Lindenwood University

The baccalaureate nursing degree program is intended for nursing professionals who are currently licensed registered nurses with an earned associate degree or diploma in nursing. The student is provided with educational and clinical experiences integrating professional nursing concepts with an emphasis on providing application to professional nursing practice in a changing health care environment. Students have the opportunity to choose electives based on their areas of interest and professional nursing identity development.

A post-licensure baccalaureate nursing degree provides students an opportunity to expand professional nursing skills and knowledge to realize professional career growth potential.  Coursework is presented through a conceptual lens to build on students’ prior nursing knowledge and experience in the health care environment.  The courses within the program encompass the essential elements of baccalaureate nursing education standards as well as concepts based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report, the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Project and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).  These concepts include evidence-based nursing practice, health informatics, quality care and patient safety, interdisciplinary health care collaboration, and patient-centered care delivery. In addition, population health, health care policy, nursing leadership skills, and nursing professionalism are emphasized.

The undergraduate nursing program will prepare nurses to

• Evaluate the provision of health care through synthesis of prior learning and environmental influences on patient outcomes.
• Integrate evidence-based practice into the provision of care in a variety of settings.
• Utilize the nursing process to promote health, prevent disease, and manage illness for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
• Interpret the influences of patient safety, health policy, and finance on or within healthcare delivery systems.
• Demonstrate leadership, management, and communication skills in decision making, delegation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to provide safe, coordinated, high quality care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Professional Portfolio Review

The Professional Portfolio Review process allows healthcare professionals to present documentation of existing knowledge, skills, and expertise to be considered for 3 hours of course credit toward elective coursework within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  To be eligible for course credit consideration, students must have documentation demonstrating the equivalent of at least 8 points of continuing education and/or specialty certification.  After review and validation, 3 hours of elective course credit will be waived accordingly.