Mission Statement

The School of Nursing at Point Loma Nazarene University exists to support the university Wesleyan mission and to provide an interdisciplinary learning program of excellence. Graduates of the School of Nursing are distinctly identified by grace, truth, and holiness, serving others after the example of Christ, as they are sent to fulfill their calling as professional nurses.

So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciple’s feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around Him.
John 13:4-5 NIV

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:14-15 NIV

Vision Statement

The School of Nursing at Point Loma Nazarene University embraces, as a covenant, the commitment to excellence within a dynamic Christian environment in which each one will engage in the sacred work of nursing. This sacred work involves symbolically removing one’s shoes in service of others.

Take off your sandals for the place you are standing is holy ground.
Exodus 3:5 NIV

Purposes

• To prepare competent, responsible practitioners who are committed to service and leadership as professional nurses;
• To equip graduates with the skills to function at an entry level of professional practice in a wide variety of health care settings;
• To expose students to the dynamic changes occurring in health care today to better prepare them for the changing careers of the future.

Tradition of Excellence

The Nursing program at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is highly respected in the San Diego community and around the world. Classes provide for individualized attention by caring faculty who are dedicated to the academic and clinical success of each student. The Nursing program is rigorous and as such there is a grade requirement of at least “C” for all pre-requisite, co-requisite and Nursing course requirements (excluding NSG 1080 which requires a minimum grade of “B”). The faculty who are professionally qualified focus on effective teaching, and seriously take their call to be Christian role models and mentors. The School of Nursing (SON) is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates are thus eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and apply for public health nursing certification upon graduation. This accredited program provides preparation for graduate study.

Career Opportunities

The program is designed around five program values: caring faithfully, leading faithfully, communicating faithfully, following faithfully and inquiring faithfully. Nursing majors complete a rigorous program of clinical and theory courses that prepare them for the role of the registered nurse. The compassionate attitudes and excellent preparation of PLNU nurses make them highly sought after by San Diego County health care agencies.

Admission Requirements

First-time freshman students are admitted as freshmen to the Nursing major. Transfer students are selected for admission to the sophomore class annually for the fall semester, on a space available basis. Transfer students must have all prerequisite courses and Microbiology completed at the time of application to the program. Selection for freshman and transfer students is based on GPA, strength of application, letter of recommendation, completion of prerequisite classes, as well as additional criteria. LVNs licensed in the State of California are accepted into the program with advanced standing based upon completion of special LVN admission criteria, on a space available basis.

Advanced Placement Policy (LVN)
Course Challenge Requirements 

Students who have a previous bachelor's degree in a major other than Nursing may be considered for admission into the sophomore Nursing class, however, a full three years will be required to complete Nursing coursework. The course load may be lighter depending on the number of General Education classes already completed. PLNU does not offer an accelerated nursing program.

For further information:

• http://www.pointloma.edu/nursing
• (Office) 619-849-3249 or (email) nursing@pointloma.edu

Progression Criteria

• Students must earn a minimum of "C" grade for all prerequisite, corequisite, and Nursing courses. The exception is NSG 1080, which requires a "B" grade.
• Throughout the curriculum, students may repeat one prerequisite, corequisite, or Nursing course. They will only be able to continue matriculation in the Nursing program if space is available.
• Students who require a second repeat of a course will be dismissed from the major.
• For PLNU first-time freshman Nursing majors, BIO 1030 , BIO 1040 and CHE 1003 are required to be taken at PLNU and will not be accepted in transfer except for elective credit.

Health Status

Students in the Nursing major must complete the following requirements before beginning their sophomore year in the program:

• Students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required.
• A physical examination documented by a health care provider is required for matriculation in the SON. The examination includes current immunizations (e.g., COVID, Tdap, MMR, etc.) and tests as required by the San Diego Nursing Education Consortium.
• Tuberculin testing is required annually during the program.
• An annual influenza vaccine is required.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification/renewal is required every 2 years, and must be valid through May.
• Students are required to maintain and provide proof of health insurance throughout the program.

Background Check

Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screen will be required prior to the first clinical experience and at other times throughout the program. If a flag occurs from either the background check or drug screening, this may result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University BSN program.

Other Provisions

• Clinical facilities have a wide geographical distribution. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to fulfill clinical requirements. This also requires a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• A program fee will be assessed every semester to sophomore, junior, and senior Nursing students.
• Students are required to purchase uniforms and other nursing-related equipment as specified in the program.
• Students should be aware that the B.S.N. program is a full three years in length upon completion of prerequisite courses. Those with transfer credits will still need three years of Nursing courses to complete the degree.

Faculty

Dean - Michelle Federe Riingen, DNP, RN, CNS-BC, PHN

Mary Adams, PhD, RN
Loyola University Chicago

Angelica Almonte, PhD, RN
University of San Diego

Heather Garcia, MSN, RN, CNS, CPN
Point Loma Nazarene University

Amanda Higginbotham, MSN, BSN, RN
University of North Dakota

Michelle Jackson, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, RN
University of San Diego

Christina Kelley, DNP, APRN, CNS, NE-BC
Point Loma Nazarene University

Kristen Kellogg, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP-BC, RN
Point Loma Nazarene University

Son Chae Kim, PhD, RN
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
University of San Diego

Kristine Mandani, MSN, RN, CPN
University of California, Los Angeles

Michelle Federe Riingen, DNP, RN, CNS-BC, PHN
Case Western Reserve University

Monique Sawyer, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC
Associate Dean, Traditional Undergraduate Program
Arizona State University

Elizabeth Spelce, RN-BC, PHN, MSN
Point Loma Nazarene University

To view requirements for majors, minors, and certificates, see the Degree Program Information page.