School of Nursing

428 O’DOWD HALL (248) 370-4253
Fax: (248) 370-4279

Dean: Linda Thompson Adams

Office of the Dean: Sherry Abernathy, assistant dean; Pamela Marin, assistant dean; Patrina Carper, academic adviser; Brian Harbac, simulation specialist; Deleana Hill, information technology specialist; Amy Johnson, administrative project coordinator; Patricia Ketcham, director of nursing laboratories; Cheryl McPherson, business manager/financial analyst; Estella Nicholson, coordinator of academic services; Jennifer Milnar, special projects assistant; Sarah Mullin, academic adviser; Colette O’Connor, director of development; Thomas Schumann, executive director for center for nursing education and professional development; April Thomas-Powell, academic adviser; Alison Wagner, events coordinator; Kristina White-Aaron, academic adviser

Professors emerita: Justine Speer, Diane Wilson, Carol Zenas

Professors: Linda Thompson Adams, F. Darlene Schott-Baer

Visiting distinguished professor: Ann Whall

Associate professors: Karen Dunn, Frances Jackson, Suha Kridli, Anne Mitchell, Mary Mittelstaedt, Gary Moore, Sarah Newton, Barbara Penprase, Cheryl Riley-Doucet

Assistant professors: Carrie Abele, Marisa Ferrari, Margaret Harris, Barbara Harrison, Sharon Mills-Wisneski, Laura Pittiglio

Visiting professor: Jenn-tser Pan

Visiting instructors: Yvonne Anthony, Janith Beres, Chesanny Butler, Kara Freeman, Sharon Heskitt, Kim Holka, JoAnn Kapa, Marilyn Mouradjian, Ronald Piscotty, Lynda Poly-Droulard, Ali Salmon, Deborah Tierney, Vicki Varbedian

Special instructors: Claudia Grobbel, Stephanie Vallie, Rosalind Woodson

Adjunct assistant professors: Anne Hranchook, Patricia Ketcham, Lisa Mileto, John Nagelhout

Adjunct instructors: Andrea Bittinger, Laurie Heline

Board of Visitors

The Board of Visitors for the School of Nursing is composed of community leaders in the greater Detroit area. It assists the school in developing goals and objectives, curricular design, as well as clinical and research programs that meet the rapidly changing requirements of the health care field. Board members consult on such matters as facilities, equipment requirements, special topics and long-range planning.

Members of the Board of Visitors are:

Marie Adam, Senior Medical Operations & Compliance, Daimler Chrysler Corp.
Maggie Allesee, Counselor
Norma Barfield, General Counsel, Bartech Group
Wayne W. Bradley, President & CEO, Detroit Community Health Connection, Inc.
Lisa DeMoss, Senior VP, General Counsel & Corp Secretary, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Kay Douglas, President, Douglas Marketing Group
Val Gokenbach, Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak
Connie Gray, Business Unit Leader, Kelly Healthcare Services
Nancy Hakala, Director and Manager, Wright & Filippis
Veronica Hall, Vice President, Patient Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer, Henry Ford Hospital
Petra Hurt, Affiliate Clinical Coordinator/Assistant Director, U of D Mercy
Gregory Jamian, President & CEO, Americare Medical, Incorporated
Theresa Jones, President and CEO, Northwestern Dodge, Inc.
David Martin, President & CEO, Health Care News Alliance
Barbara R. Medvec, Senior Vice President & CNO, Oakwood Healthcare Inc.
Patricia Natale, Vice President Patient Care Services, Detroit Receiving Hospital
Laurine Parmely, Assistant General Counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Margo Riza, Regional Operations Manager, Special Tree Rehabilitation System
Kathleen Ryan, Vice President Operations – Acute Services, St. John Providence Hospital and Medical Center
Karen Standfest, Vice President of Patient Care & CNO, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital
Nancy Susick, Vice President of Nursing, William Beaumont Hospital, Troy
Paul W. Santoro, CRNA, MS, President, Ambulatory Surgery Consultants, Inc.
Peter Swiecicki, Chief Operating Officer, BBDO Detroit
Kathleen VanWagoner, Chief Nurse Executive, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
Christine Zambricki, Chief Operating Officer, CNO, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

Programs Offered

Undergraduate program

The School of Nursing offers instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. The course of study combines general education in the humanities and the social, biological and natural sciences with education in the theory and practice of nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the state registered nurse licensure examination. Full and part-time program sequences are provided for baccalaureate students. An accelerated Second-Degree B.S.N. and a R.N.-B.S.N. Degree Completion Sequence are also available.

Undergraduate program objectives

Based on program goals, relevant student learning outcomes were developed related to each program goal. By the end of the program, students will:

a. Demonstrate critical thinking through synthesis of knowledge from the humanities and the sciences in the application of the nursing process to the independent and collaborative practice of professional nursing.
b. Demonstrate effective communication skills and proficiency in information management, including standardized nursing languages, and technology in delivering safe, effective and cost efficient professional nursing care based on current best practice.
Apply ethically and legally grounded clinical judgments supported by research in making decisions about the provision of professional nursing care.
Demonstrate adherence to the essentials of the AACN when delivering nursing care across the life span to diverse client populations in a wide variety of settings.
Acquire the foundation for continued study at the graduate level.

Graduate program

The School of Nursing offers a program of study leading to the Master’s of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.). The M.S.N. program prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice as family nurse practitioners, adult/gerontology nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse educators. Post-master’s certificate programs are also offered in the practitioner and nurse anesthesia tracks. A Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is offered for post-B.S.N. or post-M.S.N. students. A R.N.-M.S.N. program is available for diploma or associate degree prepared registered nurses who wish to follow an accelerated plan of study for the M.S.N. in Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education. For more information, see the Oakland University Graduate Catalog.

Admission

It is recommended that students wishing to enter the nursing program have completed four years of high school mathematics, including algebra, one year of biology and one year of chemistry with a grade of B or better in each course. ACT scores are also considered.

Admission to the School of Nursing occurs in one of four ways: (1) direct admission in the freshman year (Track I), (2) admission after completion of prerequisite courses (Track II) as space permits, (3) as a second degree student into an accelerated program of study as space permits, or (4) as a registered nurse into a degree completion sequence. The School of Nursing encourages and actively seeks male and other minority applicants. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for admission to the School of Nursing on an individual basis related to their ability to meet clinical practice requirements and core performance standards. Students are admitted to the School of Nursing on a competitive basis. In addition to the admission requirements listed, the applicant must be in good standing in the university (minimum overall GPA of 2.00). Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Openings are filled with applicants best qualified to succeed in the nursing program for Track I and II applicants. Preference is given to students who have completed five or more pre-nursing courses (excluding MTH 061 ) at Oakland University with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or better in courses used in the calculation of the pre-nursing grade point average.

Direct admission into freshman year (Track I)

This track is for students entering the School of Nursing directly from high school. Transfer students are not eligible for Track I admission because Direct Admission status requires that all pre-core non-nursing course work be completed at Oakland University. It is highly recommended that students complete the direct admit requirements prior to their senior year of high school. Early application to Oakland University as a pre-nursing major is highly recommended. Upon university admission students who meet the stated requirements are eligible to be selected for direct admission by the School of Nursing on a space available first-come, first served basis for the limited seats available. Completion of minimum requirements listed below does not guarantee admission.

Recalculated High School GPA of 3.50 or above
ACT math score of 23 or higher
ACT English score of 23 or higher
ACT composite score of 24 or higher
A minimum of one year (each) of high school biology and chemistry with a grade of B or higher in each semester.

Students who are admitted into Track I must adhere to the following requirements during the first two semesters of the freshman year at Oakland:

Grade of 2.5 or better in NRS 206
Grades of 2.5 or better in all non-nursing courses required by the School of Nursing
Overall cumulative GPA of 3.20 or better in all Fall and Winter required courses except NRS 206

Track I students who do not meet the freshman year requirements as stated above will be reclassified as pre-nursing and follow track II admission requirements.

Admission after the freshman year (Track II)

Students who are admitted to the pre-nursing major upon entry to Oakland University or upon changing their major are eligible to apply to the School of Nursing once the following requirements are met:

Complete BIO 111 , BIO 121 ; CHM 104 , CHM 201 ; WRT 150 , WRT 160 ; and PSY 100 with a minimum grade of 2.8 in each course and a minimum overall GPA of 3.20.
Complete one philosophy course (PHL 101 , PHL 102 , PHL 103 , PHL 107 , PHL 204 , PHL 205 , or PHL 206 ) with a minimum grade of 2.8.
Complete WRT 160 with a minimum grade of 2.8
Complete MTH 061 with a minimum grade of 3.2. (This requirement is waived for students who receive a score of 18 or higher on the mathematics subsection of the American College Test (ACT) or who have taken an Oakland University placement test and have placed into MTH 062 or higher.)
Applicants who have been dismissed from a nursing program at another institution, or have two grades below 2.5 in nursing courses from another institution, must submit a statement of explanation that includes current status as a nursing student and have their application reviewed prior to consideration for admission to a School of Nursing undergraduate program.

Admission into the accelerated second-degree B.S.N. program

Admission to Oakland University as a pre-accelerated second degree B.S.N. program student is required in order to be eligible for admission to the School of Nursing in the Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N. program. Admission into the Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N. program is competitive and based on G.P.A., goal statement and interview. Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Students who meet the criteria in items 1-4 listed below are eligible for conditional admission with full admission pending completion of items 5-7 listed below:

Adherence to the Oakland University undergraduate admission requirements for a second degree student.
Minimum overall GPA of 3.2, with a minimum grade of 2.8 in each of the following courses: BIO 111 , BIO 121 , CHM 104 , CHM 201 and PSY 100 . Completion of Philosophy (PHL 101 , PHL 102 , PHL 103 , PHL 107 , PHL 204 , PHL 205 or PHL 206 ) with a minimum grade of 2.8 and MTH 061 with a minimum grade of 3.2 (this requirement is waived for students who receive a score of 18 or higher on the mathematics subsection of the American College Test (ACT) or who have taken an Oakland University placement test and have placed into MTH 062 or higher).
A 500-1,000 word written goal statement.
A faculty interview is required.
Completion of PSY 225 and BIO 307 , with a grade of 2.5 or higher. (Must be taken prior to the program start date.)
NRS 220 , NRS 227 and NRS 308 with a grade of 2.5 or higher. (Must be taken prior to the program start date.)
Applicants who have been dismissed from a nursing program at another institution, or have two grades below 2.5 in nursing courses from another institution, must submit a statement of explanation that includes current status as a nursing student and have their application reviewed prior to consideration for admission to a School of Nursing undergraduate program.

Admission clinical requirements

Admission to the nursing program is contingent upon meeting all clinical requirements. Specific details will be provided with the letter of admission. Requirements include:

Submission of a completed health assessment, including inoculation for tetanus; skin testing or chest x-ray for tuberculosis; proof of immunity to rubella, rubeola, mumps, varicella and Hepatitis B (or formal refusal of Hepatitis B vaccination).
Meeting minimum physical, cognitive and psychosocial technical standards for clinical/field and laboratory experiences (see core performance standards). Students with disabilities who have questions about their ability to meet these standards are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Support Services, 106 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-3266.
Documented completion of an approved CPR course.

The following are required by clinical agencies where students are placed for clinical experience:

Criminal background check.
Urine drug screen.

Students are responsible for any costs associated with the requirements described above. Students accepted to the nursing program must submit proof of all the above requirements by the published deadline date (per program plan). All requirements must remain in effect throughout the academic year. Students who have not provided necessary documentation by the published deadline dates will not be allowed to enroll in clinical nursing courses. NOTE: Students must maintain their own health insurance for illness or injury. Clinical agencies are not required to provide free treatment for students and will bill individuals for use of their emergency or employee health services.

Advising

The School of Nursing Advising Office is located in 444 O’Dowd Hall, (248) 370-4253. It is recommended that students schedule an advising appointment during the freshman/pre-nursing year(s) to review degree requirements and develop a plan of study. The plan of study is a timetable of courses to be taken and assures progress toward satisfying degree requirements. In addition, students are required to attend a School of Nursing orientation prior to beginning the nursing program.

Transfer policy

Programs offered by the School of Nursing are designed to meet the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation criteria as well as to reflect the Oakland University philosophy of education. Records of students transferring to Oakland University from other academic institutions are evaluated and transfer credit is granted as appropriate. Once matriculated at Oakland, students are expected to complete all remaining nursing course work for the degree at Oakland. See Transfer student information in this catalog for additional information about the university transfer policies, including transfer of credit from community colleges.

Grade for transfer courses do not appear on the Oakland University transcript. However, for purposes of admission to the School of Nursing, grades for pre-nursing courses taken at other institutions are included in the pre-nursing GPA. Letter grades are converted as follows: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7.

On-leave status

Students can request on-leave status for personal or academic reasons in the School of Nursing for a period of up to one year. Their return to the program is contingent upon availability of space. Students who return to the nursing program from on-leave status must comply with all School of Nursing policies in effect when they return and must submit their request to return to active status three months before the beginning of the term for which the student seeks to be reactivated.

Policies and procedures

Once admitted to the nursing program, students should consult the School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook for detailed information on program policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Accreditation and program review

The Oakland University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Michigan State Board of Nursing. The RN-BSN Degree Completion Sequence is fully accredited as an online program by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

National Black Student Nurses Association (N.B.S.N.A.)

The purpose of the association is to give Oakland University nursing students an opportunity to promote unity among minorities and other students by providing a support network for pre-nursing students as well as current nursing students. B.S.N.A. allows members to increase their networking skills and ability to work with others while educating and informing the community about health risks that affect minorities.

Sigma Theta Tau-Theta Psi Chapter

The local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing was chartered in April 1986 at Oakland University. Each year Oakland University students who are eligible are invited to become members of this national honor society. Candidates for membership are selected on the basis of superior scholastic achievement, academic integrity and evidence of professional leadership potential.

Student Nurses Association of Oakland University (SNAOU)

Nursing students are eligible for and encouraged to become members of the Student Nurses Association of Oakland University. The organization gives OU nursing students an opportunity to receive information and support from other nursing students and increase networking skills. It also gives members the ability to work with others, participate in community and political events, and have an opportunity to communicate with OU School of Nursing administrators.

Qualification for R.N. licensure

Licensure is granted by the state of Michigan. Requirements for licensure include successful completion of a state-approved educational program and satisfactory performance on the licensing examination prescribed by the state of Michigan. Upon registration of the license, a nurse is known as a registered nurse (R.N.). Licensure in one state entitles a qualified holder to seek licensure by endorsement in other states. As part of the pre-licensure screening policy, the Michigan Board of Nursing will obtain criminal conviction history. Additionally, new licensure applicants with previous substance abuse convictions may not be prohibited from licensure; however, the circumstances of the conviction will be reviewed and may result in investigation and/or referral to the Health Professional Recovery Program (Legal and Professional Regulation of Nursing Practice in Michigan, 1995).

Continuing education

Continuing professional education is offered by the School of Nursing in order to meet the life-long learning needs of professional nurses. Specialized contract programs can be provided in order to meet the unique professional staff development needs of employers in the health care setting, business and industry, government and other settings. These programs are individually tailored to meet the specific workplace needs of professionals and employers. Programs and courses are offered for university credit or noncredit. When noncredit programs and courses are offered, they carry the Continuing Education Unit (CEU).