Professional Nursing, B.S.

The baccalaureate program in the School of Nursing is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, (800) 669-1656, and the Commission of Collegiate Education in Nursing (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791. In order to be eligible to begin practice as a registered nurse, each graduate must obtain a satisfactory score on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The purpose of the baccalaureate program in professional nursing is to prepare a generalist who possesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies with which to practice family-centered professional nursing in a variety of current and emerging health care delivery systems. In addition, the program is designed to provide a foundation for graduate nursing education. Through interactions with clients–individual persons, families and communities–and other health care professionals, nursing graduates will contribute toward meeting the wide-ranging needs of the region, state, and the larger community.
Students in the professional nursing major must select one of two options: prelicensure for individuals who are not already licensed as registered nurses or RN-BS (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science) for individuals who possess the registered nurse license.

The program of study for the School of Nursing as described in this catalogue, is consistent with national accreditation standards, and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, the University Curriculum Committee, and the Faculty Senate.

Computer Requirement:

To satisfy the computer requirement for the B.S. in professional nursing a student must successfully complete NSG 415 .

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.S. in professional nursing a student must successfully complete NSG 406 .

Curriculum Plan:

The learning outcomes of the curriculum incorporate the professional values of client-centered care (altruism, human dignity, and autonomy), lifelong learning (clinical reasoning and integrity), and quality improvement (research and social justice). These professional values are vertical threads which are emphasized during the course offerings that address each of the curriculum core concepts.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Evaluate comprehensive individual and/or population centered care through an altruistic concern for the welfare of others while supporting autonomy and respecting human dignity.
Integrate professional values based on integrity, accountability and responsibility by engaging in clinical reasoning skills and lifelong learning.
Implement safe, quality patient care by adhering to moral, ethical, legal, and professional standards through the use of evidence-based practice.
Appraise patient health by meeting basic care needs within the appropriate cultural context, across the lifespan and in all healthcare settings.
Manage environments that support public and global health while integrating the knowledge of sciences, healthcare systems, policies and trends.
Appraise health maintenance of patients through transdisciplinary management of risk reduction, disease prevention and illness management.
Demonstrate the competencies of a generalist nurse through role development, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership using the knowledge, skills and attitudes of professional nursing practice. (nursing process, communication, documentation, technical skills and information and patient care technologies)

B.S. Degree with a Major in Professional Nursing, Prelicensure Option

Requirements for the B.S. Degree with a Major in Professional Nursing, Prelicensure Option:

Collateral Courses:

Choose one of the following:

Note:

Completion of these courses will satisfy university studies requirements in the social and behavioral sciences and the natural and mathematical sciences.

Core Courses:

Total: 99 hours

Additional Information:

A minimum grade of “C” (2.00) is required in each nursing course. A cumulative grade point average of 2.70 or better is required for progression in the program and for graduation.

Because many of the required courses are sequential and have prerequisites, it is vital for students to complete them successfully in the proper sequence. Sample schedules are available in the Center for Academic Advising, in the School of Nursing and on the School of Nursing Web site. Because of the heavy concentration of laboratory and practicum courses in the junior and senior years, students are required to fulfill university studies requirements during the freshman and sophomore years and to take an average of 16 hours per semester. In addition to university studies requirements and nursing requirements, students must take elective courses to satisfy the university requirement of a minimum of 124 hours.

B.S. Degree with a Major in Professional Nursing, RN-BS Option

Registered Nurses wishing to obtain the B.S. degree with a major in professional nursing must meet all university admissions and studies requirements. Because many of the required courses are sequential, have prerequisites, and may be offered only once a year, it is vital for students to complete them successfully in the proper sequence. In addition to university studies requirements and nursing requirements, students must take elective courses to satisfy the university requirement of a minimum of 124 hours. Sample schedules are available in the Center for Academic Advising, in the School of Nursing and on the School of Nursing Web site. Upon successful completion of NSG 316 , RN-BS students are granted 35 placement hours credit.

Nursing courses in the RN-BS option are available online. Orientation is presented online and/or by special arrangement. Students must have sufficient computer skills and access to a computer that supports an internet browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator), a word processor, PowerPoint, Media Player or other video player, and e-mail. For additional information see http://www.uncw.edu/son or contact the School of Nursing.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree with a Major in Professional Nursing, RN-BS Option:

Collateral Courses:

Choose one of the following:

Note:

Completion of these courses will satisfy university studies requirements in the social and behavioral sciences and the natural and mathematical sciences.

Core Courses:

Note:

Completion of these courses will satisfy university residency requirement.

Total: 104 hours

Placement Credits:

Upon successful completion of NSG 316 , RN-BS students are granted 35 placement hours credit.

Additional Information:

The recommended Program of Study can be view on the School of Nursing website, www.uncw.edu/son; click on the RN-BS option of the Bachelor of Science in nursing.

A minimum of “C” (2.00) is required in each nursing course in order to progress. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better is required for graduation.

Note: A part-time sequence is available for the RN-BS option. Please consult the RN-BS coordinator or the coordinator of Student Services for specific Information. The School of Nursing accepts applications for the RN-BS option for fall semester only. The deadline for application to the RN-BS option for fall semester is March 1.