The Department of Nursing bases its professional education on a firm liberal arts foundation. The goal is to educate students in the art and science of nursing. This mission promotes the growth of the whole person in a caring environment and fosters strong ethical values, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the health and well-being of society.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Students in the traditional program are high school graduates, transfer students or second degree 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 program is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Outcomes
The student will:
- Integrate empirical and theoretical knowledge in nursing practice
- Synthesize and use knowledge of personal self and esthetics to provide holistic care
- Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical practice
- Establish professional and caring relationships that promote health and healing through communication, collaboration, and negotiation
- 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
- Assume a leadership role in one’s scope of practice
Admission requirements: Selection and placement in any of the undergraduate Nursing programs is competitive and on a space-available basis. To register for Nursing courses and to be officially accepted into the Nursing major, students must fulfill prerequisite course requirements and meet the standards for academic performance required by the department of Nursing. The Department of Nursing reviews prospective transfer applicants in conjunction with the Office of Admissions. Applicants should contact the Office of Admissions for specific application deadlines.
Criteria for Admission
- Grade of C or above in all science courses.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better (3.0 for Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree students)
Application to Nursing Major
By the end of the fall semester of the sophomore year, students complete the Application to the Nursing Major form 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 department of 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
- Written response from the department of Nursing chairperson will be sent to all applicants once a decision has been made
Health Requirements
- Physical examination upon entering the program, and every two years thereafter
- Immunization against: Rubeola, Rubella (or titer), Mumps, Poliomyelitis; Tetanus booster within 10 years
- PPD yearly
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer, or history of Varicella
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Medical/health record authorization
- Evidence of health insurance submitted yearly
- Influenza vaccine yearly during clinical
Uniforms and Equipment for Laboratory Experience
Students are responsible for providing their own uniforms and several specific items of equipment necessary for laboratory experience. Students are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical agencies. For details regarding these requirements, see the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors.
CPR Certification
All students must provide annual certification in CPR for health care providers prior to starting clinical courses. CPR course must be an American Heart Association or Red Cross designation for two years.
Progression in the Nursing Major
Criminal Background Investigation (CBI)
All Nursing students must have a CBI completed and on file before they can attend their first Nursing course. A letter will be sent to each student accepted into the major with instructions. Drug testing is also required before clinical placements.
To progress in the nursing major, a student must:
- maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.33 or above in all Nursing courses AND
- earn grades of C or better in all Nursing and science courses
If a student earns less than a C in any Science or Nursing course, but maintains a GPA in Nursing of 2.33 or above (including the failed class grade), one repeat is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress.
Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions will count toward the repeat policy if they are less than a C.
No more than one science or Nursing course may be repeated.
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.
The Nursing program has additional policies. Students must see the Nursing Student Handbook for details.
Clinical Continuation Requirement
If, for academic or personal reasons, a student is unable to progress through the required clinical course sequence, the department of Nursing faculty may determine the appropriate plan of clinical study. This plan may include content and clinical work and may involve registering for three-five credits of work.
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