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

Also see

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

The RN to B.S. in Nursing with a Multicultural Health emphasis 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
• Promote National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS Standards)
• Communicate in Spanish with beginning-level proficiency

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 their boards 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. Implements 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

For CT-CCNP Students:
You may apply at any time you are enrolled and in good standing in the Connecticut Community College Nursing Programs (CT-CCNP), as per the Guaranteed Admission Program agreement. Submit 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 apply in 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 students who graduated within the last 3 years), 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, and 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 undergraduates.

Nursing Guaranteed Admissions Program
Students can apply to the University of Saint Joseph during any semester in their community college program. The student is guaranteed a place in the University of Saint Joseph RN to B.S. as a conditionally accepted student. Students are accepted to the RN to B.S. program under the condition that they will:

• Complete the A.S. degree within three years of beginning the CT-CCNP program
• Maintain good academic standing in their A.S. program until graduation
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above
• Enroll in University of Saint Joseph within two years of earning the A.S. degree
• Have or acquire a license as a registered nurse in Connecticut before the second semester of the RN-B.S. program

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

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.