2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived]

Baccalaureate Nursing


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Chairperson: Dr. Marcee Everly
Department Office: Nursing Building, room 324
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/nursing/programs/departments/bacc-dept.htm
E-mail: nursing@indstate.edu

ACADEMIC PROGRAM 

Degree Offered

The baccalaureate degree is recognized as the basic preparation for professional nursing practice and prepares the graduate as a generalist who may assume beginning leadership roles. As an experience-based degree, the baccalaureate nursing degree combines theory, clinical nursing course work, and foundational studies requirements. A graduate of the program is prepared as a competent and caring nurse who can work with diverse client populations. Upon completion of degree requirements, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).  Baccalaureate nursing education is foundational for graduate study in nursing.  The nursing program is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

There are many and varied employment opportunities for registered nurses who have baccalaureate degrees. Baccalaureate nurses practice in ways that recognize their educational preparation and nursing competencies. Baccalaureate nurses have complex responsibilities in providing patient care. They supervise other personnel who provide nursing care.  They also collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive plans of healthcare for patients of all ages in a variety of settings. Graduates provide care to patients, families, groups, and communities with an emphasis on healthcare that includes rural and underserved populations.

Alumni go on to become leaders in their respective healthcare facilities. Many also go on to pursue advanced degrees as nurse practitioners, administrators, and educators.

Program of Study

Students may enter the on campus Baccalaureate Nursing Program via one of two tracks: the traditional four-year track or the accelerated second degree track.

Traditional four-year Track for Students Entering without R.N. or L.P.N. Licensure: Traditional students entering as freshmen are classified as preprofessional nursing non-designated for their first three semesters. Students may make application to the major in the third semester for admission in the fourth semester.

Accelerated Second Degree Track:  Students with previous non-nursing baccalaureate degrees may choose to apply for the accelerated second degree track. This track is offered as a 15-month, campus-based, full-time plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission to both nursing program tracks is competitive. Visit http://www.indstate.edu/health/department/bn for specific admission requirements.

Transfer Students:  A student transferring to an Indiana State University nursing program has the same consideration for admission to the baccalaureate nursing major as any matriculating ISU nursing student, provided that the minimum admission requirements for the track have been met either at Indiana State University or through transfer or equivalent courses from another accredited collegiate institution.  Transfer applicants who have completed a portion of the baccalaureate nursing curriculum at another accredited institution will be held to the same progression, retention, dismissal, and graduation requirements as matriculating students.

Departmental Opportunities

Faculty are dedicated to providing quality experiential learning opportunities through course design; laboratory, simulation, and community engagement experience; and service learning projects.  Residence hall accommodations include dedicated housing for student nurses.  Students are assigned an academic advisor and are encouraged to maintain a working relationship with their advisor throughout their program of study to review plans and progress toward the attainment of educational objectives.  Leadership opportunities for students are available through the Indiana State University Student Nurses Association, Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and other University organizations.

Nursing students pay the same University fees as other students.  Other expenses specific to the program of study include pre-admission testing, assessment and remediation materials, uniforms, supplies and equipment, a nurse clinical faculty fee for designated courses, as well as books, and other instructional materials.  There are also fees associated with application for registered nurse licensure and licensure examination.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from healthcare agencies utilized for clinical experiences.  Nursing scholarship information and applications are available at the following Web site:  http://www.indstate.edu/health/department/son/scholarships

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