Nursing

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Interim Chair: Nancy Valentine

Graduate Faculty

Maryann Abendroth, associate professor, Ph.D., University of Florida
Derryl Block, professor, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Patricia Braun, professor emeritus, D.Sc., Rocky Mountain University
Cathy Carlson, associate professor, Ph.D., Indiana University
Katherine Coulter, clinical assistant professor, DNP., Chamberlain College of Nursing
Manju Daniel, associate professor, Ph.D., Rush University
LaDawna Goering, assistant professor, DNP., University of St. Francis
Kari Hickey, assistant professor, Ph.D., Illinois State University
Mary Elaine Koren, professor emeritus, Ph.D., Rush University
Kathleen Musker, associate professor, Ph.D., Loyola University
Deborah Riddell, clinical assistant professor, DNP., University of Illinois-Chicago
Jeanette Rossetti, Presidential Teaching Professor, Ed.D., Northern Illinois University 
Nancy Valentine, professor, Ph.D., Brandeis University

The School of Nursing offers programs of graduate study leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Master of Science (M.S.) in nursing, and two post-master’s certificates of graduate study-family nurse practitioner and nursing education.

The M.S. in advanced practice nursing specializations (adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner) prepare students to qualify for certification as adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, or adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialists. Both nurse practitioner specializations are focused on primary care not acute care. M.S. students can also select the nursing education specialization to prepare for roles in academic and practice settings. The master’s degree in nursing and post-master’s certificates at Northern Illinois University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The D.N.P. degree prepares nurses a) to practice in an advanced nursing role in a particular specialization and b) to lead innovative, evidence-based practice initiatives that impact quality improvements and outcomes in healthcare systems. Both a post-bachelor’s degree and post-master’s degree D.N.P. program are offered.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

Students in nursing are required to undergo criminal background checks and drug screening. The nursing program may be unable to place students in a clinical setting if they have a positive drug screen or if the student has a prior criminal record; therefore, the student may not be able to complete the program of required courses.

Clinical Requirements: Graduate Nursing Programs

All students are admitted to the nursing graduate programs provisionally until they have provided proof of meeting the clinical requirements outlined in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook and then they will be fully admitted. Full admission to the nursing program is required to enroll in nursing courses. All graduate nursing students are required to submit proof of having met clinical requirements when requested and must maintain clinical requirements for continued enrollment in the graduate nursing program. If requirements are not met, the student may not be able to complete the program. The Graduate Nursing Student Handbook contains additional policies related to admission and progression through the nursing program.

Clinical requirements include documentation of a Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois, immunizations/immunity, criminal background checks, drug screening, Standard Precautions/Universal Precautions training, CPR Healthcare Provider certification, Health Insurance Portability and Acountability Act (HIPAA) training, completion of the NIU Online Tutorial on Academic Integrity, and proof of health insurance. Professional Liability Insurance is provided as part of student fees.

Students are required to undergo criminal background checks and are evaluated for a disqualifying criminal offense under Illinois regulations for health care workers. A student with a disqualifying offense will be unable to complete the program. Students who commit a crime while enrolled in the nursing program may not be able to complete the program. To qualify for an Advanced Practice License in Illinois, a RN license is required.

Students with a positive drug screen for illegal or unauthorized drugs may be unable to complete the program.

All clinical requirements are to be maintained throughout the curriculum as outlined in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

Grading Policies for Nursing Master’s Degree and Certificate Students

Nursing graduate students must earn a minimum grade of B in each required course in the plan of study.

Any required course in which a grade of B- or lower is earned must be repeated and a grade of B or higher earned prior to progressing in the required plan of study course work. Students who earn two grades of B- or lower in the same course or any combination of courses will be dismissed from the nursing graduate programs to which they were admitted.

The Graduate Nursing Student Handbook contains additional policies related to admission and progression through the nursing program.

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