fiedler, Assistant Professor; BSN, Augsburg University; MS, Minnesota State University of Mankato; DNP, Augsburg University; 2013 -
Katie Frie, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison; DNP, Winona State University; 2017 -
Elizabeth Green, Assistant Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; 2021 -
Ellen Goslee, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSN, Drexel University; DNP, Winona State University; 2014 -
Terese Hemmingsen, Associate Professor; ADN, SE Technical College,BSN, MSN, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; DNP, Winona State University; 2013 -
Sandra Herron, Associate Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; DNP, Metropolitan State University-St. Paul; 2016 -
Cynthia Jones, Associate Professor; BSN, MSN, DNP, Winona State University; 2016 -
Amy Koehler, Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2006 -
Sara Laker, Professor; BA, Sheffield Hallam University; PhD, University of Sheffield; 2014 -
Emily Lindee, Assistant Professor; BAN, Augustana University; MAN, Augsburg College; 2014 -
Kelly Ness, Assistant Professor; BS, Lake Superior State University; MS, University of Mary; 2021 -
Nancee Quinn, Associate Professor; BS, South Dakota State University; MS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2015 -
Jessica Ramirez, Assistant Professor; BSN, Mankato State University; MS, Minnesota State University-Mankato; DNP, Winona State University; 2017 -
Stephanie Ryan, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, Western Governors University; 2021 -
Heather Schmidtknecht, Associate Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; DNP, Minnesota State University-Mankato; 2013 -
Susan Sullivan, Associate Professor; BS, MS, DNP, Winona State University; 2004 -
Carrie Travis, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, Viterbo University; EdD, St. Cloud State University; 2001 -
Brit Voshage, Assistant Professor; AD, Southeast Technical College-Winona; BS, MS, DNP, Winona State University; 2018 -
Amanda Winrow, Associate Professor; BSN, South Dakota State University; MSN, University of Kansas; DNP, Minnesota State University-Mankato; 2012 -
Kristi Wintheiser, Assistant Professor; BSN, Winona State University; MSN, University of Minnesota; DNP, Graceland University; 2017 -
Susan Zeller, Professor; BA, Luther College; MSN, University of Kentucky; DNP, University of Minnesota; 2012 -

Program Overview

The nursing major offers a liberal education with a concentration of study in nursing. The curriculum builds on a broad base of general education program courses. In addition to liberal learning and global perspectives, students develop clinical, scientific, decision-making, and caring skills in nursing courses that combine the theory and the practice of nursing. Graduates are prepared to practice in all health care settings, work with clients of all ages, and pursue graduate study.

The Baccalaureate nursing major is structured in two programs:

Pre-Licensure Nursing Program: For students seeking professional preparation at the level of BS degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and registered nurse licensure. This program includes two years of sequenced upper division nursing coursework. Most students complete the major on a full-time basis of study; part-time study is possible.
RN-to-BS Completion for those who already hold a registered nurse license and are now seeking a BS degree. This program includes sequenced upper-division nursing courses that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis in one to four years at multiple sites. The Department of Undergraduate Nursing partners with the Department of Graduate Nursing to offer an adapted RN-to-Graduate Professional Pathway for registered nurses whose goal is to earn a graduate degree in nursing.

Accreditation and Approval

Winona State University is accredited for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs by the Higher Learning Commission. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certificate program, at Winona State University are accredited by the:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.887.6791

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has accredited the Winona State University Baccalaureate Degree Programs and Master’s programs in Nursing through June 2023. Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited through June 2030.

The WSU Nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Baccalaureate and Master’s programs received continuing program approval in June of 2013. The next consideration for continuing approval by the Board of Nursing will be after the planned 2022 Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation visit and when the CCNE board action is complete.

Graduates of the traditional 4-year, pre-licensure program are eligible to take the professional nurse licensure examination (NCLEX). Pre-Licensure program and RN to BS Completion graduates are eligible to apply for Public Health Nursing Certification in Minnesota and may also apply to the Board of Teaching for a school nurse license in Minnesota after they obtain Public Health Nurse certification. Graduates are capable of giving professional nursing care in first-level nursing positions and have a base for graduate study.

Admissions

For general information about Winona State University admission procedures and requirements, see Admissions . A separate application to the upper-division nursing program is required.

Admission to Baccalaureate Nursing Program: Pre-Licensure

Students may apply to the nursing program in the semester prior to the start of upper-division nursing coursework. Students should check the Department of Undergraduate Nursing website for the application due date each semester. Students will be notified of their admission to the nursing major the semester in which they apply. Nursing advisors are available to assist in the process. Students will be admitted to the Pre-Licensure option twice per year on the Winona and Rochester campuses. All applications to the undergraduate nursing program are processed through the Winona campus.

When students apply to the Pre-Licensure option program, they must meet the following criteria:

The WSU admissions process must be completed before the application deadline for the nursing major.
Students must declare a nursing candidate major (Direct Admission (PNDA) or Holistic Admission (PNHA)) prior to applying for admission to the nursing major.
Students must complete at least 12 credits as a degree seeking student at Winona State University within two calendar years prior to starting the nursing major. This requirement can be met by enrolling for at least 12 credits during the semester of application.
They must complete 45 credits of college work with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (Holistic Admission) or 3.75 or better (Direct Admission) when they apply as reflected on the Degree Audit; this GPA is recalculated if a course is being repeated in the current semester.
Applicants must have completed at least four natural science prerequisite courses, at least three social science prerequisite courses, college English, and statistics. Natural and social science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 5 years. English and statistics must have been completed within the last 10 years. All prerequisites must have been completed with a C grade or better.
Students must show a plan for completing remaining prerequisite courses prior to starting nursing coursework.
A completed admission application must be submitted for a given semester by the due date. No late applications will be accepted.
Students who transfer from another nursing program must submit to the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences a letter from the academic head of their previous program stating that the student is eligible for continuation or readmission to that program. Placement in the major will then be determined based on background and space available.
Students must submit transcripts for all college credits attempted and in progress, including CNA courses completed for college credit at community or technical colleges. All transcripts must be reflected on the Degree Audit as of the application due date.

The admission decision is based on completion of the application by the due date and either Direct Admission status or a sufficiently high score within the Holistic Admission Criteria for that applicant pool (see Holistic Admission Criteria section below).

Additional Criteria

When students begin nursing coursework in the major, they must show that they have satisfied the following requirements:

1.		All of the following prerequisites completed with a C grade or better. Natural and social science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 5 years. English and statistics must have been completed within the last 10 years.
		Natural Science Prerequisites: BIOL 209 Microbiology (3 credits) BIOL 211 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) AND BIOL 212 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits) CHEM 210 General, Organic, and Biochemistry (5 credits) OR CHEM 212 Principles of Chemistry I (4 credits) AND CHEM 213 Principles of Chemistry II (4 credits) ✽ BIOL 206 Normal Nutrition (3 credits) OR ✽ HERS 205 Nutrition for Lifetime Wellness (3 credits)
		Social Science Prerequisites: PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science (3 credits) PSY 250 Developmental Psychology (3 credits) SOC 150 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) SOC 212 Sociology of Families (3 credits)
		Other Prerequisites: ENG 111 College Reading and Writing (4 credits) (or equivalent) STAT 110 - Fundamentals of Statistics (3 credits) (or equivalent) OR STAT 210 - Statistics (3 credits) (or equivalent) OR STAT 305 - Biometry (3 credits) (or equivalent) OR ◆ PSY 231 - Statistics (3 credits) OR (Note: STAT 305 & PSY 231 do not fulfill mathematics requirement for the General Education Program’s GOAL 4.)
2.		Students are required to complete documentation of the mandatory health requirements in the Passport system by the published due date.
3.		Background study process completed by the published due date.
4.		Current CPR for One & Two Person, Infant, Child and Adult (only American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS)) certification obtained by the published due date.
5.		Active status on a Nursing Assistant Registry within the United States obtained by the published due date.
6.		The Functional Abilities Statements by Healthcare Provider and by student must be completed and submitted through the Passport system upon entry to the nursing program.

Direct Admission (PDNA)

For all eligible students who want to graduate in four academic years, Winona State University facilitates the process of obtaining the necessary courses as required by the University, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Department of Undergraduate Nursing. Direct Admission applies to new entering first-year students who begin at Winona State University; students who earn college credits during high school years meet this requirement. Students who meet the following requirements are guaranteed admission to the upper-division nursing major.

To participate in Direct Admission, a new entering first-year student must have an ACT score of 27 or higher or an SAT of 1280 or higher and, during the first two weeks of the student’s first semester as a degree-seeking student at Winona State University, the student must complete the Direct Admission Agreement and officially declare a Baccalaureate Nursing major, Pre-Licensure option. All participating students must:

Be qualified to begin college-level (i.e., non-remedial) science, mathematics/ statistics, and English courses as required by the nursing major. If the student takes MATH 050 - Intermediate Algebra or ENG 099 - Introduction to College Writing , this agreement is void. All 100-level university courses are acceptable and not considered remedial.
Meet with assigned WSU nursing advisor every semester to develop a plan for courses.
Meet any University or program GPA and/or grade requirements as stipulated in the University catalog and/or schedule of classes.
Successfully complete an average course load of 15 credits each fall and spring semester (45 completed credits required at the time of application to the nursing major).
Complete all nursing prerequisite courses with a C grade or better at WSU; the participating student cannot withdraw (W) from or repeat any of these nursing prerequisite courses once enrolled at WSU. Students who completed grade-bearing college credits while in high school and received a W, D, or F grade in a nursing prerequisite course may repeat the course prior to their first day of class as a new entering first semester student at WSU without invalidating their eligibility for Direct Admission.
Meet all eligibility requirements for application to the major no later than the end of the student’s third semester at WSU. Students who meet eligibility requirements may apply no earlier than their first full-time (12 credits or more) semester at WSU to begin the major in their second semester.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 at the time of first application to the nursing major. GPA is not rounded up.
Complete 10 hours of volunteer/community service work per fall and spring semester while a degree-seeking student at WSU.
Satisfactorily complete an interview about interest in nursing with assigned nursing advisor prior to application to the nursing major.

Students who meet the preceding requirements will be admitted to the nursing major. The Direct Admission Agreement is valid for students who declare the Bachelor of Science Pre-Licensure Nursing major upon admission to WSU and have not changed major. Failure to meet any of the above conditions in this section of the catalog voids the Direct Admission Agreement. Once the agreement is void, the student is not eligible for reinstatement of the agreement. Students who fail to maintain direct admission status may apply through holistic admission.

Holistic Admission (PNHA)

The Holistic Admission Application process is designed for those students without direct admission status; including transfer students, WSU students who have changed their major to nursing, and new entering first-year students who wish to extend the education process to five years or more. To qualify for the holistic admission process, the student must:

Have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 at the time of application to the nursing program
Have completed 45 college credits
Meet requirements for completed prerequisites. Have completed all nursing prerequisites with a C grade or better (Natural and social science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 5 years. English and statistics must have been completed within the last 10 years.)
Complete 10 hours of volunteer/community service work per fall and spring semester while a degree-seeking student at WSU or RCTC
Submit a current personal statement, including motivation to be a nurse, influences for this decision, and experiences in healthcare
Submit two current references, including one from a professor
Students who meet eligibility requirements may apply no earlier than their first full-time (12 credits or more) semester at WSU to begin the major in their second semester.
Transfer students intending to declare a pre-licensure nursing major must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.75 to be admitted to Winona State University. Students must achieve a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to apply to the nursing program.

Holistic Admission Criteria

Academic Achievement
- Cumulative college GPA
- ACT/SAT score at time of first course as new entering first semester university or college student (ATI TEAS if no ACT/SAT score within 5 years)
Personal Achievement
- Volunteer/Community Service
- Personal Statement
- References
Interview (Applicants may qualify for the interview process based on their scores for Academic and Personal Achievement.)

Admission to the RN-to-BS Completion Program

Admission to the RN-to-BS Completion Program is a 2-step process:

Step 1: Complete the WSU admissions process

Necessary information for application is available on the WSU admissions transfer website.
Complete a major declaration form and select the Nursing RN Opt (Articulation Agreement)-PRNA-BS
After receiving the degree audit from the Office of Admissions, arrange an appointment with your designated nursing advisor. The nursing advisors are assigned by the undergraduate administrative assistant on the Rochester campus. (email: rn-bscompletion@winona.edu)

Step 2: RN-to-BS Completion Application

The RN-to-BS Completion Program admits students each fall and spring semester. When you meet with your nursing advisor, you will be admitted if you meet the admission criteria and space is available. No form is required. Early application encouraged.

Other Admission Information

Students will determine their plan of study with their advisor. Students may choose a full-time or part-time pattern of study.
Up to 80 credits can be transferred in from a two-year college. The 80 credits are lower college level credits. These 80 credits will be applied towards the 120 credits required. Students having less than 80 transferable credits will have additional credits to complete. No remedial credits can be counted.
Additional degree requirements beyond nursing courses include a possible 10 credits of upper-level electives and a required statistics course. A three credit Statistics course needs to be completed prior to taking ◆ NURS 375 - Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice . Completion of upper-division elective coursework during the summer or simultaneously during Spring or Fall is common.
Students must indicate RN license status or associate degree program completion date prior to taking the required RN-to-BS Completion Program courses.
A Degree Audit cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for admission into the RN-to-BS Completion Program. The admission GPA may be calculated on the most recent five years of college coursework or the last 50 credits of college work.
Once the student has met all admission criteria and has started nursing courses, their major code will be changed to NRNA.
The RN-BS Program has a hybrid delivery format and an online delivery format. The hybrid format, for international students, has students attend class four times a semester. The online program does not have scheduled course meeting dates.
In both the hybrid and online delivery format, clinical hours are required in two of the eight nursing program courses, of 30 hours each semester in NURS 475 and NURS 465 . Faculty arrange the clinical sites and students sign up for hours which meet their schedule.

Admission to the RN-to-Graduate Pathway

The RN-to-Graduate Pathway is designed for highly motivated nurses who graduated with an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing, who have nursing experience, and whose goal is to earn a graduate degree in nursing. Students needs to be admitted into the RN-to-BS Completion Program to be considered for the RN-to-Graduate Pathway Program. Selected courses meet requirements for the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students must meet additional admission requirements and need to consult the WSU Graduate Catalog. Separate formal application to the graduate program is required. Acceptance in a focus area is not guaranteed. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Graduate Nursing at WSU-Rochester and on the Graduate Nursing website.

MN State Statewide Nursing Articulation Agreement

The following standards are consistent with the MN State Articulation Agreement among nursing programs in Minnesota:

A. Registered Nursing (RN) Baccalaureate Completion (Associate in Science Nursing to Baccalaureate Nursing) (Requires RN Licensure)

The student must have current unencumbered authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the United States of America.
The student must have graduated from an associate in science (AS) degree in nursing program approved by a State Board of Nursing and based in a regionally accredited college or university.
The student must have been awarded the associate in science (AS) degree in nursing with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and a minimum C grade in each nursing course.
All courses completed to fulfill requirements for the associate in science (AS) degree in nursing program must transfer and count toward completion of a baccalaureate degree nursing program.

Honors in Nursing Program

This program provides eligible students who have been admitted to the nursing major an opportunity to participate in scholarly activity above and beyond the normal course of study within the nursing program. Students in the Honors in Nursing Program will work closely with faculty advisors to develop a research or evidence-based scholarly project to help students achieve their personal learning goals. Students interested in the Honors in Nursing Program should contact their nursing faculty advisor.

Credit by Examination

A student may receive credit by examination and/or demonstration of competence for courses or parts of courses in the Pre-Licensure option and the RN-to-BS Completion program. Faculty permission is needed for some course challenges.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements include completion of WSU General Education Program requirements or their equivalent for transfer students as well as all nursing major course requirements. For the RN-to-BS Completion nursing major, WSU counts up to 80 transferable credits from accredited two- or four-year institutions towards a student’s four-year Bachelor’s degree. With departmental approval, credits are also accepted from certain other schools and programs.

A total of 120 semester credits is needed to graduate with a baccalaureate degree from WSU. At least 40 of the 120 credits must be at the 300- and 400-level. Also, to comply with the residence rule, at least 30 of the 120 credits needed for graduation must be earned at WSU. Thirty credits in nursing in the RN-to-BS Completion program fulfill the majority of the upper-division credit requirement and complete the residence credit requirement. Students will need 10 additional 300- or 400-level credits (WSU or transfer credits). WSU policy requires students to be enrolled at WSU their final semester (the term in which they earn their degree).

A formal application for graduation must be submitted after registering for the final term of classes - no later than the mid-term date of the graduating term. For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see the Academic Policies & University Requirements .

Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a nursing course and/or the University must be completed according to WSU guidelines (see Academic Policies & University Requirements ).

Obtaining Licensure as a Registered Nurse

After graduation, Pre-Licensure option Baccalaureate Nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Students may apply for licensure and take the NCLEX-RN in the state of their choice. Contact information for all state boards of nursing can be obtained from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Nursing Department:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Science