Contents
Catalog Links

Department of Nursing

https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/nursing-degree/

Head of Department

Dr. Sandra Welling

325-670-1664

HSU Box 16215

sandra.welling@hsutx.edu

Faculty

Sandra Welling Ph.D., RN, CCM, CNE, PAHM, Associate Dean/Founding Director of Nursing Education

Laura Wade, MSN, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Director of Curriculum

Katie Martin MSN, RN, Instructor of Nursing, Simulation Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator

 

Mission Statement

The Hardin-Simmons University School of Nursing is dedicated to providing excellence in nursing education enlightened by Christian faith, values, and service to individuals, families, and communities through nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.

Introduction

At the Hardin Simmons School of Nursing, our top priority is to equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge required to serve as entry-level nurse generalists and change agents in the delivery of a wide range of health services that society demands. With a strong focus on baccalaureate education, our program ensures that new graduate nurses have the foundational skills and knowledge required to succeed in their profession. Our educational experiences are carefully designed to assist students in developing a comprehensive understanding of the nursing role in today's complex healthcare environment.

Program Outcomes

1. By the conclusion of the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, the student will: Synthesizes knowledge built on the foundation of the arts, sciences, humanities, and nursing courses that are crucial to developing a well-rounded understanding of self-awareness and clinical judgment.

2. Applies holistic and high-quality evidenced-based person-centered nursing care that promotes healing.

3. Demonstrates actions that are committed to the growth of people and essential to improving the well-being of the community’s mind, body, and spirit.

4. Implements evidence-based practice processes to improve patient healing while positively transforming health care.

5. Employs clinical judgment, listening, and professional accountability for knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support safe practices and quality patient outcomes.

6. Integrates knowledge through collaboration between nursing, healthcare team members, and communities to promote positive healthcare outcomes that build communities.

7. Analyzes healthcare systems and coordinate resources to promote the stewardship of safe equitable healthcare.

8. Utilizes informatics and information technology to enhance and support the decision-making (foresight) of health care delivery services.

9. Practice ethical and empathetic leadership that reflects the characteristics and conceptualization of the nursing profession.

10. Demonstrates professional foresight, ethical persuasion, and moral values that support optimal patient outcomes.

Approvals

Pending the Texas Board of Nursing Approval

Hardin-Simmons University School of Nursing*

Students seeking admission to the nursing program must first be admitted to Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). Admission to the university does not indicate automatic admission into Hardin-Simmons University School of Nursing (HSU SON). Admission to the School of Nursing requires a separate application process established by the HSU School of Nursing's Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee.

The listed criteria represent the minimum requirements for admission into HSU SON. Students seeking entrance into the nursing program will be evaluated based on present admission criteria. In the case of competitive admissions, requirements over and above the minimum may be necessary.

HSU SON Admission Prerequisites

  1. A minimum overall cumulative/career grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
  2. A minimum science/nursing pre-requisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale in the following courses:

    CHEM 1406/1001 Essentials of Chemistry I or CHEM 1410/1010 General Chemistry I

    BIOL 2402/2002 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

    BIOL 2403/2003 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

    BIOL 2405/2005 Public Health Microbiology

  3. Completion of designated sections of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
    • A score in the proficient range (58.7 – 77.3) or higher within each section of the entrance exam (Reading, Math, Science, English/Language Usage) is strongly recommended. Applicants may only attempt the TEAS entrance exam a total of 2 times.
  4. Minimum grade of C in the following prerequisites:

    MATH 1310 College Algebra

    CHEM 1406/1001 Essentials of Chemistry I

    BIOL 2402/2002 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

    BIOL 2403/2003 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

    BIOL 2405/2005 Public Health Microbiology

  5. For Fall 2025 admission and thereon, a minimum grade of B in the following pre-requisite:
    • NUR 1201 Introduction to Professional Nursing
  6. Video Interview

HSU Nursing Program Admission Policy

Once accepted to the School of Nursing, students must submit the following:

  1. Completed and signed Essential Performance Standards form (provided by the School of Nursing) that attests to the ability of the student to meet the emotional, cognitive, and physical requirements of the program.
  2. The following health records:
    • Evidence of at least one negative TB skin test, TB Gold or T-spot blood test, or Chest X-ray performed specifically to rule out TB. Those students with a positive TB skin test are required to submit an initial chest x-ray report and, every year thereafter, a TB Symptom Checklist form.
    • Certification of immunizations:
      • 2 MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) vaccines or report of positive titer
      • 2 Varicella vaccines or report of positive titer
      • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) booster within the past 10 years
      • Hepatitis B (3 immunization series)
      • Annual flu vaccine (September-March)
  3. Documentation of Health Insurance (must be maintained for the duration of the nursing program)
  4. Drug screen at a designated lab (further information will be provided by HSU SON)
  5. Completed Criminal Background Check
    • 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 Hardin-Simmons 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 TxBON 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.
  6. Proof of current CPR certification
    • CPR certification must be American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (AHA BLS). Certification is required prior to admission to clinical nursing courses and must be kept current while in the nursing program. Note: NO online courses are acceptable. No provider other than the American Heart Association is acceptable.

HSU Nursing Program Transfer Students

The HSU School of Nursing's Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee reviews all potential transfer students’ records.

Students seeking transfer from another nursing program must be in good standing with that school. A prospective transfer student who does not meet HSU SON admission criteria or who has two or more previous nursing course failures, defined as a course grade of less than “B” may notbe eligible for admission to the HSU SON Program.

Students planning to take any prerequisite courses at another college should seek guidance from the HSU registrar's office before enrolling in the course(s) to avoid problems with transferring credits.

Progression Policy

In every nursing course, the student must achieve a final course grade of at least a “B” (≥ 80%) to successfully progress.

Course grades (assignments, exams, quizzes, final grades, etc.) will not be rounded but will be carried to two (2) decimal places. 

  • A grade of 74.5-74.9 will not be rounded to 75
  • A grade of 74.568 or 74.562 is 74.56 carried to two (2) decimal places
  1. If a student fails a course (earns a final grade of less than “B”, then the student will be placed on academic probation within the HSU School of Nursing and must repeat that course when it becomes available. A student may enroll in the same nursing course no more than two times. Admission into courses that must be repeated will be based on the availability of openings.
  2. A student who has two nursing course failures, defined as a final course grade of less than “B,” will be dismissed from the HSU SON program.
  3. A student seeking readmission will be evaluated based on the current criteria for admission and progression and space availability. Eligibility for readmission is determined by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee of the School of Nursing.

 

Nursing, B. S. N.

BSN Core Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN)

These courses are required to be taken in the Departmental Requirements. May share with the core.

  BIOL 2402     Human Anatomy/Physiology I               4

  BIOL 2403     Human Anatomy/Physiology II              4

  BIOL 2405     Public Health Microbiology                    4

  CHEM 1406   Essentials of Chemistry

OR

  CHEM 1410   General Chemistry I                                4

  MATH 1310   College Algebra                                        3

  PSYC 1301    Intro to Psychology                                  3

  STAT 2312    Elementary Statistics                                3                                                    

                                                                                    Subtotal: 25

 

Major Requirements

Major: Nursing

Required GPA for major is 3.0

 

  NUR 1201      Intro to Professional Nursing                              2

  NUR 2301      Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice               3

  NUR 2303      Health Assessment for Nursing Practice           3

  NUR 2605      Fundamentals of Nursing Care                           6

  NUR 2607      Medical-Surgical Nursing Care I                          6

  NUR 2209      Health Promotion/Disease Prevention               2

  NUR 2311      Pharmacology for Nursing Practice                    3

  NUR 3601      Maternal-Newborn/Pediatric Nursing Care       6

  NUR 3404      Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Care             4

  NUR 3605      Medical-Surgical Nursing Care II                          6

  NUR 3407      Community/Public Health Nursing Care             4

  NUR 4303     Nursing Research for EBP                                      3

  NUR 4601      Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Care           6

  NUR 4707      Transition to Professional Nursing Practice        7

  NUR 4205      Leadership/Nursing Care Management              2

                                                                                    Subtotal: 63

 

                                                                    Total Credit Hours: 120

 

Note: Must complete a minimum of 120 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate.

38 upper-level credits (3000 and 4000-level) required.

80 Chapel attendances required.

 

*Pending Texas Board of Nursing approval