Department of Undergraduate Nursing

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Mission

The mission of the undergraduate nursing degree program is to change lives through the provision of quality education that enables graduates to improve the health care system and the quality of life in a global society, value lifelong learning, and enhance the profession of nursing through a focus on:

• Clinical judgment;
• Communication;
• Role development;
• Professionalism; and
• Service to the community.

Fundamental to this mission is the faculty’s commitment to providing a student-centric environment to promote student success, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, community partnerships, creative scholarly activity, and research in nursing. 

Purpose

The purposes of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing are to prepare the graduate to:

1. Enter into professional nursing practice to provide equitable care for diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, or populations in structured and unstructured health care settings;
2. Assume a leadership role within one’s scope of professional nursing practice in improving quality care;
3. Begin scholarly practice;
4. Use clinical judgment and communication to provide evidence-based, safe, compassionate, person-centered care;
5. Promote, maintain, and restore health and provide palliative or end-of-life care;
6. Function independently and interdependently in a variety of roles;
7. Commit to serve diverse communities and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research, and health care delivery system improvement; and
8. Value life-long learning including graduate education and professional development.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, (225) 755-7500. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at McNeese State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Program expenses additional to tuition and fees may include the purchase of uniforms, books, clinical supplies, application and entrance testing, immunizations, health examination, and criminal background check. Additional information regarding the BSN program may be obtained from the Department of Undergraduate Nursing or College of Nursing and Health Professions website.

The Department of Undergraduate Nursing reserves the right to change the curriculum, admission, and/or retention criteria to ensure an effective program of study.

General Admission Policies

The student who indicates the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as a major must meet University admission requirements and comply with academic regulations and policies.

The student who is admitted to the University must be in compliance with the published eligibility and retention-progression requirements of the BSN program. The student who has been denied progression in courses or dismissed from another nursing program will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:911 et. Seq., provides for the regulation of students seeking permission to enroll in clinical nursing courses in nursing programs in Louisiana preparing candidates for registered nurse licensure. Included in the authority is a criminal history record information check in accordance with R.S. 37:918 and 920.1.

A student who has

1. Ever been issued a citation or summons for, or has/have warrant(s) been issued against related to, or been arrested, charged with, arraigned, indicted, convicted of, pled guilty “no contest”/nolo contendere/”best interest of” or any similar plea to, or been sentenced for any criminal offense, including all misdemeanors and felonies in any state or other jurisdiction;
2. Ever had a license to practice nursing or as another healthcare provider denied, revoked, suspended, sanctioned, or otherwise restricted or limited, including voluntary surrender of license - including restrictions associated with participation in confidential alternatives to disciplinary programs;
3. Ever been discharged from the military on ground(s) other than an honorable discharge;
4. Ever been diagnosed with a medical, physical, mental, emotional, or psychiatric condition that might affect their ability to safely practice as a registered nurse; or
5. Ever had a problem with, been diagnosed as dependent upon, or been treated for mood-altering substances, drugs, or alcohol

must receive approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing before being accepted into the BSN program. Failure to disclose this information constitutes falsification of documents and may result in delay or denial of admittance. The Louisiana State Board of Nursing will conduct a criminal records check on all applicants and graduates.

Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Nursing Sequence

Admission to the University does not guarantee enrollment in the clinical nursing sequence. Selection for enrollment in the clinical nursing sequence is competitive. To be eligible to apply, the student must meet the following criteria by the end of the semester that the application is made.

1. Have completed 51 semester hours of non-nursing courses as outlined in the first, second, and third semesters of the nursing curriculum;
2. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all courses as outlined in the first, second, and third semesters of the curriculum;
3. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all science courses. This includes the highest grade earned in the following courses: BIOL 201, BIOL 225, BIOL 226, CHEM 120, and NRHP 100. BIOL 225 and BIOL 226 must have been taken within five years prior to entry into the clinical nursing sequence;
4. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of C or better;
5. Have repeated no more than two non-clinical courses in the first, second, and third semesters of the curriculum in which a grade of D or F is earned.
6. Pass the required nursing admission test;
7. Be able to perform the Essential Academic Performance and Technical Standards of nursing as identified in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook; 
8. In accordance with the Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana, be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) for admission into clinical courses; and
9. Comply with the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Drug Testing Policy.

The Department of Undergraduate Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students admitted to the clinical nursing sequence based on faculty and clinical resources. Selection for admission is based on a competitive ranking of eligible students. Eligible students not accepted to the clinical nursing sequence must reapply for admission. No waiting list is maintained. Students not admitted to the clinical nursing sequence must seek advisement, make up deficiencies, and reapply in a future semester.

International Students 

To meet eligibility requirements for admission to the clinical nursing sequence, all international students must:

1. Take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) and score a minimum of 19 on each of the 4 test sections, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, for a total of 76 points; or
2. Take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and score a minimum composite band score of 6.0; or
3. Take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and score a minimum overall score of 51; or
4. Take the DUOLINGO English Test and score a minimum overall score of 110; and
5. Provide the Department of Undergraduate Nursing with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or DUOLINGO score by the posted clinical application deadline.

Application Process 

All students, including international students, must have a social security number. International students can contact the Office of International Student Services for more information.

The student must:

1. Complete online FORMS application as directed in the application;
2. Pay the application fee;
3. Submit a copy of current CPR card (must be BLS Provider by American Heart Association). 
4. Complete the Essential Academic Performance and Technical Standards Form. 
5. Pay the LSBN fee to process student license as directed in the application;
6. Pay all fingerprinting/criminal background check fees as directed in the application;
7. Pay the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) fee as directed in the application;
8. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam; and
9. Present a picture ID in order to take the nursing entrance exam.

Students who have previously attended McNeese State University and have been readmitted to the nursing curriculum must meet the current University and nursing retention-progression criteria.

An acceptance packet will be emailed or mailed to students upon conditional admission. The student will be required to submit the completed Department of Undergraduate Nursing Acceptance Form to the department as directed.

Transfers

Students transferring into nursing must:

1. Apply to the University and meet admission criteria. The transfer student admitted to the University must be in compliance with the eligibility and retention-progression criteria for the BSN program;
2. Contact the Department of Undergraduate Nursing to initiate a transcript(s) evaluation after a letter of acceptance for admission to the University is received;
3. Provide a transcript of all previous college work to the Department of Undergraduate Nursing;
4. Submit a course description and content from completed nursing courses to the Department of Undergraduate Nursing transfer advisor one semester prior to placement in the clinical nursing sequence, as requested;
5. Complete 12 semester hours of coursework or receive permission of the department head prior to enrollment in any 300- or 400-level nursing course; and
6. Apply to the clinical nursing sequence (refer to application process). Once accepted in the clinical nursing sequence the student will not be allowed to transfer a nursing course from another university or college.

Retention-Progression

In order for students to progress in the nursing curriculum, the student must:

1. Complete all required courses as outlined in the first three semesters of the BSN curriculum plan with a grade of C or better;
2. Have repeated no more than two non-clinical courses in the first, second, or third semester BSN curriculum plan in which a grade of D or F is earned;
3. Complete all required nursing courses with a grade of C or better;
4. Have repeated no more than one nursing course in which a grade of D, F, or W is earned. A student is permitted one failure or withdrawal once admitted to the clinical nursing sequence. A second failure or withdrawal, in any nursing course, deems the student ineligible to progress;
5. Pass theory courses with a minimum of C and have a satisfactory (S) clinical evaluation in nursing courses with a clinical component. If a theory grade of D or F should occur, a satisfactory clinical evaluation is negated. If an unsatisfactory (U) clinical evaluation should occur, a theory average of C or better will be reduced to a D and a theory grade of D will be reduced to an F;
6. Maintain current CPR certification (BLS Provider by American Heart Association) and TB screening throughout all clinical courses. Students with a positive TB test must be compliant with treatment protocol;
7. Report any changes in health status to the course faculty by completing the Changes in Health Status Form found in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing;
8. Maintain a current Student Health Insurance Verification form while enrolled in clinical courses;
9. Declare any subsequent action, arrest, criminal charge, conviction, or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the head of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing; and
10. Comply with the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Drug Testing Policy.

Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies will jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the BSN program.

Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from a course or the BSN program for any of the following conditions:

1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences;
2. Unsafe, unethical, illegal practices with patient care;
3. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations;
4. Plagiarism, cheating, or unauthorized possession of exams (see the Academic Integrity Policy);
5. Violations of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Drug Testing Policy;
6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity;
7. Violations of the College of Nursing and Health Professions policies as stated in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook; or
8. Lack of professional compatibility or unsafe clinical practice as defined by the faculty of the BSN program.

The faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of any student in the nursing program when academic, health, or personal conduct requires such action.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who are enrolled in the clinical nursing sequence and who wish to officially withdraw are required to inform their instructors of their decision and complete an Intent to Return/Withdrawal form found in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing. Submission of this form does not guarantee reentry into the clinical nursing sequence. After this, students follow the withdrawal policy for the University.

LPN-to-BSN Articulation Plan

The LPN-to-BSN articulation plan is available to graduates from an accredited Louisiana or out-of-state practical (vocational) nursing program who currently possess an active unencumbered LPN or LVN license and have a minimum of one year of acute care hospital-based nursing experience. The student will be awarded 12 credit hours of advanced placement for NRHP 100, NURS 100, NURS 215, and NURS 310 upon successful completion of the program’s designated LPN Mobility Exam and meet the eligibility requirements of the clinical nursing sequence. Additional information related to the LPN-to-BSN articulation plan is available on the program page below or may be obtained from the Department of Undergraduate Nursing.

Online RN-to-BSN Program

Graduates from an accredited Louisiana or out-of-state nursing associate degree program who currently possess an active unencumbered RN license may be eligible for the online RN-to-BSN program. Additional information related to the RN-to-BSN program is available on the program page below or may be obtained from the Department of Undergraduate Nursing.

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