COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
School of Nursing
School of Allied Health
Dr. Patricia Castiglia, Dean
Dr. Gail Ackall, Associate Dean
Connie Gamboa, Assistant Dean
1101 N. Campbell
Phone: (915) 747-7280
Fax: (915) 747-7207
E-mail: chs@utep.edu
College of Health Sciences
INTRODUCTION
A baccalaureate nursing program was established at El Paso in 1970 under the administration of The University of Texas System School of Nursing. In 1976, the School of Nursing became an integral part of The University of Texas at El Paso and was organized as a College of Nursing. The Health Sciences Programs were transferred to the College in 1979, and shortly thereafter, the name was changed to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The latest change was in February 1999 with the renaming to the College of Health Sciences. The College offers an undergraduate nursing program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as well as the Master of Science in Nursing program at the graduate level. Health Sciences programs are offered which lead to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, the Master of Science in Health and Physical Education, the Master of Science in Kinesiology, the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and the Master in Physical Therapy.
The nursing programs are fully accredited and are approved by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners. The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. The Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education. The master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association and is required in order to qualify for national certification by the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association and for Texas license to practice as a speech-language pathologist.
The College is located approximately one mile from the main UTEP campus, at 1101 North Campbell Street, and is housed in a large, modern building which includes classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and lounges for both students and faculty. The Independent Learning Center facilitates independent learning by students through the use of audio-visual programs, programmed units, and laboratory computers. Training and support on instructional software development are available to all interested students and faculty. Equipment reservation and checkout are also available to students and faculty from the College of Health Sciences. The Simulation Laboratory provides an opportunity for students to practice skills before direct contact with patients or clients in clinical settings. The speech, hearing, and language clinic provides a community service as well as the first clinical practicum experience for Speech-Language Pathology students. The Occupational Therapy labs provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in therapeutic media, evaluations, and treatment procedures. In addition, the OT Program has an ADL kitchen where students are able to practice adapting cooking and homemaking techniques for persons with a variety of disabilities. Anatomy laboratory space is shared with the Physical Therapy Program.
The El Paso-Ciudad Juá rez international border community, with a population of more than one million, provides a wide variety of clinical experiences for both students and faculty of the College. Hospitals and other health care agencies throughout the area are utilized for student and faculty clinical practice. In addition, the El Paso City-County Health Department and a number of voluntary agencies provide patient care opportunities for learning. Agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, and customs and consular offices on both sides of the border provide the student with unique learning experiences in the control and prevention of disease.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
1101 N. Campbell, Room 403
Phone: (915) 747-8217
E-mail: son@utep.edu
DIRECTOR: Leticia S. M. Lantican
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS EMERITAE: Dorothy Corona, Betty J. Kinsinger,
Jesusa Lara
PROFESSORS: Amaya, Castiglia, Fullerton, Reynolds
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: Brunk, Lantican, Poss, Stuppy
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Bass, Beeman, Gardner, Hoke, Ochsner, Salewski
CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Acosta, Cummins, Farnsworth
INSTRUCTORS: Benson, Brinson, Castañ eda, Farrington, Flahive, Fowler,
Hamlin, Monsivais, Montgomery, Stevens, Valladolid
LECTURERS: Hudson, Perez, Whitaker, Wood
Philosophy
The philosophy of the nursing program of The University of Texas at El Paso College of Health Sciences is derived from the mission of the University. The mission of the nursing program is to prepare professional practitioners of nursing to care for the health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities in society. Nursing has a major role in assuring that changing health needs of men and women are met.
Objectives of the Undergraduate Nursing Program
communities in various developmental states and from different sociocultural backgrounds.
clinical judgements about the health care needs of individuals, families, and communities.
behavior, to promote, maintain, and restore health, and to care for the ill, disabled, and terminally ill.
planning, implementation, and evaluation of health care.
professional standards.
learning, and professional growth.
9. Use undergraduate education as a basis for graduate study.
General Information for Nursing Students
Student Affairs
It is the responsibility of the student:
Health Sciences;
posted on the official bulletin board in the College;
requirements for removal of incomplete grades; and
information to other institutions, be submitted in writing.
Special Expenses
Uniforms, lab coat, name pin, and identification patch are required dress for clinical practicum.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students enrolling in clinical nursing courses will be required to show evidence of current professional liability insurance coverage of at least a minimum amount of $1,000,000 limit each claim and $3,000,000 limit in the aggregate per year. This insurance can be purchased at registration.
Student Employment
The School of Nursing assumes no responsibility for students employed in a health care agency. A student is personally responsible and liable for any activities conducted while employed. Professional liability insurance purchased by a student is valid in the student role, but not in the employment role (check individual policy). An individual who practices nursing illegally may jeopardize his/her future as a licensed professional. A student employed in an agency has the responsibility, personally and professionally, to engage in only those activities which fall within the job description for non-professional workers, and has a responsibility to refuse to participate in activities which he or she has not been legally licensed to perform.
Nursing Student Organization
All nursing students are eligible for membership in the Nursing Student Organization, which is a chapter of the Texas Nursing Students' Association and the National Student Nurse Association. The Nursing Student Organization has goals consistent with those of the National Student Nurses' Association. Its purpose is to aid in the development of the individual student as a future health professional.
Nursing students are represented on campus committees and in campus activities involving the entire UTEP student body.
Sigma Theta Tau
Delta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau was chartered at The University of Texas at El Paso in 1980. The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau are to recognize the achievement of scholarship of superior quality, to recognize the development of leadership qualities, to foster high professional standards, to encourage creative work, and to strengthen commitment on the part of individuals to the ideals and purposes of the profession of nursing. Each year invitations to membership are extended to selected students in either the undergraduate or graduate program who are within the upper one-third of their graduating class.
Financial Aid
Students enrolled in the College of Health Sciences are eligible to apply for all forms of financial assistance available to other majors. Specific information can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Armed Services
The United States Armed Services view the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) as an exceptionally valuable source for officers who have an appreciation of nursing's contribution to the defense of the nation. ROTC offers programs whereby nursing students may earn a commission while they complete their nursing curriculum. Scholarships that provide for tuition, books, and supplies are available. Monthly stipends are offered to advanced students. In addition to financial assistance, ROTC offers leadership/management courses which are valuable assets in a nursing career. A six-week summer training program provides valuable experience for students in health care facilities between the academic years. Interested students should contact the Department of Military Science or the Department of Aerospace Studies on campus.
Admission
Students seeking admission to the University as freshmen or transfers should consult the section titled Undergraduate Admission in this catalog. Students transferring from other nursing programs must submit a statement from the dean or department chair of the previous program stating that the student is eligible to return to that program. Students are classified as pre-nursing majors until they are admitted into the upper-division program.
Upper-Division Admission
Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must fill out an upper-division admission application after completion of 30 hours of required courses. This form is available through the Admissions Office. Students are considered for admission into the upper-division nursing major if they have completed 53 hours of lower-division prerequisite courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher; an overall University grade point average of 2.0 or higher must also be maintained. Selection into the upper-division program is based upon the number of applicants, space availability, and academic performance. A "C" or better is required in following prerequisites: English, Math; and Natural, Physical, and Behavioral Sciences. Any student who does not satisfy the "C" minimum in the appropriately designated courses will not be admitted to upper-division course work until this requirement is met.
Requirements for Enrollment in Upper-Division Courses
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be presented in order to enroll in each upper-division clinical nursing course. The CPR certification must be valid for the entire semester and must be at Level "C" according to the American Heart Association standards. In addition, evidence of current immunization and other clinical clearance requirements must be submitted to the Student Record Officer at the College of Health Sciences.
Academic Standards
Academic Progress
A grade of "C" or higher must be earned for each nursing course. A grade of "D" or "F" in either the theory or practicum parts of a course constitutes a grade of "D" or "F" for the course resulting in failure of the course. If a student earns a "D" or "F" in a required upper-division nursing course, the concurrent or next higher course may not be taken until the prerequisite course is repeated and passed with a "C" or higher. A nursing course may be repeated only once, based on faculty recommendation and space availability. A student may repeat only two nursing courses and still continue in the nursing program. A student who is not recommended to repeat a professional course is no longer eligible to continue in the nursing program.
All nursing students must perform within limits of safe practice. A faculty member may drop a student from a course with an "F" if the student's nursing practice is deemed to be unsafe as defined in the Safe Practice Policy of the College. A copy of this policy is posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the College.
Conferences
The dean and the chair of the Nursing Department are prepared to confer with students who are doing unsatisfactory work, particularly at mid-semester and at the end of the semester. Faculty are available to confer with students, according to posted office hours.
Graduation Requirements
of a 2.0 GPA in both the lower-division course work
and the upper-division course work in the baccalaureate degree plan.
must meet all other requirements of the University and the College.
Testing Program
In order to assist faculty with academic advisement of students, as well as providing a means of ongoing evaluation of the School of Nursing curriculum, nursing students are required to participate in a testing and evaluation program in addition to course examinations.
Licensure as a Professional Nurse
Graduates seeking licensure must successfully complete the State Registered Nurse Licensure Examination which is administered by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. The Board issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter that serves as a temporary permit to practice professional nursing as a graduate nurse (GN) under the direct supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. The permit is valid for the 90-day time period indicated on the ATT letter or until the new graduate receives results from the first NCLEX-RN®, whichever date is earlier. New graduates may not continue to practice as GNs after failing the NCLEX-RN®, even if the date of the ATT letter validity has not expired.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This program consists of approximately two years of lower-division courses taken at a regionally-accredited college or university, followed by approximately two years of upper-division nursing courses taken at the School of Nursing. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded the degree and are eligible to take the State Board Examination for licensure as registered nurses.
Degree Requirements
Lower-Division Nursing Requirements - 53 semester hours
Natural, Physical, and Behavioral Sciences
*BIOL 1305 General Biology
*BIOL 1107 Study of Life
*BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2111 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab
*BIOL 2313 and BIOL 2113 Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab
*MICR 2330 Microorganisms and Disease
*CHEM 1407 Introductory Chemistry I
*CHEM 1408 Introductory Chemistry II
*PSYC 1301 Introduction to Psychology
*PSYC 1303 Statistical Methods
General Courses
*ENGL 1311 Expository English Composition
*ENGL 1312 Research and Critical Writing
HIST 1301 History of the United States to 1865
HIST 1302 History of the United States since 1865
POLS 2310 Introduction to Politics
POLS 2311 American Government and Politics
*MATH 1320 Mathematics for Social Sciences I
Core Requirements
Core Menu Visual & Performing Arts (3 hours selected from menu)
Core Menu Humanities (3 hours selected from menu)
Core Menu Institutionally Designated Option (3 hours selected from menu)
Core Menu Communication (3 hours selected from menu)
Applicants are eligible to change from the pre-nursing to the nursing major after completing 53 hours of the lower-division prerequisites with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. The 53 hours include all Natural, Physical, and Behavioral Sciences, General Courses, and at least one Core requirement. A minimum overall 2.0 GPA must also be maintained. Students will be considered for admission into the upper-division program after completing NURS 2300, NURS 3313, and NURS 3302.
Upper-Division Nursing Requirements - 83 semester hours
(includes remaining Core courses)
Professional Courses
*NURS 2300 Conceptual Base for Nursing Practice
*NURS 3313 Human Pathophysiology
*HSCI 2302 Nutrition Education
*NURS 3302 Health Assessment
*NURS 3307 Pharmacodynamics
*NURS 3702 Theories, Principles, & Skills Basic to Nursing
*NURS 3703 Nursing Promotion & Maintenance of Health
*NURS 3770 Nursing Care of Individuals & Families Experiencing Illness
& Disability
*NURS 3771 Nursing Care of Women & Families during the Childbearing
Period
*NURS 4710 Nursing Care of Indiv. & Fam. Exper. Multi-system Health
Problems
*NURS 4711 Nursing of Clients in Crisis
*NURS 4771 Nursing Leadership and Management
*NURS 4772 Primary Care Nursing
Total Semester Hours Required for BSN Degree: 136
A grade of "C" or higher is required in all courses marked (*).
Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses
The University of Texas at El Paso offers degree options for registered nurses that allow completion of the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science in Nursing degree in accelerated programs.
Registered nurses must submit their applications for admission, official college transcripts, and proof of licensure to the Office of Admission and Evaluation in the Academic Services Building. After the admission process has been completed, credits earned through transfer or by examination will be applied toward the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students who are licensed registered nurses and who have acquired the body of knowledge and developed the competencies represented by certain professionally-oriented courses on the degree plan will not be required to take them. Courses for which credit has not been allowed through one of the methods mentioned above must then be taken to earn the degree.
Information on the lower-division and upper-division courses needed to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can be obtained from the School of Nursing or from the Office of Admission. Information on the Master of Science in Nursing degree can be obtained from the Graduate School, 201 Administration Bldg. Students are encouraged to earn credit by examination in those lower-division courses for which they have adequate academic preparation. Contact the Student Assessment and Testing Center located in the Education Building, Room 210 (747-5009) or the College for information concerning testing policies, dates, and times.
Challenge Examination--Registered Nurses
In keeping with the College's stated philosophy of learning, the faculty recognizes that many potential avenues for acquisition of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills are available. The faculty believes that experiences in formal education should build on the student's present level of achievement. Therefore, the faculty subscribes to the principle of validation of the candidate's competencies and allows matriculation into the program at the demonstrated level of achievement.
prerequisite requirements.
regarding application policies and scheduling of challenge
examinations.
in that course.
6. Courses for which a challenge examination is available may have a
theoretical and a clinical component. When this occurs, both portions must be passed to receive credit.
7. A challenge examination in any course may be attempted one
time only.
Nursing (NURS)
2300 Conceptual Base for Nursing Practice (3-0)
The focus of this course is on relationships of the natural and behavioral sciences which form the basis for nursing practice and on nursing history, with emphasis on contemporary and future perspectives.
3315 Independent Study (0-0-3)
Variable credit hour(s) of independent study. Prerequisite: NURS 3302 or instructor approval.
Selected topics of current interest. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: NURS 3302 and department approval.
3302 Health Assessment (2-2)
This course focuses on a systematic approach to health assessment of individuals of varied ages. Practicum in the College laboratory. For Nursing majors only. Prerequisites: Admission to the upper-division and NURS 2300. NURS 2300 may be taken concurrently with NURS 3302. Laboratory fees required.
3307 Pharmacodynamics and Nursing Implications (3-0)
This course emphasizes knowledge of pharmacology which includes the pharmaceutical phase, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Implications for nursing related to the administration of medications is incorporated. Prerequisites: NURS 3313 and NURS 3302. NURS 3313 and NURS 3302 may be taken concurrently with NURS 3307.
3310 Nursing Care of Ill Children (3-0)
This course offers further knowledge of growth and development, family theory, pathophysiology, and skills used in caring for the ill child and his family. Prerequisite: NURS 3703 or instructor approval.
3313 Human Adaptation to Pathophysiology (3-0)
Major emphasis of this course is on the study of pathophysiological processes and their impact on the body systems, with special attention to disease or trauma-induced alteration of regulatory mechanisms within the human organism. Prerequisites: BIOL 2311, BIOL 2111, BIOL 2313, BIOL 2113, and department approval.
3318 Nursing and the Aging Client (3-0)
This course provides an opportunity to gain increased knowledge and skill in the management of the health and nursing care of the elderly. The focus is on a holistic approach to aging processes as a basis for nursing practice.
3319 Cultural Perspectives on Health Care (3-0)
This course builds upon concepts and issues related to culture and health. Major focus are on values and attitudes about caring, health, illness, and treatment as related to diverse cultural groups. Prerequisite: Junior standing or department approval.
3330 Contemporary Perspectives on Death and Dying (3-0)
The design of this course is to focus on personal feelings about one's own death and the death of others. The reactions and responses of dying, death, and bereavement across the age continuum in various cultures are explored. Alternative concepts of care and an interdisciplinary approach are utilized.
Selected topics of current interest. May be repeated when topic varies.
3605 Nursing Care of Clients Adapting to Perioperative Stressors (3-6)
This course provides an opportunity to gain further knowledge and skill in the nursing care of clients who require surgical intervention. Focus is on the complete Perioperative cycle of care. Clinical practicum is provided in pre-operative care and health teaching, participant/observer during the intraoperative phase, and post-operative care. Prerequisites: (1) NURS 3770 and NURS 3771 or (2) instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
3606 Health Promotion in Rural Environments (3-6)
This course explores health care problems of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Clinical practicum focuses on methods for promotion, protection, maintenance, and restoration of health in rural settings. Prerequisites: NURS 3770 and 3771. Laboratory fee required.
3702 Theories, Principles, and Skills Basic to Nursing (3-8)
An introductory course in the art and science of nursing. The opportunity to learn and practice beginning roles and functions of the professional nurse is provided in clinical practicum in the College laboratory and in acute care facilities. For Nursing majors only. Prerequisites: Admission to the upper-division, NURS 3302, and NURS 3313. Laboratory fee required.
3703 Nursing in Promotion and Maintenance of Health (3-8)
Application of nursing process with emphasis on adaptation and promotion of wellness of individuals throughout the life continuum. Clinical practicum provided in the College laboratory, preschool, senior citizen, and family settings. For Nursing majors only. Prerequisite: NURS 3702. NURS 3702 may be taken concurrently with NURS 3703. Laboratory fee required.
3770 Nursing Care of Individuals and Families Experiencing Illness and
Disability (3-8)
This course emphasizes application of the nursing process to individuals and their families to protect, restore, maintain, and promote health. Clinical practicum is provided in a variety of health care agencies caring for clients throughout the age continuum. Prerequisites: NURS 3702, NURS 3703, and NURS 3307. Laboratory fee required.
3771 Nursing Care of Women and Families During the Childbearing
Period (3-8)
The focus is on the nursing care of pregnant women, newborns, and multi-cultural family dynamics throughout the childbearing period. Clinical practicum is provided in College laboratory, labor and delivery, post-operative, and newborn units in acute and in community settings. Prerequisite: NURS 3770. NURS 3770 may be taken concurrently with NURS 3771. Laboratory fee required.
4305 Nursing Care in Emergency Settings (3-0)
This course offers an opportunity to gain further nursing knowledge and skills in the care of patients who have injuries or illnesses of an emergency nature. Prerequisites: (1) NURS 3770 and NURS 3771 or (2) instructor approval.
4315 Independent Study (0-0-3)
Directed study with related clinical laboratory experience planned to meet the learning objectives of the student in a special area of interest. Prerequisite: Department approval.
4400 Contemporary Professional Nursing (4-0)
The focus of this course is the study of professional nursing with emphasis on the changing role of the nurse in a contemporary society and in health care delivery. The impact of health legislation, accountability, ethical decision making, and the use of research process are studied. RNs in the RN-BSN or RN-MSN programs only. Prerequisite: Department approval.
4401 Issues and Problems in Leadership and Management (4-0)
The course focuses on analysis of health care costs, budgeting problems, quality assurance, and comprehensive nursing/health care. RNs in the RN-BSN or RN-MSN programs only. Prerequisite: Department approval.
4700 Community Health Nursing (3-0-8)
Focus on application of the nursing process to promote wellness and manage occurrence of health care needs of individual families and community. Includes practicum. RN's in the RN-BSN or RN-MSN programs only. Prerequisite: Department approval.
4701 Multidisciplinary Health Care (3-0-8)
Focus on primary health care with emphasis on multidisciplinary approach to individuals, families, and community problems. Planning for management of varied health problems within the community is emphasized. RNs in the RN-BSN/RN-MSN program only. Includes practicum. Prerequisite: Department approval.
4710 Nursing Care of Individuals and Families Experiencing Multi-System Health Problems (3-8)
The major emphasis of this course is on the application of the nursing process to individuals and their families experiencing multi-system health problems. Clinical practicum is provided in the College laboratory and a variety of specialty care settings in acute care agencies. Prerequisites: NURS 3770 and NURS 3771. Laboratory fee required.
4711 Nursing Care of Clients in Crisis (3-8)
The major focus is application of the nursing process in the care of individuals, families, and groups experiencing potential or actual crisis. Emphasis is on psycho-social concepts related to mental health. Clinical practicum is provided in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NURS 3770 and NURS 3771. Laboratory fee required.
4771 Nursing Leadership and Management (3-8)
Concepts of nursing leadership and management are studied as a part of the health care professional's preparation for practice. Clinical practicum is provided in the care of groups of clients and families in acute care settings. Prerequisites: NURS 4710 and NURS 4711. Laboratory fee required.
4772 Primary Care Nursing (3-8)
This course is a culminating experience focusing on meeting the health needs of the individual, the family, and the community. Practicum includes the nurse's role in primary care settings. Prerequisite: NURS 4771. NURS 4771 may be taken concurrently with NURS 4772. Laboratory fee required.
See the Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook for other requirements.
See the Graduate Studies Catalog for graduate programs and courses.
Continuing Education Program
Maintaining professional competency in nursing is primarily the responsibility of the individual practitioner who can best establish personal and professional goals and pursue the appropriate learning experiences.
The University of Texas at El Paso's College of Health Sciences faculty acknowledges its responsibilities to provide such learning experiences for practicing nurses. This is accomplished by developing, implementing, and evaluating a variety of continuing education programs within the locality most accessible to the practitioner. The faculty believes that such continuing education programs, in the form of workshops, conferences, seminars, self-study modules, and short courses, serve as an adjunct to formal study and are not substitutes for further formal education.