Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

College of Nursing and Health Professions


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges and Departments

Dr. Peggy Wolfe, Dean

The College of Nursing and Health Professions is composed of the Department of Graduate Nursing , Department of Radiologic and Medical Laboratory Science , and Department of Undergraduate Nursing , as well as the Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management Program . Curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing degrees, as well as a Post-Master’s Cerificate, are listed on the appropriate departmental and William J. Doré, Sr. School of Graduate Studies  pages, along with specific departmental requirements.

Mission

The mission of the College of Nursing and Health Professions is to prepare health care professionals to provide direct or indirect care to meet the health care needs of individuals, families, populations, and systems.

Community Health Care Center

The mission of the Community Health Care Center is to improve the well-being and productivity of the community-in particular, under-served populations through primary care, prevention, and health promotion. Using nursing models of health, the Community Health Care Center serves as a clinical site for faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Department of Undergraduate Nursing Mission

The mission of the undergraduate nursing degree program is to provide education that will enable 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.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Purpose

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

  1. Enter into professional practice as a generalist nurse who cares for 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, quality patient-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 the community and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research, and health care delivery system improvement.
  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, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 463-6930.

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 health care 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 50 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 last grade earned in the following courses: BIOL 101, BIOL 201, BIOL 225, BIOL 226, and CHEM 120.
  4. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of C or better.
  5. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of D or F is earned.
  6. Pass the required nursing admission test.
  7. Be able to perform the physical and mental requirements of the discipline of nursing as identified on the Health and Physical Examination form and the ADA requirements 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.
  9. Comply with the College of Nursing and Health Professions 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 

In order to meet eligibility requirements for admission to the clinical nursing sequence, the International Student 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

  1. Take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and score a minimum composite band score of 6.0.
  2. Provide the College of Nursing and Health Professions with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT scores or a passing IELTS score by the posted clinical application deadline.

Application Process 

The student must:

  1. Obtain an application for admission from the Department of Undergraduate Nursing in Hardtner Hall.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Attach the following to the application form:
    • Completed Physical Examination Form.
    • Completed medical management plan for any physical or mental health issue.
    • Copy of current tuberculosis (TB) skin test results (must be PPD).
    • Copy of current CPR card (must be CPR for health care professionals).
    • Copy of completed immunization record.
  4. Submit the application form with attachments to the Department of Undergraduate Nursing in Hardtner Hall by the announced deadline. Late applications and/or missing documents will not be accepted after the deadline.
  5. Submit the completed LSBN Application for Permission to Enroll in Clinical Nursing Courses form.
  6. Submit the completed Authorization for Criminal Background Check form.
  7. Submit two completed fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting must be performed by an authorized law enforcement agency (i.e., local police, state police or sheriff’s department).
  8. Submit a $90.75 money order or cashier’s check made out to LSBN for processing clinical acceptance and for fingerprint record check.
  9. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam.
  10. 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 mailed to students upon conditional admission. The student will be required to hand deliver the completed Department of Undergraduate Nursing Acceptance Form to the department.

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 course work or permission of the dean prior to enrollment in any 300 or 400 level nursing course.
  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-nursing courses 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, constitutes dismissal from the program.
  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 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 (CPR for health care professionals) and TB test annually 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, medical-mental conditions, or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the head of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing.
  10. Comply with the College of Nursing and Health Professions 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 Academic Integrity Policy).
  5. Violations of the College of Nursing and Health Professions Drug Testing Policy.
  6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct.
  7. Violations of the College of Nursing and Health Professions policies as stated in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook.
  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.

Online RN to BSN Program

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state, eligible nursing associate degree program who currently possess an active unencumbered RN license may be eligible for the online RN to BSN program. Specific information related to the RN to BSN program may be obtained in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing or the College of Nursing and Health Professions website.

LPN to BSN Plan

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state practical (vocational) nursing program who currently possess an active unencumbered LPN or LVN license may be eligible for advanced standing in the BSN Program. Specific information related to the LPN to BSN articulation plan may be obtained in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing or the College of Nursing and Health Professions website.


Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Nursing

The McNeese State University nursing graduate program in cooperation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing, offers a program of advanced nursing studies. The program reflects the missions of McNeese State University, the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing.

Graduate nursing education seeks to stimulate continued intellectual growth and commitment to lifelong learning. The program builds upon the critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, and communication skills developed in the undergraduate program to influence the health care of members of a multicultural world community.

The scope of advanced nursing practice is derived from the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Curriculum Guidelines and Programs Standards for Nurse Practitioner Education. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume leadership roles in nursing education, nursing administration, and advanced clinical nursing practice.

Within the consortium arrangement, the curriculum encompasses the concept of specialization along the developmental life span of a human being. The program provides students with an opportunity to develop advanced skills and knowledge of clients with a variety of complex health care problems, while encouraging diversity in nursing functions and levels of intervention.

Purpose

The Master of Science in Nursing program aims to prepare graduates that:

  1. Possess a background for practice from sciences and humanities.
  2. Possess organizational and systems leadership.
  3. Possess a concern for quality improvement and safety.
  4. Translate and integrate scholarship into practice.
  5. Use informatics  and healthcare technologies.
  6. Advocate for health policy to improve care.
  7. Practice inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
  8. Participate in clinical prevention and population health for improving health.
  9. Possess master’s level nursing practice competencies.

The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 463-6930.

Licensing and Credentialing Requirements

Completion of the program will prepare the graduate to practice as an advanced practice nurse, to teach at the undergraduate college level, or to function as a nurse executive. Students who successfully complete the MSN curriculum for the nurse practitioner role meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations, and to apply for an advanced practice license:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
  • Nurse Educator Concentration
  • Nurse Executive Concentration
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program

The MSN degree is offered as part of a consortium agreement with McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Students seeking admission to the consortium must apply and pay appropriate fees at the institution at which the student plans to pursue the nursing major.

The student selects a functional area in nursing education, nursing executive, or a nurse practitioner role concentration in family or psychiatric mental health.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to the graduate nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources.

Students seeking admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program must meet all of the requirements for admission to the William J. Doré, Sr. School of Graduate Studies. Transfer students must meet the same admission requirements and will be considered on a case by case space available basis.

Regular Admissions

An applicant must have:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited school. The transcript should demonstrate completion of a 3 semester hour or 4 quarter hour statistics course with a C or better. Students who will complete their BSN in the semester prior to anticipated enrollment may apply; however, acceptance will be contingent upon successful completion of the BSN.
  2. A minimum over-all grade point average of 2.75 on 4.0 scale for all undergraduate nursing.
  3. Earned a minimum score of 282 on the combined verbal and quantitative Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  4. Eligibility for unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the state where precepted experiences occur.
  5. Two letters of professional reference from faculty members, professional colleagues, or work supervisors. These letters should address the prospective student’s ability to be successful in a graduate nursing program.
  6. A 500-word essay detailing professional goals. The goal statement should include motivation for pursuing graduate nursing education as well as long and short term professional goals.
  7. Current resume.
  8. Submitted completed application materials by May 1 to be considered for fall admission and by November 1 to be considered for spring admission. Late applications will be considered on a space available basis.
  9. Candidates selected for admission will provide proof of an acceptable background check prior to taking the first course.

Conditional Status

An applicant who meets all requirements for regular admission to the master’s degree program except the grade point average of 2.75 on all undergraduate nursing courses attempted may seek conditional admission status. For acceptance to conditional status the student must have a minimum of 282 on the combined GRE verbal and quantitative examinations and, a minimum of 2.5 GPA on all undergraduate courses in the nursing curriculum. To be removed from conditional status the student must earn a B or better in each graduate-level course in the first 12 hours. If a C is earned, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Admission and Progression Requirement for the Specialty/Concentration Courses

Admission to the specialty concentration means that the student is eligible to progress to the practicum courses. Students in the nurse practitioner concentration must complete the following courses prior to starting specialty coursework.

  • NURS 600        Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
  • NURS 602        Design and Methodology of Nursing Research (3 cr. hrs.)
  • NURS 605        Applied Statistics for the Health Sciences (Lec. 3, Cr. 3)
  • NURS 607        Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice (Lec. 2, Lab. 4, Cr. 3)
  • NURS 617        Pharmocotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
  • NURS 618        Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)

Students seeking the nurse executive concentration must apply the semester prior to enrollment in NURS 554/654 Nurse Leadership and Administration Field Study. Students seeking the nurse educator concentration must apply prior to enrollment in NURS 639 Nursing Education Practicum.

The application to specialty concentration courses requires that the student submit the following by December 1 for the spring semester and August 1 for the fall semester.

  1. Proof of current Health-care Provider CPR,
  2. Proof of OSHA Training,
  3. TB verification,
  4. Health insurance,
  5. Preceptor agreement forms,
  6. Agency affiliation agreements,
  7. Proof of negative drug screen,
  8. Malpractice insurance in the amount of $1 million for each occurrence and $3 million annual aggregate. Required of nurse practitioner students only.
  9. Additional immunizations may be required depending upon site of precepted experiences.

Late applications will be admitted on a space available basis.

Once admitted to the specialty/concentration courses, the student is expected to follow the full-time or part-time degree plan which becomes a part of their record. Students who do not follow their degree plan may lose a practicum slot and have to reapply.

Program Length

The program is four to six semesters in length dependent upon which role is selected. Students who attend full-time may complete the program in two to three years; part-time students may complete the program from three to six years.

Non-Degree Status

Registration of non-degree students in individual courses is subject to the prerequisites and requirements of the respective departments. Credits earned with a letter grade (A or B) while in non-degree status may be applied toward a degree upon approval of the student’s advisor, the dean of the major program, and the graduate dean, where applicable. Not more than twelve (12) semester hours of graduate work completed while in non-degree status may be applied toward a degree.

Retention and Progression Requirements

  1. A student must earn a B or higher in each course in the program to be eligible for progression.
  2. A student who has regular admission status and who earns a grade below B will be placed on probation and must repeat the course within two regular semesters with at least a B. If the student does not repeat the course within 2 semesters, the student may be subject to program dismissal. If a grade below B is earned in a subsequent course, the student will be dismissed. Students whose GPA for the semester falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Once on academic probation, a student will continue on probation until the cumulative and term GPA rises to 3.0. Students on academic probation whose GPA for any term falls below 3.0 will be suspended from further graduate study. Suspended students may be re-admitted on probation with the recommendation of the graduate coordinator and the approval of the dean of graduate studies.
  3. A student who has conditional admission status who earns a C or lower in the first twelve (12) hours of coursework will be dismissed from the program.
  4. A graduate student who makes a grade of F in any course taken for graduate credit, any undergraduate prerequisite, or any undergraduate course in his major field will be ineligible to register for further graduate work. A student who receives an F because of extenuating, non-academic reasons may appeal to the Graduate Council for readmission to the graduate school.
  5. Any student dismissed for failure to meet academic standards may make appeal to the dean of the college. If unsuccessful, a subsequent appeal must be made to the Graduate Council of the university in which he/she is enrolled.
  6. Students who have not been enrolled during the preceding calendar year must reapply through the School of Graduate Studies for readmission, and meet graduate nursing admission requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Master of Science in Nursing degree with a role concentration and a specialization, the student must:

  • Complete all degree requirements including:
    • A minimum of 42-48 credit hours for the nurse practitioner role.
    • A minimum of 40 credit hours for the nurse educator role.
    • A minimum of 38-41 credit hours for the nurse executive role.
  • Complete a focused scholarly project or a thesis; and
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges and Departments