Department of Nursing

Faculty

Linda Davison (1984)
Professor of Nursing; Interim Chair, Department of Nursing

Diploma, 1971, J.F. Burnham School of Nursing

B.S.N., 1979, Governors State University

M.S.N., 1983, Governors State University

M.B.A., 1989, Olivet Nazarene University

Ed.D., 2006, Nova Southeastern University

Linda Greenstreet (1981)
Associate Professor of Nursing

B.S., 1979, Olivet Nazarene University

M.S.N., 1984, Governors State University

Susan Draine (1983)
Associate Professor of Nursing

B.S., 1976, Olivet Nazarene University

M.S.N., 1983, University of Alabama

M.B.A., 1990, Olivet Nazarene University

Doctoral Study, Nova Southeastern University

Paul L. Dillinger (1989)
Professor of Nursing

B.S., 1971, Olivet Nazarene University

M.A., 1974, Austin Peay State University

M.S.N., 1988, University of Texas at El Paso

Psy.D., 2003, Adler School of Professional Psychology

Rosalie Tuttle (2005)
Assistant Professor of Nursing

B.S.N., 1974, University of Texas

M.S.N., 1978, Texas Women's University

Doctoral Study, Capella University

Susan Day (2006)
Assistant Professor of Nursing

B.S.N., 2003, Aurora University

M.S.N., 2006, Walden University

Patricia Kershaw (2006)
Assistant Professor of Nursing

B.S., 1994, Olivet Nazarene University

M.S.N., 2001, Lewis University

Patricia Nielsen (2006)
Assistant Professor of Nursing

B.S.N., 1995, Indiana Wesleyan University

M.S.N., 2005, Valparaiso University

F.N.P., 2006, Valparaiso University

Yvette Rose (2008)
Assistant Professor of Nursing

B.S., 1998, Olivet Nazarene University

M.S., 2007, Governors State University

The mission of the Department of Nursing is to provide Christian nursing education designed to prepare each graduate for a life of service to God and humanity. In this endeavor, students integrate faith and learning as they investigate concepts inherent in personal, professional, and spiritual growth through life long learning and leadership. Students develop critical thinking abilities as practitioners, client educators, research utilizers, change agents, and patient advocates in a variety of settings.

Students are exposed to a variety of learning experiences, ranging from health promotion and maintenance to restorative care during illness. They work in a variety of health-care agencies. These experiences help to broaden the student's view of employment opportunities.

The nursing program is designed on the belief that the liberal arts are an essential foundation for nurses as they study person, health, the environment, and nursing.

The program has approval from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Kappa Sigma is the local chapter of the International Honor Society for Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau. Membership is based on scholastic and leadership achievement.

The nursing program has two tracks: the traditional four-year track and the RN-BSN completion track. The RN-BSN completion track, which is described in Chapter 9 of this Catalog, is exclusively for registered nurses who have graduated from an associate degree nursing program or a diploma nursing program.

Nursing majors graduating from Olivet Nazarene University receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, to practice as generalists and to pursue graduate work in nursing.

The Nursing curriculum builds on a broad liberal arts foundation, and is supported by behavioral and life science courses. Nursing studies progress from a wellness emphasis to life-threatening situations, while addressing clients as individuals, families, and communities.

Admission requirements for the Nursing major include completion of all prerequisite courses, a satisfactory score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Students must submit evidence of good health in accordance with Illinois Department of Health regulations for health-care agency personnel, and students must complete a criminal background check. The Department of Nursing will make reasonable accommodation for those students who have special health problems or disabilities when such accommodation is possible as determined by the Department.

Transfer students are accepted after all qualified Olivet students have been placed. Students wishing to transfer must meet the same nursing admission criteria as students who began their college work at Olivet.

Transportation to and from clinical sites is the responsibility of the student.

Student grades are reviewed each semester. In order to progress to the next nursing level, students must receive a grade of "C" or higher in each nursing course, and a grade of "C" or higher in each of the supporting courses. A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 must be maintained to progress in nursing courses. Students enrolled in the nursing program may not transfer nursing courses without prior approval of the progression committee of the Department of Nursing.

Students may not repeat more than one nursing course which has a lab and/or clinical. Students may not enroll in any nursing course more than two times.

Graduation requirements include passing the NCLEX-RN Predictor Exam at the required level listed in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.

Students are required to complete ATI assessments in selected courses as outlined in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.