Mission
As an integral component of Benedictine College, the Department of Nursing embraces Benedictine values, exemplified by our commitment to the value of hospitality—upholding the value of each person and openness to all people in the human family. The mission of the department is to educate men and women to deliver responsible, competent nursing care to all.
The philosophy of the Department of Nursing is in concert with the mission statement and philosophy of Benedictine College, which emphasizes the Benedictine values and ethics of community, hospitality, respect, stewardship, and love of learning. With these values comes the expectation of high standards and accountability to society. As a scholarly community of nurse faculty and students, a special emphasis is placed on the spiritual care and psycho-social support of patients as well as fostering positive leadership and ethical behavior within the nursing profession and health care.
Nursing is a distinct profession which interacts with patients and the environment of care, including the larger society, to promote optimal wellness of individuals, families, and communities. Nursing is both an art and science focusing on the care of and caring for patients as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings.
Program
The Benedictine College nursing program offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The program has received Kansas State Board of Nursing approval and upon completion of graduation requirements, graduates may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for professional nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The baccalaureate program at Benedictine College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.
At this time, we will accept 25 junior students into the nursing program each fall.
General education requirements and nursing prerequisite courses are taken in the freshman and sophomore years of college. Upon attainment of sophomore status, written application by the student is to be submitted no later than January 15 (or the first school day after January 15) prior to the anticipated fall clinical semester. Nursing courses are generally completed in the junior and senior years.
Nursing Prerequisite Courses
COURSE CATALOG
Biol 2242 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab)
Biol 2243 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab)
Chem 1200/1201 General Chemistry (with lab)
Biol 1121 General Biology I (with lab)
Psyc 1000 General Psychology
Psyc 2503 Principles of Lifespan Development
Math 2110 Applied Statistics
Biol 2260 Principles of Microbiology (with lab)
Exsc 3303 Basic Nutrition
Criteria for Admission Consideration
Admission is competitive; the following is the minimum criteria to apply but does not guarantee admission.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 with a minimum of 60 credit hours at the start of nursing courses and the ability to complete all academic requirements for graduation in two years. In addition, students are required to have the college’s general education requirements completed (exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis).
- Complete prerequisite courses prior to beginning nursing courses.
- Obtain a grade of ‘C’ or above and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses. Up to two (2) different prerequisite courses may be repeated one (1) time each.
- Complete the Benedictine College nursing admission application.
- Submit transcripts (including any transferred credit) with the completed application.
- Provide an official list of the classes enrolled in for the spring sophomore semester.
Additional consideration is given to the following: overall GPA and GPA on prerequisite courses; number of credit hours taken at Benedictine College; short personal essay; academic history with patterns and trends indicating potential for academic success (e.g., successful completion of a full-time semester), Kaplan Pre-Admission Test and eligibility for licensure. Refer to the Nurse Practice Act in the state in which you anticipate licensure. In Kansas refer to KSA 65-1120 of the Nurse Practice Act at www.ksbn.org. Graduation does not ensure licensure eligibility.
Admission preference is given to Benedictine College students. Transfer students will be considered on a space-available basis.
Transfer students must be admitted to the college (before February 1) before their application for the nursing program can be reviewed. Transfer students who are accepted into the nursing program must complete a minimum of 60% of the required courses at Benedictine College.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15 (or the first school day after January 15).
Licensure
Upon completion of graduation requirements, the graduate may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for professional nurses. Licensure applicants must have completed the basic professional curriculum from an approved program of nursing. Graduation does not ensure licensure eligibility. Certain criminal activity, functional abilities, and other applicant information may render a graduate ineligible for licensure. The State Board of Nursing in the state in which licensure is sought will make the decision whether or not to allow the individual to take the licensure examination. For additional information, refer to Sections KSA 65-1120 of the State of Kansas Nurse Practice Act or the Nurse Practice Act of the state in which the graduate anticipates licensure.
Faculty
- Bill Buron, Ph.D., APRN, FNP/GNP-BC, Director of Nursing and Robert J. Dehaemers Endowed Chair of Nursing
- Michele Hinds, PhD, RN, CNE, Associate Professor
- Wendy Woolston, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor/Director of Simulation Laboratory
- Jackie Harris, MSN, APRN, Instructor
- Rebecca Houghton, MSN, RN, Instructor
- Pamela Miller, BSN, RN, Clinical Instructor
- Sharon McCort, Administrative Assistant
- Deborah Miller, MSN, RN, Adjunct Clinical Instructor
- Susanne Roeder, BSN, RN, Adjunct Clinical Instructor
- Nicole Thomson, BSN, RN, Adjunct Clinical Instructor
- Casey Wagner, MSN, RN, Adjunct Clinical Instructor
For more information, please e-mail Bill Buron, PhD, APRN, FNP/GNP-BC, or call him at 913.360.7560.
