Nursing (BSN)

Description

The McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) is committed to graduating culturally competent, caring nursing practitioners who have the ability to meet society's rapidly evolving health care needs with a strong focus on nursing in the community. It seeks to develop students who will have the competencies to provide contemporary clinical care, make critical decisions within an ethical framework, communicate effectively, utilize leadership and management skills, and design and coordinate health promotion, risk reduction, and illness and disease management strategies for clients, families and communities. To function competently in this capacity requires an education that is value-based and promotes spiritual, social, and psychological growth of the learner.

The Nursing curriculum builds upon a foundation of liberal arts and sciences and strives to achieve critical thinking.  In addition, the mission of the MSON is to prepare compassionate and competent baccalaureate and graduate level nurses who are committed to lead in providing nursing care to diverse individuals, families, communities, and populations.  Congruent with the University’s mission, the program focuses on caring for the underserved and marginalized. The MSON offers a baccalaureate degree in Nursing to pre-licensure nursing students by offering both part-time and full-time tracks, with a special accelerated option for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.  Additionally, in partnership with Aquinas College and Saint Mary’s Health Care in Grand Rapids, the MSON offers the baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN).  Upon completion of the BSN degree, the student is eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination to practice as a registered nurse.

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    Accreditation

    The baccalaureate degree in Nursing, master's degree in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Post-graduate APRN certificate at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

    The undergraduate Nursing programs are fully approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

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    Academic Standards

    Students in the McAuley School of Nursing must attain a minimum grade of “C” or better in all nursing supportive core courses, and HLH 2550. In addition, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. The academic policies published in the Undergraduate Nursing Handbook govern academic conduct, progression, withdrawal and dismissal.

    The McAuley School of Nursing reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from a nursing course or from its program even when the overall grade point average is 2.5 or better if, in the judgment of the faculty or dean, the student does not possess the requisite skills, personal integrity, emotional stability and/or social competence to succeed in the nursing program.
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    Academic Recognition

    Membership in Lambda Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International is awarded to outstanding undergraduate nursing students who rank in the upper third of their junior and senior years and have been recommended by faculty and community members of Sigma Theta Tau International.

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    Graduation Requirements

    Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must complete a minimum of 126 credit hours, or 62 credit hours if in the Second Degree Option program. Undergraduate degree requirements include a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a “C” or better in all nursing, HLH 2550, and supportive core courses. Candidates must complete the University Core Curriculum as well as supportive core and nursing core courses as established by the McAuley School of Nursing.

    The Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) has varied restrictions that may affect persons with a history of a felony or misdemeanor conviction. University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing assumes no responsibility for the denial of licensure by the Michigan BPL. Prospective students are responsible for contacting the Michigan Board of Professional Licensing at 517-241-0199 concerning any questions regarding their eligibility for licensure.
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    Admission Criteria

    Applicants will be considered for admission based on their ability to meet the minimum academic criteria.  In addition, a candidate must have the abilities and skills in five categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social. Students are not eligible for admission to the MSON if they have been dismissed from a previous nursing program.  Progression to clinical nursing courses is contingent upon completion and submission of documentation of all Alliance for Clinical Education Matching and Placement Program (ACEMAPP) and any site-specific requirements.  These include but are not limited to health history and physical examination, evidence of immunizations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for health care providers, criminal background check and urine drug screen. A positive result from any of the tests may impact a student’s ability to complete the program.  Students are required to maintain their own health insurance for illness and injury.

    Traditional (Freshman)

    In order to be admitted to the Traditional nursing program, applicants need to meet the general entrance requirements of the University.  In addition, they must have completed within their high school curriculum at least four units of English, two units of laboratory science (chemistry and biology), two units of mathematics, and two units of history and/or social science. Applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in high school mathematics and sciences courses.  A minimum score of 21 on the ACT or a score of 1060 on the SAT is preferred.

    Transfer Students

    In order to be admitted as a transfer student to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, applicants need to meet the general entrance requirements: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred and completion of all prerequisite courses. All sciences and math must be completed within the last seven years with a minimum of a “C”. Applicants are permitted three repeat prerequisite courses; however, and individual prerequisite course cannot be repeated more than twice.

    Prerequisite Courses*

    *Many other institutions' equivalencies for these courses may be found on the Nursing Transfer Table on the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ website.

    Accelerated Second Degree Option (SDO)

    In order to be admitted to the Second-Degree Option program, applicants need to meet the general entrance requirements: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred and completion of all prerequisite courses. All sciences and math must be completed within the last seven years with a minimum of a “C”.  Applicants are permitted three repeat prerequisite courses; however, an individual prerequisite course cannot be repeated more than twice.

    Nursing Degree Completion (NDC)

    Students applying to the RN-BSN track must be admitted to the MSON and meet University requirements that includes an overall GPA of 2.5. The RN-BSN track has been designed for the registered nurse and successful completion of the associate degree or diploma is required. Students must hold licensure as a registered nurse for unconditional admission and successful completion of the NCLEX® is required to be granted 46-licensure credits toward the baccalaureate.

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    Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (126 credits)

    Students admitted to the nursing program will complete the following innovative curriculum, which responds to the The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2021). Students will have the opportunity to integrate service and social justice from a Mercy and Jesuit perspective.

    Nursing Core Curriculum

    • NUR 1000 Freshman Success Seminar I (0 credits)
    • NUR 1010 Freshman Success Seminar II (0 credits)
    • NUR 2100 Introduction to Nursing Practice in Mercy and Jesuit Traditions (2 credits)
    • NUR 2120 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
    • NUR 2200 Health Assessment and Physical Examination (2 credits)
    • NUR 2500 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 2520 Nursing Skills Lab (1 credit)
    • NUR 2540 Fundamentals of Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • HLH 2550 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
    • NUR 3380 Pathophysiology (4 credits)
    • NUR 3100 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 3150 Mental Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3200 Medical Surgical Nursing I (3 credits)
    • NUR 3210 Medical Surgical Nursing I Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3300 Pharmacology I (2 credits)
    • NUR 3700 Medical Surgical Nursing II (3 credits)
    • NUR 3750 Medical Surgical Nursing II Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3310 Pharmacology II (2 credits)
    • NUR 3800 Maternal Child Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 3810 Maternal Child Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4100 Pediatric Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4150 Pediatric Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4226 Applied Statistics for Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4300 Community Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4350 Community Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4500 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits
    • NUR 4600 Nursing Leadership (2 credits)
    • NUR 4650 Nursing Leadership Immersion (3 credits)
    • NUR 4652 Senior Seminar (1 credit)
    • NUR 4755 Professional Practice from a Mercy and Jesuit Perspective (3 credits)

    Supportive Core Requirements

    • BIO 2040 Applied Nutrition (3 credits)
    • BIO 2410 General Microbiology (3 credits)
    • BIO 2420 General Microbiology Laboratory (1 credit)
    • BIO 2300 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture I (3 credits)
    • BIO 2310 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I (1 credit)
    • BIO 2320 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II (3 credits)
    • BIO 2330 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II (1 credit)
    • CHM 1040 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences (3 credits)
    • ENL 1310 Academic Writing (3 credits)
    • ETH 3580 Health Care Ethics (3 credits)
    • MTH 1010 Algebra (3 credits) or MTH 1020 + MTH 1030 + MTH 1040 (3 credits)
    • SOC 1000 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
    • PYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 2500 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
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    Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated Second Degree Option (62 credits)

    Accelerated Second Degree Option

    An intensive 16-month BSN track for students with a previous bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  The accelerated curriculum requires enrollment in approximately 16-20 credits per semester, while also completing clinical practice of 16-24 hours each week:

    Prerequisite Courses*

    *Many other institutions' equivalencies for these courses may be found on the Nursing Transfer Table on the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ's website.

    Nursing Core Requirements

    All courses are offered in a seven-week format
    • NUR 2100 Introduction to Nursing Practice in Mercy and Jesuit Traditions (2 credits)
    • NUR 2200 Health Assessment and Physical Examination (2 credits)
    • HLH 2550 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
    • NUR 2850 Patho-Pharmacology I (4 credits)
    • NUR 2500 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 2540 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3050 Patho-Pharmacology II (3 credits)
    • NUR 2520 Nursing Skills Lab (1 credit)
    • NUR 3200 Medical Surgical Nursing I (3 credits)
    • NUR 3210 Medical Surgical Nursing I Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4500 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 3700 Medical Surgical Nursing II (3 credits)
    • NUR 3750 Medical Surgical Nursing II Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4601 Nursing Leadership (3 credits)
    • NUR 3100 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 3150 Mental Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4300 Community Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4350 Community Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4865 Health of Women and Families (3 credits)
    • NUR 4870 Practicum: Health of Women and Families (2 credits)
    • NUR 4875 Lifespan Care of Children and Families (3 credits)
    • NUR 4880 Practicum: Lifespan Care of Children and Families (2 credits)
    • NUR 4701 Nursing Leadership Immersion (4 credits)
    • NUR 4651 Integrative Seminar (2 credits)
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    Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing Degree Completion (126 credits) Starting Winter 2024

    The RN to BSN Degree Completion (BSN) program was designed specifically for the returning RN and builds on student strengths and competence as a practicing nurse. This program is designed specifically for licensed registered nurses with an associate or diploma degree to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program builds on the strengths and competence of the practicing registered nurse. Required nursing coursework in an accelerated adult learning format utilizing a hybrid and online format. 

    The BSN degree consists of 126 Hours; 30 hours at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ that meets University requirements for degree conferral; and 46 credit hours awarded for RN licensure credit. The maximum a student may transfer from a community college is 63 credit hours in concert with the 46-licensure credits for a total maximum of 96 credit hours Students who pass the NCLEX-RN® licensing exam will receive 46 credit hours.  RN licensure credit is in lieu of and standardized credit for number of years worked in the field.

    Nursing Core Curriculum

    • NUR 3251 Transitions into Professional Practice in the Mercy and Jesuit Traditions (3 credits)
    • NUR 3256 Leadership in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 4500 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 2120 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
    • NUR 4226 Applied Statistics for Nursing (3 credits)
    • HLH 2550 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
    • NUR 4241 Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • ETH 3580 Health Care Ethics (3 credits)
    • NUR 4300 Community Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4350 Community Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4246 Integration Seminar for BSN Completion (1 credits)

    30 credits

    Supportive Core Requirements 

    • BIO 2040 Applied Nutrition (3 credits)
    • BIO 2410 General Microbiology (3 credits)
    • BIO 2420 General Microbiology Laboratory (1 credit)
    • BIO 2300 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture I (3 credits)
    • BIO 2310 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I (1 credit)
    • BIO 2320 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II (3 credits)
    • BIO 2330 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II (1 credit)
    • CHM 1040 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences (3 credits)
    • ENL 1310 Academic Writing (3 credits)
    • MTH 1010 Algebra (3 credits) or MTH 1020 + MTH 1030 + MTH 1040 (3 credits)
    • SOC 1000 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
    • PYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 2500 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

    Total credit hours of program = 126, 30 credit hours must be taken at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ.

    46 credit hours are awarded for RN licensure credit.

    63 credit hours can be transferred from a community college for a total of 96 credit hours combined from a community college or four-year university.

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    Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Grand Rapids (126 credits)

    University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ, Aquinas College and Saint Mary's Health Care have partnered to bring the University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ degree to west Michigan.

    The curriculum is built upon a foundation of liberal arts and theoretical sciences. Liberal arts/general education and nursing courses will be offered on the Aquinas College campus. It requires four years of study, including all class work at Aquinas taught by Aquinas and University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ faculty. Clinical experiences occur throughout west Michigan. Students must complete a minimum of 126 credits for graduation and fulfill all core requirements of the University as identified in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

    University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ provides 63 credits in all the nursing major and support courses, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Aquinas provides 63 credits in liberal arts and science courses, which have been approved by the University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Core Curriculum Committee. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ.

    Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Aquinas Supportive Core Equivalencies

    Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Aquinas Supportive Core Equivalencies
    McNichols Course Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Aquinas Course Credits
    BIO 2300/2310 BY 155 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
    BIO 2320/2330 BY 156 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
    CHM 1040 CY 156 General, Organic and Biochemistry II 3
    ENL 1310 GE 101 Inquiry and Expression 3
    PYC 1000 PG 100 Introductory Psychology 3
    SOC 1000 SY 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
    BIO 2410/2420 BY 231 Microbiology 4
    PYC 2500 PG 380 Lifespan Development for Health Sciences 3
    ETH 3580 PH 244 Medical Ethics 3

    Nursing Core Curriculum

    • NUR 1000 Freshman Success Seminar I (0 credits)
    • NUR 1010 Freshman Success Seminar II (0 credits)
    • NUR 2100 Introduction to Nursing Practice in Mercy and Jesuit Traditions (2 credits)
    • NUR 2120 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
    • NUR 2200 Health Assessment and Physical Examination (2 credits)
    • NUR 2500 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 2520 Nursing Skills Lab (1 credit)
    • NUR 2540 Fundamentals of Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • HLH 2550 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
    • NUR 3380 Pathophysiology (4 credits)
    • NUR 3100 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 3150 Mental Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3200 Medical Surgical Nursing I (3 credits)
    • NUR 3210 Medical Surgical Nursing I Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3300 Pharmacology I (2 credits)
    • NUR 3700 Medical Surgical Nursing II (3 credits)
    • NUR 3750 Medical Surgical Nursing II Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 3310 Pharmacology II (2 credits)
    • NUR 3800 Maternal Child Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 3810 Maternal Child Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4226 Applied Statistics for Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4100 Pediatric Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4150 Pediatric Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4300 Community Health Nursing (3 credits)
    • NUR 4350 Community Health Nursing Practicum (2 credits)
    • NUR 4500 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
    • NUR 4600 Nursing Leadership (2 credits)
    • NUR 4650 Nursing Leadership Immersion (3 credits)
    • NUR 4652 Senior Seminar (1 credit)
    • NUR 4755 Professional Practice from a Mercy and Jesuit Perspective (3 credits)
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    University Core Curriculum

    All undergraduate degree students at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ are required to fulfill the objectives of the University's Core Curriculum. The curriculum consists of courses designed to meet objectives, which ensure that students received an overall education consistent with the mission of the University. See the core curriculum section for more details.

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    Clinical Affiliations

    The MSON has collaborative agreements with a variety of health care systems and community agencies in southeastern Michigan for our Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ campus students, and in western Michigan for our Grand Rapids students.  Students across the state are provided with high quality clinical experiences.

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    Program Contact Information

    Admissions:

    McNichols Campus
    Office of Admissions
    Telephone: 313-993-1245
    Toll-free: 800-635-5020

    Freshman Admissions Grand Rapids:

    Aquinas Campus
    Telephone: 616-632-2861

    Program Contact:

    McNichols Campus
    Dr. Saran Hollier, Chair
    McAuley School of Nursing Prelicensure
    Telephone: 313-993-2444

    Aquinas College
    Dr. Suzanne Keep, Chair/Director
    McAuley School of Nursing Grand Rapids
    616-632-2823