Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13

NKU Home > Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13 > College of Health Professions > Department of Nursing > Bachelor of Science for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)

Bachelor of Science for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)

You should know: The RN to BSN is housed in a different department from the BSN but relies on the same faculty and has the same state approval and national accreditation.

Location: Albright Health Center 206

Telephone: 859-572-7964

Fax: 859-572-1934

Email Address: advancednursing@nku.edu

Web Address: http://advancednursing.nku.edu

Program Director: Ann Keller

Other Key Personnel:

Advisor: Sarah E. Dill

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) provides career mobility for the registered nurse. The curriculum of courses numbered 300 or above blends scientific and humanistic theories with nursing theories to provide graduates with a foundation for professional nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to function in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings and in roles that are dependent, interdependent, or independent according to the level of care required. They are able to lead and influence colleagues and coworkers for the enhancement of their knowledge and skills, thereby effecting change to promote quality nursing care for clients in any health setting. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) is designed to provide a foundation for higher degree programs in nursing.

Special opportunities for our students: The online RN to BSN program provides career mobility for RNs who need the high flexibility that distance education can provide. Students are eligible for awards including membership in Sigma Theta Tau Rho Theta Chapter (honor society for nursing) and Leadership, Academic, and Caring Spirit Awards.

Pre-major requirements: Students enrolled in courses at NKU preparing for admission to the online RN to BSN program should declare as their major pre-baccalaureate nursing distance (ZXNB). Upon acceptance to the nursing program, students are assigned to a faculty advisor and must declare the major of Bachelor of Science in Nursing distance (ZNRB).

Admission requirements: To be admitted to the program, an applicant must:

• Be admitted to NKU as a degree-seeking student with no academic deficiencies.
• Submit a separate application (http://advancednursing.nku.edu) to the RN to BSN program. Mail or fax the completed application to the Department of Advanced Nursing Studies. This application is in addition to the university application.
• Submit to the Office of Admissions:
  • Official transcripts from an associate degree or diploma program in nursing.
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary work completed.
• Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
• Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a C in each course.
• One full year of English composition (ENG 101 and ENG 291)
• One full year of anatomy and physiology with labs (BIO 208, 208L, BIO 209, 209L).
• Microbiology for Health Professionals with Laboratory (BIO 202/202L).
• Introduction to Psychology (PSY 100)
• Human Growth and Development (PSY 220 OR EDU 300).
• Introductory Statistics (STA 205 OR STA 212).
• Health Care Ethics (PHI 220 or PHI 200).
• Hold current, unrestricted RN licensure. Proof of Ohio and Kentucky licensure is mandatory prior to the first day of any clinical course.

NOTE: Acceptance into the nursing program is provisional pending successful completion of the criminal background check and proof of unrestricted RN licensure.

Admitted students must:

• Submit the following paperwork:
  • Proof of “CPR for Health Providers” certification in effect for the upcoming academic year.
  • Immunization records and completed health forms.
  • Proof of health insurance coverage.
• All records must be submitted together before the posted deadline.
• Maintain the minimum GPA required for progression (see RN to BSN handbook).

NKU College of Health Professions policies:

• Student criminal background check: Healthcare agencies are charged with providing care and protecting the safety of vulnerable populations including children and the aged. Agencies used for clinical placement require students to undergo criminal background checks and may deny clinical access to those convicted of felonies and certain misdemeanors. Conviction of these offenses may result in a student’s denial of admission to, or dismissal from, the College of Health Professions. Applicants are required to submit to criminal background checks as identified by the College of Health Professions as a part of the application process. The cost of this and any subsequent screening will be borne by the student. The student is responsible for notifying the College of Health Professions of any change in the status of this record.
• Progression: To progress in the RN to BSN Nursing program, students must achieve a grade of C or higher in all required nursing and support courses. Students withdrawing from the nursing program for any reason are requested to have an exit interview with the program director or faculty advisor. Students may repeat only one semester of nursing. If a didactic course has a clinical co-requisite course, both must be repeated concurrently.

You should also know: The RN to BSN curriculum was revised effective fall 2011. The program is only offered in an online format. Even the application for admission and the registration process are handled online.

Students entering the RN to BSN program may have transfer credits that will satisfy some of the requirements of the program.

Degree Requirements: RN to BSN program

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