The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences offers three programs of study in nursing: one program leading to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, one leading to a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, and one leading to a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). The baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing at Elmhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); application for inclusion of the doctorial degree will be made in 2023.

Mission

The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares nurses for professional practice and leadership to meet the needs of a diverse society.

Goals

• Prepare graduates for professional nursing practice in generalist and advanced nursing roles

• Develop a foundation for graduate and doctoral study in nursing

Philosophy

Nursing at Elmhurst University educates students in baccalaureate and master’s degree programs for ethical practice and leadership in professional nursing. To accomplish this, the faculty and students are dedicated to creating an educational environment that focuses on:

• Integrating liberal and professional education

• Using collaborative and active learning strategies among faculty and students

• Demonstrating ethical professional nursing practice with diverse populations

• Providing leadership in health care systems that promote safe, quality and cost-effective patient- and familycentered care

• Engaging in values-driven nursing practice that encompasses altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice

• Developing increasingly complex nursing practice competencies

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The ABSN is a professional program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field, who wish to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. This degree prepares students for practice as a generalist registered professional nurse (RN). The program consists of 60 semester hours over 4 semesters, with admission twice a year (fall and spring semester).

ABSN admission requirements

Student interested in a ABSN degree will be admitted to Elmhurst University and the nursing program concurrently. To be admitted, students must (1) meet certain health requirements and functional abilities; (2) have the demonstrated ability to engage in diverse, complex and specific experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions; and (3) have the unique combinations of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical and social abilities required to satisfactorily perform these skills and functions. See the Elmhurst University Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Program Student Handbook for further information on these requirements for admission. This handbook is available on the University’s website.

The following requirements are necessary to be admitted to the ABSN program:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 overall

• Minimum science GPA of 2.8

• Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, Lifespan and Pathopsychology, and Statistics A grade of C or better in every natural science and nonscience prerequisite course

• Students may repeat one science and one non-science course to remove a W or improve a grade of C or lower

• Completed application, which includes a review of the EU prelicensure BSN student handbook, health requirements, comprehensive health insurance, and essential qualifications

• Personal statement, resume, and interview

Executive Director: Diane Salvador

Faculty : Laura Brennan, Jennifer Caringella, Sara DePaul, Julie Glendenning, Becky Hulett, Sarah Katula, Jessica Lamberson, Laura Minarich, Sandra McCormick, Sara Mulka, Penny Reiss, Kathleen Scanlon, Ruth Schumacher, Kristin Sciutto, Mary E. Weyer, Laury Westbury