Bluefield State College - School of Nursing and Allied Health

Requirements

The BSN Program is designed for the employed registered nurse wanting to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.  Nursing classes are held one day/week and required programmatic courses are offered in block times.  A number of programmatic courses are offered through distance learning modalities.  Students should check academic course schedules each semester for these courses.

The mission of the BSN Program is to provide students an opportunity for quality baccalaureate nursing education that is both affordable and geographically accessible, and prepares students to meet the diverse health care needs of the community, state, and nation.  The nursing faculty is committed to planning and implementing a quality baccalaureate program for registered nurses that promotes the students’ intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development in a caring environment.  The scope of professional nursing education is believed to be one that enables and empowers the student to recognize the ethical, legislative, economic, regulatory and political aspects that define the scope of professional nursing practice.  The roles inherent in the status of the professional nurse include but are not limited to:  provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, member of a profession, client advocate, and life-long learner. 

The goal of the BSN Program is to provide registered nurses with learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge base and skills to practice nursing at the professional level.  The program outcomes are:

1. Assess the health/illness status of individuals, families, and communities throughout the lifespan utilizing a holistic perspective.

2. Recognize how components of diversity impact health and health care.

3. Broaden advocacy skills for the nursing profession and the clients served.

4. Employ critical thinking skills as a basis for professional nursing practice

5. Use effective communication skills consistent with the role of the professional nurse.

6. Understand how to read and critique nursing research for its applicability for evidence-based nursing practice.

7. Utilize professional nursing management and leadership skills to coordinate comprehensive health care.

8. Apply an ethical decision-making framework incorporating the ANA Professional Code of Ethics, professional standards, and an awareness of personal values in nursing practice.

9. Develop and implement health education programs for diverse populations in a variety of settings.

10. Apply an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in managing clients with acute complex health problems.

Applicants must meet the general College admission requirements and the admissions requirements of the program.  The requirements includes:  graduation from a state approved NLN accredited nursing program; current West Virginia registered nurse licensure; and recent clinical nursing experience with references.  It is strongly recommended that applicants complete English 101, 102, and Math 101 or higher (or their equivalent) prior to entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.  A detailed explanation of the requirements is contained in the admissions policy.  The enrolled or newly graduated nursing students should contact the School of Nursing and Allied Health regarding admission requirements.  The baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120).

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must complete the general studies requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree listed elsewhere in the catalog, and the comprehensive major in nursing.  Associate Degree Nursing graduates are granted 32 hours for lower level nursing courses that apply to the baccalaureate degree. Students in the BSN Program  must attain a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course in order to progress in the program.  The nursing courses must be completed within 5 years of point of entry into the program. The following courses are required to complete a major in nursing:

BS NURSING APPLICATION*:This application should be completed only by Registered Nurses who have an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing or a Diploma Degree in Nursing. Students in their final semester of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program may apply to the BSN program, but their enrollment is dependent upon successful passage of the RN licensure examination. *In order to view and print our application, you will need Adobe Acrobat. Acrobat is a free software which allows you to view .PDF files in your web browser. You can download the plug-in from Adobe's website.

*Theses two school nursing courses are offered online in the spring semester and satisfy the professional preparation for school nursing.  Senior BSN students and BSN graduates are eligible to take these courses.  Students who complete the BSN, the two school nursing courses, and pass the PPST can apply for state certification as a school nurse in West Virginia.