Nursing (RN – BSN) (currently not accepting applications)
The RN-BSN degree completion program is designed for students who have a current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. Nursing courses are in the online delivery model.
BSN Program Mission
Committed to the mission and values of the University, the mission of the nursing program is to educate students to become, and grow as, professional nurses who value excellence, provide leadership, and show caring attitudes in all endeavors, foster community, and embrace lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared to provide outcome-focused, client-centered, evidence-based, holistic nursing care to individuals, groups, and communities of diverse backgrounds.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Information related to this accreditation may be obtained by contacting CCNE at 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 887-6791 Fax: (202) 887-6791.
Nursing Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Nursing program will:
- Use clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and evidence when providing and directing safe, holistic, patient-centered care.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills and interprofessional collaboration.
- Integrate professional role responsibilities in the areas of provider, designer, manager, coordinator of care, and member of a profession.
- Utilize data and information science to measure and improve client outcomes within a variety of systems.
- Demonstrate professional value integration of the five Cs of caring: competence, compassion, commitment, conscience, and confidence (Roach, M. (1992). The human act of caring: A blueprint for the health professions. Canadian Hospital Association.)
Acceptance
Applicants will be admitted officially to the RN-BSN program if the following conditions are met:
- Completion of admission application.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is required on all previous college work. RN applicants who have a cumulative GPA between 2.00 and 2.50 may be considered for admission on an individual basis.
- Completion of Supplemental Application Form.
- Verification of unrestricted RN license in the United States.
- Letters from two professional/educational references.
- Receipt of all official transcripts of all college work.
- Statement of Personal Goals (if not included on supplemental application form).
Program/Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all required clinical hours.
- Completion of all the University of Saint Mary’s liberal studies and general education requirements for the bachelor’s degree (120 hours).
- The Academic and Student Affairs Committee (ASAC) may place students who are enrolled in the nursing program on probationary status or recommend dismissal, if their behaviors in the virtual classroom are determined to be unprofessional. Professional behaviors include, but are not limited to, behaviors that relate to: attitude, respect, conduct, language, integrity or dishonesty, responsibility, and accountability.
- Minimum grade of “C” in each nursing course and required nursing support courses is required for the nursing major. Grades of “D,” “F,” or “WF” are considered to be failing, are not acceptable, and the course must be repeated. Students earning a “D,” “F,” or “WF” may repeat that course one time. Subsequent failures from that or any other nursing or support course will result in probation. Probationary status must be removed, and the failed course must be repeated successfully within six credit hours, or the next time the course is offered. Failure to meet these guidelines will result in dismissal from the program. Failure of greater than two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program.
- Students who are dismissed/withdraw from the program, may apply for re-admission one time only. Applications for readmission will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and all will require a statement by the student explaining the previous difficulties and plan of action to ensure success with the readmission.
- Completion of all program requirements within five years of admission to the program.
- Maintain licensure as a registered nurse in the United States for admission and continued enrollment.
Note: University of Saint Mary’s RN-BSN students interested in earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through the University of Saint Mary have the option, with approval of the Graduate Program Director, of transferring in up to eight graduate credits from the following course(s):
- NU 607 Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion in place of NURN 321 Health Assessment
- NU 701 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice in place of NURN 302 Nursing as a Profession
- See the Master of Science in Nursing program for more information and consult your enrollment advisor. (Approval by the Graduate Program Director is required).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Students will complete the requirements for general education for the university’s bachelor degrees and the requirements of the nursing program. RN-BSN nursing students complete 28 hours of professional nursing coursework (Nursing Core), 15 hours of nursing support courses, and earn 31 escrow hours of credit for previous nursing coursework (see description below). All transcripts will be formally reviewed by the Registrar’s Office for acceptance of additional transfer credit. The minimum total hours required for graduation is 120 credit hours. Students may need additional course hours (electives) to meet the 120-credit hour graduation requirement.
Courses are taught year-round on an 8-week basis with a six-term schedule – Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, and Summer II.
Upper-level transfer: No more than nine hours of upper-level nursing coursework (obtained after licensure) will be accepted into the Nursing core.
Nursing Escrow
Credit for the following courses (31 credit hours maximum) which acknowledges prior nursing coursework completed, will be granted upon verification of official transcripts and proof of valid RN license:
NU 305 Foundations of Nursing and Health Promotion (5 crs)
NU 325 Maternal Child Health (5 crs)
NU 330 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I (3 crs)
NU 340 Medical Surgical Nursing I (5 crs)
NU 441 Medical Surgical Nursing II (5 crs)
NU 465 Behavioral Health Nursing (3 crs)
NU 542 Medical Surgical Nursing III (5 crs)