USCA Bulletin

Mission Statement
Curricula
BSN Programs
BSN Generic Track Course Descriptions
BSN Completion Track Course Descriptions

L. Julia Ball, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Nursing
Maggie T. Dorsey, 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.

Curricula
The School of Nursing offers a four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In addition, the School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion track. This program is approved and fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (61 Broadway - 33rd Floor, New York, New York, 10006; Telephone number: 800-669-1656, ext. 153; Fax number: 212-812-0390; e-mail address: www.nlnac.org).

The nursing curriculum provides 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 track build upon the student’s basic nursing program in preparation for practice in a variety of clinical settings.

Professors
Lou Gramling, RN (Psychiatric Nursing), Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1991,
Linda Johnston, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1993

Associate Professors
L. Julia Ball, RN, (Gerontology), Ph.D., University of South Carolina/Medical University of South Carolina, 1997
Patricia R. Cook, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1995, School of Nursing Chair in Neuroscience or Surgical Nursing

Assistant Professors
Maggie T. Dorsey, RN, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1981, Ione Wells Hanly/Bank of America Chair in Nursing
Phyllis R. Farr-Weinstein, RN, ANP, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1984
Thayer McGahee, RN, (Health Care Across the Life Span), Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1998
Parivash S. Mura, RN, (Maternal-Child), M.S.N., Medical College of Georgia, 1973

Instructors
Peggy A. Morowski, RN, (Nursing Administration), M.S.N., University of California-San Francisco, 1984
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, (Adult Nursing), M.S.N., University of Alabama Birmingham, 1973

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

Professors Emeriti
Sandra J. Chubon, RN, (Community Health), Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1986
Janice Cullen, RN, (Adult Nursing), Ed.D. University of South Carolina, 1994
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

BSN Program

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 (61 Broadway - 33rd Floor, New York, New York, 10006; Telephone number: 800-669-1656, ext. 153; Fax number: 212-812-0390; e-mail address: www.nlnac.org). 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.

A graduate of the BSN Program at USCA:

1. Provides professional nursing care based on knowledge derived from theory and research.

2. Utilizes critical thinking in the provision of nursing care.

3. Communicates effectively.

4. Accepts responsibility and accountability for functioning within the legal and ethical scope of nursing practice.

5. Demonstrates commitment to the values of caring and diversity.

6. Coordinates the health care of clients across the lifespan in collaboration with other members of the health care team.

7. Applies strategies for health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across the lifespan.

8. Explains the need for lifelong learning.

9. Explains the importance of participation in activities to improve the nursing profession.

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.

BSN Generic Track

Admission Requirements

General Admission
Admission to the University of South Carolina Aiken is determined by standard admission requirements. Incoming first year students wishing to pursue a nursing degree must have a predicted GPA of 3.0 or above for placement in the 8 semester curriculum plan and assignment to a nursing advisor.

Admission to Clinical Nursing Courses
Students in the baccalaureate degree in nursing major may apply for admission no later than October 15th to begin the clinical nursing course sequence in the spring semester or March 15th to begin the clinical nursing course sequence in the fall semester. Enrollment is limited. The following criteria are used for admission to the clinical nursing course sequence through a competitive selection process:

• GPA of 2.75 or higher

• completion of 30 designated prerequisite credits in required general education courses prior to the term in which the application is submitted with a grade of ‘C’ or better in all required courses (contact the School of Nursing office or the web site for a list of courses)

• two references

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.

Transfer students, change of major students, students with undergraduate degrees, and students returning to the University after an absence of at least 12 months who do not have a GPA of 2.75 may be considered for admission to the clinical nursing courses after meeting the following criteria:

• Successful completion of 15 hours with a 3.0 GPA in USCA courses; or

• Successful completion of 30 hours with a 2.75 GPA in USCA courses.

To meet these requirements, it is strongly recommended that students enroll in course work that is degree applicable.

A suggested course of study is available through the student’s nursing advisor. Any student who has not achieved a 2.75 GPA with 60 attempted semester hours at USCA will not be allowed to remain in the nursing program and will be required to change majors.

Courses designated as professional nursing courses are limited to candidates who have been formally accepted into the USCA nursing program.

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:

1. A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all courses applied to the degree.

2. Any time that nursing students incur a second failure in the same course in the major requirement, they will be dismissed from the School of Nursing. Any time that nursing students incur two failures in different courses of the major requirement, they will be dismissed from the School of Nursing.

3. Any failed course in the major requirements must be retaken at the USCA School of Nursing.

4. A grade of ‘C’ or better in any prerequisite to other courses is required before progression to the next course.

5. A system cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained for continued enrollment in the baccalaureate program.

6. ANRS 411 is required during the last semester of degree work.

7. Students must complete all nursing courses in ten major semesters (fall & spring) after acceptance into the clinical courses.

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.

Testing
Throughout the curriculum, standardized achievement tests are used to assess students’ progress in specific nursing content. Based on the results of these tests, students will be required to remediate course content. The remediation work must be satisfactorily completed by the last day the class meets. Incomplete remediation will result in course failure and a grade no higher than a "D". A testing fee will be charged to students each semester to cover the cost of these tests.

Transfer Credit
Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better. A Transfer Credit Summary will be prepared by the Office of Admissions after receipt of a student’s official transcript from any college previously attended.

1. Students may transfer equivalent courses for the general education requirements. The courses must meet the University requirements for transfer credit.

2. Students may transfer equivalent courses within the nursing major. Junior and senior level BSN courses that are more than five years old cannot be applied toward the BSN degree. The courses must meet the University requirements for transfer credits. The last 30 hours of credit must be earned in residence at the University.

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.

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

1. provide evidence of a recent physical examination prior to attending clinical courses. Information must be updated annually.

2. provide evidence of annual tuberculosis screening.

3. provide evidence of chickenpox immunity (shown through titer).

4. documentation of vaccination of the following:

a) rubella (positive titer acceptable)

b) diphtheria

c) tetanus

d) polio

e) hepatitis B

Students are encouraged to carry accident and illness insurance.

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 clinical professor. An arrangement for missed/excused work is made at the discretion of the course coordinator.

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:

I hereby release the School of Nursing and the University of South Carolina Aiken from responsibility for any injury or illness to me (and if pregnant, my unborn baby) while attending hospital or other clinicals. I understand that risks to exist for me (and if pregnant, my unborn baby) while practicing nursing in the hospital setting and I do assume any and all risks involved.

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 - 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006; Telephone number: 800-669-1656, ext. 153; Fax number: 212-812-0390; e-mail address: www.nlnac.org.

Program of Study

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Generic Track

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

        A.    Skills and Competencies¹
                English 101 and 102² - Composition and Composition
                    and Literature ........................................................................... 6

Math 108 or higher and Statistics³ .................................................. 6

Applied Speech Communication⁴.................................................... 3

        B.    Methods and History of Disciplines⁵
                Natural Sciences .......................................................................... 16
                    (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry⁶)

                Social/Behavioral Sciences ............................................................. 9
                    (Introductory Psychology, Developmental
                    Psychology, Introductory Sociology)

                Humanities⁷ (at least two areas) ...................................................... 9
                    Philosophy (not logic),
                    History, Literature, Fine Arts History,
                    Religion, Humanities (AHUM acronym),
                    Selected Language courses,
                    Communications (last two digits in 50s or 60s)
                    Honors (AHON acronym)

History of Civilization (AHST 101 or AHST 102)............................ 3

American Political Institutions........................................................... 3
(APLS 201, AHST 201, or AHST 202)

2. Major Requirements .......................................................................... 67
A. ANRS 201, 202, 301, 303, 307, 312, 315, 322, 323, 324, 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, 418

Total hours required⁵.................................................................................. 122
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 AMTH 221 and AMTH 222 cannot be used for General Education math credit EXCEPT by students graduating with degrees in Elementary, Early Childhood or Special Education.
⁴ The following are considered Applied Speech Communication courses: ACOM 201, ACOM 241, and ACOM 342.
⁵ 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.
⁶ The following are accepted for Chemistry: ACHM 101 or ACHM 111.
⁷ For a list of courses that will meet the Humanities general education requirement, see page 31.

BSN Generic Track Course Descriptions

BSN Generic Track (ANRS)
ANRS 201 Fundamentals of Nursing. (5) (Prereq: Admission to the professional program) This course will introduce the nursing student to the theory and practice related to the application of concepts and skills in providing nursing care. (3 hour lecture, 6 hours lab/week)

ANRS 202 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice. (3) (Prereq: Admission to the professional program and C or better in ABIO 330) 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 301 Pharmacology. (3) (Prereq: ABIO 242) The study of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of medications with emphasis on nursing implications for patient care.

ANRS 303 Adult Health Nursing. (9) (Prereq: ABIO 330, ANRS 201, ANRS 307, ANRS 312, ANRS 202; Co-req: ANRS 301) 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/per week)

ANRS 307 Health Assessment. (3) (Prereq: ABIO 232, ABIO 242, admission to Baccalaureate in Nursing clinical courses) Introduces the student to a foundation in assessing the physical and psychosocial health status of individuals across the lifespan; assessment skills and selected screening procedures will be applied in a client simulated lab. (2.5 hours lecture/1.5 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 308 Professional Nursing. (3) (Prereq: RN Licensure and admission to Baccalaureate in Nursing clinical courses) The development of nursing as a professional discipline and science and related issues; introduction to nursing theories, processes and practice roles.

ANRS 312 Pathophysiology. (3) (Prereq: ABIO 232, ABIO 242, admission to Baccalaureate in Nursing clinical courses) Focuses on the pathological bases of disease processes and clinical manifestations of selected diseases.

ANRS 315 Community Health Nursing. (5) (Generic Track Prereq: ANRS 323, ANRS 324; Completion Track Prereq: RN Licensure and ANRS 308 and ANRS 307; Completion Track Prereq. or Co-Req: ANRS 312) 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. (3 hours lecture/ 6 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 322 Psychiatric Nursing. (5) (Prereq: ANRS 303, ANRS 323, ANRS 301) 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 201, ANRS 307, ANRS 312, ANRS 202) 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, ANRS 301, ANRS 323) 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 398 Special Topics. (1-3) (Prereq: Consent of instructor) An elective course on selected topics in nursing.

ANRS 411 Leadership and Management. (4) (Generic Track Prereq: ANRS 315, ANRS 413, ANRS 415; Generic Track Coreq: ANRS 416; Completion Track Prereq: Enrollment in BSN Completion and in last semester) 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. (3 hours lecture/ 3 hours lab/ per week)

ANRS 413 Nursing Research. (3) (Completion Track Prereq: ANRS 308 and one of the following: APSY 225 or ASTA 201 or ABUS 296; Generic Track Prereq: ANRS 303 or Permission of Instructor, and one of the following: APSY 225 or ASTA 201 or ABUS 296) The 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.

ANRS 414 Ethical-Legal Issues in Nursing. (3) (Completion Track Prereq: ANRS 308; Generic Track Prereq: ANRS 303 or Permission of Instructor) 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.

ANRS 415 Gerontological Nursing. (5) (Generic Track Prereq: ANRS 324 and ANRS 323; Completion Track Prereq: ANRS 308; Completion Track Prereq. or Coreq: ANRS 315) 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 413, ANRS 415; 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.

ANRS 420 Nursing Care of the Client with Complex Health Needs. (3) (Prereq: RN Licensure and last semester of nursing) In this course students are expected to synthesize knowledge from all previous courses as care is provided to people with complex health needs in hospitals, clinics, or specialized health care facilities. Critical thinking will guide the student’s ability to identify nursing diagnoses, develop knowledge-based nursing interventions, evaluate outcomes, and revise nursing care for individuals and families. Emphasis is placed on continuity of quality care and on achieving proficiency in assessment, psychomotor, and communication skills, the integration of professional values, and the ability to coordinate care in a variety of settings.

BSN Completion Track

BSN Completion Major Admissions Requirements

1. admission to USCA;

2. Associate of Science degree in nursing or diploma in nursing and South Carolina RN licensure;

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 Office of Admissions after receipt of a student’s official transcript from any college previously attended.

1. Students may transfer equivalent courses for the general education requirements. The courses must meet the University requirements for transfer credit.

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.

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 (ANRS 312). 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:

1. A grade of C is required in all courses.

3. A grade of C or better in any prerequisite to other courses is required before progression to the next course.

4. A system cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained for continued enrollment in the baccalaureate program.

5. ABSN 411 is required during the last semester of degree work.

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

Math 108 or higher and Statistics³ ............................................... 6

Applied Speech Communication⁴.................................................. 3

        B.    Methods and History of Disciplines⁵
                Natural Sciences ....................................................................... 16
                    (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry)

                Social/Behavioral Sciences .......................................................... 9
                    (Introductory Psychology, Developmental
                    Psychology, Introductory Sociology)

               Humanities⁶ (at least two areas) .................................................... 9
                    Philosophy (not logic),
                    History, Literature, Fine Arts History,
                    Religion, Humanities (AHUM acronym),
                    Selected Language courses,
                    Communications (last two digits in 50s or 60s)
                    Honors (AHON acronym)

History of Civilization (AHST 101 or AHST 102)........................ 3

American Political Institutions....................................................... 3
(APLS 201, AHST 201, or AHST 202)

2. Major Requirements ...................................................................... 57

        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:
            ANRS 307, 308 .............................................................................. 6
            ANRS 312, 315 .............................................................................. 8
            ANRS 411, 413 ............................................................................. 7
            ANRS 414, 415, 420 .................................................................... 11

3. Electives ............................................................................................ 8

Total hours required⁵............................................................................. 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 AMTH 221 and AMTH 222 cannot be used for General Education math credit EXCEPT by students graduating with degrees in Elementary, Early Childhood or Special Education.
⁴ The following are considered Applied Speech Communication courses: ACOM 201, ACOM 241, and ACOM 342.
⁵ 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.
⁶ For a list of courses that will meet the Humanities general education requirement, see page 31.

* The Program of Study for the BSN major is determined by the date of initial acceptance into the BSN 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 Track Course Descriptions

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

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) (Note: this course will be offered for the last time during the fall of 2006.)

ABSN 411 Leadership and Management. (3) (Prereq or Coreq: ANRS 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) (Note: this course will be offered for the last time during the fall of 2006.)

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) (Note: this course will be offered for the last time during the fall of 2006.)

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