Western Carolina University College of Applied Sciences
Department of Nursing
Program Assessment Plan for Academic Year 2006-2007
Department: Nursing
Programs: BSN and MSN
Name of Person Completing Report: Vincent P. Hall, PhD, RN
Head, Department of Nursing
207 Moore Building
Phone: 7467
Email: [email protected]
Department Mission Statement:
The Department of Nursing adheres to and supports the mission of Western Carolina University. The Department prepares professional nurses at the baccalaureate and graduate levels to address the health care needs of diverse populations in the region. In accordance with its teaching mission, the Department provides a scholarly atmosphere that stimulates service, research, and creative activities by its faculty and students.
Alignment of Program Mission with University and College Mission:
The Department of Nursing provides quality nursing education at the baccalaureate and graduate level. The primary responsibility of the department is teaching while at the same time providing an atmosphere that supports faculty and student service, scholarly activity, and engagement with the region. This is consistent with the missions of the University and College of Applied Sciences.
BSN Program Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Base practice on current knowledge, theory, and research. 2. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for practice. 3. Advocate for clients and the nursing profession.
4. Practice effectively across a variety of settings and with diverse populations. 5. Serve as a member and leader within interdisciplinary health care teams. 6. Form partnerships with clients and with other health care professionals. 7. Provide health education to clients and peers.
8. Manage human and material resources within the health care system.
9. Participate in political and regulatory processes that affect the health and well being of society.
1. Synthesize concepts and theories from nursing and related disciplines to form the basis for advanced practice.
2. Analyze socio-cultural, ethical, economic and political issues that influence patient/client and community outcomes.
3. Utilize the process of scientific inquiry to validate and refine knowledge and research relevant to advanced practice nursing.
4. Demonstrate expertise in a defined area of advanced practice.
5. Integrate health promotion and disease prevention concepts in advanced practice nursing.
6. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of human diversity in delivery of health care across the lifespan.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in the use and management of advanced technology related to a defined area of advanced practice nursing.
8. Demonstrate the ability to engage in multidisciplinary professional relationships in the conduct of advanced practice.
Evaluation Plan:
In order to meet standards for our accrediting bodies, the Council on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Council on Accreditation of Nursing Anesthesia Programs (COA), and our approval body, the NC Board of Nursing (NCBON), a new program evaluation plan for the department was developed in 2001 and implemented in September of that year. The evaluation plan is outcome-based, inclusive of our BSN and MSN programs, and reflects the requirements of CCNE, COA, and the NCBON for total program evaluation. The evaluation (assessment) plan is reviewed and revised each year and appears on the next page.
Western Carolina University College of Applied Sciences
Department of Nursing
Program Evaluation Plan for BSN and MSN
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Evaluation/ Development of Recommendations Decision-Making 1. The Mission, Philosophy, and Terminal Outcomes of the BSN and MSN Programs are congruent with those of the University and the Department of Nursing (DON) faculty beliefs and goals. BSN & MSN Philosophy, Conceptual Framework (CF), Terminal and Level Outcomes A. BSN-approval by NC State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) B. BSN & MSN- Accreditatio n by CCNE (compliance with standards) At least every 5 years (Beginning of academic year -2000, 2005) Curriculum Committee (CC)
Content analysis done by CC or designated subgroups of CC. CC Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of any changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after implementation. 2. BSN & MSN programs are logically organized, internally consistent, and based on the A. Curriculum Plan A. BSN-approval by NCSBN A. At least every 5 years (Beginning of academic year -2000, 2005) A. CC A. CC or designated subgroup of CC will review the curriculum plan at least every 5 years or more frequently as needed. A. CC Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of any changes and re-evaluation
Philosophy, CF, and Terminal Outcomes. B. Individual Courses B. BSN & MSN- Accreditatio n by CCNE (compliance with standards) B. As needed B. Any faculty or Level Team B. Proposed changes in individual courses originate at the team level. Proposed substantive changes (i.e., changes in course description,
objectives, or
significant changes in content) are referred to the CC.
B. Level Teams and/or CC
timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Development of Recommendations Decision-Making 3. BSN & MSN Programs reflect current professional standards and practice guidelines as well as those of the communities of interest. A. AACN Essentials for Baccalaureate and Masters Nursing Education, NCBON Approval Standards and Practice Act, ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice and AP Nursing, NONPF Criteria for Evaluation of NP Programs, AANP Standards of Practice, SREB Nurse Education Guidelines, COA/CRNA Standards. A. BSN-approval by NCSBN A. At least every 5 years (Beginning of academic year -2000, 2005) A. CC A. CC or designated subgroup will perform content analysis on curriculum plans and content at least every 5 years to ensure compliance with standards. A. CC Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of any changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
B. 1) DON Advisory Council 2) Department Head's Student Advisory Council B. BSN & MSN- Accreditatio n by CCNE (compliance with standards) B. 1) Annually 2) Annually B. Department Head B. Department Head completes content analysis on minutes/report from respective council meetings and presents to faculty on annual basis.
B.
Department Head
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Development of Recommendations Decision-Making 4. Course content and teaching/learn ing practices contribute to fulfillment of course objectives, level outcomes & Program Terminal Outcomes. A. NCLEX Program Report B. ATI Exam C. Course Evaluations A. 50th percentile or better for categories within each content dimension of the test plan. B. 65th percentile or > student group performance on Institutional Profile A. Annually B. Annually C. Semi-annually or annually A. CC B. CC C. Level Team A. & B. CC reviews NCLEX Program Report. Categories where student group performance falls below the 50th percentile* will be analyzed for possible causes and solutions. CC reviews ATI data. When student group performance falls below 65th percentile compared to bachelor norm group*, data will be analyzed for
possible causes and solutions. (* over 2 year period) C. Level Teams perform course evaluation based on student course evaluation data and student performance. Proposed substantive changes (i.e., changes
A. & B. CC C. Level Teams and/or CC A. & B. Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after implementation. C. Level Team for minor changes or Faculty Organization for substantive changes who direct
in course description, objectives, or
significant changes in content) are referred to the CC.
implementation of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after implementation. 5. Clinical facilities provide experiences that assist in meeting BSN & MSN course objectives and Program Terminal Outcomes. Clinical Course Evaluations Semi-annually or annually
Level Team Level Teams perform clinical course
evaluations based on student and faculty evaluation data. Changes that involve the use of new
facilities where agency contracts must be
Level Teams Level Team directs
implementation of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Development of Recommendations Decision-Making
5. (cont.) Negotiated are referred
to the Department Head. Level team faculty and/or Department Head negotiate proposed changes within contracted clinical facilities on a case-by-case basis or at annual clinical agency meetings. 6. Graduating students, alumni, and employers are satisfied with the BSN and MSN program. Alumni Surveys: A. Graduating BSN Seniors B. BSN Alumni (1 & 5 yrs.) C. Graduating MSNs D. MSN Alumni (1 & 5yrs.) 80% or greater satisfaction rate on all alumni surveys.
A. May B. Summer C. August D. Summer Undergraduate and Graduate Secretaries at month of graduation and 1 year. Alumni Affairs (AA) at 5 years (2000, 2005, 2010, etc.). Distributed by secretaries, alumni affairs, or IR at times noted in column 2. CC, AA, IR analyzes and summarizes data as appropriate. CC, AA, or IR Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
Employer Surveys (every 5 years) DON Advisory Council 80% or greater satisfaction rate on all employer surveys. November (2000, 2005, 2010, etc.) Annually Institutional Research (IR) Department Head Content analysis on minutes/report from council meeting with presentation to faculty on annual basis. Department Head 7. BSN and MSN students are able to fulfill level and program terminal outcomes. BSN Students: A. Admission Criteria A. -Cumulative GPA 2.75 or > Pre-Licensure (PL). 2.5 or > Capstone A.-Annually (Fall for PL students). A. Student Affairs Committee (SAC) A. SAC reviews potential student application packets. Applicants are scored and ranked based on
A. SAC A. SAC A. (cont.) -Completion of all Major Requirements with a C (2.0) or > -60 or > semester hours of college credit -PL students: competitive Verbal SAT scores and Essay Question Score A. (cont.) -Ongoing (Capstone-RN to BSN) A. (cont.) criteria. Qualified students are offered admission Remainder of applicants placed on waiting list. Capstone Faculty reviews application packets for RN to BSN option on an ongoing basis; admission
recommendations are made to SAC as
B. Retention Rates C. Graduation Rates B. -90% or > retention rate (PL students) -Enrolled in at least 2 WCU courses per year (Capstone)
C. 90% or > graduation rate (within 2 years for PL students, 5 years Capstone) B. Biannually C. Annually B. Level Team C. SAC necessary.
B. Level Teams review student group progress at the end of each semester. Student attrition for academic reasons is analyzed individually and collectively for patterns. Any
proposals that involve changes in curriculum or admission processes are made to the CC or SAC respectively. C. SAC reviews graduation rate data. Any proposals that involve changes in curriculum or admission processes are made to the CC or faculty respectively. B. Level Team, CC, or SAC C. CC or SAC B., C., D., & E. Faculty Organization, who direct implementatio n of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
implementation
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Development of Recommendations Decision-Making
7. (cont.) D. NCLEX Pass Rates E. Employment Rates -Graduating Seniors -BSN Alumni (1 year) MSN Students: A. Admission Criteria D. 90% or > first-time pass rate
E. 95% or > employment rate in nursing A. -BSN from nationally accredited nursing program -GPA 3.0 on 4.0 scale last 60 hours Undergrad. Work or 2.85 on 4.0 D. Annually E. Annually A. Annually (Fall) D. CC E. AA A. SAC D.CC analyzes NCLEX Performance Report and Individual Candidate Reports from unsuccessful candidates for patterns and deficiencies. E. AA analyzes graduate & alumni surveys for rates and types of employment. A report of findings is developed and presented to faculty on an annual basis. A. SAC or subgroup reviews applicant pool. Applicants are scored and ranked. Qualified applicants are offered admission. Admission of qualified students continues until seats
D. CC
E. AA
B. Retention Rates scale cumulatively -GRE scores: Combined Verbal and Quant. of 850, minimum 400 Verbal, Analytic 4.0 -Intro. Statistics course -Undergraduate Research course -RN with NC licensure -1 year or > clinical nursing experience as RN B. 85% or > retention rate B. Annually B. Graduate Level Team
are filled prior to beginning academic year.
B. Level Team reviews student group progress at the end of each semester. Student attrition for academic reasons is analyzed individually and collectively for patterns. Any
proposals that involve changes in curriculum or B. Level Team, CC, or SAC B., C., D., & E. Faculty Organization, who direct implementation of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two
Outcome Areas of Evaluation Indicators (When Applicable) Timeframe: Data Collection Individual(s) Responsible Methodology Development of Recommendations Decision-Making 7. (cont.) C. Graduation Rates D. –Competency Exams -Research Project or Thesis Defense -Certification Exam Pass Rates (ANCC and/or AANP) -Nurse Educator (NE) (NLN) Certification Exam C. 85% or > graduation rate (within 3 years) D. –Successful completion of Competency Exams -Successful defense of Research Project or Thesis -90% or > first time pass rate for FNP or NE exam (2 years post graduation – optional) C. Annually D. Annually C. Graduate Director D. Graduate Director B. (cont.) admission processes are made to the CC or SAC respectively.
C. Graduate Director reviews graduation rate data. Any
proposals that involve changes in curriculum or admission processes are made to the CC or SAC respectively. D. Graduate Director distributes self-addressed/stamped cards for MSN graduates to report exam status. Upon return of cards, Director conducts random interviews with graduates (appx. 20-30% of class) to determine their C. Graduate Director D. Graduate Director B., C., D., & E. (cont.) year interval after implementation.
E. Employment Rates-Graduating MSN -MSN Alumni (1 year) E. 80% or > employment rate as FNP in primary care setting or as Nurse Educator in appropriate setting. E. Annually E. Graduate Director perception of program effectiveness. E. Graduate Director analyzes graduate & alumni surveys for rates and types of employment. A report of findings is developed and presented to faculty on an annual basis. E. Graduate Director 8. Library collection and Learning Lab Facilities support the achievement of BSN & MSN outcomes. A. Library holdings A. -Additions to collection - annually. Review of entire collection -at least every five years A. Nursing Faculty Library Liaison (NFLL) (1 Cullowhee-based, 1 Enka-based) A. NFLL reviews newly published literature; seek input from faculty on collection needs, and compiles list of recommendations. Review of entire collection is done in conjunction with collection supervisor at library. NFLL may designate individuals or subgroups to review holdings. A. NFLL A. Faculty organization. B. Learning Lab supplies and equipment B. Annually B. Level Directors B. Level Directors or designee(s) examine learning lab needs.
B. Level Directors B. Department Head in conjunction with Level Directors
9. Faculty accomplishme nts are congruent with the mission, philosophy, and terminal outcomes of the DON. Annual Faculty Evaluation (AFE) Documents and Annual Review of Faculty Activities Documentation A. Teaching: # of advisees, thesis/project committees (member or supervised) B. Service: # of Departmental, College, University committees. # of memberships/ offices in professional associations or honor societies. # of student recruitment activities. # of community service activities C. Research/ Creative Works: # of refereed or non-refereed publications, textbooks or chapters, professional conference papers and presentations, journal manuscripts reviewed, externally Annually April/May Department Head & FA
Department Head & FA reviews documents submitted by faculty for AFE process; within the framework of teaching, service, scholarship, & practice, the data is analyzed as an aggregate for congruency. A report of findings is compiled and presented to faculty. Department Head & FA Department Head/Faculty Organization, who direct implementation of changes and re-evaluation timeframe at a one and/or two year interval after
funded grant applications written/received. D. Practice: # and type of practice activities. # and type of professional credentials/ Certifications.
VPH; 8/01: Approved by Department of Nursing Faculty; 9/01
Revised VPH; 3/02: Revision Approved by Faculty; 4/02; Reviewed and Revised by Nursing Executive Committee; 8/04: Revisions approved by Nursing Faculty 8/04; Reviewed and Revised by Nursing Executive Committee-9/05; Reviewed and Revised by Program Evaluation Committee-1/06: Revisions approved by Nursing Faculty 1/06.
Key to Abbreviations:
AA – Alumni Affairs Committee CC – Curriculum Committee DH – Department Head
FA – Faculty Affairs Committee
IR – Institutional Research (University Level) SAC – Student Affairs Committee
