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Nursing (RN to BSN)

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Nursing Undergraduate (Semester Credit) Bachelor of Science

College

College of Nursing

Program CIP Code

51.3801

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a degree completion program for registered nurses. The program provides a smooth transition for Registered Nurses furthering their education and careers, and serves the community and our society by meeting the need for increased numbers of highly skilled and knowledgeable nursing professionals. Program emphasis is on professional development in communication, critical thinking, community health, research, and leadership. Advanced standing credits are awarded for past nursing coursework. The program is delivered in an online format with a part-time or full-time option.

About Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate is eligible for roles in leadership and management, community health, informatics, and specialty bedside practice. Nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree may pursue advanced education that may lead to specialized practice. Graduates of this program can work in many different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community health facilities.

A state-issued license to practice as an RN, a background check, drug screening, up-to-date immunizations, TB testing, and CPR certification are all often required of BSN graduates in their careers.

Nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are often placed in leadership positions after they have gained significant work experience. Some positions include: Case Manager, Charge Nurse, or Unit Manager.

Organizing Framework of the RN to BSN Program

This diagram represents the organizing framework of the RN to BSN program at ECPI University. The program is designed to build upon knowledge acquired in diploma and associate degree RN programs and offers courses that develop registered nurses to be healthcare leaders, community collaborators, care managers, and contributors to the profession. These four roles provide the basis for the program outcomes.

Four quadrants that include Healthcare Leader (Decision Maker, Communicator, Quality and Safety Agent, Delegator, Change Agent, and Mentor), Community Collaborator (Interdiscplinary Ally, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Researcher, Advocator), Care Manager (Critical Thinker, Problem-Solver, Coordinator, Technologically Proficient), and Contributor of the Profession (Life-long Learner, Values the Profession, Politically Active, Effective Team Member)

Progression

Students must achieve a grade of C+ or higher in all NUR courses to progress. If a student fails a nursing course, they meet with the nursing program director. If a second failure occurs in any course in the program, the student is placed on probation. If a third failure occurs, the student is dismissed from the program. All catalog policies apply to RN to BSN students.

Students declare the part-time (PT) or full-time (FT) curriculum at the time of application. Students may request a one-time change from the FT to PT program by speaking to the nursing program director.

Student Evaluation

The faculty uses the objectives of the overall program and individual courses as criteria for student evaluation. A developmental student portfolio is created across the curriculum and submitted as evidence of accomplishment of the program outcomes in the final nursing course. Student grades are determined by a variety of formative and summative evaluation methods.