Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs

Rebecca Riley, Head
Faculty: Barnes, Basone, Bruney, Bufford, Carter, Chandler, Conway-Pennick, Cooley, Dougherty, Dubriel, Duhon, Fontenot, Groves, Hebert, Holder, Hoppe, Howard, Johnson, LaGrange, Levens, Martin, McCann, Sterling, Trahan, Washington, Wilburn, Williams, Woodard

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Purpose

The purposes of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing are to prepare the graduate to:

1. Enter into professional practice as a generalist nurse who cares for individuals, families, groups, communities or populations in structured and unstructured health care settings.
2. Assume a leadership role within one's scope of professional nursing practice in improving quality care.
3. Begin scholarly practice.
4. Provide safe, quality patient-centered care through effective communication, therapeutic nursing interventions, and critical thinking.
5. Promote, maintain, and restore health and provide palliative or end-of-life care.
6. Function independently and interdependently in a variety of roles.
7. Commit to serve the community and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research, and health care delivery system improvement.
8. Value life-long learning including graduate education and professional development.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at the following address: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975 5020, Web site: http://www.nlnac.org. The program is also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

Expenses will include the purchase of uniforms, books, clinical supplies, drug screening, application, and entrance testing, immunizations, health examination, and criminal history record. Additional information regarding the BSN Program may be obtained from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.

Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Nursing Sequence

To be eligible to apply, the student must have met the following criteria by the end of the semester that the application is made.

Students who declare the Bachelor of Science in Nursing as their major and are eligible to enter McNeese State University are not automatically admitted into the nursing courses. Eligible students must make application for admission.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to teh nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources. A waiting list may be initiated as needed. All required non-nursing course work must be completed by the end of the semester in which the application is filed.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to revise the curriculum based on program evaluation and the ever changing nature of the discipline.

Students not admitted to nursing courses must seek advisement, make up deficiencies, and reapply in a future semester.

Note: Policy regarding eligibility to transfer between ASN and BSN Programs may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office, Hardtner 205, or in the College of Nursing Student Handbook.

International Students

In order to meet eligibility requirements, the International Student must:

1. Take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) and score a minimum of 19 on each of the 4 test sections, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, for a total of 76 points.
2. Provide thet College of Nursing with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT scores by the clinical application deadline.

Application Process

The student must:

1. Obtain an application for admission from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall. Dual application to both the ASN and BSN Undergraduate Nursing Degree is not permitted.
2. Pay application fee.
3. Attach the following to the application form:
   1. Completed Physical Examination Form.
   2. Completed medical management plan for any physical or mental health issue.
   3. Copy of current tuberculosis (TB) skin test results (must be PPD).
   4. Copy of current CPR card (must be CPR for health care professionals).
   5. Copy of completed immunization record.
4. Submit the application form with attachments to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall by the announced deadline.
5. Submit the completed LSBN Application for Permission to Enroll in Clincial Nursing Courses form.
6. Submit the complted Authorization to Disclose Criminal History Record Information form and the Application Processing-Disclosure Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information form
7. Submit two complete fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting must be performed by an authorized law enforcement agency (i.e., local police, state police or sheriff's department).
8. Submit a $65.25 money order or cashier's check made out to LSBN for processing clinical acceptance and for fingerprint record check.
9. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam.
10. Present a picture ID in order to take the nursing entrance exam.

Students who have previously attended McNeese State University and have been readmitted to the nursing curriculum must meet the current University and nursing retention-progression criteria.

An application packet will be mailed to students upon conditional acceptance. The student will be required to hand deliver the completed College of Nursing Acceptance Form to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Transfers

Students transferring into nursing must:

1. Make application to enroll in the University according to admission criteria.
2. Contact the College of Nursing to initiate a transcript(s) evaluation after a letter of acceptance is received.
3. Provide a transcript of all previous college work to the College of Nursing.
4. Submit a course description and content from completed nursing courses to the College of Nursing transfer advisor one semester prior to placement in clinical courses, as requested.
5. Complete 12 semester hours of course work or permission of the Dean prior to enrollment in any nursing course.
6. Prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course the student must make application to nursing courses (refer to application process).
7. Once accepted in the nursing clinical sequence the student will not be allowed to transfer a nursing course from another university or college.

Retention-Progression

In order for students to be retained and progress in nursing courses, the student must:

1. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of "C" or better.
2. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of "D" or "F" is earned.
3. Complete all required nursing courses with a grade of "C" or better.
4. Have repeated no more than one nursing course in which a grade of "D" or "F" is earned.
5. Students may enroll in a nursing course a maximum of two times. Enrollment is defined as "being on the second class roster."
6. Pass theory with a minimum of "C" and have a Satisfactory "S" clinical evaluation in nursing courses with a clinical component. If a theory failure "D" or "F" should occur, a satisfactory clinical evaluation is negated. If an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation should occur, a theory average of "C" or better will be reduced to a "D". A theory grade of "D" will be reduced to an "F".
7. Maintain current CPR certification (CPR for health care professionals) and TB test annually throughout all clinical courses. Students with a positive TB test must be compliant with treatment protocol.
8. Report any changes in health status to the course faculty by completing the Changes in Health Status Form found in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.
9. Maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled in clinical courses. Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on an academic contract.
10. Declare any subsequent action, arrest, criminal charge or conviction or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Head.

Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on an academic record.

Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from a course or the BSN Program for any of the following conditions:

1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences.
2. Unsafe, unethical, illegal practices with patient care.
3. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations.
4. Cheating or plagiarism. See the MSU Academic Integrity Policy at http//www.mcneese.edu/policy/academic-integrity-policy/.
5. Violations of the CON Drug Testing Policy.
6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct.
7. Violations of the College of Nursing policies as stated in the College of Nursing Handbook.

The faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of any student in the nursing program when health or personal conduct require such action.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who are enrolled in the College of Nursing and who wish to officially withdraw are required to inform their instructors of their decision and complete an Intent to Return/Withdrawal from found in Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office. After this, students follow the withdrawal policy for the University.

RN to BSN and LPN to BSN Articulation Plans

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state associate of science in nursing or practical (vocational) nursing program who are currently licensed in good standing to practice in Louisiana may be eligible for advanced standing in the BSN Program. Specific information related to the RN to BSN and the LPN to BSN articulation plans may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Associate of science in Nursing

Purpose

The purposes of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program are to prepare the graduate to:

1. Function as a nurse providing direct care for individuals and families in a structured health care setting.
2. Provide safe, quality patient-centered care through effective communication, therapeutic nursing interventions and critical thinking.
3. Promote, maintain, and restore health and provide palliative or end-of-life care.
4. Function independently and interdependently in a variety of roles.
5. Commit to serve the community and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research and health care delivery system improvement.
6. Value learning and acquisition of knowledge as a lifelong responsibility.

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at the following address: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000, Facsimile: (404) 975-5020, Web site: http://www.nlnac.org. The program is also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

Expenses will include the purchase of uniforms, books, clinical supplies, drug screening, application, entrance testing, immunizations, health examination, and criminal history record. Additional information regarding the ASN Program may be obtained from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs office.

Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Nursing Sequence

To be eligible to apply, the student must have met the following criteria by the end of the semester that the application is made:

1. Have completed 26 credit hours of non-nursing courses as outlined in the first and second semesters of the curriculum.
2. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all courses as outlined in the first and second semesters of the curriculum.
3. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of "C" or better.
4. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of "D" or "F" is earned.
5. Pass the required nursing admission test.
6. Be able to perform the physical and mental requirements of the discipline of nursing as identified on the Health and Physical Examination form and the ADA requirements in the Student Handbook.
7. The Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana requires that students be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) for admission into clinical courses.

Students who declare the Associate of Science in Nursing as their major and are eligible to enter McNeese State University are not automatically admitted into the nursing courses. Eligible students must make application for admission.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to the nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources. A waiting list may be initiated as needed. The ASN Program admits students once a year. Applications for admission to nursing courses are only accepted in the fall semester for spring enrollment. All required non-nursing course work must be completed by the end of the semester in which the application is filed.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to revise the curriculum based on program evaluation and the ever changing nature of the discipline.

Students not admitted to nursing courses must seek advisement, make up deficiencies, and reapply in a future semester.

Note: Policy regarding eligibility to transfer between ASN and BSN Programs may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office, Hardtner 205, or in the College of Nursing Student Handbook.

International Students

In order to meet eligibility requirements, the International Student must:

1. Take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) and score a minimum of 19 on each of the 4 test sections, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, for a total of 76 points.
2. Provide thet College of Nursing with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT scores by the clinical application deadline.

Application Process

The student must:

1. Obtain an application for admission from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall. Dual application to both the ASN and BSN Undergraduate Nursing Programs is not permitted.
2. Pay application fee.
3. Attach the following to the application form:
   1. Completed Physical Examination Form.
   2. Completed medical management plan for any physical or mental health issue
   3. Copy of current tuberculosis (TB) skin test results (must be PPD).
   4. Copy of current CPR card (must be CPR for health care professionals).
   5. Copy of completed immunization record.
4. Submit the application form with attachments to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall by the announced deadline.
5. Submit the completed LSBN Application for Permission to Enroll in Clinical Nursing Courses form.
6. Submit the complted Authorization to Disclose Criminal History Record Information form and the Application Processing-Disclosure Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information form
7. Submit two complete fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting must be performed by an authorized law enforcement agency (i.e., local police, state police or sheriff's department).
8. Submit a $65.25 money order or cashier's check made out to LSBN for processing clinical acceptance and for fingerprint record check.
9. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam.
10. Present a picture ID in order to take the nursing entrance exam.

Students who have previously attended McNeese State University and have been readmitted to the nursing curriculum must meet the current university and nursing retention-progression criteria.

An application packet will be mailed to students upon conditional acceptance. The student will be required to hand deliver the completed College of Nursing Acceptance Form to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Transfers

Students transferring into nursing must:

1. Make application to enroll in the University according to admission criteria.
2. Contact the College of Nursing to initiate a transcript(s) evaluation after a letter of acceptance is received.
3. Provide a transcript of all previous college work to the College of Nursing.
4. Submit a course description and content from completed nursing courses to the College of Nursing transfer advisor one semester prior to placement in clinical courses, as requested.
5. Complete 9 semester hours of course work or permission of the Dean prior to enrollment in any nursing course.
6. Prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course the student must make application to nursing courses (refer to application process).
7. Once accepted in the nursing clinical sequence the student will not be allowed to transfer a nursing course from another university or college.

Retention-Progression

In order for students to be retained and progress in nursing courses, the student must:

1. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of "C" or better.
2. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of "D" or "F" is earned.
3. Complete all required nursing courses with a grade of "C" or better.
4. Have repeated no more than one nursing course in which a grade of "D" or "F" is earned.
5. Students may enroll in a nursing course a maximum of two times. Enrollment is defined as "being on the second class roster."
6. Pass theory with a minimum of "C" and have a Satisfactory "S" clinical evaluation in nursing courses with a clinical component. If a theory failure "D" or "F" should occur, a satisfactory clinical evaluation is negated. If an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation should occur, a theory average of "C" or better will be reduced to a "D". A theory grade of "D" will be reduced to an "F".
7. Maintain current CPR certification (CPR for health care professionals) and TB test annually throughout all clinical courses. Students with a positive TB test must be compliant with treatment protocol.
8. Report any changes in health status to the course faculty by completing the Changes in Health Status Form found in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.
9. Maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled in clinical courses.
10. Declare an subsequent action, arrest, criminal charge or conviction or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Head.

Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on academic contract.

Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from a course or the ASN Program for any of the following conditions:

1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences.
2. Unsafe, unethical, illegal practices with patient care.
3. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations.
4. Cheating or plagiarism. See the MSU Academic Integrity Policy at http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/academic-integrity-policy/.
5. Violations of the CON Drug Testing Policy.
6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct.
7. Violations of the College of Nursing policies as stated in the College of Nursing Handbook

The faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of any student in the nursing program when health or personal conduct requires such action.

Withdrawal

Students who are enrolled in the College of Nursing and who wish to officially withdraw are required to inform their instructors of their decision and complete an Intent to Return/Withdrawal from found in Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office. After this, students follow the withdrawal policy for the University.

LPN to ASN Articulation Plan

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state practical (vocational) nursing program who are currently licensed in good standing to practice in Louisiana may be eligible for advanced standing in the ASN Program. Specific information related to the LPN to ASN articulation plan may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.