Nursing

Stark Hall, Room 303 (507-457-5120)
www.winona.edu/nursing
Email: nursing@winona.edu
Joanne Stejskal (Chairperson)

Faculty

Note: All nursing faculty are registered nurses.

Cynthia Bork, Associate Professor; BSN., College of Saint Teresa; MS, Winona State University; EdD, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; 1993 -
Annette Caflisch, Assistant Professor; BS, Graceland College, Lamoni IA; MS, University of Phoenix; EdD, Argosy University, Sarasota FL; 2010 -
Stacy Chew, Assistant Professor; Samuel Merritt College of Oakland CA; MS, Winona State University; 2012 -
Susan Davies, Associate Professor; BSc, University of Southhampton (UK); MSc, University of Surrey (UK); PhD, University of Sheffield (UK); 2009 -
Diane McNally Forsyth, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2004 -
Maureen Gerson, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, University of Minnesota Twin Cities; 2010 -
Kathy Gorder, Assistant Professor; BS, Southwestern College of Wichita KS; MS & PhD, South Dakota State University; 2012 -
Linda Heath, Professor; BS, MSN, University of Wisconsin; PhD, Walden University; 1993 -
Judy Hovelson, Associate Professor; BSN, University of Vermont; MSN, University of Minnesota; FNP, Winona State University; 1984 -
Carole Jenson, Assistant Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; 2007 -
Melanie Johnson - Assistant Professor; BS, Viterbo University; MS, Winona State University; DNP, Minnesota State University Moorhead; 2000 -
Kathryn Lammers, Associate Professor; BS, Kent State University; MSN, Winona State University; PhD, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; 2001 -
Deborah Mangan-Danckwart, Assistant Professor; BSN, College of Saint Teresa; MS, University of Minnesota Twin Cities; DNP, University of Minnesota Twin Cities; 2008 -
William McBreen, Professor; Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences; BSN, Mount Marty College; MSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center; PhD, University of Texas; 2000 -
Sonja Meiers, Professor, BSN, College of Saint Teresa; MSN, Winona State University; PhD, University of Minnesota Twin Cities; 2009 -
Shirley Newberry, Professor; BS, University of Dubuque; MS, Winona State University; PhD, Rush University; 1994 -
Catherine Nosek, Professor; AD, Inver Hills Community College; BS, MS, University of Wisconsin; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1997 -
Gayle P. Olsen, Professor; BSN, College of Saint Teresa; MSN, University of California; PhD, University of Arizona; 1980 -
Ann Olson, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MA, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; MS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Arizona Tucson; 2007 -
Lynne Ornes, Associate Professor; BS, Grand Valley State University; MS, Texas Women’s University; PhD, University of Utah; 2008 -
Kathy S. Orth, Professor; AA, Austin Community College; BSN, College of Saint Teresa; MSN, University of Minnesota; 1983 -
Christine E. Pilon-Kacir, Professor; BSN, Mercy College of Detroit; MS, University of Michigan; PhD, University of Missouri, 1992 -
Julie Ponto, Professor; BSN, University of Minnesota; MSN, University of California-San Francisco; PhD, University of Utah; 2004 -
Amy Reitmaier, Assistant Professor; BS, MS, Winona State University; 2006 -
Cindy Scherb, Professor; BS, Mount Mercy College; MS, University of Minnesota; PhD, University of Iowa; 2002 -
Lisa Schnepper, Professor; AD, Western Wisconsin Technical College; BS, Winona State University; MS, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2005 -
Linda Seppanen, Professor; BSN, St. Olaf College; MSN, The Catholic University of America; PhD, University of Alabama; 1990 -
Linda Smith, Assistant Professor; BS, Moorhead State University; MPH, University of Minnesota Twin Cities;
1999 -
Carrie Spier, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSN, Viterbo University; 2011 -
Joanne Stejskal, Professor; BSN, College of Saint Teresa; MSN, University of Wisconsin; EdD, University of St. Thomas; 1975 -
Susan Sullivan, Professor; BS, MS, DNP, Winona State University; 2004 -
Patricia Thompson, Professor; BSN, BS, Winona State University; MSPH, PhD, University of Minnesota; 1990 -
Mieca Valen, Associate Professor; BS, Augustana College; MS, South Dakota State University; DNP, Metropolitan State University; 2005 -
Mary Welhaven, Professor; BSN, Winona State University; MS, PhD, University of Minnesota; 1981 -
Amanda Winrow, Assistant Professor; BSN, South Dakota State University; MSN, University of Kansas; DNP, Minnesota State University Mankato; 2012 -
Susan Zeller, Associate 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 university studies. 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:

Generic Option: 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 in one to two years after all other degree requirements are completed. The RN to BS Completion program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis at multiple campuses. (See the Nursing - Baccalaureate RN Completion (NURN) - BS Major section for more information.) The Department of Nursing also offers an adapted RN-to-MS Professional Pathway for registered nurses whose goal is to earn a Master’s degree in Nursing.

A variety of community facilities are utilized for site-based experiences for students in the nursing major. Campus assignment determines location of clinical facilities. Students in the Generic Option program who are assigned to the Winona campus participate in acute care clinical experiences at Winona Health and the Gundersen Lutheran and Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare medical complexes in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Students in the Generic Option program who are assigned to the Rochester campus participate in acute care clinical experiences at hospitals affiliated with Mayo Medical Center and Olmsted Medical Center. Both campuses also offer a wide variety of other clinical experiences in nursing homes, public health agencies, mental health agencies, school systems, occupational health settings and other agencies, and clients’ homes. Students in the RN to BS Completion program have learning experiences in the Rochester area and in their own communities through a variety of community and county agencies. RN to BS courses are delivered through classroom and web-based instruction.

Accreditation and Approval

The Nursing Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, D. C. 20036-1120 (202-887-6791 or www.aacn.nche.edu). The undergraduate Nursing Program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (www.nursingboard.state.mn.us). Graduates are eligible to write the professional nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and apply for Public Health Nursing Certification. Graduates can apply to the Board of Teaching for a school nurse license in Minnesota after they obtain the RN license and Public Health Nurse certification.

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 the Baccalaureate: Nursing Program: Generic Option

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 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 Generic Option twice per year.

When students apply to the Generic Option program, they must meet the following criteria:

The WSU admissions process must be completed before the application deadline for the nursing major.
They must complete 45 credits of college work with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better when they apply as reflected on DARS; this GPA is recalculated if a course is being repeated in the current semester.
Applicants must have completed five natural science prerequisite courses, three of four 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 grade of “C” or better.
Students must show a plan for completing remaining prerequisite courses prior to starting nursing coursework.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) must be completed during the semester in which the student applies. The TEAS may only be taken once.
The Functional Abilities Statements by Healthcare Provider and by Student must be completed and filed with the Department of Nursing upon entry to the nursing program..
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 Department of Nursing 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.

The admission decision is based on completion of the application by the due date and a Preferred Admission Contract or sufficiently high Admission Score for that applicant pool.

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 grade of “C” 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). BIOL 211 - Anatomy and Physiology I (4) AND BIOL 212 - Anatomy and Physiology II (4) CHEM 210 - General, Organic, and Biochemistry (5) OR CHEM 212 - Principles of Chemistry I (4) AND CHEM 213 - Principles of Chemistry II (4) BIOL 206 - Normal Nutrition (3) OR HERS 205 - Nutrition for Lifetime Wellness (3)
		Social Science Prerequisites: PSY 210 - Introduction to Psychological Science (3) PSY 250 - Developmental Psychology (3) SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology (3) SOC 212 - Sociology of Families (3)
		Other Prerequisites: ENG 111 - College Reading and Writing (4) (or its equivalent) STAT 110 - Fundamentals of Statistics (3) (or its equivalent) OR STAT 301 - Introductory Statistics for Health Sciences (3) (or its equivalent) OR (Note:STAT 301 Does not fulfill a mathematics requirement for the General Education Program) STAT 305 - Biometry (3) (or its equivalent) OR ◆ PSY 231 - Statistics 3 S.H. OR (Note: PSY 231 does not fulfill a mathematics requirement for the General Education Program.)
2.		The Department of Nursing Health Forms completed by published due date; the forms include immunizations and insurance forms.
3.		Background Check forms completed by the published due date.
4.		Current CPR for One & Two Person, Infant, Child and Adult (only American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers) certification obtained by the published due date.
5.		Active status on the MN Board of Health Nursing Assistant Registry obtained by the published due date.

Preferred Admission Contract

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 Nursing. This Preferred Admission Contract 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 have priority in admission to the upper-division nursing major.

To participate in the Preferred Admission Contract, a new entering first-year student must have an ACT score of 22 or higher or an SAT of 1030 or higher and, during the first two weeks of his or her first semester classes, the student must complete the Preferred Admission Contract application form and officially declare a Baccalaureate Nursing major; Generic 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 contract is void. All 100-level university courses are acceptable and not considered remedial.
Pre-register for classes each semester and have his or her schedule approved by his or her official WSU nursing advisor.
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 credits required at the time of application to the nursing major).
Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better at WSU; the participating student cannot withdraw (“W”) or repeat any of these prerequisite courses.
Apply for admission to the nursing major after their third semester of coursework at Winona State University.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.50 at the time of first application to the nursing major. The GPA is not rounded up.
Earn a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score of proficient, advanced or exemplary. The TEAS test should be taken the semester you apply to the nursing program. The TEAS may be taken only once.

Students who meet the preceding requirements of the Preferred Admission Contract and the admission criteria will have first priority for admission to the nursing major. The Preferred Admission Contract is valid for the Generic Option Nursing major which is declared upon admission and not changed in major, option, or minor. Failure to meet any of the above conditions in this section of the catalog voids the Preferred Admission Contract. Once the contract is void, the student is not eligible for reinstatement of the contract.

General Admission Applicant

The General Admission Application process is designed for those students who do not have a Preferred Admission Contract; this includes 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 general admission process, the student must:

Have an cumulative GPA of 3.30 at the time of application to the nursing program.
Have completed 45 credits,
Have completed all nursing pre-requisites with a letter grade of “C” 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.), and
Complete the TEAS exam at the time of application.

Admission Score

The admission scoring process is designed for those students who do not have a Preferred Admission Contract; this includes 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. Points are awarded in each category with the approximate weighting of the components as follows in sequential order: (a.) 60%, (b.) 20%, (c.) 15%, and (d.) 5%. Applicants are rank ordered by Admission Score. An Admission Score is calculated based on the following components:

GPA based on grades in the three most recent natural science prerequisite courses, not including nutrition, the three most recent social science prerequisite courses, college English, and statistics. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Natural science and social science courses must have been completed within the last 5 years. English and statistics must have been completed within the last 10 years.
Score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Starting college coursework at Winona State University or Rochester Community and Technical College.
All prerequisite courses taken only once; no repeating or withdrawing with a “W.”

Admission to the Baccalaureate: RN Completion Program

Complete the WSU admissions process before applying to the nursing major. After receiving the Official Evaluation of Credit from the Office of Admissions, arrange an appointment with a nursing advisor on the Rochester campus.

Apply for admission to the nursing major. Applicants to the Baccalaureate RN Completion Program are admitted once a year for the following academic year.
Contact the Rochester campus Nursing Department office in the preceding fall for application materials, deadline dates, and general information. Students need to seek academic advisement prior to applying to the Baccalaureate RN Completion Program to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled. Select the full-time or part-time option for completing the nursing courses.
Additional degree requirements beyond nursing courses will need to be completed for graduation. It is highly recommended that all other credit requirements be completed prior to starting the Baccalaureate RN Completion Program.
All Baccalaureate RN Completion students must hold a current RN license issued by a state or territory of the United States. A photocopy of the license must be submitted to the Nursing Department.
The admission GPA is calculated on the most recent five years of college coursework or the last 50 semester hours of credits of college work. A 2.75 GPA is required for admission into the Baccalaureate RN Completion Program.
Twenty-four credits in the Baccalaureate RN Completion Program of the nursing major ( NURS 302 - CNAT: Care of the Adult Client (Baccalaureate RN Completion) NURS 306 - CNAT: Care of the Child NURS 308 - CNAT: Care of the Client with a Mental Disorder ) will be granted by transfer to RNs who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing. The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Test (CNAT) is used as a challenge for RNs who are graduates of diploma programs.
Associate nursing degrees received before 1985 will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Admission to the RN-to-MS Professional Pathway

The RN-to-MS Professional 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 Master’s Degree in Nursing. Selected courses meet requirements for the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students must meet additional admission requirements and should also consult the WSU Graduate Catalog. Separate formal application to the Master’s Nursing Program is required. Acceptance in a focus area is not guaranteed. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Nursing at WSU-Rochester.

MnSCU Statewide Nursing Articulation Agreement

The following terms and conditions of articulation among nursing programs are in effect at WSU:

The candidate must have graduated from an Associate Degree program for registered nurses (RNs) that is approved by a state board of nursing and based in a regionally accredited college or university.
The candidate must have been awarded the Associate in Science (AS) degree in Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum grade of “C” in each nursing course.
The candidate must have been graduated from a board-approved program in nursing and have a current unencumbered authorization to practice as an RN.
The AS degree transfers to the baccalaureate institution as a complete package of nursing major and supporting courses.
Articulation RNs should not be required to complete more total credits for the degree than the nursing baccalaureate students.

Academic Policies, Procedures, Requirements, and Resources

Costs

Students are expected to provide their own transportation to all site-based experiences. The student must assume incidental costs including housing, professional liability insurance, health insurance, physical examination, uniforms, lab coat, name pin, and stethoscope. Initial book purchases cost approximately $1,000, but most of these books will be used throughout the program and may include electronic versions downloaded to the student’s laptop.

Costs that students incur to maintain their health (including but not limited to throat cultures, treatments, blood test, x-rays, doctors visits) are the sole responsibility of the student. Clinical agencies used for site-based experiences require a physical examination, professional liability insurance, health insurance, yearly Mantoux or chest x-ray, proof of rubella immunity by blood titer, hepatitis B vaccine, and CPR certification. Other requirements may be imposed as dictated by individual agencies.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available for nursing majors. For the most part, scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and/or academic achievement. It may be required to show proof of financial need through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact the WSU Foundation for more information. http://www.winona.edu/foundation/scholarships.asp. Scholarships are usually awarded in the spring for the following school year.

Individual benefactors, affiliating hospitals, and professional and community organizations also provide scholarships. Students are encouraged to contact agencies (hospitals, nursing homes, American Legion, VFW, etc.) in their hometowns with regard to possible nursing scholarships.

Professional-Related Organizations

Minnesota Student Nurses Association (MSNA): The WSU MSNA is a member of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) http://www.nsna.org. This is a pre-professional organization with membership at the local, state, and national levels. Declared nursing majors are welcome and encouraged to join. Information about meetings and contacts is available in the Department of Nursing at the Rochester and Winona campuses.
Undergraduate Nursing Clubs: The Winona State Nursing Club is designed to serve as a social support system for those majoring in nursing and to promote community service and fundraising efforts and activities by nursing students. The membership includes all who are in the undergraduate Nursing program, with separate clubs on the Winona and Rochester campuses. These clubs deal with student-related issues and events.
Kappa Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau: The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing recognizes superior achievement, helps its members develop leadership qualities and high professional standards, and encourages creative work. Membership in the Kappa Mu Chapter is by invitation and includes students and nurses in southeast Minnesota.

Honors in Nursing Program

This program provides eligible students an opportunity to participate in scholarly activity above and beyond the normal course of study provided within the Department of Nursing. Students in the Honors in Nursing Program work closely with faculty advisors to pursue research or clinical projects. Students interested in the Honors in Nursing Program should contact their nursing faculty advisor. More information about the Honors in Nursing Program is available at this website:
http://www.winona.edu/nursingandhs/policies.asp.

To graduate with Honors in Nursing, a student must:

Have an overall GPA of 3.6.
Have a WSU nursing GPA of 3.6.
Complete a scholarly paper detailing the Honors project.
Present the project to WSU peers and faculty.

Upon graduation, students who successfully complete the Honors in Nursing Program will have:

Their official transcripts stamped with the words, “Graduated with Honors in Nursing”
Their graduation status (Honors in Nursing) indicated on the graduation program.

Standards within the Nursing Major

To satisfy the academic standards of the nursing major, students must:

Achieve a grade of “C” or above in each required nursing course. Grades less than “C” constitute a failure in the nursing major. Students must adhere to the University standards for retention and scholarship.
Follow the ethical responsibilities as outlined in the Handbook for Undergraduate Nursing Students.
Complete the forms for the background studies conducted by the licensing division of the Department of Human Services on behalf of the Department of Health. Under the 1995 amendments to the Vulnerable Adults Act, individuals who provide direct contact service to patients or residents in select health facilities must undergo a background check.

“Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota licensed health care facility. Failure to participate in a clinical placement required by the academic program could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in this program.”

Meet clinical agency requirements when enrolled in courses with site-based experiences: evidence of freedom from tuberculosis submitted yearly; evidence of rubella immunity, documentation that immunizations for polio, diphtheria tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and Hepatitis B are current; documentation of annual flu shot, evidence of chicken pox or record of immunization, documentation of personal health insurance, health history and physical examination on file with student’s health care provider, current CPR certification (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers; and professional liability insurance. Students will be billed by Winona State University during each semester for professional liability insurance coverage.
Maintain a level of health that does not interfere with the student’s ability to function adequately and safely in the nursing major and possess essential functional abilities in order to provide safe and effective client care as reflected in the Functional Abilities Essential for Continuance in the WSU Nursing Program. The student is expected to seek appropriate professional assistance as needed. The faculty may recommend assistance, a leave of absence, and/ or withdrawal from the program. If a student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodations, the nursing program in conjunction with WSU Disability Services must determine, on an individual basis, whether a reasonable accommodation can be made.

Functional Abilities Essential for Progression in the WSU Nursing Program
Functional Abilities	Standard	Examples of Required Activities
Motor Abilities	Physical abilities and mobility sufficient to execute gross motor skills, physical endurance, and strength to provide patient care.	Mobility sufficient to carry out patient care procedures such as assisting with ambulation of clients, administering CPR, assisting with turning and lifting patients, providing care in confined spaces such as a treatment room or operating suite.
Manual Dexterity	Fine motor skills sufficient for providing safe nursing care.	Handles small equipment such as insulin syringe and administers medications by all routes, performs tracheotomy suctioning, inserts urinary catheter.
Perceptual/Sensory Ability	Sensory/perceptual ability to monitor and assess clients.	Hears alarms, auscultatory sounds, cries for help, etc. Reads calibrations on 1 cc syringe, assesses color (cyanosis, pallor, etc.) Feels pulses, assesses temperature, palpates veins, etc. Detects smoke or noxious odor, etc.
Behavioral/Interpersonal/Emotional	Ability to relate to colleagues, staff and patients with honesty, integrity and nondiscrimination. Capacity for development of mature, sensitive and effective therapeutic relationships. Interpersonal abilities sufficient for interaction with individuals, families and groups from various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Ability to work constructively in stressful and changing environments with the ability to modify behavior in response to constructive criticism. Capacity to demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to the professional nursing and student honor codes.	Establishes rapport with patients/clients and colleagues. Works effectively with teams and workgroups. Remains calm in an emergency situation. Demonstrates the exercise of good judgment and prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of clients. Adapts rapidly to environmental changes and multiple task demands. Maintains behavioral decorum in stressful situations.

Professional Retention and Progression Policies

No nursing course may be repeated more than once due to withdrawal or grade less than “C.” (A grade of “D” or less is considered to be a failing grade.) No theory exams can be retaken. Students who fail or withdraw from a course (theory and/or clinical) will be able to continue part-time in the nursing major if they have satisfied progression policies and as space allows.
Students will not be allowed to continue in the nursing major if they have failed or withdrawn for academic reasons from the same nursing course more than once or from two different nursing courses over more than one semester.
A student may be dismissed from a course for breach of ethical responsibilities. See the Handbook for Undergraduate Nursing Students or contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Development for information regarding University expectations and policies. Failure to demonstrate academic integrity and/or professional/ethical behaviors may result in failure of the course, dismissal from the nursing program, and/or dismissal from Winona State University. Decisions regarding sanctions for unprofessional conduct or academic integrity affecting course grades will be made by the course faculty. Sanctions involving progression or dismissal from the nursing program will be made by the Progression Committee in consultation with the teaching faculty. A student dismissed for such a violation will not be allowed to continue in any nursing course that semester, will be dropped from the nursing major at the end of the semester, and will be not readmitted to the major. Decisions regarding University sanctions will be referred to the University Office of Student Conduct and Citizenship.
A student who wishes to grieve a decision may use the University Student Grievance Procedure.
Students who once were admitted to the nursing major, completed at least one nursing course, but currently are not enrolled in the nursing major have one year from the date of withdrawal/failure to file a progression plan approved by the nursing advisor (for Generic Option students) or the RN to BS Completion Coordinator (for RN to BS Completion students). After one year, the student must reapply for admission to the nursing major.
All part-time students must file a written progression plan that has been approved by the nursing advisor or the RN to BS Completion Coordinator (for RN to BS Completion students) and the Progression Committee.
Students who change from full-time to part-time status in the nursing major for academic or personal reasons must file a progression plan developed with the assistance of their academic advisor and must obtain plan approval from the department chairperson or designated faculty member (for Generic Option students) or the RN to BS Completion Coordinator (for RN to BS Completion students). This plan is based on space availability in clinical courses and completion of prerequisites for courses.
The grade of “Incomplete” (I) may be granted at the discretion of the course instructor in special cases where, for reasons beyond the student’s control, some course assignments were not finished but the student was passing all other aspects (refer to the Academic Policies & University Requirements section of this catalog). For courses that are prerequisite to subsequent nursing courses, the “Incomplete” must be resolved by the second week of the new semester.

Credit by Examination

A student may receive credit by examination and/or demonstration of competence for courses or parts of courses in the Generic 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 90 transfer credits from accredited two- or four-year institutions towards a student’s four-year Bachelor degree. With departmental approval, credits are also accepted from certain other schools and programs.

A total of 120 semester credits are 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, at least 30 of the 120 credits needed for graduation must be earned at WSU. Twenty-eight credits in nursing in the RN to BS Completion program fulfill the majority of the upper-division credit requirement and almost all the resident credit requirement. Students will need 12 additional 300- or 400-level credits (WSU or transfer credits) and two additional earned credits from WSU. The two additional credits from WSU may be 300- or 400-level credits and can also apply toward the 40-credit upper-division requirement.

A formal application for graduation must be made no later than one semester before the expected graduation semester. For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see the Academic Policies & University Requirements section of this catalog.

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, 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 at http://www.ncsbn.org/.

General Education Program Intensive Requirements

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

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

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