Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Geriatric Pathway

Also see

Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Multicultural Health Pathway

Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Leadership Pathway  (Hartford Hospital only)

 

 

 

 

Limited to Hartford Hospital Nurses

The RN to B.S. in Nursing with a Geriatrics pathway prepares nurses at Hartford Hospital to deliver effective health care to aging populations, and to promote health equity for this vulnerable group. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Assess and respond to the unique needs of the older adult
• Alleviate health disparities and improve health outcomes among elder populations
• Apply cultural competencies as defined by the American Association of Colleges and Nursing
• Be able to care for geriatric patients and manage their complex medical needs

Students in the RN to B.S. in Nursing program are graduates of an associate degree program, who hold a current Connecticut RN license. Students must be able to pass the NCLEX exam by the end of the first semester. Students without a valid Connecticut license will not be able to progress in the program. Clinical experiences are arranged in collaboration with health care leaders keeping in mind the student’s area of focused study.

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
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 Admission

Submit an application to the University of Saint Joseph Program for Adult Learners. Applications are accepted from associate degree graduates educated in and outside of Connecticut. Admission requires an overall GPA of 2.5, graduation from an accredited associate’s degree program, and a Connecticut RN license. Students who graduated from an associate’s degree program more than 8 years ago may have to take additional courses.

Transfer Credits
Students are expected to transfer at least 75 credits, including 33-38 Nursing credits. They are expected to complete a minimum of 45 credits (18 nursing, 27 general education) at the University of Saint Joseph. Additionally, students must complete the same Degree Requirements  and Writing Portfolio  expected of all University of Saint Joseph undergraduates.

Graduate classes: Students with additional transfer credits may take up to two non-matriculated graduate-level classes for a total of 6 credits toward graduation.

Clinical Policies

1. Current Connecticut license as a registered nurse
2. Liability insurance is not required but recommended for all students
3. All students must have current CPR training for the healthcare provider prior to starting clinical
4. Students do not wear uniforms, but must wear professional attire. This includes pants or a knee-length skirt, and non-revealing shirts, sweaters, or blouses. Students must also follow the dress code of clinical sites and professional organizations.
5. Fingernails must be short. Non-natural nails are not permitted
6. Students must maintain the health requirements of the University of Saint Joseph, but there are no additional requirements related to clinical courses

Nursing Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination is a University-wide requirement for all graduating seniors and is given to determine basic competence in the student’s area of study. RN-B.S. students meet this graduation requirement when they have completed their synthesis project in the final Nursing course.

Latino Community Practice Concentration

For those students wishing to serve Latino culture and are already fluent/proficient in Spanish, the Latino Community Practice concentration prepares nurses to lead health care organizations and professions in alleviating health disparities by delivering effective health care to diverse Latino populations; improving health literacy in Latino communities; and facilitating bilingual cross-cultural communications in health care settings. This concentration may already incorporate some of the Multicultural Health pathway requirements. Graduates will demonstrate the ability:

To develop and to apply knowledge and understanding of diverse Latino cultures
To advance cultural competencies in a clinical bilingual community health setting
To strengthen their proficiency in oral and written bilingual communications

Review requirements here: