School of Nursing

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Mission Statement
Curricula
ADN Program
ADN Course Descriptions
BSN Programs
BSN Generic Program Course Descriptions
BSN Completion Program Course Descriptions

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Trudy G. Groves, School Head
Patricia R. Cook, Assistant Head, BSN Program Coordinator
Iris Walliser, ADN Program Coordinator
Jeanne J. Townes, Learning Resource Center Coordinator  

Mission Statement
The School of Nursing endeavors to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing society. The School of Nursing contributes to the profession of nursing and to the development of students through: 1) the provision of quality nursing-education that prepares graduates with the nursing knowledge and competencies necessary to assume responsible positions in the delivery of health care and 2) the discovery and creation of knowledge in the discipline of nursing .

The nursing curricula provide a required sequence of courses in nursing as well as required courses in the behavioral, biological, and physical sciences and communications. Learning experiences occur in a variety of settings, including the classroom, science laboratories, nursing skills laboratory, and area health care facilities.

Courses in the BSN completion program build upon the student’s basic nursing program in preparation for practice in a variety of clinical settings.

Professor
Trudy G. Groves, RN, GNPC, (Gerontological Nursing), Ed.D., University of Georgia, 1985

Associate Professors
Sandra J. Chubon, RN, (Community Health), Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1986
Patricia R. Cook, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1995, Ione Wells Hanly/Nations Bank Chair in Nursing
Janice Cullen, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ed.D., University of South Carolina, 1994
Lou Gramling, RN (Psychiatric Nursing), Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1991
Linda Johnston, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1993

Assistant Professors
Maggie T. Dorsey, RN, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1981
Phyllis R. Farr-Weinstein, RN,  ANP, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1984
Parivash S. Mura, RN, (Maternal-Child), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1973

Senior Instructors
Marolyn L. Baril, RN, FNP, (Adult Nursing), M.N., University of South Carolina, 1970
Charlene C. Felkel, RN, FNPC, (Adult Nursing), M.N., University of South Carolina, 1978

Instructors
Sylvia W. Edwards, RN, FNPC, (Maternal-Child), M.S., Ohio State University, 1986
Janice Pearsall, RN, (Pediatric Nursing), M.S.N., University of Alabama Birmingham, 1993
Joyce Pompey, RN, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1990
Jeanne J. Townes, RN, (Community Health) M.S.N., University of South Carolina, 2000
Iris Walliser, RN, MSN, (Adult Nursing), University of Alabama Birmingham, 1973

Professors Emeriti
Betty B. Gardner, RN, FNPC, (Maternal-Child), M.N., University of South Carolina, 1979
Elizabeth A. Hutchins, RN, (Gerontology), Ph.D., University of Washington, 1978
Mary Ann S. Rogers, RN, (Psychiatric Nursing), Ed.D., University of South Carolina, 1988

Iris Walliser, Program Coordinator

Philosophy
Nursing
The Associate in Science in Technical Nursing Degree Program focuses on a curriculum consistent with the mission of USCA. The ADN Program views nursing as an art and science with a diverse theoretical base. Nursing is a vital component of the health care system. Caring is essential in the practice of nursing and is threaded throughout all aspects of the nursing profession. Through the nursing process, nurses use critical thinking to provide client-centered care. The primary purpose of nursing is to holistically promote health across the lifespan through client teaching, to maintain or restore health, and to promote a peaceful dying process with dignity, compassion, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual.

Nursing Education
Undergraduate nursing education serves the purpose of preparing students to enter the profession at the beginning level of nursing practice. The nursing curriculum incorporates knowledge of the biological, social, and behavioral sciences. The curriculum utilizes teaching strategies that promote learning in a diverse group of students with various learning styles. While the learning environment is structured, individuality among students is recognized. Multiple methods of communication are used in the teaching/learning process for students and clients.

Nursing education is based on the belief that the practice of nursing is dynamic and complex, assumes diverse nursing roles, and is found in a variety of settings. Nurses are accountable to society and to the profession of nursing to provide quality, cost effective care. The quality of nursing practice is dependent upon participation in professional nursing organizations and professional development through lifelong learning.

**The complete philosophy and conceptual framework is found in the School of Nursing ADN Faculty Manual and the School of Nursing ADN Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements
General Admission
After admission to the University of South Carolina Aiken, students may be admitted to the Associate Degree in Nursing major if they meet the following admission criteria:

Students not meeting regular admission requirements to the Associate Degree in Nursing major, but meeting regular University admission requirements, will be admitted to the University and may become ADN majors after meeting the following criteria:

A suggested course of study is available through the student’s nursing advisor. Students who have not achieved a 2.75 GPA with 45 attempted semester hours at USCA will not be allowed to remain in the nursing program and will be required to change majors.

Admission to Clinical Nursing Courses
Students in the Associate Degree in Nursing major may apply for admission to the nursing courses between February 1st and May 1st to begin the clinical nursing course sequence (AANU 101) in the fall semester, or between September 1st and October 1st to begin the clinical nursing course sequence (AANU 101) in the spring. Enrollment is limited to 40 students per semester. The following criteria are used for admission to the clinical nursing course sequence through a competitive selection process:

Admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing major does not guarantee admission to the nursing courses. Meeting of minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the clinical nursing course sequence. Those who are not accepted into the clinical nursing course sequence must submit a new application for the next admit date and must compete with the new admission group.

*Note: If USC system student, the system GPA must be 2.75 or higher.

Retention Policy
A minimum grade of C (2.0 GPA) is required in each course in the nursing curriculum. A student may repeat one clinical nursing course. Failure of a second clinical course or failure of the clinical component of 2 courses will result in termination from the nursing program. Appeals for termination are addressed to the Scholastic Standing and Petitions Committee (see Right of Petition on page 29). All students must maintain a minimum 2.0 system cumulative GPA on all USCA courses in order to maintain good standing and progress in the nursing program. Grades are reviewed at the end of each semester.

Students not making continuous progress in the clinical nursing courses are not guaranteed readmission to subsequent clinical nursing courses due to space limitations. Readmission is coordinated through the ADN Program Coordinator. Progression into clinical nursing courses subsequent to AANU 101 will be categorized as:

Within each category, students will be ranked according to their cumulative GPA on core ADN program requirements.

Course sequences shall be such that AANU 221 and 202 are taken in the last semester of the student’s academic program.

Transfer Policy
The School of Nursing of USCA abides by the statewide transfer and articulation plan developed for nursing programs within the state of South Carolina. All previous college course work is reviewed by the program coordinators for possible credit towards the degree.

Students desiring to transfer into the A.D.N. program must meet the progression policy for the program. Nursing students must meet residency requirements for the university.

Health Requirements
Students are required to meet all health requirements of the University. When students enter the clinical nursing course sequence, they are required to:

Students are encouraged to carry accident and illness insurance.

Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to have professional liability insurance when beginning the clinical nursing courses and maintained throughout the nursing curriculum. Information on this insurance is available through the nursing office.

CPR Completion
All students enrolled in nursing clinicals are required to maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation ("Health Care Provider" or "CPR for the Professional Rescuer").

Drug Policy
The School of Nursing maintains a drug free environment. Details on the drug policy can be found in the School of Nursing ADN Student Handbook.

South Carolina Student Nurses Association
Faculty of the Associate Degree Program strongly encourage each student to join the South Carolina Student Nurses Association (SNA). The SNA is the professional student organization in which members participate in health-related activities on campus and in the community.

Application for Licensure in Nursing
Prior to completion of the last semester of study, students are expected to apply for the nursing licensing examination, NCLEX-RN, and licensure by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing or its counterpart in the jurisdiction where the student will practice after graduation. Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation could result in ineligibility for nursing licensure. Under these circumstances, early notification of the appropriate state board of nursing is recommended in order to clarify mechanisms related to determining eligibility.

Attendance Policy
Classroom attendance is expected. Attendance in clinical is required to pass the course. In the event of an unavoidable absence, the student must give prior notification to the lab professor. Arrangements for missed/excused work is at the discretion of the professor.

American with Disabilities Act
Specific information related to the ADA can be found in the School of Nursing ADN Student Handbook.

Student Release Form
Students are required to sign a Student Release Form. This form includes the following statements:

More information on this statement can be found in the School of Nursing ADN Student Handbook.

Ability Statement
Students entering the ADN Program will be required to perform certain skills requiring specific abilities. See the School of Nursing ADN Student Handbook for a listing of these abilities.

Resource Information
Information regarding tuition, fees, and length of program is provided to and available through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, (212) 363-5555.

Program of Study

Associate in Science in Technical Nursing Degree

1. General Education Requirements..............................  31
    A. Skills and Competencies
        English 101 and 102¹ - Composition and Composition and Literature.............................. 6

    B. Methods and History of Disciplines
        Natural Sciences.............................. 16
            ABIO 232, Anatomy
            ABIO 242, Physiology
            ABIO 330, Microbiology
            ACHM 101, Introduction to Chemistry
        Social/Behavioral Sciences..............................  6
            Introductory Psychology
            Developmental Psychology (or Lifespan Development)
        Humanities .............................. 3
            History, Literature, Fine Arts History,
            Religion, Humanities (AHUM acronym),
            Foreign Language 200 and above,
            Philosophy (not logic),
            Communications (last two digits in 50s or 60s)

2. Major Requirements..............................  37
    A. AANU 101, 110, 103, 120, 122, 201, 203, 223, 202, 221, 224

Total Credit Hours ADN Program.............................. 68

¹ Students must complete English 101 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements. Students must also complete AEGL 102 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements and before taking other English courses.

Completion of the Associate in Science in Technical Nursing Degree program qualifies the graduate to enroll in the Baccalaureate in Nursing Completion Program the following semester. Enrollment in the baccalaureate program, beyond the first semester, is contingent upon success on the National Council Licensure Examination for RN’s and licensure as a registered nurse.

A challenge examination for AANU 101 and AANU 110 is administered by the School of Nursing at specified times each year. Arrangements to take this exam are made through the Coordinator of AANU 101. Only licensed practical nurses (LPN) are allowed to take this exam. The exam may be attempted only once. LPN students eligible for admission to the clinical nursing course sequence are allowed to take this exam. Students wanting to take the challenge exam must meet criteria for progression into Nursing 103 and 122 which includes grade of C or better in ABIO 232 and ACHM 101. Further information regarding the challenge examination is found earlier in this bulletin under "Academic Regulations" on page 37.

ADN Course Descriptions
ADN Program (AANU)
AANU 101 Fundamentals of Nursing. (4) (Prereq or coreq: ACHM 101, ABIO 232; coreq: AANU 110) Within the framework of the nursing process, this course introduces students to fundamental concepts needed to provide basic nursing care. Experiences in the clinical setting allow students to develop skills and apply these basic concepts. (3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week)

AANU 103 Medical Surgical Nursing I. (5) (Prereq: AANU 101; coreq: AANU 120, 122; prereq: or coreq: ABIO 242) Through the use of the nursing process, students focus on specific interventions in the care of adult clients experiencing basic alterations of function. Clinical experience provide the opportunity for implementation of these interventions. (3 hours lecture and 6 hours lab/week)

AANU 110 Nursing Skills. (1) (Coreq: AANU 101) This course will introduce the nursing student to the basic skills needed to provide nursing care. These skills will be learned within a structured skills lab setting. (3 hours lab/week)

AANU 120 Therapeutic Nutrition. (1) (Prereq: AANU 101; coreq: AANU 103, 122) Emphasis for this course will be nutritional concepts as they relate to disease and illness. Content will include the role of diet for health promotion.

AANU 122 Psychiatric Nursing. (4) (Prereq: AANU 101; prereq or coreq: AANU 103, 120, ABIO 242) A survey of mental health problems and nursing interventions, including psychopharmacology. A variety of clinical experiences focus on communication skills as well as relating symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. (2.5 hours lecture and 4.5 hours lab/week)

AANU 201 Pharmacology. (2) (Prereq: AANU 103, 122) This course provides the learner with basic knowledge in common pharmacologic interventions.

AANU 202 Seminar. (1) (Coreq: AANU 221, 224) Emphasizes current societal trends and issues directly affecting nursing practice.

AANU 203 Medical Surgical Nursing II. (5) (Prereq: AANU 103, 120, 122, ABIO 242; coreq: AANU 201, 223) Through the use of the nursing process, students implement individualized plans of care for adult clients experiencing alterations in function in selected body systems. Clinical experience provides the opportunity to apply individualized plans of care. (3 hours lecture and 6 hours lab/week)

AANU 221 Medical Surgical Nursing III. (5) (Prereq: AANU 203, 223, 201; prereq or coreq: ABIO 330; coreq: AANU 224, 202) Through the nursing process, students develop individualized plans of care for clients with a focus on multi-system alterations in function. Clinical experience provides the opportunity to function more independently in the delivery of client-centered holistic care. (3 hours lecture and 6 hours lab/week)

AANU 223 Maternity Nursing. (5) (Prereq: AANU 103, 120, 122, ABIO 242; coreq: AANU 201, 203) Students use the nursing process to individualize family-centered maternity care, with clinical experience providing the opportunity to apply these principles. (3 hours lecture and 6 hours lab/week)

AANU 224 Child Health Nursing. (4) (Prereq: APSY 310, AANU 201, 203, 223; prereq or coreq: ABIO 330; coreq: AANU 202, 221) Students use the nursing process to provide family-centered care to the pediatric client and care-giver. In the clinical setting, students utilize concepts of family-centered care in delivering individualized care. (2.5 hours lecture and 4.5 hours lab/per week)

AANU 299 Special Topics in Nursing. (1-3) (Prereq: Consent of instructor) A course on selected special topics in nursing.

Note: Clinical hours for courses in the ADN Program use a ratio of one credit for three hours of laboratory/clinical experience.

BSN Generic
BSN Completion

Dr. Patricia Cook, Program Coordinator

The School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program is approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing and is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The graduate of this program is prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings and has the necessary background for graduate nursing education. For registered nurses desiring to complete the baccalaureate degree, the School of Nursing offers an upper-level curriculum designed to meet the learning needs of graduates of Associate Degree or Diploma Programs in Nursing.

BSN Generic Program
Philosophy

The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Program views nursing as an art and science with a diverse theoretical base that is a vital component of health care. The scientific base of nursing expands as theories are advanced, developed from practice, tested in practice-based research, and further refined for practice in a variety of settings. Because the knowledge base for nursing is continually advancing and health care is evolving, nurses must be prepared for change. The body of knowledge called nursing is unique; however, it is based in part on knowledge gleaned from the humanities, social, behavioral, and physical sciences.

Nursing practice includes the delivery of care to individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of settings and the promotion of health and wellness. Nursing care is holistically based and sensitive to the diversity of the clients served and their values.

As members of a profession, nurses function as participants in the health care team in an evolving health care system. Nurses have a responsibility to be knowledgeable and active in political and regulatory processes that impact the definition and implementation of nursing care. Commitment to life-long learning is necessary to maintain competence within the nursing profession.

Admission  Requirements
General Admission
Admission to the University of South Carolina Aiken is determined by standard admission requirements.

Admission to Clinical Nursing Courses
Students in the baccalaureate degree in nursing major may apply for admission no later than October 1 to begin the clinical nursing course sequence in the spring semester. Enrollment is limited. The following criteria are used for admission to the clinical nursing course sequence through a competitive selection process:

Admission to the baccalaureate degree in nursing major does not guarantee admission to nursing courses. Admission to clinical courses is a competitive process and meeting of minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the nursing courses. Students who are not accepted in the nursing courses must submit a new application for the next admit date and must compete with the new admission group.

Advanced Placement
1. General education courses identified by the University can be used for advanced placement through CLEP examination. University departmental exams may be used for advanced placement if offered by the appropriate department and if the student meets the expected testing level identified by the department.

Progression and Retention
Students enrolled in the BSN major must abide by the following:

Student records will be monitored for suspensions at the end of each semester by nursing faculty. Students will be notified of suspension from the BSN program.

Transfer Credit
Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better. A Transfer Credit Summary will be prepared by the admissions office on receiving the student’s official transcript. The School of Nursing BSN Coordinator or designee will evaluate the transcript and designate acceptable general education credits and credits toward the BSN major, as appropriate.

Health Regulations
Students are required to meet health requirements of the University. When students enter the clinical nursing course sequence, they are required to:

Students are encouraged to carry accident and illness insurance.

Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to have professional liability insurance when beginning the clinical nursing courses and maintain coverage throughout the nursing curriculum. Information on this insurance is available through the nursing office.

CPR Completion
All students enrolled in nursing courses are required to maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (adult, child and infant CPR, conscious obstructed airway, and unconscious obstructed airway).

Drug Policy
The School of Nursing maintains a drug free environment. Details on the drug policy can be found in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook.

South Carolina Student Nurses Association
Faculty of the Baccalaureate Degree Program strongly encourage each student to join the South Carolina Student Nurses Association (SCSNA). The SCSNA is the professional student organization and provides participation in health-related activities on campus and in the community.

Application for Licensure in Nursing
Prior to completion of the last semester of study, students are expected to apply for the nursing licensing examination, NCLEX-RN, and apply for licensure to the South Carolina State Board of Nursing or other Board of Nursing in the jurisdiction where the student will be employed after graduation. Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation could result in ineligibility for nursing licensure. Under these circumstances, early notification of the appropriate state board of nursing is recommended in order to clarify mechanisms related to determining eligibility.

Attendance Policy
Classroom attendance is expected. Attendance in clinical is required to pass the course. In the event of an unavoidable absence, the student must give prior notification to the lab professor. An arrangement for missed/excused work is made at the discretion of the professor.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Specific information related to the ADA can be found in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook.

Student Release Form
Students are required to sign a Student Release Form. This form includes the following statements:

More information on this statement can be found in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook.

Ability Statement
Students entering the BSN Program will be required to perform certain skills requiring specific abilities. See the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook for a listing of these abilities.

Resource Information
Information regarding tuition, fees, and length of program is provided to and available through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, (212) 363-5555.

Program of Study
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Generic Program

1.    General Education Requirements .................................................... 55

        A.    Skills and Competencies¹
                English 101 and 102² - Composition and Composition 
                    and Literature .................................................... 6
                Statistics and Math or Logic .................................................... 6
                Applied Speech Communication³.................................................... 3

        B.    Methods and History of Disciplines⁴
                Natural Sciences .................................................... 16
                    (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry)
                Social/Behavioral Sciences .................................................... 9
                    (Introductory Psychology, Developmental
                    Psychology, Introductory Sociology)
                Humanities (at least two areas) .................................................... 9
                    History, Literature, Fine Arts History,
                    Religion, Humanities (AHUM acronym),
                    Foreign Language 200 and above,
                    Philosophy (not logic),
                    Communications (last two digits in 50s or 60s)
               History of Civilization (AHST 101 or AHST 102)........................... 3
               American Political Institutions.......................................................... 3
                   (APLS 201, AHST 201, or AHST 202)

2.     Major Requirements .................................................... 68
        A.       AANU 120, 201
                  ABSN 307, 312, 413, 414
                  ANRS 201, 202, 303, 315, 322, 323, 324, 411, 415, 416, 418

Total hours required⁴.................................................... 123

¹For undergraduate writing proficiency, see Proficiency Portfolio in Writing described on page 45.
² Students must complete English 101 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements. Students must also complete AEGL 102 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements and before taking other English courses.
³ The following are considered Applied Speech Communication courses: ACOM 201, ACOM 241, ACOM 342, and ACOM 440.
⁴ At least 3 hours must be in non-Western world studies, unless an approved non-Western world studies course has been completed elsewhere in the student’s degree program.

BSN Generic Program Course Descriptions

BSN  Generic Program (ANRS)

ANRS 201 Fundamental Skills in Nursing. (3) (Prereq: Admission to the professional program) Theory and practice related to the application of skills in providing nursing care. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab/week)

ANRS 202 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice. (3) (Prereq: Admission to the professional program) Theories and concepts that provide the foundation for nursing practice are presented with an emphasis on the health/illness continuum and health promotion. Theories of human development and the concept of health and the nursing process will be integrated to prepare the nurse to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

ANRS 303 Adult Health Nursing. (9) (Prereq: ANRS 201, ABSN 307, ABSN 312, ANRS 202, AANU 120; coreq: AANU 201) Through the use of the nursing process, students focus on specific interventions in the care of adult clients experiencing alterations in function. (6 lecture hours/ 9 lab hours)

ANRS 315 Community Health Nursing. (8) (Prereq: ANRS 323, ANRS 324) Concepts of community health nursing are presented and applied in clinical settings with emphasis on the community and the family as clients. Communicable disease control, principles of epidemiology, health promotion practices, family theories, and public health issues are addressed. (6 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 322 Psychiatric Nursing. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 201, ABSN 307, ABSN 312, ANRS 202, AANU 120) Through the use of the nursing process, students utilize a model of psychodynamics in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of mental health. Therapeutic communication is included with appropriate clinical experiences. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 323 Maternity Nursing. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 303, AANU 201, ANRS 322) Students use the nursing process to individualize family-centered maternity care, with clinical experience providing the opportunity to apply these principles. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 324 Child Health Nursing. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 303, AANU 201, ANRS 322) Students use the nursing process to provide family-centered care to the pediatric client and the family. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 411 Leadership and Management. (4) (Prereq: ANRS 315, ANRS 415, ABSN 414; coreq: ANRS 416) Leadership and management concepts and principles for professional nursing practice. Emphasis on knowledge and skills that impact effective and manager role activities. This course will provide for the senior project and must be in the student’s last semester. (2 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 415 Gerontological Nursing. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 324, ANRS 323) Theories of human development and the achievement and/or maintenance of healthy life-styles of elders are explored and applied in a variety of settings. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 416 Adult Health Nursing II. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 315, ANRS 415, ABSN 414; coreq: ANRS 411) Through the use of the nursing process, students focus on interventions in the care of adult clients experiencing multi-system alterations in function. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 418 Entry into Practice. (1) (Prereq: ANRS 315, ANRS 415, ABSN 414) Synthesis and critical evaluation of issues related to entry into professional nursing practice. Study of nursing theories and processes as they affect practice roles.

BSN Completion Program
BSN Completion Major Admissions Requirements

1. admission to USCA;
2. Associate of Science degree in nursing or diploma in nursing;
3. completion of each of the following courses or their equivalent with a grade of C or better:    

    A. Biology (ABIO) 232 (Anatomy), 242 (Physiology), 330 (Microbiology)
    B. Chemistry (ACHM) 101 (Introduction to Chemistry)
    C. English (AEGL) 101 (Composition), 102 (Composition and Literature)
    D. Psychology (APSY) 101 (Introductory Psychology), 310 (Developmental Psychology)
    E. Sociology 101 (ASCY) (Introductory Sociology)

4. current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in South Carolina;
5. references addressing clinical competency (nursing practice performance) from two recent nursing employers at supervisory level;
6. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better

All requirements must be met before admission to the BSN major will be granted.

Transfer Credit
Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. A Transfer Credit Summary will be prepared by the admissions office on receiving the student’s official transcript. The School of Nursing BSN Coordinator or designee will evaluate the transcript and designate acceptable general education credits and credits toward the BSN major (pending acceptance into the major), as appropriate.

3. The School of Nursing of USCA abides by the statewide transfer and articulation plan developed for nursing programs within the state of South Carolina. All previous college course work is reviewed by the program coordinators for possible credit towards the degree.

Advanced Placement
1. General education courses identified by the University can be used for advanced placement through CLEP examination. University departmental exams may be used for advanced placement if offered by the appropriate department and if the student meets the expected testing level identified by the department.

2. Registered nurses can write the NLN exam for advanced placement in biology courses. If the student meets the expected testing level, advanced placement will be granted.

3. The BSN program offers challenge exams for selected BSN courses (ABSN 307). If the student meets the expected testing level, advanced placement will be granted. A student desiring to write a BSN Challenge Exam must notify the course coordinator at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester the student wishes to write the exam.

Progression and Retention
Students enrolled in the BSN Nursing major must abide by the following:

Student records will be monitored for suspensions at the end of each semester by nursing faculty. Students will be notified of suspension from the BSN program.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Specific information related to the ADA can be found in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook.

Graduation
University guidelines for graduation in effect at the time of admission to the BSN major will be followed. Students must complete credit hours as follows:

Program of Study 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

1.    General Education Requirements .................................................. 55

        A.    Skills and Competencies¹
                English 101 and 102² - Composition and Composition and 
                    Literature .................................................. 6
                Statistics and Math or Logic .................................................. 6
                Applied Speech Communication³.................................................. 3

        B.    Methods and History of Disciplines⁴
                Natural Sciences .................................................. 16
                    (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry)
                Social/Behavioral Sciences .................................................. 9
                    (Introductory Psychology, Developmental
                    Psychology, Introductory Sociology)
                Humanities (at least two areas) .................................................. 9
                    History, Literature, Fine Arts History,
                    Religion, Humanities (AHUM acronym),
                    Foreign Language 200 and above,
                    Philosophy (not logic),
                    Communications (last two digits in 50s or 60s)
                History of Civilization (AHST 101 or AHST 102)........................... 3
                American Political Institutions.......................................................... 3
                   (APLS 201, AHST 201, or AHST 202)

2.     Major Requirements .................................................. 58

        A. Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing
            Basic nursing education must include content in the following areas:
            Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal-Child Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing and 
            Psychiatric Nursing  .................................................. 25

        B. Baccalaureate Level Courses:
            ABSN 307, 308 .................................................. 6
            ABSN 312, 315 .................................................. 12
            ABSN 411, 413  .................................................. 6
            ABSN 414, 415 .................................................. 9

3.     Electives .................................................. 7

Total hours required.................................................. 120

1 For undergraduate writing proficiency, see Proficiency Portfolio in Writing described on page 45.
2 Students must complete English 101 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements. Students must also complete AEGL 102 with a grade of C or better in order to fulfill general education requirements and before taking other English courses.
3 The following are considered Applied Speech Communication courses: ACOM 201, ACOM 241, ACOM 342, and ACOM 440.
4 At least 3 hours must be in non-Western world studies, unless an approved non-Western world studies course has been completed elsewhere in the student’s degree program.

Student Responsibilities
1. The student is responsible for obtaining the initial required health exam prior to the first clinical course and for completing the annual health questionnaire requirements. Health exams must meet clinical agency requirements including TB screening, documentation of rubella titer (or previous rubella), current tetanus immunization. Health questionnaires and TB screening must be completed on an annual basis following the initial exam.

2. The student is responsible for providing evidence of current liability insurance, current CPR certification and current S.C. licensure to the student’s BSN advisor on registration for a clinical course. Clinical participation will not be permitted and the student will be counted as absent until all required evidence is provided.

3. The student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical resources. Urban and rural areas will be sites of experiences, so access to an automobile to permit home care experiences is expected.

4. USCA name tag will be required for clinical experiences.

5. Class attendance policies of the University will be enforced. The student is encouraged to maintain punctual and regular class attendance.

6. Students are expected to attend all clinical experiences with absences only if unavoidable because of sickness or other cause, rendering attendance impossible. Make up time for clinical absences will be left to the discretion of the faculty and availability of clinical facilities.

7. Students are responsible for input into School of Nursing, BSN Program decision-making through the established School of Nursing Committee Structure.

BSN Completion Program Course Descriptions

BSN  Completion Program (ABSN)
Admission to the BSN program is a prerequisite for all courses unless otherwise specified.

ABSN 307 Health Assessment. (3) (Prereq: registered nurse or admission to baccalaureate clinical nursing courses) Introduces the student to a foundation in assessing the physical and psychosocial health status of individuals across the life span; assessment skills and selected screening procedures will be applied in a client simulated lab. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.)

ABSN 308 Professional Nursing. (3) The development of nursing as a professional discipline and science and related issues; introduction to nursing theories, processes and practice roles. (required during first semester of BSN course work)

ABSN 312 Pathophysiological Bases of Clinical Therapeutics. (3) Uses the critical thinking process to formulate nursing interventions for selected health care problems based on pathophysiological alterations occurring across the life-span.

ABSN 315 Community Health Nursing. (9) (Prereq: ABSN 307, prereq or coreq: 312). Concepts of community health nursing are presented with emphasis on the community and the family as clients. Communicable disease control, principles of epidemiology, health promotion practices, family theories, and public health issues are addressed. Clinical practice in a variety of community settings is required to enhance students’ understanding of community health nursing roles. (6 hours lecture, 6 hours clinical)

ABSN 399 Independent Study. (1-6) (Prereq: consent of instructor).

ABSN 411 Leadership and Management. (3) (Prereq or Coreq: ABSN 413) Leadership and management concepts and principles for professional nursing practice. Emphasis on knowledge and skills impacting effective leader and manager role activities. The course will provide for the Senior project. Required during last semester. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

ABSN 413 Nursing Research. (3) (Prereq: APSY 225 or AMTH 201, or ABUS 296) This course provides an introduction to analytical and critical thinking, scientific concepts, methods and decisions, ethical and legal concerns, and research techniques essential to the research process. Emphasis is placed on the student as a consumer of nursing research.

ABSN 414 Ethical - Legal Issues in Nursing. (3) This course emphasizes the principles and concepts of ethical theory and the legal basis for nursing practice. Ethical issues affecting nursing practice are examined to provide a basis for students to form intelligent, unbiased ethical decisions. The legal responsibilities of nursing practice are identified and discussed, particularly as they related to ethical dilemmas and safe nursing practice.

ABSN 415 Gerontological Nursing. (6) (Prereq or Coreq: ABSN 315) Theories of human development and the achievement and/or maintenance of health life-styles of elders are explored and applied in a variety of settings. An in-depth case study integrating concepts from nursing, physical, and behavioral sciences will be required. (3 hours lecture, 6 hours clinical)

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