Nursing Major

BSN Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bellarmine University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). BSN Program approved by Kentucky Board of Nursing.

BSN Program Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is to provide basic professional education. Graduates are prepared to function independently or in collaboration with other health care providers to serve individuals and families in hospitals and community settings. The program is designed to encourage students’ active participation in achieving program outcomes. Upon completion of the program, the graduates will have a recognition of and desire for continuing professional development and a sound foundation for pursuing graduate education in nursing. Upon successful completion of the BSN requirements graduates are eligible to apply for licensure through their state board of nursing and sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

KBN Regulation Regarding Denial of RN Licensure
Beginning January 1, 1998, an applicant shall not be eligible for the NCLEX examination or licensure if the applicant has been convicted (1) of an applicable felony (as listed in the regulation) within five years of the date of filing an application or (2) of a misdemeanor (as listed in the regulation) within two years of filing an application. See statute KRS 314.091(1) b.

Technical Standards
Each student must be able to meet the basic technical standards of performance necessary for the practice of nursing for admission and progression in the program of study. The bachelor’s degree program curriculum is designed to provide the education necessary for the practice of nursing as a generalist. Students build on the fundamental principles of nursing, acquire skills of critical judgment based on education and experience, and develop an ability to use principles and skills wisely in decision-making and problem-solving pertaining to the delivery of high-quality nursing services. Undergraduate students are expected to fulfill the following technical standards:

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in the basic and applied sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through lectures, group seminars, small group activities and physical demonstrations.

• Acquire information from written documents and computer-information systems (including literature searches and data retrieval), and identify information presented in images from paper, video, transparencies, and slides.

• Use and interpret information from diagnostic maneuvers (e.g., sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.), and other diagnostic representations of physiological phenomena during the course of conducting a comprehensive physical assessment of a client.

• Accurately elicit information, including a medical history and other information required to evaluate a client’s condition adequately and effectively.

• Synthesize information to develop a plan of care.

• Problem solve and think critically to judge which theory and/or strategy of assessment and intervention is most appropriate.

• Exercise proper judgment, timely and accurately complete responsibilities attendant to the delivery of care to clients.

• Maintain effective, mature, and sensitive relationships with clients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under all circumstances.

• Perform specific procedures and interventions (e.g., Basic Life Support techniques) sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care according to prescribed therapeutic regimens.

• Communicate effectively and efficiently with faculty, patients, families and all members of the health care team about a patient’s condition as called for under the circumstances.

• Practice in a safe manner and respond appropriately to emergencies and urgencies.

• Demonstrate the ability to deliver safe patient care while under stress and/or in changing environments inherent in the clinical practice of nursing.

• Practice universal precautions against contamination and cross contamination with infectious pathogens (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment, working with sharp objects and hazardous chemicals, treating clients with infectious diseases).

Upon admission, a candidate who discloses a disability and requests accommodation will be referred to the Accommodations and Support Services Office. The University will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to make modifications that would substantially alter the nature or requirements of a program or provide auxiliary aids that present an undue burden to the University. To matriculate or continue in the curriculum, the candidate must be able to perform all the essential functions outlined in the Technical Standards either with or without accommodation.

Early Admission Option
The Lansing School of Nursing & Health Sciences Undergraduate Nursing Early Option recognizes outstanding high school seniors who are interested in the nursing profession. The program guarantees up to 10 eligible high school seniors who are admitted into Bellarmine University, a place in our nursing program contingent upon fulfilling certain requirements.

Key Features of the Early Admission Option:

• Early and guaranteed admission. High school students can find out in their senior year if they are conditionally admitted into Bellarmine’s undergraduate nursing program.

• Enjoy more benefits. Early admission students enjoy the benefits of Bellarmine’s resources and the Bellarmine Association of Nursing Students (BANS) organization.

• Receive personalized assistance. Early admission students are assigned a designated advisor, who assists them in achieving their educational goals and provides career guidance for entering the nursing workforce.

• Travel abroad opportunities. Early admission students who maintain a strong GPA are eligible for travel abroad opportunities while also earning nursing course credits during their junior or senior years.

Admission to the Nursing Major
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a direct-entry program for incoming Freshman. Admission is a 2-tiered process.

Tier 1: Admission to the Pre-Nursing Major:

Upon admission to Bellarmine University, students are considered a Pre-Nursing Student major. Pre-Nursing students may join the Bellarmine Association of Nursing Students (BANS). During the second semester of the Sophomore year, students will complete a formal transition to the status of Nursing Student major. All students who meet criteria for Nursing Student major will progress in the BSN program. All applications will be reviewed by the BSN Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. Nursing Student majors will take nursing courses in the professional sequence designed in the BSN curriculum.

Tier 2: Admission Requirements to the BSN 4-Year Traditional Program Track:

1. Accepted to Bellarmine University.

2. A completed application for admission to the nursing major on file in the Lansing School of Nursing Department (second semester, Sophomore year).

3. Completion of all courses designated in the BSN curriculum for the freshman and sophomore years.

4. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale(The cumulative GPA is based on all academic credits earned at Bellarmine and other colleges and/or universities).

5. A minimum grade of C in prerequisite courses BIOL 108, BIOL 109, CHEM 214, BIOL 300, and BIOL 202 (Microbiology).

6. A minimum grade of B- in prerequisite course NURS 200 (Nutrition).

7. If the cumulative GPA is less than 3.00, a student may be admitted if the following criteria are met:

• Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher (The pre-requisite GPA is based on academic credits earned at Bellarmine and other colleges and/or university for the following courses or their equivalent: BIOL 108, BIOL 109, CHEM 214, BIOL 300, BIOL 202.

• A minimum grade of C in prerequisite courses BIOL 108, BIOL 109, CHEM 214, BIOL 300, and BIOL 202 (Microbiology).

• A minimum grade of B- in prerequisite course NURS 200 (Nutrition).

8. A student is not eligible for admission to the nursing major if he/she earns three or more unsatisfactory grades in the same course or any combination of these five courses: BIOL 108, BIOL 109, BIOL 300, CHEM 214, and NURS 200. An unsatisfactory grade is defined above; or two withdrawals from any single course or combination of the five courses listed. The policy refers to the final course grade, not a grade on a specific assignment.

9. Provide one of the following prior to the first day of nursing courses:

• Documentation of successful completion of a Medicaid approved Certified Nurse Aide or State Registered Nurse Aide course. Students do not need to complete the state certification examination.

• OR Documentation of work experience equivalent to a Certified Nurse Aide/State Registered Nurse Aide course (An official letter confirming work experience from a direct supervisor).

• OR Successful completion of NURS110 with a minimum grade of a B-

10. Completion of all clinical compliance requirements per the BSN Handbook through the CastleBranch Tracking system prior to the start of the semester. Students are responsible for the cost of this system and all compliance components.

11. Personal interview if requested.

12. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the first day of class in the nursing major. Official transcripts validating grades must be received within 30 days of course completion.

13. Transfer students will be held to the same admission criteria into the nursing major regarding grades in comparable courses to BIOL 108, BIOL 109, BIOL 202, CHEM 214, and NURS 200.

14. Language Proficiency:

The Nursing Program requires an official TOEFL iBT (Test of English as Foreign Language internet-based test), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo English Test score for verification of language proficiency for applicants who possess any of these criteria:

a) Born outside the US

b) English is not primary language

c) Obtained a degree or required admission pre-requisites from a non-US institution

For consideration of admission, the Nursing Department requires the following evidence of language proficiency:

• TOEFL-iBT total score of 83 or higher AND a speaking score of 26 or higher OR

• IELTS total band score of 7 or higher AND a speaking band score of 8 or higher OR

• Duolingo score of 105 or higher.

Only official score reports will be accepted, and score reports must be sent directly to Bellarmine University Admissions. The Nursing Program reserves the right to require a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score from any applicant. Alternatively, students may petition to use one of the following requirements to document English-language proficiency:

• Degree completion from a TOEFL exempt country OR

• Successful completion of Language training at an approved center

Bellarmine University recognizes the following standards and centers. The Nursing Admissions, Progression & Graduation Committee may use discretion and approve other centers.

• English Language Services level 112 (http://www.els.edu/en)

• Interlink Level 5 (http://interlink.edu/)

• Intensive English Program at Indiana University Level 6 (http://iep.indiana.edu/)