College Of Nursing

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Dean: Debra C. Davis (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Rosemary Rhodes (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean for Research and Development: M. Candice Ross (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean Baldwin County: Barbara Broome (251) 929-1746
Professors: Chilton, Davis, Dearman, McGuinness, Rhodes, Ross, Roussel
Associate Professors: Broome, Jacobs, Ryan, Sanford, A. Smith, K. Smith,
Vande Waa
Assistant Professors: Bydalek, Fruh, Godfrey, K. Williams
Clinical Assistant Professors: Azok, Farmer, Fogger, Gilligan, Hall, Hamilton, Hill, Holloway, Lawson, Love, King, Majors, McHaney, T. Meyer, Myers, Peters, Pharez, Raber, C. Robinson, Varner, Wagner, Walls, White
Instructors: Bertolla, Brown, Carlisle, Dearmon, Denmark, Graves, Harlan, Huey, Hyatt, L. Jones, Lollar, McClinton, McMullan, M. Meyer, Nadler, B. Robinson, Rodgers, Shamburger, Tucker, Whitworth, S.G. Williams, S.H. Williams, Wright

Department Chair, Adult Health Nursing: Mike Jacobs
Department Chair, Community/Mental Health Nursing: Barbara Broome
Department Chair, Maternal/Child Health Nursing: Catherine Dearman
Director of Student Services: Mary Meyer
Director of RN-BSN: Bettye Odom
Academic Advisor: Mavis Jarrell

College of Nursing web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing

The College of Nursing is dedicated to the education of professional nurses who provide the highest quality health care to the communities they serve. The practice of nursing is both an art and a science; the focus of nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.

The College of Nursing has two locations. One is at USA Springhill on the corner of Springhill Avenue and Catherine Street in Mobile. The other is on the USA Baldwin County campus in downtown Fairhope. The resources of the University, the USA Hospitals and clinics, and numerous clinical agencies provide excellent opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for professional nursing.

MISSION

The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide quality innovative education programs to a diverse student body, to participate in research and scholarly activities, and to provide service to the University, the profession, and the public. The College accomplishes this by providing a caring, engaging environment for the empowerment of student learning potential, the professional development of faculty, and the promotion of the nursing profession.

GOALS

1.	Cultivate a caring and engaging environment to facilitate teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
2.	Deliver innovative quality nursing programs that meet the needs of a diverse student body and other communities of interest.
3.	Promote the discovery, communication, and preservation of knowledge through scholarly activities and leadership.
4.	Provide service to the University, the profession, and the public.
5.	Develop community partnerships to promote nursing and the enhancement of the health care delivery system.

ACCREDITATION

The program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120: Telephone (202)877-6791.

DEGREES OFFERED

The College of Nursing offers the Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

CERTIFICATES OFFERED

Post-Masters Certificates are awarded to students completing planned programs of study in a nursing specialty area. The following are offered:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Nursing

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maternal Child Nursing

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community/Mental Health Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner

Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Administration

Nursing Education

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

While the University of South Alabama will endeavor to provide timely and accurate advisement, it is the responsibility of the student to know and satisfy the degree requirements of the academic program, to be aware of the University calendar and to understand and comply with University academic policies and procedures.

GRADE STANDARDS

Courses for which the grade of "D" is assigned may not be counted toward a degree program. A maximum of two courses with the grade of "C" may be counted toward the MSN degree. Only one grade of "C" can be counted toward the DNP degree.

GRADES

Excellent 4 grade-points per sem. hour

Good 3 grade-points per sem. hour

Satisfactory (certain designated courses only)

Marginal 2 grade-points per sem. hour

Unsatisfactory 1 grade-point per sem. hour

Unsatisfactory (certain designated courses only)

Failure no grade points

The following symbols are substitutes for grades. They are not grades:

Incomplete

Absent for final exam

Withdrawal in good standing

Course in progress. P grades remain in effect until they are changed to a letter grade, or until the time limits for a graduate degree have expired

Audit

Unsatisfactory audit (did not meet attendance requirement)

No grade or invalid grade

See academic policies and procedures for further explanation of the above grades and symbols.

CHANGE OF GRADE

Grades reported for students by instructors to the Registrar may not be changed except in case of error in records or in evaluation. Grade changes require the approval of the instructor of record, the department chair, the Dean, and in situations involving the Master of Science in Nursing Program, the Dean of the Graduate School. Grades on record for one-calendar year may not be changed for any reason.

PROMOTION/PROGRESSION

Students will progress in nursing courses according to the established sequence. The College will recommend for promotion only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty, satisfy the requirements of health, conduct, scholastic achievement, and aptitude for nursing. Students continually in adjustment difficulties may be dismissed from the nursing program.

Once students are admitted to the professional component of the curriculum the program must be completed within 3 years. If a student’s progression is interrupted for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Student Services and apply for readmission. Any alteration in usual progression may lengthen the student’s program. In keeping with dynamic changes in health care and nursing, the curriculum may undergo change. Changes in curricula and/or admission requirements will be published as far in advance as possible. Advisors are available to assist students in adapting to those changes and planning their course of study accordingly.

TRANSIENT COURSE CREDIT

Any courses taken at another institution to meet degree requirements must have prior approval of the College of Nursing Dean. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in loss of transfer credit for the course work.

TRANSFER CREDIT FOR PROFESSIONAL NURISNG COURSES

Nursing course work taken at other institutions prior to admission to the University of South Alabama will be evaluated on an individual basis. Courses determined by the appropriate department chairs and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to be equivalent to USA courses will be accepted based on the following data:

Only course work taken at accredited programs will be considered.

For the Baccalaureate program, only courses with grades of "C" or above will transfer.

For the Masters or Doctoral programs, no more than 9 semester hours of grades of "B" or above will transfer.

Only courses that have been completed within five years of the anticipated date of graduation from the USA program will be considered.

EXPENSES

Students enrolled in clinical courses must maintain current CPR certification and must keep all immunizations current. Students are responsible for all personal health care expenses including expenses resulting from injury or accident, etc. while the student is engaged in learning experiences required by the College of Nursing. Therefore, all students are required to have adequate health care insurance. All students are charged once a year for professional liability insurance. Students are responsible for all travel expenses to clinical sites and classes at the University.

Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and required clinical equipment and supplies. Students may also be responsible for costs related to drug testing and criminal background checks.

DRUG SCREENS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

Those students accepted into the Professional Component must provide a negative drug test and have an acceptable background check before beginning classes. Random drug screens or testing for reasonable suspicion are conducted. Students must submit to drug testing for controlled substances and background checks as requested. Failure to submit to testing or a positive drug test and/or unsuitable background check will result in the student's dismissal from the program.

ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students should contact the Office of International Services, 2200 Meisler Hall, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002; Telephone (251)460-6050. Deadlines for applications and supporting documents for new international students are usually at least one month earlier than the deadlines for U.S. citizens. Refer to the "International Students" section for details. International students are required to complete the internet based TOEFL (minimum acceptable score of 25 on each subsection), or a bachelor's or graduate degree earned at an accredited United States institution of higher learning and are required to demonstrate proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Examination administered by the University.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM (BSN)

The BSN program prepares graduates for professional nursing practice. Upon completion of the program graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

The BSN program is offered in a traditional four year format with nursing courses concentrated in the junior and senior years. The BSN program is also offered in an accelerated format and there is a special track for Associate Degree and diploma prepared nurses.

BSN PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Baccalaureate Program, graduates should be able to:

1.	Deliver professional nursing care that assists individuals, families, and communities with changing needs across the life span for health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation.
2.	Use theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and related disciplines to think critically, communicate effectively, and provide professional nursing care in a variety of health care settings with diverse populations.
3.	Assume responsibility and accountability for one’s own nursing practice.
4.	Evaluate research findings for use in nursing practice.
5.	Participate in the improvement of the nursing profession, the health care delivery system, and the formulation of health policy through leadership, management, and teaching skills.
6.	Collaborate with health care providers and consumers in promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.
7.	Incorporate ethical, moral, legal, and economic values into professional nursing roles designed to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.

COLLEGE OF NURISNG EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM (CONEAP)

The College of Nursing has an early acceptance program for highly qualified high school seniors. Students selected for the early acceptance program and fulfilling all program requirements are guaranteed admission to the upper division professional component of the nursing curriculum. To be considered for the CONEAP, high school seniors must complete all application procedures, have earned a minimum high school grade-point average of 3.5 based on a 4.0 system as computed by USA, submit an ACT score of at least 25 composite (or 1100 SAT), and must have demonstrated leadership qualities and motivation toward the study of nursing. Students are admitted to the College of Nursing and must complete all Pre-Professional Nursing courses at USA; their curriculum includes core requirements and prerequisites for the upper division nursing program. Students participating in the College of Nursing's Early Acceptance Program must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 on all required prerequisite courses and must be continuously enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (does not include summer terms) and making acceptable progress toward completing the pre-professional component of the curriculum to be admitted to the professional component of the program.

All documents must be submitted by February 15 of the senior year in high school to be considered. For questions and applications, contact USA Admissions, 2500 Meisler Hall, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 or call (800)872-5247 or (251)460-6141.

NURSING COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM (Co-op)

The University of South Alabama Nursing Cooperative Education program provides an opportunity for students to alternate time in the classroom with periods of paid, full-time, career-related experience.

An Academic Advisor in the College of Nursing will help students establish a degree plan that allows the smooth integration of classes and work. All students must consult their Academic Advisor to establish a complete degree plan before beginning the first work rotation.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION ADMISSION CRITERIA

The following are required to be considered for admission to the Co-op program. Prior to the first work experience, students must complete two semesters of study for a total of 29 credit hours toward the nursing degree. All students must be in good academic standing with the University and have at least a 2.5 prerequisite grade-point average. Admission is competitive and limited. Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester when not participating in the Co-op program. Although no credit hours are assigned to Co-op courses, a grade of satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) is assigned at the end of each work term and will appear on the official University transcript. Students must achieve a grade of satisfactory (S) to remain in the Co-op program.

CURRICULUM MODEL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING

Prerequisite Pre-Professional Component

FRESHMAN YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
EH 101	3	EH 102	3
BLY 101 & BLY 101L	4	CH 101 & CH 101L	4
CIS 150	3	HY/Soc/Beh Sc Elective	3
History Elective*	3	Humanities Elective	3
Total	13	MA 110 or MA 112	3
		Total	16

SOPHOMORE YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
CLS 114	4	CLS 115	4
BMD 210 or BLY 213	3	ST 210 or BUS 245	3
Literature Elective*	3	PSY 120	3
Economics	3	2nd HY or 2nd LIT	3
Fine Arts	3	HUM or HY Elective depending on sequence	3
Total	16	Total	16

*Must have a 2 semester sequence in either History or Literature.

professional Component

JUNIOR YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
NU 325	4	CMN 350	3
NU 327	3	CMN 351	3
HSC 343	3	AHN 347	3
HSC 342	1	AHN 348	3
NU 300	3	HSC 332	3
NU 301	2	Total	15
Total	16

3rd Semester
NU 304	3
MCN 340	3
MCN 341	3
Total	9


SENIOR YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
MCN 345	3	NU 412	3
MCN 346	3	NU 413	3
AHN 447	3	CMN 411	3
AHN 448	3	NU 460	5
NU 409	3	Total	14
Total	15
Total Credits	130

ACCELERTED B.S.N. TRACK

The College of Nursing has a special Accelerated BSN track for academically qualified and highly motivated individuals. The preprofessional component as listed above must be completed prior to admission to the professional component. The professional component of the curriculum which normally takes 5 semesters to complete can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The curriculum and contact hours are the same as required for the traditionally taught BSN degree offered by the College, except that the course schedule is accelerated and is not confined by the traditional academic calendar. At the end of the 12-months of study, students are awarded the BSN degree and are prepared for the RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. Students are admitted based on their academic record and prerequisite GPA. Admission is competitive and limited.

Students in the Accelerated BSN follow the same promotion/progression policies as the students in the traditionally taught BSN. Students having difficulty maintaining the pace of the program may request a transfer to the traditional program if they are in good academic standing.

R.N. TO B.S.N. TRACK FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND DIPLOMA NURSES

The College of Nursing has a track designed especially for registered nurses pursuing the baccalaureate in nursing degree. The college also offers a track for diploma and associate degree RNs who want the MSN degree (see MSN section). Once prerequisites are completed (see prerequisite professional component section on the BSN curriculum model) the professional component of nursing curriculum can be completed in one calendar year. Courses are offered online and clinical requirements can be completed in the student's home community if approved by faculty. Each applicant's educational credentials are individually evaluated and a program of study is designed. Upon successful completion of NU 410, 36 hours of nursing credit are awarded.

CURRICULUM MODEL FOR THE REGISTERED NURSE R.N.-B.S.N. TRACK

The following courses comprise the RN-BSN track. Students are admitted to the professional component after completing all prerequisite courses (see courses listed in the Freshman and Sophomore years in the curriculum model for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing listed above).

Completion of Prerequisite Courses

Professional Component for R.N.-B.S.N. Track

1st Semester
NU 410	6
NU 325	4
NU 327	3
Total	13

2nd Semester
NU 409	3
CMN 411	3
NU 304	3
Total	9

3rd Semester
NU 460	5
NU 412	3
NU 413	3
Total	11
Total USA Nursing credits: 33

ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE B.S.N.

The College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean of the College reserves the right to select applicants best qualified for and most likely to succeed in the study of nursing.

Enrollment into the pre-professional component as a nursing major does not assure the student admission to the Professional Component. Enrollment in the Professional Component is limited and competitive. Students are admitted without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or qualified disablement. Students must be in good standing with all academic institutions/nursing programs that they have attended in order to be admitted to the BSN program.

The following are required to be considered for admission to the BSN program.

1.	Submission of a completed application.
2.	Minimum GPA of 2.50 on all prerequisite courses and in good standing within the University.
3.	Minimum University GPA of 2.0.
4.	Minimum grade of “C” in all pre-professional courses.
5.	Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance.
6.	Evidence of CPR certification.
7.	Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen and results of a background check.
8.	Interview - after initial review of applications a limited number of applicants may be invited for a personal interview. Verbal and written communication skills will be assessed during the interview.

In addition to the items listed above registered nurses applying for admission to the RN-BSN track must show evidence of completion of an accredited diploma or associate degree in nursing and a current unencumbered RN license.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Application forms are available on the College of Nursing's web site and in the Office of Student Services. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the application. Money orders or personal checks ($20.00 fee on returned checks) are acceptable.

For fall semester admission applications should be submitted by April 1.

For spring semester admission applications should be submitted by September 1.

For summer semester admission applications should be submitted by February 1.

Applications received at other times will be considered on a space available basis.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR THE B.S.N. PROGRAM

In accordance with University policy, students may not use the Grade Replacement Policy to replace professional nursing courses. A grade of “C” or higher is required for all professional nursing courses. A student may repeat only one professional nursing course in the curriculum. A second “D”, “F”, or “U” will result in academic dismissal from the nursing program. The number of times a student may withdraw failing is limited to two. A third withdrawal failing will result in academic dismissal from the College of Nursing. A student achieving a grade of less than "C" in a course in combination with two withdrawal failings from the College of Nursing will also be dismissed. Successful completion of a math exam is required each term prior to promotion in clinical courses. All students are required to take a Midcurricular Exam. Students who do not successfully pass this exam are required to complete a 3 hour directed study, prior to progressing in the curriculum. Students are also required to complete an exit exam as part of course requirements. If the student is unsuccessful on the exit exam, a grade of "I" will be given for the course and the student must complete additional remedial requirements the next term. Students failing to complete the remedial work will receive an "U" in the course. Registered nurse students in the RN-BSN and RN-MSN tracks are exempt from the math, midcurricular and exit examinations. A minimum GPA of 2.0 at the University of South Alabama is required to continue in the program and for graduation. Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards required for licensure to practice as a registered nurse merits immediate dismissal from the program.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM (MSN)

The College of Nursing is responsive to the unique needs of nurses and has several tracks and specialization options within the MSN program to facilitate students achieving the MSN. In addition to admitting baccalaureate prepared registered nurses, the college offers an accelerated MSN track for non-nurses, a track for associate degree or diploma prepared nurses who have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing, a special track for highly qualified associate degree and diploma nurses who do not hold a baccalaureate degree, a track for non-MSN prepared certified nurse practitioners, and tracks for MSN prepared nurses who are interested in returning to school for preparation in a new specialty area.

Areas of Specialization

Several concentration areas are offered to meet the career goals of students. Students may prepare for preparation as a clinical nurse leader or for advanced nursing practice in one of eight nurse practitioner specialist roles. Available NP options include Advanced Family Nursing, Advanced Emergency Nursing, Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Child Health Nursing, Advanced Neonatal Nursing, Advanced Women's Health Nursing, Advanced Geropsychiatric Nursing, and Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing. Concentrations are also available for students pursuing careers in Executive Nursing Administration, Public Health Nursing Administration, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maternal Child, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Mental Health, or Nursing Education. The Nursing Education tracks prepares students as clinical specialists in Maternal Child, Adult-Health, or Community Mental Health (see www.southalabama.edu/nursing for more information).

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of graduate assistantships is available to students of full standing. Additional information and an application can be obtained by contacting the College of Nursing graduate office.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates for advanced nursing practice and doctoral study. Graduates of the program are able to synthesize and apply advanced knowledge, theories, and research to a specialized area of nursing practice and function as leaders in practice and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. The program outcomes are:

Integrate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into a specialized area of advanced nursing practice.

Demonstrate competence in selected advanced nursing roles to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.

Use scientific inquiry to identify researchable problems and participate in nursing research.

Apply advanced knowledge of leadership, management, and teaching to improve nursing practice.

Influence the improvement of health care delivery and the formulation of health policy.

Contribute to the focus and direction of the nursing profession.

M.S.N. CURRICULUM FOR B.S.N. PREPARED REGISTERED NURSES

OPTION I Public Health Nursing Administration

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
or		or
NU 599	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (3 credits)

NU 562

Specialty Courses (19 credits)

HSC 540	2	HSC 541	2
HSC 542	3	CMN 543	3
CMN 544	3	CMN 545	4
CMN 546	2
Total Credits	35

OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513