School of Nursing
Faculty:
Deborah R. Gillum, Ph.D. (Dean of Nursing)
Samuel P. Abraham, D.H.A.
Joy M. Barnes, D.N.P.
Richard P. Becker, M.A., M.S.
Samantha B. Cussen, D.N.P.
Sally E. Erdel, M.S.
Lisa D. Ericson, M.S.N.
April N. Hart, M.S.N.
Teresa L. Jodway, D.N.P.
Chable R. Johnson, M.S.N.
Tina M. Kendall, M.S.N.
Margarie G. Moses, D.N.P.
Juliana M. Mwose, D.N.P.
Kristen Richmond, M.S.N.
Dale E. Robbins, D.N.P.
Hannah E. Stutzman, M.S.N.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
Traditional
RN - Completion Program
Master of Science in Nursing
Administration Track
Education Track
Department Mission
The mission of the Bethel University School of Nursing is to offer high quality associate, baccalaureate, and master’s programs in a Christ-centered academic environment that provides graduates with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to care for clients holistically. Our graduates are prepared to embrace a commitment to life-long learning, professional development and service.
Department Distinctives
In accordance with the mission and educational philosophy of Bethel University, the School of Nursing philosophy provides the educational framework that guides the curricula and education of students in a Christian liberal-arts setting. Nursing is a dynamic and caring profession shaped by its Christian heritage. Nursing is an art and science, which incorporates knowledge from the sciences and humanities and provides the foundation for educational advancement within the nursing profession. Four core values provide the organization and foundation for the curricula: Excellence, Ethics, Holistic Care, and Professionalism.
Bethel University has two undergraduate nursing degree programs, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) traditional and completion tracks, and a graduate nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing, with two tracks, nursing education and nurse administration. All programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which is located at 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. ACEN can be contacted at 404-975-5000, fax 404-975-5020 or www.acenursing.org. Programs leading to RN licensure are accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
Pre-Licensure Programs: Once pre-requisites are met, the ADN program may be completed in 2 years and 1 summer for full-time students. Nursing courses in the ADN program must be completed in 5 years. The traditional BSN program is designed for students who are beginning the study of nursing. The nursing courses must be completed in 7 years.
Students must be admitted to the college before applying to the nursing program. Applicants must rank in the upper 2/3 of their high school graduating class and have earned at least a 2.7 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in high school or previous college work (or a composite score of 50 on the GED). Satisfactory completion of college courses relevant to nursing may nullify unsatisfactory high school or GED requirements. SAT scores of evidence-based reading/writing of 530 and math of 510; or ACT scores of 21 English, 21 reading, and 19 math are required for ADN and traditional BSN admission. SAT/ACT scores are valid for 5 years.
Admission to the nursing program is based on nursing admission criteria at the time of application to the program. Admitted students must submit a completed nursing health form signed by their health care provider, verify specific immunizations, obtain a criminal background check, submit documentation of a current negative drug screen, submit proof of health insurance coverage, and complete an approved CPR course prior to beginning clinical courses. Malpractice insurance is provided through the university.
Only persons who have not been convicted of any act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action under the State Board rules and regulations or of any felony that has direct bearing on their ability to practice competently may take the NCLEX-RN exam. Students taking the exam will be asked to disclose any kind of crime to which they pled guilty, including traffic violations. While a traffic violation does not prohibit licensure, other crimes require individual review by the Board and may prevent the graduate from taking the NCLEX-RN exam.
Affiliating agencies may withhold clinical experiences for students with the following records: positive drug screens, crimes against a person, such as battery or assault, crimes based on dishonesty or untruthfulness, such as theft or embezzlement, drug or other substance abuse-related crimes, history of recent DUI or other driving violations or penalties; or history of professional misconduct in clinical agencies. Matriculation and continued enrollment in the School of Nursing is contingent upon a completed criminal background check and drug screening with acceptable results. Without clinical experiences, the student cannot complete all requirements of the courses in the program and must be dismissed from the program.
Students must pass all courses within their program with a grade of “C” or better to continue in the nursing program. Required science courses may only be repeated once. Pre-licensure students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 to continue and complete the nursing program, and must complete all nursing courses at one level before advancing to the next level.