Program Overview

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RN-BSN Program Overview

The RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is tailored to meet the needs of working nurses, with a focus on academic excellence, professional development, and personal growth.

Program Philosophy

The RN-BSN program is guided by a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of nursing education, research, and practice. The program is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for leadership roles in the nursing profession.

Student Learning Outcomes

The RN-BSN program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Integrate knowledge from the arts, humanities, and sciences into nursing practice
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Provide high-quality, patient-centered care that is grounded in evidence-based practice
• Demonstrate leadership and management skills in a variety of healthcare settings

Admission Requirements

Admission to the RN-BSN program requires:

• A current, unencumbered RN license
• A minimum GPA of 2.5
• Completion of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
• Submission of official transcripts and other supporting documents

Admission Procedures

The admission process for the RN-BSN program involves the following steps:

• Submission of an application and supporting documents
• Review of transcripts and other materials
• Notification of admission decision

Curriculum

The RN-BSN curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in nursing. The curriculum includes:

• Pre-requisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
• Co-requisite courses, such as nursing research and statistics
• General education courses, such as English, mathematics, and social sciences
• Nursing courses, such as health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing leadership

Co-Enrollment Curriculum

The co-enrollment curriculum is designed for students who are pursuing a degree in a field other than nursing. The curriculum includes:

• Pre-requisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
• Co-requisite courses, such as nursing research and statistics
• General education courses, such as English, mathematics, and social sciences

Academic Progression Policies

The RN-BSN program has established policies to ensure academic progression and success. These policies include:

• Academic completion requirements
• Deferment/leave of absence policies
• Grading policies, including a grading scale and incomplete grade policy
• Withdrawal
  on-passing grade policy
• Grade review policy
• At-risk policy
• Unsatisfactory academic performance policy
• Student withdrawal and re-entry policy
• Student dismissal policy

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the RN-BSN program, students must:

• Complete all required courses and credits
• Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Meet all academic progression requirements
• Apply for graduation

Clinical Requirements

The RN-BSN program includes clinical experiences that provide students with hands-on practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Clinical requirements include:

• Minimum standards for participation in practicum
• Technical standards for nursing practice
• Clinical site responsibilities
• Clinical experiences
• Uniforms and dress code
• Attendance policy
• Health insurance
• Liability insurance
• Potential injury policy
• Blood-borne pathogens policy

Student Leadership

The RN-BSN program offers opportunities for student leadership and professional development. These opportunities include:

• Omega Zeta, the James Madison University School of Nursing chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
• Student organizations and clubs
• Leadership roles in clinical settings

Scholarships and Awards

The RN-BSN program offers scholarships and awards to support student education and professional development. These scholarships and awards include:

• Financial resources
• Financial aid, scholarships, and awards
• JMU scholarships and awards

Appendices

The RN-BSN program has established appendices that provide additional information and resources for students. These appendices include:

• Appendix A: James Madison University School of Nursing At-Risk Form
• Appendix B: James Madison University School of Nursing Probation Form