Nursing - University of the Incarnate Word

NursingIla Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health ProfessionsProfessional NursingNurses work individually and collaboratively with other health professionals toprovide care that promotes well-being in the individuals, families, groups,communities, and populations they serve. Students called to this challenge mustgraduate from an approved school of nursing and successfully complete anational examination for a registered nurse (RN) license. Since 1965, theAmerican Nurses Association has consistently identified the baccalaureatedegree in nursing as the preferred educational requirement for entry toprofessional nursing practice.Career OpportunitiesChoosing a career in nursing is an economic decision in more ways than one.The supply of nurses today cannot meet the demand. Because of this, nursinggraduates can expect to work immediately in a professional practice setting,often with greater benefits and salaries than ever before. Settings for practicecontinue to expand beyond the familiar ones of clinics, hospitals and schools.Nursing at the Universityof the Incarnate WordThe baccalaureate program prepares a graduate who is a beginning generalistin the practice of professional nursing. The graduate is qualified to take anational exam to be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates are alsoprepared for advanced education in specialized nursing fields.Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, the IncarnateWord, through the educational preparation of professional nurses. Our vision isto provide excellent student-centered nursing education and to serve as acenter for the development of leadership and innovation in nursing.CoursesTypically, study in the program has two parts:Pre-admission course requirements before student is eligible for admission tothe program:• three to four semesters of study• foundational coursework in the humanities and in behavioral and physicalsciencesAdmission to five semesters of nursing coursework:• introduce the student to nursing practices and settings• 40 students in the average class• small student groups in clinicals and on-campus simulation labs• early coursework in concepts of health and illness and development oftechnological skills related to health maintenance and management of illness• mental health, critical care, care of childbearing families, care of newborns andchildren, and health promotion of individuals and families• final coursework in community health and leadershipThroughout the program, students develop skills in critical thinking and clinicalreasoning, the hallmarks of professional practice.continued on reverse side

Direct Admission to Nursing The direct admission option is available to qualified first time freshman applicantswith outstanding high school academic records. Students accepted for directadmission begin taking nursing courses along with prerequisite courses duringthe freshman year at UIW. For more information, see the nursing school websiteor contact Dr. Julie Nadeau at nadeau@uiwtx.edu or 210-829-3990.About the FacultyAs diverse as they are qualified, the nursing faculty carries out the mission of theuniversity by preparing students for the practice of professional nursing. Most ofthe faculty holds doctorates in nursing or related fields of study. Faculty workactively in and out of the classroom to promote close working relationships withstudents. Upon admission, every student is matched with a faculty member whoserves as an academic advisor until the student's graduation.HighlightsThe nursing programs at Incarnate Word are well known nationally and locally forgraduating many nurse leaders. These graduates serve in many roles: leadershipin military and national organizations, nursing education, research, and advancedclinical practice. The nursing program provides all students the opportunity todevelop leadership skills through participation in the nursing student organizationand collaboration with program administration and faculty. Nursing students willbe able to consult with faculty members who teach in the master's and doctoralnursing programs at UIW as they consider options for graduate school. Clinicalpractice sites are selected from many hospitals, healthcare agencies, andcommunity institutions in the greater San Antonio area based on their suitabilityto meet educational needs of students. Throughout the program, students willcare for vulnerable populations during clinical rotations and will participate involunteer work to share in the university's commitment to social justice andcommunity service.ContactNursing Office at 210-283-5094 (phone)Nursing Office at 210-829-3174 (fax)Caroline S. Spana, PhD, RNAssistant ProfessorDirector of Student Affairs for Undergraduate Nursing210-829-3987 (office)cspan@uiwtx.eduJulie W. Nadeau, EdD, RN, CNEAssistant ProfessorBSN Program Chair210-829-3990 (office)nadeau@uiwtx.eduMary M. Hoke, PhD, PHCNS-BC, RN-BC, ANEFProfessor and DeanUniversity of the Incarnate Word4301 BroadwaySan Antonio, TX 78209210-283-5094 (office)mhoke@uiwtx.eduThis publication is available in an alternate format by request. To request analternate format, please contact the UIW Admissions office at (210) 829-6005.R10.12