Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences

Academic Administration

Mission

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University is an educational leader serving exceptional students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and in additional health professions. As an institution of higher education, the College seeks to prepare health profession leaders to effectively meet the health care needs of diverse populations in complex organizations and in a variety of settings. A broad base of knowledge derived from general education studies is integrated into each program as a foundation for personal growth, professional education and practice. A stimulating academic environment focuses on discovery, scholarship and practice to address societal needs for nursing and other health care services.

Vision

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University aspires to be a leading educational institution for preparing professionals in the healing arts. Further, we seek to continue our collaborative relationship with the region’s quality leader, Saint Luke’s Hospital and the Saint Luke’s Health System, thus affording our students leading-edge clinical educational opportunities. We envision growing to become a comprehensive college of health professions with students pursuing educational programs in multiple disciplines.

Values

Accountability is being responsible for consistency and fairness in our thoughts and actions. Integrity is individual responsibility and equality through a mutual commitment to each other and to the College. Knowledge is the preparation of intelligent, humble and passionate caregivers for service to others. Professionalism is responsibly and efficiently demonstrating excellence to every population we serve. Excellence is the consistent dedication to being the best. Respect is positive regard for each other through our actions and open and honest dialogue. Leadership is providing results through an efficient and ethical approach to our work.

Accreditation

Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 info@hlcommission.org

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree programs in nursing at Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Approvals

The BSN and MSN degree programs in Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences are approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Completion of a degree through Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences may not guarantee issue of licensure. In compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act (Chapter 335 of the Missouri Statutes, section 335.066), nursing program applicants should be aware that the Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for specific reasons related to moral turpitude, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs, or conviction of a crime. Admission to and graduation from the MSN program does not guarantee eligibility for state licensure. Any candidate for licensure who has been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony will be required to submit documentation of the court proceedings for that charge or conviction to the State Board of Nursing of the state in which licensure is sought. The Missouri State Board of Nursing determines who is eligible to take the licensing examination. Questions may be directed to:

Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-0681 | www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp

Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences must comply with a state’s regulations before any educational activity can occur within that state. Those regulations determine whether the College may offer you a place in a course or program.

All MSN students must contact the Board of Nursing in the state where they are completing their clinical rotations to learn requirements. Students desiring the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in a state other than Missouri or Kansas, must obtain special permission, and not all requests can be granted. Additional fees may apply.

Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC- SARA). Missouri became a SARA state in December 2014. Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences became a SARA institution in July 2015. This allows students from NC-SARA approved states to enroll in:

• Online degree programs, certificates and endorsements that include internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching, and clinical placements; and
• Campus-based courses with out-of-state internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching and clinical placements.

General Requirements for a Degree

Responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements rest with the student. Through faculty, advisors and administration, Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences makes every effort to advise students well. All candidates for a degree must meet the total credit hours requirement for their degree. Undergraduate students require a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and graduate students are required to have a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average in order to graduate.

The total hours for the MSN degree are 45 credit hours for the Nurse Educator (NE) and 49 total credit hours for both the Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) and the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Admissions Process

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nurse Educator (NE)

Step One

You may start an application if you:

• Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a Commission on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized institution nursing program accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Have an active unencumbered nursing license in the state where you practice.
• AG-ACNP/NE Post-Graduate Certificate or FNP Second MSN Only: Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing program accredited by CCNE or ACEN and regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• AG-ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate Applicants Only: Must also have a current board certification as an advanced practice nurse.

Step Two

Apply at nursingcas.org. The application must be filled out completely and the $50 application fee submitted online. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all application materials are received by the admissions office by the application deadline. Applicants must submit/mail or hand deliver the following documentation directly to:

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University
Office of Admissions
624 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111

Applicants must provide the following:

• Both a $50 NursingCAS and a $35 Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences application fee are required to complete application.
• Official transcripts are required from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
• Current resume/CV including detail of responsibilities and specific job experience.
• Three professional letters of recommendation sent directly to the admissions office from current or previous supervisors, prior nursing faculty, or other individuals who can address your clinical knowledge, skill and prospective aptitude for success within a graduate program of study. Letters may not come from direct peers or family members.
• Personal statement (400 to 800 words) addressing the following:

»    Discuss why you want to pursue your specialty of choice.
»    Describe how your past and/or ongoing work experience will enhance your experience in this program.
»    State your goals/plans upon completion of the degree.

• Second Master’s Applicants only: A review of official transcripts will be completed for a gap analysis. An individualized plan of study will be created for each applicant based on prior educational courses.
• AG-ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate Applicants Only: Must also have a current board certification as an advanced practice nurse.

Step Three

If you are accepted, you must provide the following to the admissions office prior to your first day of class, or you will be dropped from the program. You may reapply for the next semester. Some requirements will be ongoing and monitored through CastleBranch. See the Clinical Readiness Admissions and Progression Requirements catalog section for complete details.

• Alcohol and Drug Testing
• Criminal Background Check
• Immunizations
• CNE Clinical Examination
• CNE/KCANE Confidentiality Statement
• Color Blindness Screening
• CPR Certification
• Health Insurance
• Latex Allergy Form
• Saint Luke’s Health System Confidentiality Statement
• Student Clinical Site Consent Form

Transfer of Credit Policies

Students who have earned credit at another institution may be granted credit for coursework completed prior to enrollment in a Saint Luke’s program, upon evaluation by the registrar’s office in collaboration with the program directors and academic deans.

The college or university from where the courses were transferred must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

The student must have earned a minimum grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) for the course to be transferred.

Only the most recent grade in a course will be considered.

Transfer credit for natural science courses is generally granted only for courses less than five years old and must not be repeated more than one time. Natural science courses older than five years may be evaluated on an individual basis. This does not apply to an applicant who is currently engaged as a professional RN.

For MSN students:

»    A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred into the master’s degree program at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University.

»    Courses must be equivalent to courses in the MSN tracks at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University.

»    Consideration of transfer credit must occur as part of the admissions process and will not be considered after a student has begun the program.

»    Transfer credit will be applied to the student’s graduate academic record only after 12 hours are completed at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University.

»    The student must have earned a grade in the course of B or higher to be considered for transfer in the MSN program.

Clinical Readiness Admissions and Progression Requirements

Given the nature of clinical programs, access to patient information and providing care to patients; some programs have additional requirements. Please refer to the requirements listed in the admission section specific to your program of the catalog.

Immunization Documentation

All immunization documentation must show your name, date and be verified by a medical provider. What do you do if you can’t find your records? In general, both children and adults will need to repeat some vaccines. For a few vaccines, blood tests can help determine if you are already immune to certain diseases.

Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Submit one of the following requirements for each of these four vaccinations:

• Vaccination series: Two vaccinations at least 28 days apart OR
• Serological proof of immunity
• Positive (+) IgG titers for each of these four vaccinations: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, AND Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• If your titer is negative or equivocal, an alert will be created in CastleBranch and you will need to complete the vaccination series. (See vaccination series information in the first bullet.)
• A post-vaccination titer is not required, but if one is done which results in a non- immune status, check with your practitioner to determine next steps and receive documentation of recommendations from that health care provider.

Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDaP)

Submit one of the following requirements:

• Documentation of a TDaP booster within the past 10 years OR
• Evidence of one dose of TDaP and a TD booster within the past 10 years

TB Skin Test

You must submit proof of the absence of active Tuberculosis (TB). An initial 2-step TB skin test (TST) or IGRA (blood test for TB) will be required before starting the programs. TB testing is required annually and students must remain in compliance throughout the program.

TB Testing for Incoming Students:

• Complete an IGRA (blood test for TB) OR
• 2-step screening as follows:
• If the first TB Skin test (TST) is positive (+) — an individual is considered infected.
• You will then need to have a chest x-ray and signs/symptoms questionnaire to rule out active Tuberculosis.
• If first TST is negative (-) — complete a second TST 1-3 weeks later. If the second TST is completed more than three weeks after the first TST, the student will have to restart the 2-step screening.
• If a second TST is positive (+) — an individual is considered infected. You will then need to have a chest x-ray and signs/symptoms questionnaire to rule out active Tuberculosis.
• If the second TST is negative (-) it is considered a negative (-) baseline.
• If a second TST is positive (+) — an individual is considered infected.
  • You will then need to have a chest x-ray and signs/symptoms questionnaire to rule out active Tuberculosis.
  • If the second TST is negative (-) it is considered a negative (-) baseline.

Note:

• Be aware if receiving a live virus immunization (such as Varicella, MMR or Flu), you will need your TST done the same time or wait four weeks.
• TB Screening compliance must remain current throughout the program.
• A chest x-ray is not permitted instead of TB Screening.
• Refer to the College’s policy for documentation of TB Screening.

Hepatitis B

Submit one of the following requirements:

• Documentation of Immunization: A series of three vaccines over six months followed by a post-series surface antibody titer at least 4-8 weeks after the last vaccine is given.
• If Hepatitis B titer is negative after the initial series of three vaccines:

»    Receive one additional vaccine

»    Complete a surface antibody titer within 4-8 weeks.

• If the titer is positive, no further action is needed.
• If the titer is still negative, receive the 2nd and 3rd vaccines in the second series and receive a Hepatitis B surface antigen test to determine if an infection is present.

»    After the 3rd dose of the second series, re-titer within 4-8 weeks, and if still negative, an individual is considered a “non-responder.”

• Hepatitis B Declination Waiver: Although not recommended, you have the option to decline Hepatitis B. The declination is available to download from the CastleBranch website. The signed declination form must be submitted to CastleBranch.
• If you are in the process of Hepatitis B series vaccination, you must submit the Hepatitis B Declination Waiver.

Influenza

• Documentation of a flu shot must be submitted yearly by the due date defined by the College.
• Documentation must be dated and signed by a medical professional.
• Vaccination is required annually and individuals must remain in compliance throughout the nursing program.

Students do not have the option to decline a flu vaccine.

Other REQUIRED Documentation

All documentation must show your name, be dated, and be legible.

Alcohol and Drug Testing

It is the College policy to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace. Students will be tested for illegal substances after an admissions offer is made. Students who test positive on their drug screenings are not allowed to participate in any clinical rotations at any Saint Luke’s Health System affiliated institutions and the admissions offer will be rescinded.

Students who test positive for an illegal substance and are therefore not allowed to start the program may reapply for the next available start date. A new drug screening will be administered after an admissions offer is made. Applicants who provide an abnormally diluted sample will be required to repeat the drug test (retest).

The College and clinical sites reserve the right to reject the participation of any student based on the results of the screenings and the immunizations or the background check.

Color Blindness Screening

• Submit documentation of a color blindness screening dated and verified by a medical professional.
• Screenings must be completed using a Color Blindness test that is approved by an Ophthalmologist (i.e., Ishihara’s Test).
• This can be performed at the College at the front desk.

CPR Certification

• Submit documentation of Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Professionals through the American Heart Association.
• Courses for lay rescuers such as “Heartsaver” are not acceptable.
• Certification must be renewed every two years and individuals must remain in compliance throughout the nursing program.
• eCards are acceptable.
• To find an American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Professionals course, go to www.cpr.heart.org, and click on “find a course,” then select “courses for health care professionals,” and choose BLS.

CNE/KCANE Confidentiality Statement

• Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and submit a signed copy of the CNE/KCANE Confidentiality Statement.
• This must be updated annually while enrolled in the program.

CNE Clinical Examination

• The student will be provided information on how to access the CNE Clinical Examination through D2L.
• Students must achieve a score of 90% or above.
• The certificate provided upon successful completion of the CNE Clinical Examination must be uploaded.
• The documentation must show the student’s name, the date the test was taken and the score achieved.
• This must be updated annually while enrolled in the program.

Criminal Background Check Information

The background check is conducted by a qualified agency. All costs related to the background checks are the responsibility of the student. The background check shall include the following:

• Family Care Safety Registry
• Caregiver Background Screening (which authorizes a criminal background check from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a DMH Employee Disqualification Registry Report and DHSS Employee Disqualification List Report) or another clinical partner, which completes the three agency check
• Missouri Highway Patrol Criminal Background Check
• Kansas Criminal Background Check
• Other State Criminal Background Check (previous residences other than MO/KS in the past ten years)
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Employee Disqualification List
• Missouri Department of Mental Health Disqualification Registry Report
• Office of the Inspector General
• General Services Administration/Excluded Parties List System
• Missouri Sex Offender Registry Nationwide Record Indicator Alias with SOI
• Kansas Bureau of Investigation Registered Sex Offenders List Nationwide Record Indicator Alias with SOI
• Other State or National Sex Offender List (previous residences other than MO/KS) Nationwide Record Indicator Alias With SOI
• Name, Social Security Number and Address Verification Social Security Alert
• United States Treasury — SDN and Blocked Persons List Web Site
• Employment Verification Separation and Re-Employment Verification Employment

After conducting the background check, students who have been involved in any of the following activities in the seven years before applying for the program may not be allowed access to clinical sites. Consequently, the prospective student’s admissions may be rescinded if:

• The student has been convicted of any felony; or
• The student has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving violence, sexual misconduct, theft or computer crimes, fraud or financial crimes, drug distribution, or crimes involving unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon.

The College can initiate a criminal background check for any student at any time. Refusal by the student to submit to the background check may result in the student’s dismissal from the program.

Health Insurance

Submit one of the following requirements:

• A copy of your health insurance card showing your name.

»    If your name is not listed on the card, verification of coverage from the insurance company is required. Contact your insurance company for documentation of verifying coverage.

»    By submitting a copy of your health insurance card, you acknowledge and understand that you are responsible for the costs of medical expenses related to injuries at the College or in the clinical setting.

• Signed Health Insurance Waiver. Please meet with the clinical readiness coordinator to obtain this form.

» The Health Insurance Waiver form must be signed, dated and uploaded to CastleBranch.

» By submitting the Health Insurance Waiver form, you acknowledge and understand that you are responsible for the costs of medical expenses related to injuries at the College or in the clinical setting.

»    MSN program only: Signing the Health Insurance Waiver form may prevent you from attending clinical rotations at certain clinical sites, contact the clinical readiness coordinator for more information.

Hold Harmless Agreement

Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and upload a signed copy of the Hold Harmless Agreement form.

Latex Allergy Form

• Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and upload a signed copy of the Latex Allergy Policy form.
• Please immediately contact the Clinical Readiness Coordinator and the Director of the program for further required documentation if you have an allergy to Latex.

Student Clinical Site Consent Form

Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and upload a signed copy of the Student Clinical Site Consent form.

Saint Luke’s Health System Confidentiality Statement

• Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and upload a signed copy of the Saint Luke’s Health System Confidentiality Statement.
• This must be updated annually while enrolled in the program.

Technical Standards Document

Download from the CastleBranch website, print, read and upload a signed copy of the Technical Standards Document.

MSN program disclaimer: Certain clinical sites may require additional requirements not listed in this document, contact the clinical readiness coordinator for more information.

The Office of Admissions Code of Conduct

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University code of conduct and ethical standards is a guideline for all admissions personnel and how they are expected and required to conduct business. Failure to abide by this code of conduct is grounds for disciplinary action and may include termination for repeated and egregious offenses.

• Student recruitment, enrollment, and admissions duties will be conducted in an ethical and professional manner and in keeping with organizational policies and procedures as well as relevant accreditation requirements.
• Student recruitment, enrollment and admissions duties will be geared toward the enrollment of qualified applicants who are likely to complete and benefit from the training provided by the school and not geared toward enrolling students simply to obtain enrollments.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will only provide truthful and accurate statements, descriptions and explanations regarding the school and its personnel, training, facilities, equipment, services and accredited status.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will work to ensure that students are fully informed and able to make considered enrollment decisions without undue pressure.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will only assist prospective students in the areas that fall within the purview of their position and will not assist prospective students in admissions testing or alter or falsify any enrollment documents or required test scores.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will not make explicit or implicit promises of employment or exaggerated statements regarding employment or salary prospects to prospective students.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will participate in relevant training provided by the school to enhance their skills as school representatives.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will not assist prospective students in providing false or misleading information on any application.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will not recruit prospective students in or near welfare offices, unemployment lines, food stamp centers, homeless shelters, or other circumstances or settings where such persons cannot reasonably be expected to make informed and considered enrollment decisions.
• Student recruitment and admissions personnel will not discredit other schools or influence any student to leave another school by: falsely imputing to another school dishonorable conduct, inability to perform contracts, or questionable credit standing; making other false representations; falsely disparaging the character, nature, quality, value, or scope of another school’s program of instruction or services; or demeaning another school’s students.
• Read, understand, and comply with company policies and procedures included in the employee handbook, school catalog, admissions policies & procedures manual, and admissions training manual.

Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN
• Adult-Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
• Family Nurse Practitioner Second Masters
• Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
• Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
• Nurse Educator, MSN