Nursing

The University of Pikeville College of Nursing and Human Services Elliott School of Nursing (hereafter referred to as ESON) offers an Associate of Science (two-year degree) and a post-licensure RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science) degree.

Responding to the needs of nursing education and health care in the region, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) was the first nursing degree program established by the formerly named Pikeville College in 1983. The ASN is a two-year program leading to an associate degree, with a major in nursing. The ASN program also permits Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to earn an ASN in two semesters, once admitted to the LPN-RN program of study. The Associate Degree program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN).

Effective April 1, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 1, 2026. Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acennursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp

The second nursing degree program is the post-licensure RN-BSN program that allows already licensed RN’s who have an associate degree or diploma from a state-approved pre-licensure program and hold an unrestricted RN license, to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. The RN-BSN program began as a hybrid program in 201l, in response to the complex health care needs of the region and nation. Beginning in the fall of 2018, the RN-BSN program transitioned to a 100% distance education (online) format. The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Nursing Major – Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Degree

The University of Pikeville’s associate degree in nursing program has approval status from the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Graduates of the ASN degree program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). An RN with an ASN is eligible to enroll in an RN-BSN completion or higher degree nursing program, contingent on the requirements of the University of Pikeville or transfer institution. An RN with an ASN is qualified as a provider of care, manager of care, and member of the health care team.

Admission to the ASN degree program may be limited based on regulatory, institutional, or affiliating agency criteria. Selection for admission is competitive and based on, but not limited to, ranking on an objective scale (available from the Elliott School of Nursing) and other qualifying factors such as semester GPA, overall GPA, pattern of coursework, and professional behaviors.

A new ASN class is admitted twice yearly in the fall semester (application deadline March 1) and spring semester (application deadline October 1). Transfer applicants who were in another nursing program are admitted twice yearly, with March 1 and October 1 deadlines, depending on the semester of application. LPN to RN applicants are accepted once yearly with an application deadline of March 1. The Nursing Admissions Committee determines acceptance of applicants. Admission or readmission to the nursing program is not guaranteed to any applicant. All students accepted to the nursing program must also be accepted to the University of Pikeville.

Admission Criteria – ASN Degree Program

The admission criteria for the nursing program include the following. (For further information on each criterion, contact the Elliott School of Nursing, or once admitted, refer to the Associate Degree Nursing Student Handbook).

All Nursing Applicants – Associate of Science Nursing (2-year degree)

  1. Official admission to the University of Pikeville
  2. High School graduation or equivalent.
  3. An overall average of “C” or better, represented by a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on completed college level courses.
  4. One of the following: 
    1. ACT composite of at least 19, or
    2. TEAS score of at least 55. The TEAS score should be no more than 1 year old. Repeat attempts at the TEAS within a one-year period are not allowed.
  5. A “C” grade or better in required core courses for the ASN degree. The grade on the second attempt, including “W” grades, stands as the final grade.
  6. Science grades must be within the last 10 years or will require a repeat.
  7. Any exception will be determined by the Nursing Admission Committee.

Admission with Advanced Standing - ASN

  1. Applicants who may be eligible for admission with advance standing are: 
    1. Readmission nursing students
      1. Students who have withdrawn one time from the ASN degree program
      2. Nursing students who failed to achieve a “C” or better in the University’s required nursing or corequisite courses, resulting in academic dismissal from the ASN degree program.
    2. Transfer students from other registered nursing programs.
    3. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who apply to the LPN-RN program of study.
  2. Applicants seeking admission with advance standing to the ASN degree program must: 
    1. Meet admission requirements for all nursing applicants.
    2. Achieve a grade of at least a “C” and/or 76% (HESI score of at least 850) on required Nursing Challenge examinations if out of a RN program for more than one year but less than three years, or if required for transfer equivalency (readmission and transfer nursing students). Otherwise, one must apply as a new ASN degree student.
    3. Validate selected nursing skills.
    4. Abide by an admission contract, if applicable, which may specify one of more required activities.
    5. Meet with the Dean of CNHS or Nursing Admissions Committee for an interview and update on ASN degree program requirements.
  3. Readmission nursing students – additional admission criteria include: 
    1. A student who does not repeat a failed course in the immediately following semester, must submit a letter of petition to the Nursing Admissions Committee to be considered for reinstatement to the ASN degree program. This letter must explain why the student failed to progress in the program and what has been done to remedy the situation.
    2. Factors considered by the Nursing Admissions Committee include, but are not limited to, overall semester GPA, GPA in nursing courses, professional behaviors and clinical evaluations.
    3. A student may only be readmitted to the ASN degree program one time.
  4. Transfer students from other nursing programs – additional admission criteria include: 
    1. Meet University of Pikeville requirements for transfer applicants and transfer credit.
    2. Transcript evaluation by an ESON administrator for nursing course equivalency.
    3. Two letters of reference, one of which must be from the applicant’s former nursing program.
  5. LPN-RN Applicants – additional admission criteria include: 
    1. Valid practical nurse license.
    2. Minimum of one-year clinical experience as an LPN within the last three years.
    3. Grade of “C” or better in prerequisite LPN-RN program support courses. These courses include ENG 112 or WRI 118, PSY 110, PSY 215 or SW 315, BMS 171, and BMS 172 allowing 20 credit hours in the nursing major.
    4. Grade of “C” or better and/or 76% (HESI score of at least 850) on required Nursing Challenge examinations, allowing 13 hours of nursing credit in the major.
    5. Grade of “C” or better in NUR 130 received within the last two years, allowing three hours of nursing credit in the major.
    6. Satisfactory completion of all LPN-RN admission criteria, allowing 16 hours of nursing credit (see 5d and 5e above), a minimum of 20 hours of support courses, and eligibility for advanced standing placement in Semester III of the ASN degree curriculum.

Application Procedure – ASN

Submit to the University of Pikeville Admissions Office by the respective deadline:

  1. Online application for admission to University of Pikeville (complete a new application if not currently enrolled at the University).
  2. Application for admission to the ASN degree program (complete a new application each time you apply).
  3. Official transcript with high school graduation date or passing GED score.
  4. Official transcripts for ALL colleges, universities, and/or vocational schools attended.
  5. Submit a composite ACT score of 19 or higher or take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and score a minimum of 55.
  6. After selection of applicants into the ASN degree program, if vacancies exist, the Nursing Admissions Committee may extend the deadline for application.
  7. If an applicant is not admitted to the ASN degree program and wishes to be considered for the next admission cycle, the applicant must complete a new University of Pikeville online application if not a current student, complete a new nursing program application, update one’s records in the Admissions office, and retake any necessary admissions tests (ACT or TEAS).

Degrees

Courses

NUR-100: Introduction to Nursing as a Profession

Credits 1
Prospective nursing majors will explore nursing as a profession. Topics will include an introduction to the history of nursing and nursing's evolving roles. Students will be given opportunities to assess their aptitude for professional practice through discussion of the challenges of pain and human suffering and exploration of ethical challenges. Application deadlines, criteria, and procedure for acceptance into the nursing major will be discussed. Recommended for students interested in or undecided about the nursing major.

NUR-110: Fundamentals of Nursing I

Credits 8

An introduction to nursing concepts and principles, the nursing process and clinical decision-making. Basic patient care skills, therapeutic communication and physical assessment are emphasized in the care of patients across the life span. Emphasis also is placed on principles of healthy nutrition and basic pharmacologic principles and dosage calculations for beginning administration of medications. Six hours of lecture and six hours of clinical experience per week. Corequisites: BIO 171 and PSY 110. Fee $450.

NUR-120: Fundamentals of Nursing II

Credits 4

A continuation of NUR 110, Fundamentals of Nursing II emphasizes advanced patient care skills and provides an opportunity for the student to continue to develop nursing process, communication, and assessment skills for clients across the lifespan. Two hours of lecture per week and six hours of clinical experience per week. Prerequisites: BIO 171, PSY 110, and NUR 110. Corequisites: BIO 172, ENG 112 or WRI 118, PSY 215. Fee $450

NUR-124: Mental Health Nursing

Credits 4
Introduction to the concepts of mental health nursing of patients across the lifespan. Wellness, prevention, health maintenance and health restoration are emphasized. Three hours of lecture and three hours of clinical experience per week. NUR-110, BMS-171, PSY-110, WRI-118. Corequisites are: NUR-120, PSY-215, and BIO-172.

NUR-130: L.P.N. to R.N. Transition

Credits 3
(for LPNs only) Course addresses those factors which facilitate the transition of the LPN to the RN student role. Student time is divided between classroom seminar, independent study, and clinical/skills laboratory to review theory, processes, and skills. Validation of nursing skills may take place in a clinical setting under direct faculty supervision. Emphasis is placed upon therapeutic communication, nursing process, functional health patterns, assessment skills, and advanced nursing skills. Prerequisites: BIO 171, BIO 172, ENG 112 or WRI 118, PSY 110, PSY 215, and completion of required Nursing Challenge examinations.

NUR-200: Pharmacology in Nursing

Credits 2
An examination of the clinical application of drugs as they relate to patients across the lifespan who are experiencing acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications and health maintenance and management of patients as recipients of pharmacotherapy. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: PSY 215, BIO 171, BIO 172, ENG 112 or WRI 118, NUR 120, and NUR 125. Corequisites: BIO 273, REL 213 or REL 214, and NUR 230.

NUR-230: Nursing Across the Lifespan I

Credits 8
Introduction of knowledge basic to the nursing care of patients across the lifespan who are experiencing actual or potential health problems. Practical experience is provided in a variety of community and acute care settings. Five hours of lecture and nine hours of clinical experience per week. Prerequisites: PSY 215, BIO 171, BIO 172, ENG 112 or WRI 118, NUR 120, and NUR 125. Corequisites: BIO 273, REL 213 or 214, and NUR 200. Fee $450.

NUR-240: Nursing Across the Lifespan II

Credits 7
A continuation of the study of the nursing care of patients across the lifespan begun in NUR 230. Five hours of lecture and six hours of clinical experience per week. Prerequisites: NUR 200 and NUR 230. Prerequisites or Corequisites: NUR 246, and restricted elective (choose one): BIO 280, HEA 261, SOC 119, SOC 229, REL 230, or SPN 111. Fee $450.

NUR-241: Preparing for NCLEX

Credits 1
Preparing for NCLEX will lead students in the final semester of the pre-licensure nursing program to systematically work through NCLEX preparation resources. There will be an emphasis on practice of NCLEX style questions, review of results, and remediation of discovered areas of weakness. Prerequisite: NUR 200 and NUR 230. Corequisite: NUR 246. Course must be taken in the final semester prior to graduation. May be repeated once.

NUR-244: Family Nursing

Credits 4
NUR 244 Family Nursing (4 credits) Introduction to nursing care of women and newborns, within a family experiencing pregnancy and birth. Emphasis is placed upon wellness, prevention, health maintenance, and health restoration. Practical experience is provided in community and acute care settings. Three hours of lecture and three hours of clinical experience per week. Prerequisites: NUR 200, NUR 230; Prerequisites or corequisites: NUR 240, NUR 241, NUR 246.

NUR-246: Professional Transitions

Credits 4
This course addresses those factors which facilitate the transition from nursing student to RN. Seminar aspects of the course will focus on professionalism, evidence-based practice, and the historical, social, and legal framework of health care delivery and nursing practice. Students complete an individualized approved 120-hour integrated practicum completed within a 7-week timeframe to meet the requirements of the Kentucky Board of Nursing as a key feature of this course. One and a half hours of lecture per week and approximately 24-36 hours of clinical experience per week (up to seven weeks) with a preceptor until the full 120 hours have been completed. Prerequisites: NUR 200 and NUR 230. Prerequisites or Corequisites: NUR 240, NUR 244, and restricted elective (choose one): BIO 280, HEA 261, SOC 119, SOC 229, REL 230, or SPN 111. Corequisite: NUR 241 Course must be taken in the final semester prior to graduation. May be repeated once.

NUR-290: Directed Individual Readings

Credits 1
Study of selected nursing topic(s) of particular interst. Topic(s) may be proposed by the student of faculty. This course may be taken more than once if different topics are chosen for a total of 2 credits. Prerequisites: Eight (8) hours of nursing and approval of Division Chair and supervising faculty.

NUR-302: Advanced Concepts in Nursing Practice

Credits 5
This course focuses on concepts to advance the practice and discipline of nursing at the baccalaureate level. The student will explore and apply concepts such as writing in the discipline, information literacy, evidence-based literature, clinical reasoning, theories from other disciplines that inform nursing practice, multiple dimensions of patient centered care, and quality and safety initiatives in healthcare. Prerequisites: RN status and admission to the RN-BSN program.

NUR-304: Health Assessment for Registered Nurses

Credits 3
This course provides an opportunity to enhance skill in health assessment of persons and families including genetic, developmental, psychological, and environmental parameters. Assessment models will be analyzed for use with diverse populations. Emphasis will be placed on health assessment of clients across the lifespan and performance of the health exam. Prerequisite: RN status and admission to the RN-BSN program.

NUR-306: Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

Credits 3
This course will examine the clinical application of drugs as they relate to clients across the lifespan who are experiencing acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis will be placed on gerontological implications of pharmacology. Prerequisite: RN status and admission to the RN-BSN program.

NUR-308: Scholarship & Inquiry Evidence

Credits 3
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to translate current evidence into practice. Emphasis will be placed on an overview of qualitative and quantitative research processes, models to apply evidence to clinical practice, nurse-sensitive quality indicators, information literacy to search, locate, and evaluate sources of information, and dissemination of findings. Prerequisite: MTH 200 or SSC 285 and NUR 302.

NUR-390: Special Topics

Credits 1 3
This elective is the study of selected topics of interest in the field of nursing. The topic may differ each time the course is offered and may be proposed by the instructor or students. This course may be taken for credit any number of times, provided that a different topic is studied each time. Prerequisites: Eight (8)hours of nursing or admission to the RN-to-BSN program of study.

NUR-401: Population-Based Nursing Care

Credits 5
This course will introduce the concept of population health and the application of health promotion, disease, and injury prevention across the lifespan at the local, national, and global population level. Special emphasis will be placed on health disparity among diverse populations, genetics, epidemiology, clinical judgment during disaster, and population-focused interventions. The role of policy development and regulation in healthcare will be analyzed. Three hours instruction (3 credits) and six hours practicum (2 credits) per week in a community of choice. Prerequisite: NUR 302; Co-requisite: NUR 308.

NUR-403: Organizational and Systems Leadership

Credits 3
This course will examine leadership skills at the microsystem level in healthcare organizations including decision-making, delegation, care coordination, and change and conflict resolution. Awareness will be developed of complex organizational systems and related mission and vision statements. Knowledge will be enhanced on an organization's quality improvement process, standards for a safe environment, and implications of healthcare economics. Prerequisites: NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 308, and NUR 401. Corequisite: NUR 405.

NUR-405: Nursing Synthesis and Capstone

Credits 5
This capstone course will provide the RN the opportunity to integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of baccalaureate-generalist nursing practice. The focus will be on professionalism, evidenced-based practice, and dissemination of knowledge synthesized with the practicum. The practicum emphasis will provide the RN an opportunity to explore a nursing practice role of interest. Individualized practicum experience with an RN preceptor is subject to approval by course faculty. Three hours (3 credits) and six hours practicum (2 credits) per week ina community of choice. Prerequisites: NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 308, and NUR 401. Corequisite: NUR 403. Note: Students may have their NUR 405 seminar hours reduced by portfolio submission. Portfolios are maintained, submitted, and evaluated throughout the RN-BSN program, with final evaluation in NUR 405.

NUR-ELEC: Nursing Restricted Elective

Credits 3
Plan 1 course to meet Nursing Restrictive Elective from the following: BIO 280, HEA 261, SOC 119, SOC 229, REL 230, or SPN 111. Once you have added this course to your plan, delete this placeholder by clicking the X.