Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration
NURSING
Faculty
Director: Theresa Tulaney, Ph.D., MS, RN, GCNS
Nadine Burton, MSN, RN
April Ciesielski, MSN, BSN
Patricia Falkowski, MSN, RNC, CNS
Amy Wescott, MSN, CRNP
Katrina Powell, PhD, MSN, RN
Loriann F. Pajalich, DNP, MS, RN, CNS, GCNS-BC
Danielle Holod, MSN, RN
Mission
Consistent with the mission of Marywood University, the baccalaureate program in nursing calls upon students to seek their full potential and invites all to engage in a lifelong process of learning. The program prepares the graduate to be a lifelong learner who is competent in using nursing knowledge and skills to carry out the professional responsibilities of a beginning nurse in a variety of settings. Graduates will demonstrate those values, attitudes, and personal qualities that reflect a commitment to an understanding of persons as God-created, culturally and socially diverse, unique bio-psycho-social spiritual beings.
To accomplish its mission, the Nursing Program has established the following four program goals:
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Provide an educational program in the liberal arts tradition that fosters the knowledge, skills, values, and personal qualities needed to succeed as a novice nurse.
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Provide the resources and environment to enable the program to fulfill its mission, goals, and expected student learning outcomes.
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Design, develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and clinical experiences based on national standards and research-based practice that will assist nursing students in developing their full potential to be leaders in service to others.
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Foster development of faculty in the areas of teaching, scholarship, service, and practice.
To view the interconnectedness of the program goals with University goals, please consult the Nursing Department Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook. This Handbook has detailed information on specific student outcomes.
- Evaluate nursing care provided to patients, families, and communities across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings to ensure that it is compassionate, age and culturally appropriate, and based on a patient's preferences, values, and needs.
- Collaborate with members of the interprofessional healthcare team to manage and coordinate the provision of safe, quality care for patients, families, and communities
- Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences when making clinical judgments in the management of patient-centered care.
- Use evidence-based information and patient care technology to communicate relevant patient information, manage care, and mitigate error in the provision of safe, quality, patient-centered care.
- Identify a patient care concern and formulate a quality improvement plan.
- Demonstrate effective use of strategies to mitigate errors and reduce the risk of harm to patients, self, and others in healthcare, home, and community settings.
- Assimilate integrity and accountability into practices that uphold established regulatory, legal, and ethical principles while providing patient-centered, standard-based nursing care.
Facilities
The Nursing Department is located in the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, which includes technologically rich classrooms, updated laboratory space for science classes, and a nursing skills lab that is equipped with patient simulators and mannequins that afford students the opportunity to practice a range of nursing skills. This simulation lab offers students an environment to apply knowledge in a safe setting, fostering critical thinking. The simulators are programmed to respond physiologically to diseases, trauma, and interactions as human beings. Realistic patient scenarios can be simulated in a controlled environment in which students can practice the nursing process, critical thinking, and decision making.
The Nursing Department utilizes various healthcare facilities that include acute and critical care, pediatric, obstetrics, long term care, psychiatric and mental health, and community care settings. These facilities serve populations of culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds, offering the students exposure to a microcosm of the larger global community in which they will practice after graduation.
Prerequisites
In accordance with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, applicants to the Nursing Program, whether high school graduate or G.E.D. recipient, shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units, including four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of mathematics (one of which is algebra) and two units of science with a related laboratory or the equivalent.
Upon review of an applicant’s high school transcript by the University, if the above units have not been met, these must be completed prior to entry into the major. Students should reference the Nursing Department Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook for an explanation of the physical requirements of clinical classes.
Admission Requirements for the Nursing Program
Meet SAT/ACT Requirements
| First-time Freshmen |
Internal Transfers |
External Transfers |
LPN Students |
| Meet SAT/ACT requirements – Direct Admit in and maintain a QPA of ≥3.00 |
Must have QPA of ≥3.00 in current program and maintain ≥3.00 along with a C or better in all science and/or nursing courses |
≥3.00 at current institution and maintain ≥3.00 along with a C or better in all science and/or nursing courses |
Must have QPA of ≥3.00 at current institution and maintain ≥3.00 along with a C or better in all science and/or nursing courses |
Do Not Meet SAT/ACT Requirements
| First-time Freshmen |
Internal Transfers |
External Transfers |
LPN Students |
Do not meet SAT/ACT requirements – will be admitted as undeclared interest in nursing and will need to maintain a QPA of ≥3.00 and C or better in all science and nursing courses
|
Do not meet QPA requirements – will need to remain in current major or transfer to undeclared until a QPA of ≥3.00 met and C or better in all science courses
|
Do not meet QPA requirements – may come to Marywood as undeclared but need to achieve the QPA of ≥3.00 and maintain C or better in all science courses to be admitted into the nursing major |
Do not meet QPA requirements – may come to Marywood as undeclared but need to achieve the QPA of ≥3.00 and maintain C or better in all science courses to be admitted into the nursing major |
The following are required for admission in the nursing major:
- A minimum of 1040 (Evidence based reading and writing plus math sections) SAT, with a minimum of 530 in the math section.
- One letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or other person familiar with the student’s academic background.
- An official high school and/or university transcript with an indication of class rank and/or QPA.
To progress to the Nursing Major courses, the student must:
- Be admitted to Marywood University in the Nursing Major by direct admission.
- Have the required physical ability to perform in the nursing profession.
Student Responsibilities
Students assume responsibility for:
- an eye examination and current immunizations required by the Department of Nursing;
- skin test for tuberculosis; chest x-ray if necessary;
- other blood tests and immunizations required by clinical agencies;
- annual physical examination;
- current professional liability (malpractice) insurance;
- health and accident insurance;
- uniforms and uniform laundry;
- required current certification in basic life support for adults, children, and infants;
- transportation to and from clinical sites;
- urine drug testing;
- criminal background check (which may include FBI, Child Abuse, and state).
Additionally, Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses must provide proof of current licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
Special Fees
In addition to tuition, nursing courses may carry fees related to commercial testing and Typhon, a database tracking system. Also, in the event of missed clinical days, there may be additional fees. Please reference the Nursing Department Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook for explanation(s).
Student Rights
Students are encouraged to review their records at least annually. If a student disagrees with an academic decision, the University grievance procedure, published in the Marywood University Student Handbook, may be followed. Departmental grievance procedures are outlined in the Nursing Department Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook.
Transfer Policy
Transfer students, from within or outside the University, are admitted to the Nursing Program in accordance with departmental admission criteria. Refer to the Table of Admission Requirements previously listed. Student transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis by Marywood University’s Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment.
Advanced Placement
The department is committed to multilevel entry points for Licensed Practical Nurses and for Registered Nurses.
Challenge examinations for L.P.N.s and R.N.s are available for credit and for advanced placement in certain Nursing courses and in other university courses. Credit and advanced placement may also be awarded without challenge following Pennsylvania articulation guidelines.
Students are responsible for obtaining advisement from Nursing faculty. They are also responsible for obtaining copies of the department policies pertaining to the examination process and procedures well in advance of the scheduled examination date.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, transfer students, part-time students, or students with broken enrollment may need to pursue a program slightly different from the established curriculum. Any exception to the stated curriculum can only be granted by prior written approval of the appropriate University official(s). Policies pertaining to these exceptions are published in the Nursing Department Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Faculty
Chair: Theresa Tulaney, Ph.D., MS, RN, GCNS
Program Director: Jonelle Vinton, MHA, BS, RRT-NPS, RRT
Director of Clinical Education: Sarah Dalton, BSRT, RRT
Registered Respiratory Therapist to Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (R.R.T. to B.S.R.T.)
Curriculum Overview
There are 30 required credits in the AS RRT – BSRT Curriculum. Students will earn the academic credentials required to pursue a graduate degree and expand their opportunities for professional development. Program coursework focuses on written and oral communication, patient advocacy, ethics, quality improvement, leadership and management, teaching in health care, critically reviewing studies, advanced respiratory care modalities and topics, and an inter-professional capstone. (Those students with a differing degree from AS will work with an Academic Advisor to complete additional coursework to fulfill requirements.)
Program Outcomes
The goal of the RRT to BS degree program is to provide professional respiratory therapists with additional knowledge and skills in order to meet current professional standards and goals.
Admission Requirements
Students must possess their initial credential as a respiratory therapist and an associate level degree. See below for transfer credit allowance.
Two Tracks of Completion
Students who enroll in the Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement program will have two tracks from which to choose, in addition to the respiratory therapy courses. The tracks are: listed below:
Track A Elective: Language Track
Three courses in Language from the following:
Track B Elective: Philosophy and Religious Studies Track
Three courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the following:
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, B.S.R.T.
Program Overview and Requirements, B.S.R.T.
Selective Program
Entry into this program is not guaranteed with admission to the University; this is a selective admission program, and specific admissions criteria must be met.
Admission Criteria Pre-Respiratory
Please see Admissions to Marywood University
Admission Criteria Clinical Program:
Must have a 2.5 grade point average.
Must pass their pre respiratory courses with a C or higher
Must show immunity to certain diseases.
Must complete Child Abuse clearance and criminal background check annually
Must have current American Heart Association BLS (basic life support)
Meet with the program director
Meet essential qualifications
Applications for the clinical portion of the program will begin in the fall semester of their sophomore year.
Students will be responsible for course fees as well as additional fees during the course of the program. These fees will include, but are not limited to; membership in American Association of Respiratory Care, exam fees, digital time and record keeping software license, regional conference fee, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses.
Master of Health Care Administration, MHA
Faculty
Program Director: Alice McDonnell, Ph.D., RN
Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) Program Overview
A management career in Health Care Administration allows students to gain proficiency in management skills and can improve the delivery of health services in a community. This proficiency contributes to highly successful health care delivery committed to quality. In turn, the consumers benefit from effective and efficient health care services.
The MHSA provides graduate education in health care administration for persons seeking careers in the management and administration of health care facilities/organizations and other healthcare settings. This degree also provides opportunities for individuals in health services to seek career improvement and development.
The MHSA provides health care managers with a framework for decision-making in the constantly changing health care environment. At the same time, the degree provides a background of operational resources for managers in the field.
This program course will enhance the administrative training of students concerned with the provision of health care and the current health care reform. Students’ needs and goals are met, bringing the application of management skills from a theoretical model. This degree will be a step in meeting the needs of those professionals currently practicing and also will prepare the health care administrators of tomorrow.
(36 semester hours)
Core Courses 24 semester hours
| BUS 590 |
Research Methodology |
3
|
| HSA 518 |
Policy and Program Analysis |
3
|
| HSA 520 |
Introduction to Health Services?Administration |
3
|
| HSA 532 |
Legal Aspects Clinical & Health Care Org?Care Organizations |
3
|
| HSA 537 |
Managerial Decision Making in Health?Care Organizations |
3
|
| HSA 538 |
Institutional Budget and Planning |
3
|
| HSA 556 |
Capstone Contribution |
3
|
| HSA 597 |
Management Project |
3
|
Electives (12 semester hours)
| HSA 511 |
Ethics in Management |
3
|
| HSA 524 |
Health Care Systems Analysis |
3
|
| HSA 525 |
Health Care Economics |
3
|
| HSA 527 |
Gerontological Services Administration |
3
|
| HSA 528 |
Administration of Long-Term Care |
3
|
| HSA 529 |
Planning Health Care Services for the?Elderly |
3
|
| HSA 539 |
Overview of Managed Care |
3
|
| HSA 580 |
Epidemiology/Environmental Health |
3
|
| BUS 570 |
Marketing and Strategic Planning |
3
|
| BUS 541 |
Organizational Behavior and Development |
3
|
| SW 941 |
Concepts and Issues in Gerontology |
3
|