PACE Nursing Curriculum
Pre-Major Requirements
University Studies Requirements
CAT1 PACE Requirement
Proficiency Exams
Senior Portfolio
Course descriptions:
Semester 1 (Spring)
NU 280 Tools for Professional Success (3 credits) (6 class meetings)
NU 280: Tools for Professional Success is designed to engage students in active learning, identify nursing accelerated course expectations, and prepare students for professional success in the PACE format RN-BSN program. Library research methods, reviewing and writing materials using American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style, and computer competencies for successful course navigation will be introduced as foundational to success in the Millikin University RN-BSN PACE program. A portion of this course will be dedicated to structured updates and content review necessary to prepare and test students for National League for Nursing mobility examinations for acceptance of upper divisional credit in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Care of the Child and Childbearing Clients, and Mental Health/Mental Illness Nursing. Completion of NLN mobility tests will be required prior to enrollment in NU 425: Advanced Concepts in Nursing. This course is elective but strongly recommended for beginning RN-BSN PACE students.
Prerequisite: Admission in the School of Nursing PACE RN-BSN program
NU 315. Pathophysiologic Concepts for Nursing (3 credits) (8 class meetings)
This course is designed to provide RN-BSN nursing students with a sound basis in common pathophysiologic conditions of the human body. The focus will be on organs and body systems and processes within the body that result in signs and symptoms of disease rather than on treatment modalities. A strong understanding of pathophysiology builds a foundation for understanding the rationale supporting nursing care decisions. An understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology of body systems as well as understanding of central concepts of cells and tissue is critical to understanding pathophysiology.
Prerequisites: BI206, BI207
IN350. Global Studies (3 credits) (5 class meetings)
Global Studies is a junior level Millikin University requirement and may be fulfilled by a variety of course offerings. One will be scheduled within the RN-BSN sequence. Each IN 350 course offering examines the fundamental diversity questions to living in our global world. Particular emphasis is placed on cultures and societies outside of the West. Each offering provides interdisciplinary, comparative, and theoretical perspectives to the topic explored.
Semester 2 (Fall)
CH 203. Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry (3 credits). See also CH 205 below (8 class meetings)
A one-semester survey of organic and biochemistry, this course is the second course in a one-year survey of chemistry for nursing students, allied health majors and others requiring a brief introduction to the chemistry of living systems. Topics include a survey of organic functional groups and reactions most important in biochemistry followed by an outline of basic structural biochemistry and intermediary metabolism. This course does not count towards a chemistry major or minor and it does not satisfy the entrance requirements of medical, veterinary medical, or dental schools. Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 205 required.
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 121.
CH 205. Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
Designed to be the laboratory companion to Chemistry 203, this laboratory emphasizes projects that are related to clinical chemistry. Projects include the importance of pH on solubility, isolation of a natural product and identification of drugs. This laboratory does not count toward a chemistry major or minor and does not satisfy entrance requirements of medical, dental, or veterinary medical schools. One three-hour laboratory per week. Pre-requisite: Chemistry 151.
NU 425. Advanced Concepts in Nursing (5 credits) (8 class meetings)
A transition course for registered nurses. Concepts include an exploration of the basis of nursing professional career development, including advanced practice, interdisciplinary care, application of evidenced-based practice models, and care planning for complex patient/family units. Concepts of leadership, professional practice, and current trends will also be explored. Students select clinical experiences to expand knowledge of current professional roles and evidence-based practice with a disciplinary focus. Includes a clinical laboratory experience in sites selected by students with faculty guidance.
Pre-requisites: RN licensure in Illinois, CH314, NU400, NU410, NU420 or successful proficiency of these courses. Pre-major requirements (with the exception of PS 310 psychopathology) must be met prior to enrolling in this course.
PS 201. Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) (8 class meetings)
This course provides application of elementary statistical methods to psychological and sociological data. Lecture and laboratory course in techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics and research design. Students must meet the math proficiency to enroll in this course. This course meets the Quantitative Reasoning university requirement (see University Studies Requirement).
Prerequisite: Psychology 130 or 140 or Sociology 100.
Semester 3 (Spring)
PS 310. Principles of Psychopathology (3) (5 class meetings)
This course provides an introduction to pathological personality development and the behavioral disorders. Emphasis is on causal perspectives and major theories of psychopathology. Assessment and diagnostic systems are broadly reviewed.
Pre-requisite: Psychology 130 or 140.
NU 311. Health Assessment (3) (8 class meetings)
Presents the theory and skills necessary to collect a comprehensive health history and a physical examination. Emphasis is placed on differentiation between normal and abnormal findings and recognition of common health problems in infants, children, adults and childbearing clients. Supervised student practice occurs in skills laboratories and clinical settings.
Pre-requisite: BI206, or BI207, or consent of instructor.
NU 481. Issues in Nursing Research and Management (4) (8 class meetings)
This course provides a framework for using the research process and management concepts in nursing and serves as the disciplinary capstone course that integrates experiences in the major. Emphasis is on the role of research in nursing theory development, formulation of research questions and judgment in practice. Reflection of professional issues including legal, ethical, social, and political factors influencing current and future roles in nursing. Leadership and management theory are integrated throughout to prepare students for transition into the complex practice roles in today's healthcare system with emphasis on the practice of the baccalaureate nurse. A focus of the course is exploration of strategies for continuing personal and professional growth including contributions to the community and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Pre-requisite: PS201 or MA120, senior standing nursing major and concurrent enrollment in NU420 or NU430.
Semester 4 (Fall)
NU 430. Community Health Nursing (8) (10 class meetings)
This course provides application of nursing process and nursing research for individuals, families and groups in the community. Concepts include prevention approaches, ecology, epidemiology, multicultural society, infectious diseases, collaboration, and interagency coordination. Students identify current or potential needs of individuals, aggregates and/or communities, and then design complex nursing systems for promotion, maintenance or restoration of health. Ethical, social, political, and legal influences on the American health- care system are included. Management and leadership skills are developed through case management. Includes 80 hours of clinical laboratory in community, ambulatory primary care, home health and/or county health agencies as well as public school, industrial, and governmental sites.
Prerequisites: NU 311, NU315, senior standing nursing major.
Pre-Major Requirements (26 credits)
The following courses are required for the Millikin University BSN. They are frequently part of the transferring RN's previous course work, therefore, many students will transfer in the majority of these pre-major requirements. The Registrar and Nursing Academic Advisor evaluate each transfer transcript. If a course is determined to be equivalent, the student will receive transfer credit. A student who has not earned credit in these courses will be responsible for doing prior to enrollment in NU 425 (with the exception of PS 310 Psychopathology). It is important to note that some of these courses are prerequisites to other courses in the planned sequence and must be completed prior to taking that course and may be taken through the PACE program or transferred in with prior advisor/registrar approval.
PS 130. Introductory Psychology (3)
This course provides an introduction to study of behavior and mental processes derived from application of scientific method. Topics range from biological bases of behavior, levels of consciousness, development, memory, abnormality to motivation, and emotion. Includes an examination of psychology as a profession and its relevance to everyday life.
PS 340. Lifespan Development (3)
This course involves the study of human development through the lifespan. Emphasis is on theories of development, normative development, and changes in psychological processes including cognition, memory, and intelligence. The changes in family and social interactions are also considered.
Pre-requisite: Psychology 130 or 140.
BI 230. Principles of Microbiology (4)
This course involves a study of bacteria and viruses and their relationship to health and disease including bacterial nutrition, control, genetics, and disease etiology. The course is designed for students in the Biology Allied Health Track and nursing majors.
Pre-requisites: one Biology course (Biology 206 suggested).
BI 206. Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
The first of a two-semester sequence intended for biology majors in the Allied Health Track, and for nursing and physical education majors. Basic cell level concepts, including structure, function, and organization of cells, cell reproduction and Mendelian genetics will be discussed. Five of the ten human organ systems will be studied: integumentary, skeletal, nervous, muscular, and circulatory. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between structure and function. Anatomical dissection, physiological experiments, charts, teaching models, and use of physiological equipment aid learning.
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 203/205 or consent of instructor.
207. Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
A continuation of Biology 206, this course covers the respiratory, digestive, excretory, lymphatic and endocrine systems.
Pre-requisite: Biology 206.
CH 314. Pharmacology (3)
Designed to be an introduction to pharmacology with implications for nursing practice, this course is suitable not only for majors in nursing but majors in biology, allied health, psychology, athletic training, and other fields. Topics include absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of classes of drugs commonly used in medical practice. Emphasis is placed on principal therapeutic uses, important side effects and mechanisms of action.
Pre-requisites: Chemistry121, Biology 206, Biology 207, or at least six 300-level credits in Chemistry and/or Biology or consent of instructor.
CH 121. General Chemistry (3) (See accompanying lab requirement below).
Designed for students majoring in the natural sciences and nursing, this course is an introductory survey of the essential concepts of chemistry. These include: substances, aqueous solutions, chemical reactions, molecular structure, states of matter, mass relations, equilibrium and electrochemistry. No particular background in high school chemistry is assumed although familiarity with basic algebra is essential. Students with a strong background in chemistry are urged to take a proficiency exam. Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 151 is recommended.
Pre-requisite: Math placement score of 2 or better or consent of instructor.
CH 151. Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
Designed to be the first laboratory class in our project-based laboratory curriculum, this course should be taken together with Chemistry 121. Laboratory projects introduce students to basic instrumental techniques and experimental design. Projects include evaluating three methods for measuring trace amounts of iron in a water sample, distinguishing between pure substances and mixtures, evaluating the water content and effectiveness of consumer products, and synthesis of organic acids. Emphasis is on careful observation, recording of data, planning experiments, laboratory safety and writing. One three-hour laboratory per week
University Studies Requirements
The following Millikin University Studies requirements must be completed prior to graduation.
IN150 Critical Writing, Reading, and Research I (3)
This course is designed to develop students as critical writers, readers, and researchers. Emphasis is placed on writing and reading as the path to critical thinking. Section offerings vary in topics. Library research component is integrated into the course. (Typically transferred in as an English composition 1 course).
IN151 Critical Writing, Reading, and Research II: The Western Tradition (3)
Freshman year. Course is designed to position students as successful writers, readers, and researchers as they move into advanced coursework. While sections vary in topics, all sections work toward this goal by exploring a historically significant aspect of the Western tradition. Library research proficiency is expected. (Typically transferred in as an English composition 2 course).
Pre-requisites: Interdisciplinary 150 or equivalent.
IN 250 U.S. Studies (3)
Course sections study the diversity of cultures, institutions, and groups in the United States. Interdisciplinary and historical perspectives inform contemporary understanding of diversity issues.
Quantitative Reasoning (3-4 credits)
PS 201 Statistics is designated as the QR requirement in the School of Nursing. Prior to taking statistics, the student must meet the math competency requirement of the university. Students must score a 3 or higher on Millikin's Math Placement exam. Students can re-take the math placement exam multiple times to better their score. If a student does not score a 3 or higher but completes MA106 or an equivalent course with a grade of C or better they will be allowed to enroll in an approved Quantitative Reasoning course at Millikin. Transfer students may meet the Quantitative Reasoning and\or the math competency requirement with a qualified course(s) transferred from a previous school or by completing the Associate of Arts or Science degree. See math proficiency section of the bulletin for additional information.
Fine Arts (3)
This requirement is satisfied with any fine arts course that blends experiential, theoretical, and reflective approaches. Examples include Art 101, 107, 121, 122, and 235; MH 100, 101, 213; Theatre 103 and 107. Three credits of Applied Music, Music Organizations or Dance or a combination thereof, also satisfies this requirement.
Language/Culture Options (Choose one Track)
Track A: Second Language (0-8)
Students placed at the 103, 114, or 223 levels must take two courses. Those placed at the 300 level or above must take one course. The requirement for this track may also be met by successful completion of a proficiency exam, by study abroad with non-English instruction, or by being a native speaker of a non-English language. NOTE: Students seeking a B.A. degree must also complete an Intermediate Level Language course to meet the B.A. degree requirement. Completing Beginning Language (103) and Continuing Language (114) will meet this Track requirement but students must also complete Intermediate Language (223) to meet the B.A. requirement. Students placed above the Intermediate Level can meet the B.A. and Track requirement by taking one course above 223.
Track B: Semiotic Systems (9)
A total of three courses chosen from computer languages, natural language processing, linguistics, mathematics, symbolic logic, or music theory. At least one course must be 200 level or above. No more than one course may fulfill requirements for the major.
Track C: Cultures & Societies (9)
A total of three courses in history, social institutions, and cultures, preferably focusing on a single area of the world will fulfill this requirement. At least one course must be at the 200 level or above. No more than one course may fulfill requirements for the major (PS 310 Psychopathology in the PACE sequence counts toward one culture rack course).
CAT1 PACE Requirement:
All PACE students are required to complete an online technology tutorial and assessment program. This self paced program, Computer Assessment and Training (CAT1), addresses skills and competencies in six areas: operating common technology devices; performing basic file management tasks; trouble shooting routine hardware and software problems; using word-processing, spreadsheet, utility, and presentation software; using technology to communicate via email and discussion groups; and using technology to locate information. Students are provided with a password that permits them to access the CAT1 site from any computer connected to the Internet. The CAT1 assessment is to be completed no later than the end of the second course at Millikin. The cost of CAT1 will be charged to a student's MU account in conjunction with the first semester registration.
Proficiency Exams
Registered Nurse students may take proficiency examinations to establish course credit for Chemistry 314 (Pharmacology), Nursing 400 (Parent Child Nursing), 410 (Mental Health Nursing), and 420 (Medical-Surgical Nursing). See nursing PACE advisor for costs associated with proficiency exams. Proficiency exams must be completed prior to enrolling in Nursing 425, Advanced Concepts in Nursing.
Students who do not successfully pass the proficiency exam in an area may retake the exam one time. If proficiency is not achieved after two attempts, the student must enroll in an independent study course in the appropriate focus area. This must be completed prior to NU 425. Contact Isabel Ososki, nursing PACE advisor, for further information.
Senior Portfolio
Prior to graduation, all nursing students are required to submit a senior portfolio of written work completed in the program. See senior portfolio guidelines in the Millikin University School of Nursing Handbook. It is the responsibility of each student to compile that portfolio while in the nursing program. The portfolio is submitted to the academic advisor at the end of the program coursework and the deadline is typically two weeks following completion of NU 430 Community Health Nursing.
Papers that are submitted should include instructor comments and/or grades to facilitate review. For the care plans being submitted, be sure to include the complete document (assessments, diagnoses, plans, and evaluations). Teaching plans submitted should address two different audience types (individuals or groups). At the beginning of the portfolio, include a table of contents with a list of the assignments and the criteria (below) each addresses.
The portfolio should contain the following:
1. A detailed client assessment. (from any clinical course).
2. A demonstration of the nursing process by including two complete nursing care plans from two of the four areas below or one comprehensive community plan of care.
A. Health promotion
B. Risk reduction
C. Disease prevention
D. Health maintenance or restoration
3. Demonstrate the critical evaluation of communication through either a process recording study of nurse-client communication or a case study project presentation.
4. Two teaching projects (choose from two of the three following categories)
A. Teaching an individual
B. Teaching a group or community
C. Teaching of professional peers
5. A research project developed to demonstrate understanding of the scientific research process.
