Research College of Nursing

Administration

Joint Rockhurst/Research Program Agreement

Continuing Students: The joint program for Rockhurst University/Research College of Nursing direct admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is scheduled to end at the conclusion of the spring 2022 academic term (May, 2022). All students currently enrolled in Rockhurst as Research College direct admission nursing majors as of the start of the fall 2018 term will continue in the joint program through their graduation with no change.

Prospective Transfer Students: Beginning with the spring of 2019 term, transfer students capable of completing the joint degree requirements by the conclusion of the spring 2022 term may be considered for direct admission into the joint Rockhurst/Research College of Nursing program. Such transfer students will be individually reviewed by Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing admission and advising staff to determine eligibility for admission to the joint program with a spring 2022 graduation timeline.

Prospective Freshmen: Beginning with the spring 2019 term, all new entering freshmen and transfer students not meeting the late joint program eligibility standards outlined above, can be admitted to Rockhurst in a Pre-Nursing track designed to advise them through nursing and core curriculum pre-requisites that are needed for separate application to a formal Bachelor of Science Nursing program at Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences or another school of their choosing.

Rockhurst also offers a traditional four year nursing program, as well as a four-year pre-nursing option that includes a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (4 years at Rockhurst to earn a B.S. in Health Science + 2 years at a Nursing school or 1-1.5 years in an Accelerated Nursing program).

Research College of Nursing was founded in 1979 and admitted its first class in 1980. Currently, Research College of Nursing, in partnership with Rockhurst University, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is awarded jointly by the two institutions. Research College of Nursing is a non-sectarian institution of higher learning sponsored by Research Medical Center.

Current students of the Research nursing program are enrolled at both institutions. The B.S.N. degree consists of a minimum of 128 credit hours in nursing, liberal arts, and science courses. The majority of the liberal arts and science courses are taken prior to the nursing courses.

The faculty and administration of both institutions have carefully designed the B.S.N. nursing program to provide a consistent, integrated educational experience. While some information about purposes, curriculum, and policies of Research College of Nursing are provided in this Catalog, students and other interested persons should also review the Research College of Nursing Catalog.

Accreditations and Affiliation

Research College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Research College of Nursing holds membership in the Greater Kansas City Collegiate Nurse Educators, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Missouri Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Nursing Licensure

Graduates earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree may be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Graduation does not automatically ensure eligibility to take the licensure examination. Each graduate will be expected to schedule a date for the licensure examination. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, the nurse is able to practice in the state where she/he applied for licensure. Nurses practice under the provisions of each state’s nurse practice act. In Missouri, it is the Nursing Practice Act, Missouri Statutes Chapter 335. The Missouri State Board of Nursing enforces the Act. The State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act governs the practice of professional nursing in Missouri. Nursing students should be familiar with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act.

Admission

Admission to the Research/Rockhurst Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is based on the applicant’s academic record, evidence of scholastic ability, and interest in the goals of the institutions. Students make application for one of the two program options. Information in the section entitled “Undergraduate Studies” regarding admission is applicable to the traditional B.S.N. program. Information regarding admission to the accelerated B.S.N. program can be found in the current Research College of Nursing Catalog and on the college website: http://www.researchcollege.edu. Interested students may also call the Director of Admissions at Research College of Nursing.

Students who wish to transfer from another college where nursing course work has been completed must follow regular admission procedures. In addition, the student must:

1. Present a letter of recommendation from the dean or chairperson of the nursing program attended.
2. An interview with the Research College of Nursing Dean may be required.

Requirements for Admission

Rockhurst students wishing to transfer to the nursing major should consult with the Director of Admissions at Research College of Nursing.

Students will fulfill all prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in nursing courses.

To enroll in 2000 level nursing courses of the Research/Rockhurst joint program, students must meet the Science/Math grade requirements below.

Traditional B.S.N. program: Students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all Science and Math courses.

Accelerated B.S.N. program: Students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all Science courses.  Anatomy & Physiology courses must be earned within five years of applying to the program.

To enroll in 2000 level nursing courses of the Research/Rockhurst joint program, students must meet the GPA requirements below.

Traditional B.S.N. program:

1. Students must have a minimum cumulative Rockhurst GPA of 2.8 or greater at the end of the summer of their freshman year. If students do not achieve this GPA, they will be placed on a waiting list for consideration for admission with the next cohort group the following January.
2. Those students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or a 2.8 with at least a B- in A & P II) at completion of the fall sophomore coursework may enter the January nursing cohort.  Students who do not meet these criteria will be placed on a waiting list to be reconsidered for admission with the next cohort the following January.
3. All students placed on the waiting list will be evaluated on a competitive basis; placement on the waiting list does not guarantee admission to the nursing coursework.

Accelerated B.S.N. program: Students must have a minimum College GPA of 3.0, or a minumum College GPA of 2.8 with at least a B- in the final semester of Anatomy & Physiology.

Financial Aid

Sophomore students of the Research/Rockhurst Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program who wish to apply for financial aid should do so through Rockhurst University. Junior, senior, and accelerated nursing students should apply for financial aid through Research College of Nursing. More detailed information regarding financial aid may be found in the section “Undergraduate Financial Aid Programs and Policies,” and in the Research College of Nursing Catalog.

Academic Policies and Advising

For details regarding the academic policies of the nursing program, students should refer to the current Research College of Nursing Catalog.

Upon admission students are assigned to faculty advisors from Research College of Nursing who assist them in selecting courses, reviewing grade reports and completing degree requirements. Faculty facilitate the successful retention and progression of students through an effective and knowledgeable advising process. Academic advising is under the general supervision of the Traditional B.S.N. and Accelerated B.S.N. program directors of Research College of Nursing. Students experiencing problems may consult their academic advisor, individual faculty or the Counseling or Learning Centers at Rockhurst or Research for assistance.

Academic Program Requirements

Degree Offered

Research College of Nursing and Rockhurst University confer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for graduates of the joint program. This degree enables the graduate to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (R.N.) and to pursue graduate education if so desired.

This section contains a description of degree requirements for students entering the traditional B.S.N. program with no previous college credit. Information on the distinguishing characteristics of the accelerated B.S.N. program, beyond what is provided here, may be found in the Research College of Nursing Catalog. Each track is designed to provide as much flexibility as possible for the student population it serves.

Transfer students in the traditional B.S.N. program and students with a degree will need to have an evaluation of all transcripts of credit to determine what courses will be needed to meet the degree requirements for the B.S.N. It is  recommended that students meet with their advisors to develop a plan of study projecting ahead as far as possible. As circumstances dictate the plan may be revised.

Course Descriptions

The following section provides course descriptions for the nursing major. Courses with a last digit of 1 are for accelerated B.S.N. students.

• NU 2750 - Normal Nutrition
    
• NU 2850 - Pathophysiology
    
• NU 3010 NU 3010 - Fundamentals of Nursing
    
• NU 3080 NU 3080 - Population Based Health Care
    
• NU 3150 NU 3150 - Nursing Health Assessment Across the Lifespan  
• NU 3190 NU 3190 - Professional Development I  
• NU 3220 - Older Adult Health
    
• NU 3330 - Pharmacology I  
• NU 3350 - Pharmacology II  
• NU 3470 Adult Health Nursing I  
• NU 3490 Mental Health Nursing  
• NU 3690 Professional Development II  
• NU 3800 Introduction to Statistics  
• NU 4170 Maternal-Child, Family and Women’s Health Nursing  
• NU 4190 Professional Development III  
• NU 4270 Adult Health Nursing II  
• NU 4390 Professional Development IV  
• NU 4500 Capstone  

Nursing Electives

Nursing electives afford the student the opportunity to pursue an area of interest to develop knowledge and skills beyond the core content of the curriculum. The variety of course offerings or faculty-guided independent study in a given term is subject to availability of faculty and institutional resources. Selected courses in the College of Arts and Sciences are also identified and may be used to meet the nursing elective requirement. These courses will be listed following the nursing electives by course title only. For a complete listing of courses in the Nursing program please see the Research College of Nursing catalog.

• NU 3630 - Transcultural Nursing Immersion Experience I  (2)
• NU 3650 NU 3650 - End of Life Transitions   (2)
• NU 3670 - Transcultural Nursing Immersion Experience II  (2)
• NU 3852 - Global Perspectives in Public Health
    (3)
• NU 4990 - Independent Study
     (1-3)

Select College of Arts and Sciences Courses

• HP 3700 - Global Perspectives on Disability  (3)
• BSS 2100 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences  (3)
• PY 2550 Abnormal Behavior  
• PY 3600 - Psychology of Sexual Behavior  (3)
• PY 3700 - Health Psychology  (3)
• SO 3670 - Sociology of Death and Dying  (3)
• SP 3070 - Medical Spanish II  (3)
• SP 4060 - Spanish for the Health Care Professional  (3)

Faculty

Leslie Bachar (2006)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Wichita State University, 1986; M.S.N., University of Phoenix, 2007; Ph.D., University of Phoenix, 2017.

Margaret A. Bjelica (2004)
Associate Professor
B.S.N.,Webster University, 1991; M.S.N. University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1998; D.N.P., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2016.

Rebecca Cahill (2016)
Associate Professor
B.S.N., University of Missouri - Columbia, 1988; M.S.N., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2002; D.N.P., Samford University, 2009.

Teresa Chang (2005)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Kaohsime Medical College, 1982; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2006.

Susan E. Chrisman (1984)
Professor
B.S.N., St. Louis University, 1980; M.S.N., St. Louis University, 1984; Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1995.

Lauren Chun (2019)
Instructor
B.S. Biology, Missouri State University, 2007; B.S.N., Cox College of Nursing, 2009; M.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2013.

Jo Ellen Collette (2014)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., California State University Northridge, 2001; M.S.N., University of California Los Angeles, 2003; D.N.P., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2016.

Maithe Enriquez (2019)
Professor
B.S.N., Webster University, 1985; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1993; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2002.

Shanna Foley (2016)
Instructor
B.S.N., University of Kansas, 2003; M.S.N., Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2014.

Christy Hammond (2012)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Avila College, 1998; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2012.

Terri Kirkland (2004)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., University of Kansas, 1981; M.S.N., University of Kansas, 2003; A.G.N.P.

Nicole Kreimer (2013)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Seattle Pacific University, 1999; M.S.N., University of Kansas, 2008.

Heather Lewis (2012)
Assistant Professor
B.S., Secondary Education, Southeast Missouri State University, 1995; M.A., Theatre, Southwest Missouri State University, 2000; B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2009; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2012.

Glenna Mahoney (2014)
Professor
B.S.N., Graceland University, 2005; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2006; D.N.P., Carlow University, 2012.

Sheryl A. Max (1980)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., University of Kansas, 1978; M.N., University of Kansas, 1983.

Martha E. McElyea (1994)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Saint Louis University, 1974; M.S.N., Southern Illinois University, 1982.

Holly Miles (2014)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2010; M.S.N., University of Central Missouri, 2014.

Rosalia Molina (2017)
Instructor
A.S.N., Penn Valley Community College, 2006; M.S.N., Research College of Nursingi, 2016.

Julie Nauser (1993)
Professor
B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 1984; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1993; Ph.D., Indiana University, 2007.

Erin Newton (2011)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., St. Luke’s College of Nursing, 2003; M.S.N., Walden University, 2011.

Julia Payne (2015)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2002; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2013.

Cassie Pearson (2015)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2007; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2013.

Sarah Prichard (2013)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2009; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2012; Ph.D, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2019.

Rebecca A. Saxton (2006)
Professor
B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2000; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2005; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2010.

Shirley F. Spencer (1992)
Assistant Professor
B.A., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 1977; B.S.N., University of Kansas, 1979; M.N., University of Kansas, 1985.

Tobey Stosberg (2008)
Assistant Professor
B.S. Biology, Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State), 1996; M.S. Education, Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State), 1997; B.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2001; M.S.N., Research College of Nursing, 2010.

Christi E. Thurlow (2003)
Associate Professor
B.S.N., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1982; M.S.N., University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1986; Ph.D., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2016.

Faye Vandendaele (1999)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., William Jewell College, 1979; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1997.

M. Lynn Warmbrodt (1982)
Professor
B.S.N., University of Missouri-Columbia, 1979; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1981; Psy.D., Forest Institute, 1992.

Nicole Webb (2017)
Assistant Professor
A.S.N., Southern Union State Community College, 1996; B.S., Faulkner University, ; M.S.N., University of South Alabama, 2006; D.N.P., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2010.

Camille Williams (2019)
Assistant Professor
B.S.N., University of Central Missouri, 2003; M.S.N., University of Central Missouri, 2011.

Thad Wilson (2017)
Professor
B.S.N., Graceland University, 1976; M.S.N., University of Utah, 1981; Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1995.

Donna R. Zimmerman (1995)
Assistant Professor
B.S.Ed., Northeast Missouri State University, 1977; B.S.N., 1979; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Columbia, 1983.

Programs

• Nursing, (BSN - Research College of Nursing)