Nursing Education

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The bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree prepares nurses to function as generalists within diverse health care systems. The program provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge of theory and clinical practice.

The B.S.N. program also focuses on the professional nurse as a consumer of research and practitioner of community health. The B.S.N. program culminates with preparation for management and leadership roles as a health care provider. This foundation is necessary for the development of critical thinking, communication, service, lifelong learning, and for understanding people of diverse cultures.

The mission of the Shepherd University Department of Nursing Education is to enhance the health status of the region by educating professional nurses for practice in a rapidly changing health care environment. The bachelor of science in nursing program prepares professional nurses for entry into practice as nurse generalists. The program also provides opportunities for registered professional nurses to continue their formal education at the baccalaureate level. In addition, the Department provides continuing nursing education opportunities for professional nurses in this region. Emphasis is placed on building a new foundation for the pursuit of lifelong learning, personally and professionally, by providing a caring climate and student-faculty relationships that encourage the intellectual, ethical, and personal development of each student.

The goals of the B.S.N. program are to prepare a graduate who is able to:

1. Integrate a background in the liberal arts with the knowledge, skills, and values of professional nursing in order to influence the health of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.
2. Assume the role of professional nurse in developing health policy through recognizing, evaluating, and responding to the changing needs of society.
3. Practice professional nursing in a caring, empathetic, legal/ethical, and culturally sensitive manner within the scope of the ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice and the 2005 Pew Health Commission Competencies.
4. Engage in research-based, cost-effective professional nursing practice.
5. Practice professional nursing incorporating nursing theory and leadership/ management principles, using critical thinking, therapeutic nursing interventions, communication, and collaboration.
6. Participate in personal and professional lifelong learning, value service to the community, appreciate cultural diversity, and accept accountability for own actions.

Accreditation
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive
Charleston, WV 25311
304-558-3596

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
800-669-1656

Admission to the B.S.N. Program

The generic student seeking enrollment in the bachelor of science in nursing degree program must meet the requirements for admission to Shepherd University, as stated in the University Catalog. Freshman and sophomore students will be designated as pre-nursing students and must be advised by nursing faculty. The B.S.N. program is a limited enrollment program (see section titled Admission to Limited Enrollment Programs).

Students become candidates for admission into the nursing program in their sophomore year upon meeting the following criteria:

1. Eligible to complete the 67 lower division course hours as identified in the pre-nursing curriculum prior to matriculation;
2. Completion of NURS 231 Introduction to Nursing;
3. Cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Must achieve grade C or above in the following courses: BIOL 225/227, BIOL 226/228, BIOL 302, CHEM 120/120L, CHEM 122/122L, NURS 231;
4. Submit a Department of Nursing Education application for admission; and
5. Meet with academic advisor by March 1 for intended enrollment in the fall semester or October 1 for intended enrollment in the spring semester.

Special Requirements of Nursing Major

1. Submission of completed health data requirement prior to July 1 following acceptance into the program for fall semester and December 1 following acceptance into the program for the spring semester;
2. Submission of yearly PPD results (or chest x-ray, if appropriate) and evidence of CPR certification prior to July 1 of each year if admitted in the fall and December 1 if admitted in the spring;
3. Attend annual nursing assembly as scheduled;
4. Adhere to the policies and procedures in the Department of Nursing Education Student Handbook and Policy Manual;
5. Undergo a criminal background check and drug screen, according to the procedure specified by the Department of Nursing Education;
6. Complete all course work within three years of completing the first upper-division nursing course;
7. Pay a required special fee each semester for standardized testing.
8. Meet the core performance standards of the nursing program.

R.N.-to-B.S.N. Track

The R.N.-to-B.S.N. track is designed to expand the registered nurse’s education. This program provides flexibility with a wide continuum of education and experience, based upon advisement and development of an individual growth plan. Previous education and experience are evaluated through the use of a professional portfolio. The expected competencies of R.N.-to-B.S.N. graduates are the same as those for graduates of the generic baccalaureate program.

R.N.-to-B.S.N. Admission Process

The following must be submitted to the department chair no later than March 15 prior to summer enrollment in NURS 410: Advanced Nursing Concepts and Practice:

1. Department of Nursing Education admission application;
2. Official transcript copy on file; transcript must be reviewed and academic advisement form signed by advisor and advisee;
3. Proof of current R.N. licensure and CPR certification;
4. A professional portfolio which includes the following:
   1. Résumé of nursing work experience (include a narrative summary of most recent work experience roles and responsibilities);
   2. Professional goals for completing the B.S.N. program (including how program completion will affect applicants’ work and future educational goals);
   3. Professional activities for the last three years:
      1. Continuing nursing education completed (seminars, courses, programs)
      2. Professional development (committees, nursing organizations/associations)
      3. Community involvement (church, school, children’s activities)

Articulation: R.N.s will receive 39 credits, based on graduation from an approved associate degree nursing program. After completing NURS 410, students will be given credit for NURS 311, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 318, NURS 320, NURS 322, NURS 415, NURS 417, NURS 419, NURS 421, NURS 422, NURS 424, NURS 426, NURS 428, and NURS 436. Completion of NURS 410 waives the requirement of NURS 231, NURS 317, and NURS 326.

Statistics Course
Both generic and R.N.-to-B.S.N. students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a statistics course.

Progression
In order to progress and to graduate, the student enrolled in the B.S.N. program must:

1. Earn a minimum of C in each nursing course;
2. Maintain a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average;
3. Satisfy pre- and corequisite requirements as scheduled.

Ratio Clock to Credit Hour
The ratio of theory clock to credit hour is 1:1. A 2:1 ratio of clinical clock hours to credit hours in maintained. A clock hour equals 50 minutes.

Graduation
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Eligibility for Licensure
The nursing law of West Virginia addresses criteria for application for licensure. The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses has the power to deny opportunity to procure licenses through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony under the laws of West Virginia. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses (felony or misdemeanor) is encouraged to discuss these matters with the department chair for clarification prior to admission. Details are requested when the graduate makes application for licensure.
 

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