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Undergraduate

Theresa Naldoza, Executive Director of Nursing
Associate Dean for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
ACU Box 28035
Abilene, Texas 79699-8035
Office location: Zona Luce Dean’s Suite

Phone: 325-674-2081
Fax: 325-674-6256
Email: tmn05a@acu.edu
Web: https://www.acu.edu/nursing

Faculty

Jean Eaton, MSN, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor
Kelsey Gesling, MSN, RN, Instructor
Kaytlin Glover, MSN, RNC-MNN, Instructor
Diane Jackson, DNP, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor
Rebekah Mullins, MSN, RN, CNE, Instructor
Theresa Naldoza, PhD, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor
Marla Panzer, MSN, RN, Instructor
Corissa Parris MSN, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor
Chelsea Van Meter, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Instructor
Julie Whitley, MSN, RN, Instructor

Introduction

The School of Nursing offers one undergraduate degree in its BSN Program: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN degree has a total of 3 tracks.

Pre-Nursing Track

Students who have declared the nursing major but are not yet admitted to the upper- level courses are enrolled in this track. NURS-PRE does not end in a degree or certificate. 

Pre-Licensure Track

Students who have met all requirements for admission to the upper-level courses in the BSN program are admitted to this track, which is only offered on the residential campus. 

Post-Licensure (RN to BSN) Track

Students who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma program in nursing and hold an active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license may apply for this track. The post-licensure track is offered only online.

School of Nursing Mission Statement

To inspire and educate students for excellence in professional practice in preparation for Christian leadership and service as professional nurses throughout the world.

Purpose

The faculty at the School of Nursing believe that the professional nursing curriculum of a BSN program should reflect the current professional practice environment in compliance with evidence-based standards and rules of regulatory organizations. The curriculum integrates the mission of the university. Foundational concepts for the curriculum reflect current issues and trends, and were developed from concepts derived from the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Baccalaureate Nursing Education (DECs) by the Texas Board of Nursing (2021) and the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021). The foundational concepts are organized under the DEC headings: The Member of Profession, Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, and Member of the Health Care Team. Concepts reflect the knowledge, judgment, behaviors, skills, attitudes, and values required of a professional nurse. The student outcomes of the program reflect the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of learning. The faculty believes that active, participatory student-centered learning is required in baccalaureate generalist education to develop the professional competencies required of the graduate. Each semester, the clinical evaluation tools used demonstrate progression toward program outcomes to assist the students’ transition from the novice to advanced beginner stages of professional growth.

Upon graduation and completion of all Texas Board of Nursing requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® (National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) that leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program of nursing, the graduate will be prepared to:

1. Apply clinical reasoning, and evidence-based nursing competencies (knowledge, behaviors, judgments, skills, and attitudes) to holistically address and prioritize patient (individuals, families, groups, communities, populations) preferences, values, and needs.
2. Collaborate effectively with multiple patients and the interdisciplinary health with shared decision making for the achievement of the highest safe patient health outcomes.
3. Assume accountability for professional, legal, ethical, and regulatory laws/standards for individual performance and system effectiveness for safe nursing competencies.
4. Apply an understanding of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments by the coordination, evaluation, and modification of care of patients, and the management of confidential information technology for seamless care and transition in complex health care systems.
5. Integrate professional values such as caring, advocacy, altruism, the preservation of human dignity, truth, justice, freedom, equality, ethics, integrity, civility, respect, and cultural competence in the pursuit of excellence of the Christian leadership and service of professional nursing.
6. Promote the profession of nursing through leadership activities in the implementation of evidence-based practice standards, safety and quality care improvement, and patient advocacy.
7. Engage in self-care and reflection to prepare for clinical demands, envision growth to professional competence, and understand the need to participate in life long career and professional development.

Notice of Conditions that might Disqualify Students Eligibility for Licensure

Applicants for the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and seeking licensure in Texas must complete a criminal background check (CBC) through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at an approved site. This is in accordance with Texas BON Rules 301.252. Please refer to the Texas Board of Nursing site regarding licensure eligibility for additional information.

Prior to the start of the nursing program at Abilene Christian University, all potential NCLEX-RN® applicants with outstanding eligibility issues that could prevent them from taking the NCLEX examination upon completion of the nursing program are urged to complete a Declaratory Order application. Further information and forms can be retrieved on the following website: Initial Licensure & Recognition Forms – Declaratory Order.

This process permits the Board to make decisions regarding an applicant’s eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program.  The list below further delineates possible incidences that may prevent eligibility, and require a Declaratory Order application: 

For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you: 

1. Been arrested and have a pending criminal charge?
2. Been convicted of a misdemeanor?
3. Been convicted of a felony?
4. Pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
5. Received deferred adjudication?
6. Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty? 
7. Been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? Court-ordered confinement? 
8. Been granted pre-trial diversion?
9. Been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
10. Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action? 

*You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.

NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offense, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character. (See 22 TAC §213.27) 

NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Tex. Gov’t Code § 552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non- disclosure you are not required to reveal those criminal matters. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to Gov’t Code chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character and fitness. 

• Have you ever had any licensing (other than a nursing license) or regulatory authority in any state, jurisdiction, country, or province revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew or otherwise discipline any other professional or occupational license, certificate, nurse aide registration or multistate privilege to practice that you held? 
• Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice nursing in a competent, ethical, and professional manner?
• *Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
• *Are you currently a participant in an alternative to discipline, diversion, or a peer assistance program? (This includes all confidential programs) 

NOTE: Any positive response will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure unless required by law. 

• Have you ever been granted the authority to practice nursing in any country, state, province, or territory? 

NOTE: This does not apply to any nursing license(s) issued by another US state or territory, excluding Puerto Rico. If you were licensed in Puerto Rico, you should be answering yes. 

*Pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code §301.207, information, including diagnosis and treatment, regarding an individual’s physical or mental condition, intemperate use of drugs or alcohol, or chemical dependency and information regarding an individual’s criminal history is confidential to the same extent that information collected as part of an investigation is confidential under the Texas Occupations Code §301.466.

Pre-Nursing Track

All students accepted for admission to the university may declare the pre-nursing track of the nursing major and complete lower-level general education requirements and nursing prerequisite courses. Declaring the pre-nursing track and completing lower-level courses, however, does not guarantee that students will be admitted to the pre-licensure nursing track and upper-level coursework for the School of Nursing’s BSN program. All courses under General Education Requirements and Supplement for Major must be completed before students enter the pre-licensure nursing track and upper-level nursing courses (those courses designated with the NURS prefix.)

Students may not graduate from the pre-nursing track and must be admitted to the pre-licensure nursing track to continue in the program, or they may change majors in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

BSN Program Pre-Licensure Track Admission Requirements

Students must meet all university degree requirements. A separate admission process is required for students to be admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program Pre-Licensure Track. Admission is competitive, and the size of the classes is determined by the Texas Board of Nursing. Admission to Abilene Christian University does not guarantee admission to the pre-licensure nursing track and upper-level BSN coursework in the School of Nursing. The pre-licensure nursing track is only offered on the residential campus in Abilene.

1. Students must apply for admission to upper-level BSN coursework and the pre-licensure nursing track within the School of Nursing. The deadline for submitting an application for admission in the fall semester is March 1 of the same year. The deadline for submitting applications for admission in the spring semester is September 1 of the previous year. Students are required to take a nursing admission assessment exam. Late applications will be reviewed after initial admission decisions are made.
2. The School of Nursing will review all applications with at least a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale. Courses in the supplement for major (see nursing degree plan) completed with a letter grade less than “C,” or 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, will not be accepted toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
3. Five courses listed under Supplement for Major (not including labs) must be completed before turning in the application for admission. All prerequisite courses, which include all courses under the General Education Requirements and Supplement for Major, must be completed before entering the pre-licensure nursing track and upper-level nursing courses (those courses designated with the NURS prefix). Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Director of Nursing.
4. Once accepted to the School of Nursing, students must submit the following:
   1. Proof of completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant training course
   2. Essential performance form (provided by the School of Nursing) that attests to the ability of the student to meet emotional, cognitive, and physical requirements of the program.
   3. Proof of immunizations and lab tests (a list will be provided by the School of Nursing)
   4. Documentation of Health Insurance
   5. Drug screen at a designated lab (further information is provided by the School of Nursing). Students may also be required to submit to random drug screenings in order to practice in the clinical facilities.
   6. Completed criminal background check required by the Texas Board of Nursing.
   7. Cleared clinical background check required by the clinical facilities (further information is provided by the School of Nursing).
   8. Proof of current CPR certification (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers is required).
   9. Professional liability insurance (included in the student’s tuition and fee costs) is required
5. Applicants seeking admission by transfer must meet all of the same standards required of those students who have matriculated at ACU.
6. In order for a student to meet program requirements for the completion of the BSN curriculum, the student must demonstrate minimal competency in nursing theory and practice. This competency is demonstrated through successful scoring on the identified exit exam.
7. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may take a minor outside the School of Nursing. This minor is NOT required as a part of the BSN degree, and credit hours beyond the minimum hours required may be needed to complete the minor.
8. Students who wish to complete the pre-licensure nursing track must do so in residence in Abilene.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students may withdraw from a maximum of one (1) nursing (NURS) course during the nursing program. In the event a student is required to withdraw from the corequisite of a course, the withdrawal of the corequisite course does not count in the maximum withdrawal limit.

BSN Program Post-Licensure Track Admission Requirements

Students must meet all university degree requirements. A separate admission process is required for students to be admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program Post-Licensure Track. Admission to Abilene Christian University does not guarantee admission to the post-licensure nursing track and upper-level BSN coursework in the School of Nursing. The post-licensure nursing track is offered through ACU Online in collaboration with the College of Health and Human Services. The RN to BSN degree track is designed for registered nurses (RNs) that have completed a diploma program or earned an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) who wish to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The curriculum is designed to expand prior learning and professional experiences in order to advance their nursing career. 

To be eligible for the post-licensure (RN to BSN) track, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Have completed a Diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited nursing program. 
2. Possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the U.S. 
3. Be actively employed in the Registered Nurse role OR have work experience equivalent to a minimum of one year of full-time employment in the Registered Nurse role.  

Note: work experience in another nursing or health care role does not meet this requirement. 

4. Completed all ACU General Education Requirements and Supplement to the Major courses for full admission to the post-licensure track. 
5. Have completed all previous coursework with a minimum required cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
6. Students will not be permitted to enroll in nursing courses (prefix NURO) unless all criteria have been met.

Graduate

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Marcia Sotelo, Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 512-750-6937
Email: mcs21a@acu.edu

Theresa Naldoza, Executive Director of Nursing
Associate Dean for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
ACU Box 28035
Abilene, Texas 79699-8035
Office location: Zona Luce Dean’s Suite

Phone: 325-674-2081
Fax: 325-674-6256
Email: tmn05a@acu.edu

Faculty

Sandra Cleveland, DNP, MSN, CNE, RN, Associate Professor
Christina Ryan, DNP, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor
Marcia Sotelo, DNP, CNE, RN, Associate Professor

Introduction

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is offered online. The mission of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program is to prepare nurses for the generation of knowledge through practice changes that impact individual and population health outcomes. This is accomplished through Program Learning Outcomes:

• Produce practitioners who think critically, globally, and missionally.
• Enhance graduates’ ability to engage in distinct and creative clinical practice initiatives for quality healthcare delivery and the improvement of patient health outcomes.
• Deliver and engage in quality healthcare initiatives that allow students to become healthcare agents for the community.
• Reflect upon how graduates can best communicate a missionally-driven message to those whom they care for and serve.
• Reflect upon their own sense of calling and the ways in which it is enacted in their roles as practitioners. The program will draw students into Christ-centered communities as they share their personal visions and missions for their clinical practice roles.

Students who have earned an MSN must complete 39 credit hours and a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours to earn the DNP degree. Students beginning with an MSN are eligible to pursue the Executive Nursing Leadership track. Coursework consists of eleven core courses and two DNP Project courses, which move students toward the development and implementation of an evidence-based project.

Students whose highest credential is a BSN must complete 57 credit hours and a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours to earn the DNP degree. Students beginning with a BSN are eligible to pursue the Executive Nursing Leadership track. Coursework consists of seventeen core courses and two DNP Project courses, which move students toward the development and implementation of an evidence-based project.

Graduates of ACU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program will be prepared to evoke change and improvement in health policy outcomes and quality care through implementation of quality improvement processes that positively impact the health of individuals and communities. DNP graduates of ACU will be prepared and skilled in impacting change and will contribute to quality healthcare delivery in many local, regional, national, or international healthcare and academic settings while also impacting the legal and ethical aspects of healthcare delivery models.

Admission Requirements

For Applicants with an MSN Degree

• Application for admission with a non-refundable processing fee.
• A master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing (ACEN, CCNE).
• Official transcripts from the accredited colleges or universities that awarded the master’s degree (MSN) to the applicant, sent in a registrar’s sealed and stamped/signed envelope or official electronic transcripts.
• Minimum graduate nursing cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Two professional recommendation letters that attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, character, and professional abilities.
• Author a 500-word purpose statement outlining your interest in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Include the location (healthcare facility or organization) in which you plan to complete your DNP Project and a problem that is negatively impacting patient care and outcomes within that facility or organization.
• Professional CV or résumé.
• Proof of unencumbered registered nurse licensure in the United States or current advanced practice nursing licensure and certification.
• Documented undergraduate-level statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.

For Applicants Pursuing the BSN to DNP Pathway

• Application for admission with a non-refundable processing fee.
• A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing (ACEN, CCNE).
• Official transcripts from the accredited colleges or universities that awarded the baccalaureate degree (BSN) to the applicant, sent in a registrar’s sealed and stamped/signed envelope or official electronic transcripts.
• Minimum undergraduate nursing cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Two professional recommendation letters that attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, character, and professional abilities.
• Author a 500-word purpose statement outlining your interest in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Include the location (healthcare facility or organization) in which you plan to complete your DNP Project and a problem that is negatively impacting patient care and outcomes within that facility or organization.
• Professional CV or résumé.
• Proof of unencumbered registered nurse licensure in the United States.
• Documented undergraduate-level statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
• Completion of NURS 615, NURS 624, NURS 627, NURS 675, NURS 681, and NURS 685 with a grade of “C” or better.

International applicants to the BSN-DNP pathway and DNP will be required to complete the standard graduate application requirements for all international students applying for an ACU graduate degree, including TOEFL scores and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States (https://www.acu.edu/admissions-aid/international/international-graduate-application-information.htm). All applicants must live in the United States and must remain living in the United States throughout the program.

Programs

• Nursing Practice, Executive Nursing Leadership, DNP (NURP-TL)

• Nursing, BSN (NURS)
• Nursing, Post-Licensure, BSN (NURO-POST)
• Nursing, Pre-Nursing, BSN (NURS-PRE)

Courses

• NURS 308 - Global Healthcare
• NURS 320 - Evidence-Based Gerontologic Nursing
• NURS 326 - Experiential Learning in Nursing
• NURS 330 - Pharmacology in Nursing
• NURS 337 - Applied Pathophysiology
• NURS 345 - Foundations of Nursing
• NURS 350 - Clinical Skills I: Fundamentals of Nursing
• NURS 351 - Nursing Assessment and Diagnostics
• NURS 352 - Evidence-Based Fundamentals of Nursing
• NURS 360 - Clinical Skills II: Acute Medical-Surgical Nursing
• NURS 361 - Evidence-Based Acute Medical-Surgical Nursing
• NURS 380 - Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
• NURS 430 - Clinical Skills III: Mental Health Nursing
• NURS 431 - Evidence-Based Mental Health Nursing
• NURS 450 - Clinical Skills III: Maternity and Pediatric Nursing
• NURS 453 - Evidence-Based Maternity and Pediatric Nursing
• NURS 464 - Nursing Leadership and Management
• NURS 475 - Clinical Skills IV: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
• NURS 476 - Evidence-Based Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
• NURS 477 - Evidence-Based Community and Population Health
• NURS 498 - Integration of Evidence Based Nursing Practice
• NURS 612 - Scientific Underpinnings to Practice
• NURS 615 - Advanced Nursing Leadership Role
• NURS 621 - Advanced Pathophysiology
• NURS 622 - Leadership, Communication, and Collaboration within Interprofessional Teams
• NURS 624 - Spirituality and Nursing Care
• NURS 627 - Population Health
• NURS 631 - Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion
• NURS 636 - Quality Improvement in Healthcare
• NURS 647 - Advanced Pharmacology
• NURS 648 - Translating Evidence into Practice
• NURS 655 - Advanced Clinical Practice
• NURS 675 - Nurse Leaders as Stewards in the Healthcare System
• NURS 681 - Leading the Translation of Evidence into Practice
• NURS 685 - Leadership Practicum
• NURS 701 - DNP Role
• NURS 703 - Informatics to Improve Patient Care
• NURS 705 - Applied Statistics and Research in Nursing
• NURS 712 - Epidemiology and Population Health
• NURS 714 - Genomic Implications in Advanced Practice
• NURS 716 - Healthcare Finance and Clinical Practice
• NURS 721 - Healthcare Policy and Clinical Practice
• NURS 723 - Foundations of Integrative Healthcare
• NURS 731 - Organizational and System Leadership
• NURS 733 - Healthcare Reform: Current Issues Affecting Nursing Practice
• NURS 735 - Quality Improvement
• NURS 742 - Healthcare Leadership Strategies for Organizational Effectiveness
• NURS 746 - Finance and Human Resource Management for Optimal Quality Outcomes
• NURS 752 - Scholarly Project Proposal
• NURS 754 - DNP Project II
• NURS 756 - DNP Project III
• NURS 758 - Scholarly Project Implementation

• NURO 338 - Pharmacology and Pathophysiology for Practicing Nurses
• NURO 353 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
• NURO 380 - Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
• NURO 433 - Health Policy, Legal Aspects, and Informatics
• NURO 464 - Nursing Leadership and Management
• NURO 465 - Leadership and Management Clinical Practicum
• NURO 477 - Evidence-Based Community and Population Health
• NURO 478 - Community and Population Health Practicum
• NURO 484 - Professional Role Transitions
• NURO 494 - Synthesis of Baccalaureate Nursing

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