Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing

“Caring is the shining thread of gold that holds together the tapestry of life.”
Mrs. Ida V. Moffett

Administration

Nena F. Sanders, Ralph W. Beeson Dean and Professor
Jane S. Martin, Associate Dean, Graduate Program, Professor
Joy H. Whatley, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program, Professor
Terri M. Cahoon, Chair, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Associate Professor
Geri W. Beers, Chair, Undergraduate Program, Professor
Jill L. Cunningham, Chair, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Associate Professor
Gretchen S. McDaniel, Director, NurCE, Professor
Amy C. Snow, Director, Clinical Services, Nurse Anesthesia, Instructor

Faculty

Margaret P. Findlay, Professor
Arlene N. Hayne, Professor
Sharron P. Schlosser, Professor
Mary Sue Baldwin, Associate Professor
Cynthia G. Berry, Associate Professor
Amy B. Bigham, Associate Professor
Jennifer J. Coleman, Associate Professor
Cynthia G. Cortes, Associate Professor
Nina E. McLain, Associate Professor
Carol Ratcliffe, Associate Professor
Debra P. Whisenant, Associate Professor
Stephanie D. Wynn, Associate Professor
Lisa E. Allison, Assistant Professor
Andrea W. Collins, Assistant Professor
Tracey K. Dick, Assistant Professor
Lisa E. Gurley, Assistant Professor
Julie A. Head, Assistant Professor
Jane Holston, Assistant Professor
Abbey Holthaus, Assistant Professor
Erin E. Killingsworth, Assistant Professor
John D. Lundeen, Assistant Professor
Elaine M. Marshall, Assistant Professor
Jillyn N. Pence, Assistant Professor
Vicki W. Rochester, Assistant Professor
Susan G. Sheffield, Assistant Professor
Lora R. Shelton, Assistant Professor
Jennifer Bondurant Steele, Assistant Professor
Rebecca Warr, Assistant Professor
Heidi H. Emanuel, Instructor
Jill B. Hightower, Instructor
Megan R. Mileski, Instructor
Amber Patrick, Instructor
Hilary E. Vrocher, Instructor

History

Rich in tradition, the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing was founded in 1922 by the Birmingham Baptist Association as a hospital-based diploma program. In 1955, the school became the first program in Alabama to achieve accreditation by the National League for Nursing and it has remained fully accredited throughout its existence. The nursing program transferred to Samford University in 1973 following a merger agreement with the Baptist Health System to offer associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing. In 1988, the school moved to its current home in the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Center for Healing Arts on the Samford campus. Extraordinary growth and transformation have occurred since the school’s inception, all while remaining focused on preparing students to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. Pass rates for graduates taking national licensure and certification examinations significantly exceed national averages. The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers a variety of options for obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing, a master of science in nursing, or a doctor of nursing practice degree.

Accreditation and Approval

The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master’s degree in nursing/doctor of nursing practice and post-graduate APRN certificate at Samford University are accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036- 1120; phone (202) 887-6791. In addition, the nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 222 South Prospect Avenue, Suite 304, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068-4010; phone (847) 692-7050. The School of Nursing is also approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Curricular Options

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers a unique curricular approach that allows students several choices in pursuing their nursing education. These options are:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): The goal of nursing is directing, maintaining, and reinforcing the adaptation of individuals, families, and groups toward optimal health. Students enrolled in the B.S.N. program in the School of Nursing are prepared to meet this goal as they use knowledge, critical thinking skills and practice skills obtained from both nursing and liberal arts to provide professional care in a variety of settings. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N: The accelerated second degree B.S.N. is an 18 month program for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon graduation with the B.S.N. degree, the graduate is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Second Degree B.S.N.: The second degree B.S.N. program is a five-semester program for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon graduation with the B.S.N. degree, the graduate is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.): The M.S.N. program prepares advanced practice nurses in a variety of specialty areas. Graduates are prepared as family nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, and nurse managers.

RN to M.S.N.: The RN-M.S.N. option provides an opportunity for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses to obtain the M.S.N. online within one program of study.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate: The post master’s certificate is available to those who already possess the M.S.N. degree but who wish to receive additional graduate level instruction.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.): The online D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

Program Goals

The goals of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing are as follows:

Recruit qualified nurse educators and staff who are committed to the mission and philosophy of Samford University and the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing.
Promote professional development of faculty through mentoring and collegial relationships and administrative support.
Recruit and retain qualified students who have demonstrated high standards of scholarship, outstanding personal character, and serious educational aims.
Maintain a qualified and diversified student body by mentoring students and providing financial aid support.
Provide an environment that promotes scholarship, critical thinking, and responsiveness to community needs.
Create a Christian environment in which diverse student populations may develop an academic and social network that supports their uniqueness and promotes professionalism and lifelong learning.
Integrate the liberal arts, sciences, and professional nursing education in order for graduates to make positive contributions to society.
Develop individuals who are competent in the application of knowledge and skills and who possess values and attitudes consistent with the nursing profession.
Prepare graduates to contribute to the advancement of professional nursing and the improvement of the health care system.

Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct

Students in the School of Nursing must adhere to standards of conduct specified in the Samford University Student Handbook as well as the Samford University Student Guide to Academic Integrity, and certain standards of behavior appropriate for all health professionals. Students shall comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards that determine acceptable behavior of the nurse. Noncompliance may be cause for suspension/dismissal from the nursing school and denial of permission by individual state board’s of nursing to take the NCLEX-RN examination or be approved as an advanced practice nurse.

Students documented to have demonstrated unethical, unprofessional, or unsafe conduct merit immediate probation or dismissal from the nursing school. Grievances, which result from students failing to adhere to appropriate personal and professional conduct, will be considered by utilizing the grievance process in the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Student Handbook and the University Catalog.

School of Nursing Expenses

In addition to tuition, fees, and room and board costs (as described in this catalog), undergraduate students are responsible for other costs associated with beginning nursing courses. Costs include uniforms, books, medical equipment, yearly physical examinations, required immunizations, required drug testing, background checks, a personal laptop computer, software for electronic medical records, and required health insurance. Additional expenses for undergraduates include costs associated with application for licensure, and may include costs for the School of Nursing pin. Students are responsible for providing transportation to and from clinical experiences.

Graduate students who are enrolled in specialty tracks can expect additional expenses. Costs include lab coat, books, medical equipment, Remote Proctor (FNP and Educator students), yearly physical examinations, required immunizations, required drug testing, background checks, a personal laptop with a webcam and microphone, software for electronic medical records, and required health insurance.

Personal Health Insurance/Liability Insurance

Students in the School of Nursing are required to provide proof of current personal health insurance coverage. Each semester, students in the IVMSON are automatically enrolled in the University sponsored student health insurance plan. There is a charge for this coverage. To have the charge removed from his/her Samford account, a nursing student must provide proof of insurance by completing the insurance waiver at:

http://www.studentinsurance.com/Schools/AL/SU/?CollegeID=217

International Students: Based upon federal regulations and University policy, all F and J visa holders are required to carry insurance that meets certain coverage requirements. Information about specific policy carriers, minimum coverage, and premium costs is available from the International Studies Office at (205) 726-4334.

Liability insurance is provided by Samford University. Personal liability insurance for clinical practice, while not required, is highly recommended for all undergraduate nursing students. Professional liability insurance is required for all graduate students.

Clinical Resources

Clinical experiences for the School of Nursing are provided in the following facilities: Baptist Health System, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Brookwood Medical Center, other area hospitals, and selected community health clinics. All clinical facilities are accredited by the appropriate agencies. In addition, a wide variety of agencies are utilized for graduate student experiences including, but not limited to primary care facilities, schools of nursing, acute care facilities, and managed care organizations.

Required Health Data

The student must have completed and submitted all necessary documentation required by the University, the School of Nursing, and all clinical agencies before registering for clinical courses. The following health data must be currently on file:

Health Form: Prior to registering for clinical courses, the undergraduate student must have a health form (updated yearly) on file in the School of Nursing. Graduate students must also have this form on file to register for classes.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: BLS is a requirement for all clinical nursing courses. The School of Nursing does not accept online courses. Certification must be updated every two years. This certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association. This certification must include one-rescuer and two-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adult, child, and infant. Evidence of a current card issued by the American Heart Association is required for the student’s permanent file in the School of Nursing.
Rubella immunity: Each student must submit evidence of rubella immunity.
Varicella (Chicken Pox): Students who have not had the chicken pox must complete the two-step varicella vaccine prior to completing the first clinical course in order to progress to the second clinical nursing course. If a student refuses the vaccine, a waiver must be completed, signed, and a copy filed in the School of Nursing.
Influenza immunization: Each student must submit to an influenza immunization, annually, in the fall semester.
Hepatitis B: The School of Nursing requires each student to take the Hepatitis B vaccine. University Health Services offers the vaccine, or the student may consult a physician or local health department for the vaccination. If a student refuses the vaccination series, a waiver form must be completed, signed, and a copy filed in the nursing school.
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test: The School of Nursing requires each student to have a Mantoux tuberculin skin test annually. Students who test positive must meet current CDC guidelines regarding annual chest x-rays.
Drug Testing and Background Checks: All students are required to submit to drug testing and a background check prior to beginning clinical experiences. Nurse anesthesia students are required to submit to a drug test and a background check prior to admission. Additionally, students may be tested for cause or clinical affiliation requirements. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the drug test and background check. (See School of Nursing Student Handbook for Substance Abuse Policy and Procedure.)
Additional Requirements: Clinical agencies may place additional health requirements on students affiliating with that agency. Clinical instructors will notify students when applicable.