Nursing B.S.N.

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 Nursing Program is to prepare professional nurses who are leaders, excellent clinicians, and lifelong scholars. We empower our graduates to provide health and well-being to diverse patients in the community, state, region, nation, and beyond. The curriculum, designed to build on the student’s previous education and experience, prepares nurses for professional nursing practice.  Major areas of emphasis include knowledge for nursing practice, person-centered care, population health, leadership, and research and evidence based practice. 

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

1. Synthesize specialized knowledge and theories from nursing and other disciplines into professional nursing practice. 
2. Provide care that considers socio-cultural-political determinants of health, illness, and disease; promote health and human flourishing; and address health disparities in vulnerable populations, locally and  globally.
3. Manage population health through effective partnerships and consideration of socioeconomic impact, health policy, advocacy, and preparedness for disasters.
4. Build skill development through a spirit of inquiry, critiquing published research, and using available evidence as a foundation to propose creative, innovative or evidence-based solutions to clinical practice problems.
5. Demonstrate leadership in nursing practice to initiate change and to improve the quality, safety, and outcomes for individuals, populations, and systems.
6. Partner with patients and other health care professionals to provide primary health care through health promotion, protection, and restoration, and end of life care
7. Apply knowledge of systems to work effectively across the continuum of care incorporating cost-effectiveness and application of innovation and evidence based practice.
8. Implement information, technology, and other resources effectively.
9. Demonstrate professional nursing practice emphasizing engagement, accountability, and lifelong learning.
10. Contribute to the professional development of self through personal health and well-being, reflective practice, and building capacity for leadership. 

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 requires 120 hours of arranged clinical experiences which includes 40 hours of supervised time with a preceptor. Clinical 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

1. Facilitate nursing students’ mastery of knowledge and skills essential for professional nursing roles to promote the health of individuals, families, communities and society.
2. Prepare graduates to provide safe, evidence-based, patient centered care that reflects increased competency with the cultures and communities served, ethical judgement, and inter-professional collaboration.
3. Contribute to the profession of nursing by engaging in leadership, scholarship, and practice activities.
4. Prepare nurses for further graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral studies.

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 the NACE nursing proficiency tests if diploma-prepared graduate or graduate of non-HLC accredited nursing programs.  Must successfully complete nursing proficiency tests with a 75% or higher. 

Qualified students should

1. 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.
2. Have an overall GPA of 2.0 with no grade below a “C” in nursing (upper and lower-division) and lower-division nursing courses.
3. Complete a national background check and drug test by the completion of NURS 3003 Professional Nursing Practice.
4. Submit RN License Verification or if a concurrent student, a letter of good standing from the associated degree program director noting successful completion of the first semester of nursing curriculum. 

 

Prior to enrolling in the final courses NURS 4953 and NURS 4973, students will be required to finalize the credentialing process through a 3^rd party vendor-CastleBranch. 

1. Submit immunization documentation including PPD, 2 MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TDaP, and annual Influenza.  
2. Submit both sides of current signed CPR card (BLS or ACLS)
3. Provide professional liability insurance policy face sheet with limits of $1,000,000/incident and $3,000,000/aggregate which denotes NSU as the memorandum holder.

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.