Nursing (BSN)

Affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Education

The curriculum is designed to prepare beginning practitioners of professional nursing who will provide safe, effective nursing care to patients and clients of all ages in a variety of health care settings—hospital, home, community. It is characterized by a liberal education foundation at the lower level on which the upper division Nursing major is built. Lower division courses are foundational and are drawn from the sciences and humanities disciplines. The upper division courses provide knowledge of the theory and practice of nursing. Concomitant to them are opportunities for courses which enhance the nursing component, add depth and scope to the core curriculum, and/or promote a global-minded individual. The baccalaureate nursing graduate is prepared to function as a generalist in beginning positions in all areas of nursing practice, including maternal, child, mental, adult, and community health nursing. The curriculum provides a foundation for graduate study in nursing. Graduates who meet the requirements of section 335.066 of the State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act are eligible to apply for the registered nurse licensing examination. The Nursing program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Truman State University Department of Nursing is to offer an exemplary community-based baccalaureate nursing education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences to support and prepare caring nurse scholars to practice in a diverse and rapidly changing health care environment.

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of the Truman State University Department of Nursing is to be an exemplary baccalaureate nursing program in a public liberal arts and sciences environment.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSES

The program of study in nursing has two purposes:

1. To prepare baccalaureate degree graduates who are able to function as generalists in beginning positions in all areas of nursing practice in any setting and with clients at all developmental levels.
2. To provide graduates with the basis for continuing education and/or graduate level study.

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES

At the completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Utilize the human care nursing process to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate culturally competent care of individuals, groups, and communities in a variety of health care settings with a diversity of clients;
2. Integrate knowledge from the discipline of nursing and the liberal arts and sciences to provide a basis for clinical decision-making;
3. Collaborate with individuals from a variety of disciplines to improve client care and health care systems;
4. Advocate for health care that is sensitive to the needs of patients, with particular emphasis on the needs of vulnerable populations;
5. Design, coordinate, and manage care to improve health and enhance clients’ quality of life;
6. Appreciate the global context of health care;
7. Utilize nursing research and the research process in evaluating and improving current practices for health and healing and for evidence-based practice;
8. Value lifelong learning and scholarship; and
9. Act accountably, ethically, and responsibly in personal and professional activities.

ADMISSION TO NURSING

Only a limited number of nursing applicants are accepted into the program. The Nursing Admissions Committee seeks to select the most qualified applicants for admission.

Applicants to the Nursing program must be accepted by Nursing in addition to being accepted to the University. A special “Application to Nursing” and a summary of career goals must be completed and sent directly to Nursing. The application deadline for admission to the Nursing major is January 31 of each year.

Transfer or change of major students must meet current nursing academic requirements as part of the admission process (minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA). Qualified students may petition for advancement on a space-available basis.

In addition to acceptance to the University, applicants to the Nursing major must be accepted by Nursing. A special application for admission to Nursing is available from the Nursing Office, the Admission Office, and/or online. The completed application and a summary of career goals should be sent directly to Nursing. As a part of the admissions process, the Admissions Committee reviews transcripts and test scores, and places applicants at the appropriate level in the program based on the student’s qualifications and space availability. See the most recent Nursing Student Handbook for current policies and the suggested program; see http://nursing.truman.edu.

NURSING ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

The following policies apply to all students who have been accepted to the Nursing program of study (hereinafter referred to as program).

CUMULATIVE AND NURSING MAJOR GPA
In order to remain in the program and progress within the Nursing major, the student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above at the END OF THE FRESHMAN YEAR and EVERY SEMESTER THEREAFTER. (See Progression Policies.) An exception to this policy would be students admitted to the program with prior college work and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.75. These students’ GPAs would be based on courses currently being taken for a BSN degree and these students must maintain at least a 2.75 semester GPA.

At the END OF THE SOPHOMORE YEAR and EVERY SUCCESSIVE END OF SEMESTER the student:

MUST have a Nursing major course cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above (Nursing major course cumulative GPA is computed using all courses completed with NU prefixes).

By May of sophomore year achieve a “C” or better in the following prerequisite courses: BIOL 100, BIOL 204, BIOL 214, BIOL 215, BIOL 353, CHEM 100, NU 250, MATH 156 or MATH 186, NU 185, NU 240, NU 280, NU 311, PSYC 166.

PROGRESSION POLICIES
Policy Regarding Required Grade Point Average
Progression is defined as the student’s movement through the required sequence of courses for the Nursing major. At the end of the freshman year, if a Nursing student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.75, the student will be withdrawn from the Program. At the end of the first semester of the sophomore year, and every semester thereafter, if a Nursing student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.75, the student will be placed on probation the subsequent semester and must raise the cumulative GPA to 2.75 by the end of that semester. If a 2.75 cumulative GPA is not attained by the end of the probationary semester, the student will be withdrawn from Nursing. At the end of the sophomore year, and every semester thereafter, if the Nursing major course cumulative GPA falls below 2.50, the student will be placed on probation the subsequent semester and must raise the Nursing major cumulative GPA to 2.50 by the end of that semester. If a 2.50 Nursing major cumulative GPA is not attained by the end of the probationary semester, the student will be withdrawn from Nursing. A student who has been withdrawn from Nursing because of a cumulative GPA lower than 2.75 must raise his/her GPA prior to application for readmission. A student who has been withdrawn from the program because of a Nursing major GPA less than 2.50 may request readmission to the program after being out of the major at least one fall or spring semester. (See Request for Readmission.)

Policy Regarding Withdrawal or Failure of Nursing Major Courses
Any student who fails, withdraws from, or does not complete a required Nursing major course may remain in the program and retake the course a second time, depending upon space availability.

Upon successful completion of the previously failed course (or course from which the student withdrew), the student may resume the usual progression of courses. No more than two different nursing courses may be repeated. If the student fails or withdraws from a repeated course, the student will be withdrawn from the program at the end of that semester. Any student withdrawn from the program as a result of this policy may request readmission after being out of the major at least one fall or spring semester. (See Request for Readmission.) The policy regarding the required grade point average will supersede the policy regarding withdrawal from or failure of Nursing major courses. The student should be aware that repeating courses will usually delay graduation and may result in a change of class status within the Nursing major. (See the University Course Repeat Policy.) A request to repeat a course should be directed to the Nursing Admissions Committee.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR EXAMINATIONS
Junior Level Exam Policy: Students will take the junior level specialty exams and must achieve at a predetermined score. Students not achieving at the predetermined score will be required to complete a remediation program and retest as part of the student’s major clinical course requirements before the end of the student’s first semester of senior year nursing courses. Students will be given an IC grade in the student’s major clinical course until remediation and retesting is completed (see Nursing Student Handbook).

Procedure for Junior Level Exam:
A. Junior testing will be scheduled prior to end of the fall and/or spring semesters of the junior year.
B. Students not scoring at the predetermined score will be required to enroll in NU 340: NCLEX-RN review course and complete the prescribed review course at the student’s expense.
    1. Students must successfully complete NU 340: NCLEX-RN review course in order to receive a grade in  their major clinical course and progress to subsequent major clinical nursing course(s).
    2. A re-test (at the student’s expense) will be scheduled before the end of the student’s first semester of senior year nursing courses.
    3. Students will be given an IC grade in the student’s major clinical course until the specified review course is completed.

Senior Level Exam Policy: Students will take the senior-level exam during their last full semester of Nursing major coursework and must score at a predetermined level. Students not achieving at the predetermined score will be required to complete a remediation program and retest as part of the major clinical course requirement (see Nursing Student Handbook).

Procedure for Senior Level Exam:
A. Initial senior testing, using a nationally-normed comprehensive exam will be scheduled prior to midterm break of the student’s last semester.
B. Students not scoring at the predetermined score will be required to enroll in either NU 440 or 441: NCLEX-RN review and complete the prescribed review course at the student’s expense.
C. If needed, a re-test (at the student’s expense) will be scheduled near the end of the semester (after students have completed the required remediation).

GRADUATION

a. Must have a Nursing major requirements cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.
b. Must have a total cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.
c. Must have a “C” or better in all nursing courses.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
An exception to the policy on the cumulative GPA requirement would be students admitted to the program with prior college work and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.75. These students’ GPAs would be based on courses currently being taken for a BSN degree, and these students must maintain at least a 2.75 semester GPA.

Occasionally circumstances alter a student’s ability to achieve goals within a specified time frame. If a problem should occur, the student is to contact his/her advisor in order to explore the student’s options. A student should submit a written document to explain his/her special circumstances, and to request special consideration. Each student’s situation is considered on an individual basis. Students should meet with their advisor for assistance in directing their requests to the Admissions Committee for special consideration.

Students who, for any reason, wish to move between graduating classes within the Nursing major are advised that space availability and each student’s pattern of achievement are major factors in the approval of such a change. Competition for space in each graduating class mandates that, as spaces become available, they are filled with those most qualified.

REQUEST FOR READMISSION
Requests for readmission could occur for several reasons, such as withdrawal from the program due to grade point average, health reasons, etc. A student who requests to be readmitted to the program must submit to the Admissions Committee the information listed below (see Materials to be submitted to Admissions Committee). The Admissions Committee will review the submitted materials and will make decisions based on the applicant’s potential for success in the program and the nursing profession. The applicant’s submitted materials, performance in previous nursing classes (clinical and classroom), and performance in required support courses will be considered for readmission. The Admissions Committee is charged with selecting the most qualified applicants for the available spaces within the Nursing major. Requests for readmission may be forwarded to the full nursing faculty for consideration at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed. After having withdrawn from the program, students are eligible for consideration for readmission only once.

Materials to be submitted to Admissions Committee:

1. Complete Readmission Application.
2. Up-to-date transcript:
   1. Indicating cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher;
   2. Indicating completion of required support courses with a grade of “C” or better or retake and successful completion of any required support course with a grade below “C”;
   3. Indicating a calculated potential to raise Nursing major course GPA to 2.50 or greater within one semester.
3. Letter regarding resolution of problem(s) that necessitated withdrawal. Additional information may be required to support problem resolution (i.e., letter of recommendation from an employer).
4. Three letters of affirmative recommendation for readmission as identified below:
   1. Freshman/sophomore students who were withdrawn from the program for a cumulative GPA <2.75 are required to submit a minimum of one letter from a nursing faculty member with remaining letters from a Truman faculty member, with preference for faculty members teaching nursing courses or required support courses;
   2. Sophomore students who were withdrawn from the program for a Nursing major GPA <2.50 are required to submit a minimum of two letters from nursing faculty members, with the remaining letter from a Truman faculty member, with preference for faculty teaching nursing courses or required support courses;
   3. Students who were withdrawn from the program after entry into the junior or senior Nursing major courses are required to have three letters from program faculty members;
   4. If the student has been out of the program for more than three years, a letter of recommendation from a current or recent employer may substitute for one faculty letter of recommendation.

Students granted readmission after being withdrawn from the program may be placed on probation at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Students granted readmission with Nursing major course, cumulative GPA, and Nursing major GPA deficiencies will be admitted on probation and will be expected to correct the deficiency within one semester. Probation is limited to one semester, and will be used only once in a student’s nursing academic career.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Nursing students will be expected to have the following equipment: stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, complete professional attire, watch with capability for measuring seconds, bandage scissors, pen light, and access to an automobile (beginning with the fall semester of the junior year). (See syllabi and Nursing Student Handbook.)

HEALTH POLICY
Prior to initial entry into clinical courses, students are required to demonstrate compliance with program health policies as outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. Students absent from the program for more than one year are required to submit updated evidence of health status. All students in clinical courses are instructed in the use of procedures for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.

MISSOURI STATE BOARD OF NURSING LICENSURE INFORMATION
According to Section 335.066, Missouri Statutes, completion of program requirements does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination (for the complete provisions see Chapter 335, RSMo, the Nursing Practice Act). Applicants for Registered Nurse licensure in Missouri must “be of good moral character and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the state board of education, and have successfully completed the basic professional curriculum in an accredited or approved school of nursing.” (See Section 355.046, Missouri Statute.) In compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act (Chapter 335 of the Missouri Statutes, section 335.066), Nursing program applicants should be aware that the Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for specific reasons related to moral turpitude, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs, or conviction of a crime.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES (MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO)
Clinical Course fees
Community Health travel expense
Drug and alcohol testing
Field trip travel
Nursing Student Association participation
Physical Exam fees
Remediation costs
School Pin, upon graduation
Testing fees
Licensure, following graduation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Agencies where students are assigned for clinical experiences will have additional requirements of students, including completion of a criminal background check and drug screening.

REGISTERED NURSE APPLICATION
Registered nurse applicants should initiate the University admissions process as outlined for all students. Registered nurse students are required to do the following:

Meet the academic policies of the program.

Provide evidence of current RN licensure in Missouri.

Complete University Liberal Studies Program requirements.*

Complete required support courses, BS degree requirements, and Nursing major required courses.*

Be formally admitted to Nursing before applying to take validation examinations.

Applications for validation exams are due by March 1 of each year.

Contract for dates of validation examinations and graduation.

*Transfer of credit policy is applicable.

Placement into the program is determined on the basis of available space and review of applicants’ materials. Registered nurses have the option of seeking advanced standing through validation examinations and submission of a portfolio. Through this process, the registered nurse may demonstrate competency in some of the instructional areas included in freshman, sophomore and/or junior level nursing courses of the curriculum. All nursing course validation examinations are given through the program and students pay a set fee for each examination. Students must have completed discipline-directed and BS degree liberal arts and sciences courses prior to applying for validation examinations of junior level courses. Validation examinations must be completed in sequence with a minimum score at a pre-established level. A clinical exam may be required for registered nurses who have not practiced nursing in the past four years. Course syllabi and study guides are available to students at a minimal charge.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN NURSING

Eligibility:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA and a nursing GPA of 3.50.
2. Produce a scholarly paper or project to be presented in a public seminar.
3. Achieve above the 50th percentile on the program comprehensive examination.
4. Receive approval of a majority of the nursing faculty.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: