Course Listings
Nursing
Two tracks, one degree.
The Nursing program has both a basic track described below and an R.N.-to-B.S.N. completion track, which is described in the Adult and Continuing Studies section of this catalog.
Basic track
Admission process
Applicants should be in the upper half of their high school graduating class. The high school program should include foreign language, algebra, chemistry, and biology. Physics is also recommended. Applications to the professional nursing program are submitted during the second semester of the freshman year. The first nursing course begins in the fall of the sophomore year (some exceptions may be made to accommodate SST schedules). The nursing department uses a holistic admissions framework in assessing the applicant’s readiness for admission. Holistic admission is based on metrics (GPA minimum of 2.7), personal attributes (determined by references), and student’s life experiences (assessed through an essay in the application process). The applicant’s readiness for placement in clinical experiences is determined by academic performance, health record completion, and a background security check.
Transfer students from other nursing programs
Students who wish to transfer to the nursing program at Goshen College from another pre-nursing or nursing program will be reviewed on an individual basis. Admission to the nursing program will be based on the academic and clinical performance of the student. The Department of Nursing may request a reference letter from the previous nursing programs regarding academic and clinical performance.
Academic and professional requirements
General. Admission to Goshen College as outlined on the Admission website.
Professional. Essential abilities necessary to learn the professional nurse role include critical thinking, conceptual and judgmental skills, neurological function so that the senses can be used to make correct clinical judgments and perform psychomotor skills safely; the ability to communicate clearly; effective emotional coping skills; accountability; and the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe nursing practice.
Academic. Grade of C or above in supporting and nursing courses and a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher. The Goshen Core requirement in Quantitative Literacy must be met prior to or concurrently with the first science class required for the major.
Other. The nursing department reserves the right to adjust the current admission criteria when outcome assessment data demonstrate the need for such changes.
Continuation criteria
A grade of C or above in all supporting and nursing courses and a college GPA of 2.7 or higher is required for continuation in the nursing major. A grade of C- or below in a supporting or nursing course interrupts the student’s plan of study. The course must be repeated with a grade of C or higher prior to advancement to the next level. Nursing and supporting courses may be repeated only once. The number of repeated courses is limited to two supporting courses and one nursing course. The nursing department reserves the right to place a student on probation or require a student to withdraw from the nursing major when the GPA falls below 2.7 or when that student displays behaviors deemed inappropriate to the practice of professional nursing.
Graduation requirements
Completion of 120 credit hours accepted by Goshen College, successful completion of all nursing courses, cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher in all college course work.
Licensure exam
Upon completion of the degree, the student who meets criteria is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination – RN (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered professional nurse. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
Major in Nursing (basic track)
83-87 credit hours
Modified Goshen Core program for nursing students
The same Goshen Core requirements apply as for students in other majors, with two exceptions.
Perspectives courses: Natural World, Social World and Peacemaking requirements are met by courses in the nursing major.
Intercultural education: Nursing students may select a Global Studies thread with three elements:
- Language prerequisite: 101 level of any world language by placement test, course credit, CLEP, or waiver (for students whose native language is other than English-obtained through the Global Studies Office)
- 6 credit hours from the Global Studies threads – GLST 241 and 251 courses (see Global Education pages).
- GLST 300, Global Issues Seminar
Supporting courses (32-36 credit hours)
- CHEM 101 Introductory Chemistry4
- CHEM 103 Chemistry and Health4
- BIOL 203 Human Anatomy & Physiology I4
- BIOL 204 Human Anatomy & Physiology II3
- BIOL 206 Microbiology3
- CHEM 220 Human Nutrition3
- PSYC 100 General Psychology3
- Choose one of the following:3
- SOC 200 Principles of Sociology3
- BIOL 319 Human Pathophysiology3
- PSYC 380 Statistics in Research3
Nursing courses
(51 credit hours)
- NURS 210 Intro to Professional Nursing3
- NURS 211 Fundamentals of Nursing3
- NURS 212 Holistic Client Assessment3
- NURS 305 Pharmacology3
- NURS 306 Nursing Care of Adults I4
- NURS 307 Nursing Care of Adults II4
- NURS 308 Gerontological Nursing3
- NURS 309 Healthcare Ethics3
- NURS 311 Nursing Care of Expanding Family3
- NURS 312 Nursing Care of the Child3
- NURS 403 Nursing Research3
- NURS 405 Psychiatric/Mental-Health Nursing3
- NURS 406 Acute-Care Nursing3
- NURS 408 Community Health Nursing3
- NURS 409 Leadership in Nursing3
- NURS 410 Nursing Senior Seminar1
- NURS 415 Capstone3
Note: NURS 212, NURS 306, NURS 307, NURS 311, NURS 312, NURS 405, NURS 406, NURS 408, NURS 409 = courses with a clinical component or practice-based project.
Planning and advising notes
Students who had two semesters of high school chemistry with a grade of B- or higher are exempt from Chem 101 but are required to take Chem 103.
Nursing faculty advisors work with each student to develop a four-year plan.
Student learning outcomes
Graduates in Nursing will:
- Utilize knowledge from the arts and humanities, theology, natural and social sciences, nursing theories, and intercultural experiences in providing nursing care.
- Demonstrate leadership for promoting quality care and patient safety.
- Utilize the ability to think actively and strategically in applying selected research findings for evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate skills in using patient care technology and information systems that support safe nursing practice.
- Integrate healthcare policy for the promotion of quality and safety in practice environments.
- Communicate and collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary team in providing comprehensive health services and the promotion of therapeutic nurse-patient relationships.
- Practice health promotion and disease prevention to improve health for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
- Provide patient-centered care by employing critical thinking, decision-making, psychomotor, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate professional values that foster the ability to resolve conflicts, examine ethical issues, promote accountability, and pursue practice excellence.
- Demonstrate a faith that is active and reflective, and responsive to the spiritual needs of self and others.
Planning guide
| First Year | Goshen Core courses Supporting courses Language |
| Second Year | 200 level nursing courses Concurrent 200 level courses Supporting courses May term SST alt (if needed) OR SST in fall semester (with advanced planning) |
| Third Year | 300 level nursing courses Supporting courses May term SST alt (if needed) |
| Fourth Year | 400 level nursing courses Artistic World and Religious World Core 300 |
BIOL 203 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
A study of the organ systems of the human body, their gross and microscopic structure and their functions. Laboratory demonstrations and dissections. Three lectures, one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: one semester of college chemistry. Offered every spring.
BIOL 204 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
A study of the organ systems of the human body, their gross and microscopic structure and their functions. Laboratory demonstrations and dissections. Three lectures, one three-hour lab. With permission of the instructor, biology majors may take Biol 204 for two...
BIOL 206 Microbiology
A general study of microorganisms and their relations to health and disease, with practical applications valuable to the nurse. Includes the characteristics and activities of microorganisms, procedures for sterilization and disinfection; methods of growing and studying organisms; and techniques of...
BIOL 319 Human Pathophysiology
An introductory study of the biology of human diseases. Examines causes of disease and bodily response processes. A survey of both disorders that affect the body as a whole and disease of individual organs will be conducted. Intended for students...
CHEM 101 Introductory Chemistry
Designed for non-chemistry majors. Chem 101 gives students a condensed foundation of chemistry principles. Students who have taken at least two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of B- or higher may enroll in Chem 103 without taking 101....
CHEM 103 Chemistry and Health
A survey of organic chemistry and biochemistry designed for nursing and other allied health majors. A laboratory component will involve chemical experimentation, research skills, and experimental design. Prerequisite: two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of B- or higher...
CHEM 220 Human Nutrition
A study of the nutritive needs of the body in normal stages of growth and development, food sources of nutrients, nutrient functions and factors affecting nutrient utilization. Current U.S. and global nutritional problems are explored. Prerequisite: Chem 101, 103 or...
NURS 210 Intro to Professional Nursing
Selected nursing theories, nursing process and research will be studied as foundations for nursing practice. Emphasis will be on the nurse as a person and the importance of self-understanding, accountability, communication and helping relationships. The role of the professional nurse...
NURS 211 Fundamentals of Nursing
Students learn integral components of nursing care universal to all patients including asepsis, safety, hygiene, diagnostics, medication administration, wound care and perioperative care. Strategies for promoting physiological and psychosocial health are studied. Prerequisite: Nurs 210.
NURS 212 Holistic Client Assessment
Holistic client assessment focuses on collection of a database within the context of the nursing process. Content includes the health history and assessment of functional health patterns, body systems, growth and development, and cultural and spiritual dimensions. Clinical and laboratory...
NURS 305 Pharmacology
Focus is on examining the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drug classifications in the treatment of diseases. The nurse’s role in administering, monitoring for adverse and therapeutic effects, and patient education are discussed. Calculation of medication dosages will be required.
NURS 306 Nursing Care of Adults I
The nursing process is used with adults and families experiencing illness. Content areas include nursing care of adults with fluid and electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, chronic neurological problems, urinary/genital conditions, and autoimmune disorders. Clinical experiences consist...
NURS 307 Nursing Care of Adults II
The nursing process is used with adults and families experiencing illness. Content areas include nursing care of adults with fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances, cancer, lower respiratory problems, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Clinical experiences consist of providing holistic nursing care...
NURS 308 Gerontological Nursing
Examines health issues encountered during the final four decades of the life span, from active older adult through the end of life. Some specific pathophysiology as it relates to older adults is included. Students work with a well elder and...
NURS 309 Healthcare Ethics
Students will actively reflect on ethical issues which are present in health care for practitioners and consumers. The focus will be on the process of ethical inquiry rather than decision outcomes. In the process of analyzing bioethical issues, student will...
NURS 311 Nursing Care of Expanding Family
The nursing process and knowledge of normal and selected abnormal conditions experienced during the childbearing cycle are addressed. Selected normal, and deviations to, general women’s health issues are also discussed. Clinical experiences occur with the family in the community and...
NURS 312 Nursing Care of the Child
The focus is on common conditions and illnesses of children. The clinical focuses of the nursing care of the ill child. Developmental concepts, health promotion and prevention are emphasized in clinical and theory. Prerequisite: Nurs 212, Biol 319. Concurrent: Nurs...
NURS 403 Nursing Research
Basic concepts of nursing research are examined. Focuses on critical analysis and summary of published nursing research as a basis for using research in clinical practice. Understands the linkages between nursing practice, research evidence and patient outcomes. A major project...
NURS 405 Psychiatric/Mental-Health Nursing
A study of psychiatric/mental-health nursing practice. The clinical component provides opportunities in a psychiatric hospital and community mental-health settings. The role of the nurse as a member of the mental-health team is emphasized. Prerequisites: All 300-level clinical nursing courses.
NURS 406 Acute-Care Nursing
Focuses on the application of the nursing process to the care of acutely ill adults. Content areas concentrate on acute conditions involving the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and renal systems, trauma, and burns. Application of nursing care occurs in a variety...
NURS 408 Community Health Nursing
Applies a synthesis of nursing, social, and public health theories to the assessment and care of aggregates in the community. Practice is collaborative with a focus on promoting and protecting the health of populations. Community health planning for aggregates or...
NURS 409 Leadership in Nursing
Content includes management and leadership theories, as well as knowledge of complex organizational systems. An emphasis is placed on the role of the nursing leader as creator and manager of a culture of caring, safety, and quality. The clinical experience...
NURS 410 Nursing Senior Seminar
The main focus is on integration of current professional practice issues in professional practice and the role of the BSN prepared nurse to impact change in the profession and health care arena. Portfolio and resume preparation are included. Prerequistie: Nurs...
NURS 415 Capstone
Content includes application and review of nursing concepts in preparation for the licensure examination (NCLEX). Transition to practice issues are also discussed. A strategy for securing a nursing practice position is developed. Prerequisite: Nurs 403.
PSYC 100 General Psychology
An introduction to the methods, concepts and principles used in the study of behavior. Includes a survey of topics in psychological development, individual differences, memory, personality structure, mental health, learning and social psychology.
PSYC 380 Statistics in Research
A study of data analysis and its relationship to research methods in a variety of settings. Collection, presentation and analysis of numerical data, including descriptive, parametric, and nonparametric statistics. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Quantitative Literacy requirement in...
SOC 200 Principles of Sociology
An introduction to the principles and methods used in the study of human society. Includes a survey of topics in social problems, social inequalities, social identity, human ecology and social change.