St. David’s School of Nursing

Nursing Building
Round Rock Campus

100 Bobcat Way
Round Rock, TX
T: 512.716.2900 F: 512.716.2911

www.nursing.txst.edu

Vision

The St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University will provide supportive and creative educational programs, which inspire those who teach and those who learn, based on mutual respect and a commitment to contribute to the health of individuals, families, populations, communities, and the environment worldwide.

Mission

Preparing the next generation of nurses to improve health care.

The St. David’s School of Nursing educates and prepares graduates, using innovative teaching strategies and state-of-the-art technology. Graduates provide ethical, safe, and effective patient-centered care and contribute to present and emerging research and health management practices. Graduates demonstrate competence in clinical judgement, collaborate as member and leaders of interprofessional healthcare teams, and utilize scientifically-based interventions. As caring professional nurses, graduates manage illness; promote, maintain, and restore health; and provide end-of-life care for diverse individuals, families, populations, and global communities across the lifespan.

The nursing program, located in Round Rock, offers two undergraduate nursing programs. The first is the traditional face-to-face upper division Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program which prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and to meet the minimum competencies for beginning practice as a R.N. 

The BSN curriculum is 120 hours, including 61 hours of Texas State core curricular and prerequisite courses; and 59 hours of nursing courses. The nursing courses are offered in a lock step format over five semesters beginning at the junior level. Academic study in nursing is combined with clinical experiences in affiliated clinical settings, as well as hours spent in the simulation laboratories in the School of Nursing building. The curriculum is designed to accommodate the latest teaching technologies and learning strategies to provide students with the skills, knowledge and abilities needed for professional nursing practice in the 21st century.

The second undergraduate nursing program offered is a hybrid BSN completion program (RN to BSN). This program is for students who hold an associate's degree in nursing from an associate college. The BSN completion curriculum includes 30 hours of upper division nursing courses. The didactic courses are primarily offered online with strategically placed face-to-face experiences. The curriculum is designed for flexibility with the option of full or part-time study. Students can finish in as little as two semesters or as many as six semesters with extension by permission from the undergraduate program director. This program is only offered if sufficient enrollment is met.

Our graduates are prepared to pursue clinical excellence and certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and to continue formal education for the Master of Science in Nursing degree and/or Doctorate in Nursing. Nursing programs offered in the St. David's School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Academic Progression   

Students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing programs are required to earn a grade of at least 75% (C or higher) in all courses in the BSN curriculum. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 in their nursing coursework to graduate from the BSN program.

BSN courses are offered in a lock-step sequence. Each course will be offered only once each academic year; therefore, progress in the program will be delayed if the student fails or drops/withdraws from a course. A student may repeat a nursing course only one time. Following a second nursing course failure or withdrawal from a nursing course beyond the census date (12th class day), a student will be dismissed from the nursing program, but not Texas State University. 

Immunizations and Basic Life Support

It is a policy of the College of Health Professions that each student will complete a Health Certificate and Immunization Test Form. These forms must be signed by a physician or licensed healthcare provider. Students must stay current on immunizations. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals must also be completed and remain current.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

The traditional BSN student will undergo two background checks. The first criminal background check conducted through the Board of Nursing is required prior to admission to the St. David’s School of Nursing. The second background check, conducted by a third-party vendor, is required by our clinical partners and a valid social security number must be submitted. Both traditional and RN to BSN students must complete the third-party background check and drug screen as part of the admission process. All nursing students are subject to random, or for cause, drug and alcohol screens throughout the program.

Courses in Nursing (NURS)

NURS 3110. Health Assessment Across the Life Span Practicum.

This course requires demonstrated competency in the performance and documentation of physical assessments of well individuals and nursing care plans using the nursing process, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Apply teaching/learning principles in meeting the education needs of patients and demonstrate measures to maintain confidentiality of personal health information.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 4 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 3121. Essentials of Nursing Care Practicum.

This course requires the use of nursing process and clinical reasoning principles to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care. Evidence-based practices will be used when performing essential nursing skills and procedures to care for patients experiencing acute and chronic alterations in health status.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 4 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 3221. Essentials of Nursing Care.

This foundation course focuses on basic concepts related to essential nursing care of patients across the life span. Integration of knowledge of family systems, evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and the nursing process to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care will occur.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Lab Required
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3230. Healthcare Systems.

Access and barriers to healthcare, past and current healthcare policy, and the professional nurse's role in policy and delivery of healthcare, will be emphasized. Qualitative and quantitative research in relation to healthcare systems, evidence based nursing practice, and ethical topics will be discussed.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3240. Nursing Care Across the Life Span Practicum.

This course uses clinical experiences to apply the nursing process in providing safe, effective, and quality care to patients and families across the life span. Clinical reasoning and judgment will be used to provide ethical, holistic, and patient-centered nursing care, promote health, prevent disease, and manage illness.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 8 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 3241. Acute Nursing Care of Adults Practicum.

This course requires students to use evidence-based and collaborative practice principles in providing safe, effective, and quality care to adult patients experiencing acute, rapidly changing, life-threatening alterations in health status. Clinical reasoning and judgment will be used to provide ethical, holistic, patient-centered nursing care, manage illness, and promote health.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 8 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 3250. Health Assessment Across the Life Span.

Conducting health histories and physical assessments of well individuals and developing nursing care plans that include patient age-specific health promotion, illness prevention, and risk factors will be emphasized. Assessments will encompass cultural domains, diversity, belief systems, and the implications for traditional as well as complementary and alternative healthcare.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3260. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum.

This course utilizes clinical experiences to promote application of the nursing process in providing quality care to those experiencing mental health issues across the life span. Competency in using evidence-based practices to promote health, prevent disease, and manage illness will be developed.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 8 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 3300. Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice.

This course explores the history of nursing in the context of the evolving healthcare system. Laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines impacting nursing licensure and professional practice will be examined. The delivery of patient and family-centered, evidence-based, and safe quality care will be explored. (WI) (MULP).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Multicultural Perspective|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3302. Research and Ethics.

Introduction to critical appraisal of qualitative and quantitative research, and application of research and evidence-based processes used to improve decision-making and patient care outcomes across health settings. Integration of theory, information systems, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives and analysis of ethical conduct provide a foundation for learning the research process. (WI).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3360. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

This course applies theories, concepts, knowledge, and skills for the comprehensive nursing care of those coping with mental health issues. Building on a liberal education, this course integrates theories of mental illness, psychopathology, and current research findings as they relate to the presentation of symptoms and holistic management of care.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3430. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses.

Introduction and overview of pathology, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, including how major drugs are used therapeutically for age-specific clients. Other topics to be covered include drug laws and regulations, patient and nurse safety.

4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3440. Nursing Care Across the Life Span.

This foundational course focuses on the use of clinical reasoning and judgment to provide collaborative care to patients across the life span experiencing chronic and acute alterations in health status. Content is presented based on evidence-based practice and the prevalent health needs of patients. Prerequisite: NURS 3430 with a grade of "C" or better.

4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Lab Required
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 3441. Acute Nursing Care of Adults.

This course focuses on the use of evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning and judgment to provide collaborative care to adult patients experiencing acute, rapidly changing, life-threatening alterations in health status.

4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4160. Maternal and Newborn Nursing Practicum.

This course is the clinical companion to NURS 4260. Concepts, knowledge, and skills taught in NURS 4160 will be applied to both simulation lab and clinical settings. Evidence-based, developmentally and culturally appropriate nursing care in a variety of patient-care settings will be emphasized.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 4 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 4170. Pediatric Nursing Practicum.

This course is the clinical companion to NURS 4270. Concepts, knowledge, and skills taught in NURS 4270 will be applied in the simulation lab and clinical settings. Evidence-based, developmentally and culturally appropriate nursing care in a variety of patient-care settings will be emphasized.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 4 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 4201. Professional Growth and Empowerment.

This course focuses on issues related to professional practice, career planning, personal goal setting, and empowerment of self and others. Factors related to job performance, performance expectations and evaluation, reality orientation, and commitment to lifelong learning will be discussed.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4204. Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy in Professional Nursing Practice.

This course explores the baccalaureate prepared nurse’s role informing the public policy process. Nursing jurisprudence, principles of nursing ethics, patient safety advocacy, standards and scope of nursing practice, professional boundaries, nursing peer review, and whistleblower protections are emphasized to prepare students to influence the U.S. Health Care System and society.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4205. Healthcare Information Technology in Nursing Practice.

This course emphasizes nursing informatics and technology used in healthcare settings to research, support and implement safe quality patient care. Nursing administrative applications, pre-care and care support, electronic health records, clinical information systems, telehealth, informatics promoting community and consumer health, HIPAA, and technology to enhance collaboration in healthcare are covered.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4211. Nursing Care in Complex Health Practicum.

This course focuses on providing care to patients with complex health alterations and life situations. Nursing care to patients in a variety of settings will be provided using the concepts of therapeutic communication and collaborative interventions with a focus on the complexity of the patient’s or family’s needs.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 8 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 4260. Maternal and Newborn Nursing.

This course applies the nursing process and evidence-based practice to the care of maternal and newborn patients in a variety of healthcare settings. The course emphasizes the use of the nursing process to provide care to individuals and families that is developmentally and culturally focused.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4270. Pediatric Nursing.

This course applies the nursing process and evidence-based practice to the care of pediatric patients in acute, outpatient and non-acute care settings. The course emphasizes the use of the nursing process to provide care to individuals and families that is developmentally and culturally appropriate.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4280. Community and Population Health Nursing Practicum.

Clinical experiences will expose students to a variety of community and public health environments, health programs and policies in order to learn how nursing care is delivered to populations in community settings.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 8 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 4302. Role Transition to Professional Nursing.

This didactic course focuses on role responsibility and accountability for transition into baccalaureate nursing practice. Emphasis is given to core professional standards and ethical values fundamental to nursing. Principles of professional communication, critical thinking, and role socialization will be integrated within an organizational context for professional growth. (WI).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4303. Safety and Quality in an Interprofessional Environment.

This course emphasizes the professional nurses’ role in application of evidence based quality improvement and risk reduction strategies that promote safe environments while maximizing resources and opportunities for positive patient outcomes. Participation in highly effective Interprofessional teams is emphasized with concepts applied to local, national and international health issues.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4311. Nursing Care in Complex Health.

This course explores traditional and contemporary nursing concepts related to complex health alterations, compensations, and environments across the life span. Therapeutic communication, education, and collaborative interventions with diverse individuals and groups are emphasized including the use of complementary and alternative modalities to meet the needs of patients.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Lab Required
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4341. Leadership and Management of Nursing Care Practicum.

Leadership and management skills in a variety of nursing care situations will be applied. Nursing unit leadership and staff assignments based on assessment of client needs, resources, priorities, and competencies of staff will be covered. Assessment and evaluation of the provision of evidence-based nursing care will be performed.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 12 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NURS 4351. Leadership and Management of Nursing Care.

Students discuss leadership and management theories related to organizational nursing roles, including competencies required for complex change, performance improvement, and transformational leadership. Organizational contexts, structure, processes, and culture, in leading and directing patient centered care are examined, along with relationships between governance structures, practice environments, and positive patient outcomes. (WI).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NURS 4380. Community and Population Health Nursing.

This course explores concepts of Community-Oriented Nursing Practice with an emphasis on using the nursing process to assess the health of communities and diverse populations. Public Health Nursing Practice and Community-Based Nursing Practice are discussed with an emphasis on health promotion and the prevention of disability and disease.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Lab Required
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Antu, Anna Laura, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at El Paso

Arevalo, Amy Dawn, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas A&M Univ-Corpus Christi

Belcik, Kimberly Dawn, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Brewer, Crystal Marie, Clinical Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Concordia University Texas

Brymer, Jessica Elaine, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Arlington

Burke, Amanda Bolfing, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas A&M Univ-Corpus Christi

Covington, Barbara G, Associate Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Cropley, Stacey Lynne, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center

Dang, Stephanie Lan, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Austin

Erbin-Roesemann, Marla A, Associate Dean, College of Health Professions and Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Falaschi, Kinsey Bryn, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Western Governors University

Finney, Mary-Margaret, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., University of South Alabama

Fraley, Anne Marie, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Austin

Galles, Michelle Annette, Clinical Lecturer, Nursing, D.N.P., South University

Garcia, Theresa J, Interim Chair - Associate Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Gardner, Bethany Dawn, Lecturer, Nursing, D.N.P., Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Gargar, Jimmy, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., New Mexico State Univ Main Campus

Hildebrandt, Michael J, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of South Alabama

Hogan, Brendon Hughes, Lecturer, Nursing, PHARMD, University of Texas at Austin

Horn, Kelly Diane, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Walden University

Hughes, Monica Jamison, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Rush University

Jillapalli, Regina, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Kinder, Ariel Marie, Clinical Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center

Leavitt, Rachel Beth, Clinical Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center

Lindsay, Judith Elwanda, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., Univ of Texas Medical Branch

Littlefield, Amber Denee, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Frontier Nursing University

Livsey, Mark William, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Austin

Mahn, Christy Lee, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Fort Hays State University

Manning, Amelia Des Jardins, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

McClanahan, Christopher Terance, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center

Messinger, Catherine Joy, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., University of Iowa

Montgomery, Jean Ellen, Lecturer, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington

Nighswander, Michelle Lee, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas A&M University

Ozuna, Nina Jeanne, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Arlington

Page, Tracey Leigh, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center

Paladino, Andrea Jane, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., Lewis University

Park, Gloria Youngju, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ph.D., University of Washington

Patel, Stephanie Lyne, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Texas A&M Univ-Corpus Christi

Phillips, Janelle Queitsch, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Arlington

Rosenbaum, Kimberly Ann, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., George Mason University

Saenz, Gabriel Luz, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Univ of Tex Hlth Sci San Antonio

Simmons, Tyson Dexter, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Texas at Arlington

Smalley, Jennifer Elizabeth, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas Woman's University

Smith, Kathryn Sue, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ed.D., Univ of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Terry, Nicole Hugie, Lecturer, Nursing, D.N.P., University of Massachusetts

Tufano, Virginia Emma, Assistant Professor, Nursing, Ed.D., College of Saint Mary

Valdez, Lenora Elaine, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., University of Phoenix

Wagner, Amanda Kathryn, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, D.N.P., Vanderbilt University

Walters-Snider, Ashley Nicole, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., Texas A&M Univ-Corpus Christi

Wells, Brandy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, M.S.N., Saint Xavier University

Wilson, Michele Atteberry, Clinical Lecturer, Nursing, Ph.D., Univ of Texas Medical Branch

Worden, Kristin Kay, Lecturer, Nursing, M.S., Western Governors University