Nursing, B.S.

Nursing, B.S. - Traditional  (4 years) Nursing, B.S. - Accelerated Second Degree  (15 months) Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Programs Multicultural Health Track (online and on campus)

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Mission Statement

The Department of Nursing educates students for all levels of nursing practice by building on a firm foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The mission promotes the growth of the whole person in a caring environment and fosters strong ethical values, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity and a commitment to the health and well-being of society. The goal is to prepare graduates to practice the art and science of Nursing, be effective leaders and use evidence-based resources to improve the health of persons, families and communities.

Traditional B.S. (4 years)

Students in the traditional program are high school graduates or transfer students who have had no previous education for professional nursing. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

The baccalaureate programs in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202.887.6791.

Program Outcomes

The student will:

1. Integrate the aesthetics and empirics of nursing with the natural/behavior sciences, the humanities, and interprofessional education to provide holistic care for individuals, families, groups, communities and populations
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in leadership that promote quality improvement and patient safety
3. Implement an evidence-based and theoretically guided framework for nursing practice including the five patterns of knowing in nursing and transition theory 
4. Use data from diverse sources with knowledge and skill in informatics and patient care technology to promote safety and optimal patient outcomes
5. Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations through emancipatory knowing
6. Communicate and collaborate with other members of the health care team to advocate for high quality and safe patient care
7. Deliver culturally appropriate nursing care through health promotion and disease prevention to populations on a local and global level
8. Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical professional behavior and nursing care
9. Demonstrate competent nursing practice in diverse settings caring for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations

Criteria for Sophomore Admission into Nursing (effective August 1, 2014)

• Grade B minus (B-) or above in all science courses and in Nursing 200.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Previously completed science or nursing courses for which students achieved a grade of C or better will not need to be retaken if taken prior to Fall 2014 semester.
• If a student earns less than B minus (B-) in any science or Nursing course, one repeat of a science and nursing course is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress.
• A student may only withdraw once from a Nursing class over the course of the Nursing Program
• A student who does not meet the above requirements to progress in the Nursing major will be dismissed from the program

Application to Nursing Major

By the end of the fall semester of sophomore year, students complete the Application to the Nursing Major and submit it to the Nursing department.

• Acceptance into the Nursing major is determined by the Nursing faculty
• Transfer students’ grades previously earned in Biology and Chemistry courses are assessed by the Nursing chairperson, in consultation with the Natural Science chairpersons, when transcripts are reviewed as part of the application process to the Nursing major
• Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions will be counted in determining progression in the major
• Once a decision has been made, all applicants will receive a written response from the Nursing chairperson

Health Requirements

• Physical examination and vaccination form needed upon entering the program, and every two years thereafter
• Immunization against: Rubeola, Rubella (or titer), Mumps, Poliomyelitis; Tdap booster within 10 years
• Two-step Tuberculosis skin test
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer or two vaccines
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Evidence of health insurance, submitted yearly
• Influenza vaccine yearly

Uniforms and Equipment for Clinical Experiences

Students are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and several specific items of equipment necessary for clinical experiences. Students are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical agencies. For details on these requirements, see the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors.

Criminal Background Investigation and Drug Screening

All undergraduates must have a Criminal Background Investigation and drug testing completed and on file during the spring of their sophomore year. A letter will be provided to each student accepted into the major with instructions. The background investigation may need to be updated throughout the program.

CPR Course Requirement

All students must provide annual evidence of completion of a CPR course for health care providers prior to starting clinical courses. The CPR course must have an American Heart Association designation good for two years.