The Department of Nursing promotes the mission of Shawnee State University and the profession of nursing. The Department supports this mission by adhering to the philosophy and its curriculum, which implies responsibility for development, implementation, and revision. Faculty endeavor to help students develop self, critical thinking, and skills to enhance their function as bachelor prepared graduates who contribute to both the profession and society.

The bachelor of science in nursing (RN-BSN) program builds on the foundation of associate degree or diploma education and prepares the registered nurse for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. Graduates of the RN-BSN program are prepared for leadership positions and for graduate study. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, health departments, clinics, nursing homes, mental health centers, and other health-related community agencies. The program is available to qualified registered nurses.

In addition to achieving the professional goals of the RN-BSN program, students also complete a liberal arts education described elsewhere in this catalog as the General Education Program (GEP).

The RN-BSN program offers flexible scheduling, with the majority of the nursing coursework available through distance learning methods, including online education and use of clinical preceptors.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Admission Requirements

Admission is determined on a competitive basis. The total number of students admitted to the program is based upon available facilities and faculty. Students are admitted into the program through a rolling admission process.

Criteria for admission: Graduation and transcript from an associate’s degree or diploma nursing program; a college GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; a nonrestricted, current RN license; current immunizations; CPR Healthcare Provider certification; completion of health physical; and health insurance.

Application Materials

Application materials are available from the Office of Admission or online. Students who have completed application materials are considered for acceptance on the basis of space available in the program and the academic qualifications of the student.

Program Requirements

The Department of Nursing considers a grade of “C” (2.0) as the minimum passing grade for all required nursing and non-nursing courses. Courses graded with less than a “C” may result in academic dismissal from the program. Readmission to the nursing program is determined by the Department of Nursing policies as printed in the current Department of Nursing Student Handbook.

Guidelines for use of clinical preceptors are available in the nursing office.

Students are responsible for verifying they have met degree requirements for graduation.