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

Students in the RN to B.S. in Nursing program with a Multicultural Health Concentration are graduates of an Associate degree program, who hold a current Connecticut  RN license. Students must be able to pass their boards by the end of the first semester (fall) in time for clinical course work in the following semester (spring). Students without a valid Connecticut license will not be able to progress in the program. Clinical sites are not held in patient care environments, but rather where collaboration with community leaders can take place.

The RN to B.S. in Nursing with a Multicultural Health Concentration prepares nurses to deliver effective health care to culturally and linguistically diverse populations, to work towards eliminating health disparities, and to promote health equity for vulnerable groups. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Assess and respond to cultural factors related to health
• Alleviate health disparities and improve health outcomes among diverse populations
• Apply cultural competencies as defined by the American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN)
• Promote National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS Standards)
• Communicate in Spanish with beginning-level proficiency

Program Outcomes

The student will:

1. Integrate empirical and theoretical knowledge in nursing practice
2. Synthesize and use knowledge of personal self and esthetics to provide holistic care
3. Assume responsibility  and accountability for ethical practice
4. Establish professional and caring relationships that promote health and healing through communication, collaboration, and negotiation
5. Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, and communities in a caring context
6. Assume a leadership role in one’s scope of practice
   

Criteria for Admission

Formal application may be made at any point of enrollment in good standing in the Connecticut Community College Nursing Programs (CT-CCNP), as per the Guaranteed Admission Program agreement, by submitting an application to the University of Saint Joseph Program for Adult Learners. Applications are also accepted from associate degree graduates educated outside of Connecticut, who may submit within the last semester of their program or later. Admission requires an overall GPA of 2.5, graduation from an accredited associate’s degree program (with preference for within the last 3 years), and a Connecticut RN license. Students having graduated from an associate’s degree program more than 8 years ago may have to take additional courses.

Students are expected to transfer approximately 76 credits, including 38 nursing credits, and are expected to complete a minimum of 46 credits (18 nursing, 28 general education) at the University of Saint Joseph. Additionally, students must complete the same writing portfolio and degree requirements expected of all undergraduate students.

Nursing Guaranteed Admissions Program

Students in the Connecticut State Community College Nursing Program (CT-CCNP) can apply to the University of Saint Joseph during any spring semester in their community college program. The student is guaranteed a place in the University of Saint Joseph R.N. to B.S. in Nursing concentration, pending:

• Completion of your A.S. degree within three years of beginning the program
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above
• Licensure as a registered nurse in Connecticut
• Enrollment in University of Saint Joseph within two years of earning the A.S. degree

Clinical Policies

Students must be able to pass their boards by the end of the first semester (fall) in time for clinical course work in the following semester (spring). Students without a valid Connecticut license will not be able to progress in the program.

Clinical sites are not held in patient care environments, but rather in sites where collaboration with community health leaders can take place.

1. Liability insurance is not required but recommended for all students
2. All students must have CPR for the healthcare provider prior to starting clinical
3. Students will not wear uniforms, but must wear professional attire. This includes pants or a knee length skirt, and non-revealing shirts, sweaters, or blouses.
4. Fingernails must be short and non-natural nails are not permitted
5. Students must maintain the health requirements of the University of Saint Joseph, but there are no additional requirements related to clinical courses