Nursing B.S.N.

Location(s): Online

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OSRHE Program Code: 104
CIP Code: 513801

Major Code: 7880

(For Registered Nurses)

Purpose

The Nursing, B.S.N. degree provides registered nurses (R.N.s) a 30-credit hour upper-division program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The mission of the program is to provide educational mobility for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses and to provide preparation for graduate education in nursing. The curriculum, designed to build on the student’s previous education and experience, prepares nurses for professional nursing practice. Major areas of emphasis include family nursing, community health, leadership, and research. Graduates are prepared to provide primary health care in diverse settings; to provide education to individuals, families, and community groups; and to continue lifelong learning.

Specialty Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN), (http://www.acenursing.org) located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. The ACEN may be contacted at 404.975.5000 or https://www.acenursing.org/contact-us/. The ACEN is a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Credential Requirements

As a prerequisite for admission to the RN to BSN Program, applicants must be registered nurses or pending completion of the National Council State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Students who have completed general education courses and the first semester of an associate degree nursing program may be admitted as concurrent nursing students. Those who have completed the first semester of an associate degree nursing program and possess an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, may also be admitted as concurrent nursing students.

Diploma-prepared nurses and those from non-Higher Learning Commission accredited nursing programs must successfully complete nursing proficiency tests. Credit for lower-division nursing content will be awarded to those who successfully complete the tests and the first semester of the RN to BSN program. All applicants must provide immunization requirements, professional liability insurance, evidence of CPR training, and a completed national background check and drug test (see Admission Requirements below).

Student Learning Outcomes

Construct a partnership with patients and other health care professionals to implement primary health care through health promotion, protection, restoration, and end-of-life care.
Demonstrate the nursing process and methods used to provide holistic care, directly or indirectly, to diverse patients across varied environments.
Implement information, technology, and other resources effectively.
Formulate change by leading, advocating, and partnering with professionals, communities, and populations to improve health and health care.
Contribute to the professional development of colleagues.
Apply research knowledge, critique skills, and evidence-based practice relevant to nursing practice.
Demonstrate professional nursing practice emphasizing engagement and lifelong learning.

Program Timeline

The minimum time required to complete the program is 10 months, provided the student meets all other Nursing and university graduation requirements. Students working full-time typically complete the program in 16 months. Students may take a maximum of five years to complete the program after enrolling in nursing courses. All nursing classes are online and originate from the Muskogee campus. The class schedules address the needs of many RNs who work full-time and attend school part-time. The final course, NURS 4973 - Professional Nursing Practice contains arranged field experiences. Arranged field experiences are usually scheduled during the weekday and conducted in the general area of the students’ residences or employment. Independent nursing studies (1-2 credit hours) are available to address specific interests and elective hour needs. Independent nursing studies (1-2 credit hours) are available to address specific interests and elective hour needs.

Program Goals

Provide the diploma and associate degree nursing graduate with a broadened educational base for improvement of nursing practice.
Offer a baccalaureate program in nursing that instills lifelong learning and provides basic preparation for graduate education in nursing.
Provide a nursing program designed to meet the needs of the state, region, and nation by preparing RNs at the baccalaureate level to practice professional nursing in diverse roles and settings.
Facilitate students’ mastery of knowledge and skills essential to professional nursing.
Enable students to broaden their knowledge base through selected general education, prerequisite, and support courses.
Provide an educational environment that will foster professional development and personal growth of students and faculty.
Promote faculty and student involvement in activities relating to the promotion of health of individuals, families, communities and society.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to the upper-division major in nursing, the student must meet one of the following:

Be a registered nurse; OR
Have successfully completed the first semester of an associate degree nursing program and have an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, or Non-Nursing Bachelor’s degree; OR
Successfully complete nursing proficiency tests if diploma-prepared graduate or graduate of non-HLC accredited nursing programs. must successfully complete nursing proficiency tests.

Qualified students should

Complete NSU Undergraduate Application and Nursing Supplemental Form.
Submit official transcripts from each school attended to NSU Office of Admissions and Recruitment, 701 N Grand Avenue, Tahlequah OK 74464-2300. Electronic transcripts may be sent to admissions@nsuok.edu.
Have an overall GPA of 2.0 with no grade below a “C” in nursing (upper and lower-division) and lower-division nursing courses.

Upload the following in the document tracking system:

Provide RN license verification as soon as available.
Supply immunization documentation including PPD, 2 MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TDaP, and annual Influenza.
Submit both sides of current signed American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card or eCard.
Provide professional liability insurance policy face sheet with limits of $1,000,000/incident and $3,000,000/aggregate.
Complete national background check and drug test.

Progression and Retention

Students progress through the program by earning a grade of “C” or better in all upper division nursing support and nursing courses. In combined theory and field experience courses, a passing grade of “C” or better in each component must be received in order to pass the course. Credit for lower-division nursing content will be awarded to those who successfully complete the tests and the first semester of the nursing program. There is no minor in nursing.

In the case of unethical, illegal or unprofessional behavior, or violations found in the Unsafe Nursing Practice Policy, the Nursing Admission, Retention, and Promotion Committee will investigate, impose any sanctions, and determine retention in the program. Such violations may also be subject to disciplinary actions under the university conduct code and/or the relevant Nurse Practice Act.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation is dependent on attaining all hours required by the degree and the university, all minimum proficiencies required by the university, and an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better. Any elective hours must be completed by graduation.

Grades

Grades for lecture and field experience requirements are consistent with the university policies and follow a standard scale of A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (0-59). Course graded materials and activities include, but are not limited to, scholarly papers, presentations, reports, exams, class participation, field experience performance, and evaluations. Grievance mechanisms for academic appeals usually begin with the instructor, and subsequently may involve the program chair, department chair, college dean, academic vice president, and finally, the university president. Grievances for other concerns may be referred to the university’s student grievance committee for resolution.

Handbook

The Nursing Student Handbook contains additional information specific to nursing students admitted to the program. Any student with a disability whose condition prohibits achievement of any admission, promotion, or retention requirement may petition for waiver.

General Education Requirements

A minimum of 46 hours of academic work in general education is required during the freshman and sophomore years. For students transferring with the Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree from a public institution in Oklahoma, all general education requirements will be satisfied with respect to degree requirements. However, some majors may require other specific general education courses as program prerequisites or program requirements. Students should consult advisors and the program’s plan of study for further information. Students are required to complete general education requirements by the time they have completed 90 semester hours of college work. See General Education Requirements for more information.

Nursing General Education Requirements

The following are course prerequisites that may be completed as part of the General Education requirements. RNs with an Oklahoma or articulation school Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree will have satisfied all General Education requirements. All other RNs must meet NSU General Education requirements, including required initial enrollment(s) in math deficiency removal courses if a deficiency exists. Certain lower division prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Nursing Support Courses

Students who did not complete the following courses as part of their associate degree in nursing must complete these courses with a minimum grade of C before completing their last NSU nursing course.

Major Requirements

Lower Division Nursing - 30 hours

Transfer credit or prior learning credit (credit by examination)

Upper Division Nursing - 30 hours +

Major Total - 60 hours

Additional Degree Information - Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions

In addition to general education and program requirements stated above, additional hours may be needed to satisfy all minimum degree requirements listed below.

English Proficiency: Components I and II of English proficiency should be met with grades of “C” or better prior to the completion of 60 credit hours.
A minimum of 124 hours is required. PE activity is limited to four hours. Prior learning credit (CLEP, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc) is limited to 30 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours in residence (from NSU) is required for graduation. PE activity is limited to four hours. Hours in residence exclude zero-level courses and prior learning credit such as CLEP, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc.
A minimum of 40 hours of 3000/4000 level courses is required for graduation.
A minimum of 60 hours from a 4-year school is required for graduation excluding zero level and PE activity courses.
At least fifty percent of the major requirements must be upper division courses (3000 and 4000 level).
At least 18 hours or fifty percent of the major, whichever is greater, must be satisfactorily completed at NSU.
The minimum number of credit hours required in the Liberal Arts and Sciences varies based on the type of degree. B.S. degrees require at least 55 hours and B.S.Ed., B.S.M.L.S., B.S.N., and B.S.S.L.P. degrees require at least 40 hours. Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) courses are identified in catalog course descriptions.

For additional information, see Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .