Nursing (B.S.)
Students may achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing through the pre-licensure track for high school graduates. To qualify for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing, students must have satisfactorily completed the plan of study specific to their track. Nursing majors complete a minimum of 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, including 97 credits in their major and an additional 29-32 credits in the core curriculum. Specific courses and a minimum of 60 graded credits must be completed at Salve Regina University in order to be eligible for honors designation. A minimum of 30 credits, exclusive of credit by examination options, must be taken at Salve Regina University to meet the residency requirement of the University.
All nursing majors are subject to academic and financial policies published in this catalog such as federal loan eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, grading and graduation.
All graduates are prepared to continue their education for a master's and doctorate degree in nursing.
Honor Society
Sigma Theta Tau International recognizes high achieving nursing students and professionals. The mission of the Honor Society is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.
Academic Expectations
Students are expected to demonstrate professional, ethical behaviors during all aspects of their academic program. Academic courses provide the building blocks of learning with increasing levels of complexity and expected proficiency as students move through the nursing program. The 100 and 200 level courses provide foundational information for the 300 and 400 level courses. Students are expected to successfully complete all 100 and 200 level courses in preparation for the upper level course work required in the nursing major.
Students do not advance to the 300 level nursing courses unless they have earned at least the minimum grade of C in all 200 level prerequisite nursing courses. No nursing student may progress to the 400 level nursing courses until earning at least the minimum grade of C in all 300 level nursing courses.
Students who progress according to the suggested plan of study are given priority in classroom and clinical placements over students who take a leave of absence or who must repeat a course. Students who do not follow the plan of study will be placed in clinical courses on a space available basis. If there are more requests than there are spots available, preference will be given to students based on their overall GPA in nursing courses.
Nursing majors must maintain a minimum of a 2.900 GPA for progression and graduation in the program. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" (74) or "P" (pass in a pass/fail course) in the required courses of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics as well as the nursing courses themselves. Policies for progression and retention within the major apply to all nursing students.
Academic Probation and Dismissal from the Nursing Major
Decisions regarding student acceptance, progression and retention within the major are based on the transcript current at the time the decision is made. Subsequent changes to the transcript will not retroactively alter the status of the student.
- A student will be placed on academic probation if they receive a C- in a nursing prerequisite and/or nursing course.
- Any prerequisite nursing or nursing course, with an earned letter grade of C- or lower, must be remediated/repeated and a grade of C or better achieved before the student may progress to higher level courses.
- A student can remediate/repeat one nursing prerequisite/nursing course. Two (2) grades of C- or below in any nursing prerequisite and/or nursing course, will result in dismissal from the nursing major.
- A student will be placed on academic probation if the student’s GPA falls below the required 2.900. If a student’s GPA fall below the required 2.900 for any two (2) semesters or receives a grade of C- or below for any two semesters, they will be dismissed from the nursing program.
- Once a student has been dismissed from the nursing major, they are not eligible for reinstatement unless the student successfully appeals the dismissal through the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Appeals Process if Dismissed from the Nursing Program
A student dismissed from the nursing program has the right to appeal the decision. The process to appeal is:
- Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and must include a personal statement detailing the reasons for falling below the requirement along with supporting documentation.
- Appeals must be received by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies within five (5) days of the date of notification of the probation/dismissal of the nursing program.
- A student may appeal a dismissal from the nursing program one (1) time only.
Student Health
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the chair of the Nursing Department, the Clinical/Lab Coordinator, and relevant faculty of any ongoing health concerns or changes in health status. Unless otherwise informed it will be assumed that a student is healthy and fully capable of responding to the challenges of the classroom and experiential learning activities of this program.
Student Health Insurance
Students are personally and financially responsible for their own health care. Health insurance is required for nursing students. Students must furnish proof of current health insurance. Part-time students who do not have health insurance coverage may purchase it through the Salve Regina University Bursar Office.
Smoking
Salve Regina University and the sites for experiential learning promote smoke-free environments and nursing students are expected to abide by these policies. Students who smoke and wish assistance in quitting may seek assistance through programs offered by Salve Regina Health Services.
Substance Abuse Policy
Salve Regina University expects all members of its community to adhere to and abide by all federal, state, and local laws concerning illegal substances and alcohol. Specifically, the University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit drugs anywhere on University property or within the framework of a University function.
Substance abuse, whether alcohol or other substances, is a major issue because it can compromise not only the learning environment but also the collaborative care that is provided to patients. Professional standards require that nursing students must be free of chemical impairment during participation in any aspect of their nursing education program whether in the classroom, laboratory, or sites for experiential learning. This includes during travel to and from locations of experiential learning. Students must notify the chair of the Department of Nursing within five days of any criminal drug or alcohol arrest, arraignment and conviction.
In order to facilitate the identification and management of substance abuse problems, the Department of Nursing has adopted a written substance abuse policy. This policy is based on:
- the assumption that addiction is an illness that can be successfully treated and that individuals can be returned to a productive level of functioning; and
- the philosophy that the Department of Nursing is committed to assisting their students with recovery. Confidential information about various drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs will be provided to students.
Failure of a student to comply with this policy on substance abuse will result in disciplinary action that could include dismissal from the major, required completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, and being reported to appropriate officials for prosecution under Rhode Island and United States law where penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both. Details of this policy and procedure are found in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.
Experiential Learning
Drug Screening Policy and Procedure
Health care facilities and organizations require that students who participate in experiential learning assignments be subject to the same standards as their employees. Accordingly, the Department of Nursing requires nursing students to submit to a minimum of one urine drug screening. A negative urine drug screen is a condition for participation in the clinical component of the program. Details of this policy and procedure are found in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students must have professional liability insurance before participating in experiential learning. Nursing fees include the purchase by the University of Professional Liability Insurance for pre-licensure students.
Assignments for Experiential Learning
Students are provided with a variety of out-of-classroom assignments. Assignments are based upon students' educational needs in relation to curriculum and course objectives and the availability of sites with our educational partners. Specific assignments to agencies are subject to change as situations require.
Transportation
Transportation to sites for experiential learning is the responsibility of the student.
Clearance for Experiential Learning
No student will be allowed to start an experiential learning activity until a clinical clearance is obtained. Clinical clearance is granted by the Clinical/Lab Coordinator when all requirements are fulfilled. It is the responsibility of each nursing major to ensure that all items are on file four weeks prior to the start of the semester in which he or she will be having direct contact with patients.
Before the first course with experiential learning, all students must submit the following to the department's Clinical Coordinator:
- documentation of a physical exam within the past 6 months,
- documentation of having received the Tdap vaccine and a 2-step PPD,
- record of varicella, Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella titers,
- students must receive their Influenza vaccine by September 30th,
- national criminal background check,
- negative urine drug screen,
- current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification, and
- students must receive a COVID vaccination prior to the start of clinical.
In subsequent years, the following information must be on file in the nursing department:
- a current annual PPD,
- current CPR certification,
- current physical exam, and
- negative drug screen.
Professional Behaviors and Attire
When Salve Regina University nursing students leave campus as part of their educational experience they represent not only themselves, but also the other members of the student body, the faculty, and the University as a whole. Professional behaviors and attire are expected at all times. Students must wear the appropriate University uniform when participating in experiential learning events. The student who does not comply may be barred from the activities. Details of this policy are found in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.
Nursing majors complete core courses and the following courses to earn a bachelor’s degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-105 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO-106 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO-207 | Microbiology of Health and Disease | 4 |
| CHM-121 | Chemistry of Human Health | 4 |
| NUR-150 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 1 |
| Complete one of the following Psychology courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Child Development | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Prejudice | ||
| Psychology: Science Vs. Pseudoscience | ||
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | ||
| Optimal Human Functioning/Positive Psychology | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Complete one of the following Sociology courses: | 3 | |
| The Sociological Imagination | ||
| Anthropology: Interpreting Cultural Differences | ||
| Introduction to Archeology | ||
| The Social Fabric: Language in Society | ||
| Race and Ethnic Relations | ||
| Exploring North American Indigenous Cultures | ||
| Popular Culture | ||
| Gender and Sexuality: Cross-Cultural Perspectives | ||
| Global Health: Society, Medicine, and the Body | ||
| "Sex" at "Work" | ||
| Global Capital | ||
| Food Matters | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Gender Violence | ||
| Introduction to Global Studies | ||
| NUR-216 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| NUR-230 | Human Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR-240 | Pharmacotherapy | 3 |
| NUR-250 | Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition | 2 |
| NUR-332 | Holistic Health Assessment and Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR-333 | Experiential Learning: Health Assessment and Fundamentals of Nursing | 2 |
| NUR-334 | Genetics and Genomics | 3 |
| NUR-336 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NUR-338 | Care of Adults With Chronic Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-339 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults With Chronic Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-344 | Care of Adults With Acute Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-345 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults With Acute Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-346 | Families in Transition: Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Families | 3 |
| NUR-347 | Experiential Learning: Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Families | 3 |
| NUR-432 | Care of Patients with Mental Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-433 | Experiential Learning: Care of Patients with Mental Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-436 | Care of Families in Transition: Aging and End-of-Life Care | 3 |
| NUR-437 | Experiential Learning: Families in Transition: Aging and End-of Life Care | 3 |
| NUR-442 | Care of Adults with Complex Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-443 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults with Complex Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-444 | Public Health and Disaster Response Planning | 3 |
| NUR-446 | Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NUR-449 | Preparation for Professional Licensure I | 1 |
| NUR-450 | Preparation for Professional Licensure II | 2 |
| NUR-451 | Nursing Capstone | 4 |
| STA-173 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Total Credits | 97 | |
Degree Plan for Nursing (B.S.)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FYT-101 | First Year Studio | 1 |
| UNV-101 | University Seminar | 3 |
| BIO-105 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| CHM-121 or BIO-207 |
Chemistry of Human Health 1 or Microbiology of Health and Disease |
4 |
| NUR-150 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 1 |
| Foreign Language I 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| UNV-102 | University Seminar II | 3 |
| CHM-121 or BIO-207 |
Chemistry of Human Health 1 or Microbiology of Health and Disease |
4 |
| BIO-106 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| Foreign Language II 3 | 3 | |
| Core Course (Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, History, Visual & Performing Arts, or Literature) | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| RTS-225 or PHL-225 |
The Quest for the Ultimate: Dialogue with Global Religious Traditions 1 or Quest for the Good Life |
3 |
| NUR-230 | Human Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR-240 | Pharmacotherapy | 3 |
| STA-173 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Core Course | 3 | |
| Core Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| GST-098 | Sophomore Studio 4 | 1 |
| RTS-225 or PHL-225 |
The Quest for the Ultimate: Dialogue with Global Religious Traditions 1 or Quest for the Good Life |
3 |
| NUR-332 | Holistic Health Assessment and Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR-333 | Experiential Learning: Health Assessment and Fundamentals of Nursing | 2 |
| NUR-250 | Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition | 2 |
| NUR-216 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| Core Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NUR-334 | Genetics and Genomics | 3 |
| NUR-336 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NUR-338 | Care of Adults With Chronic Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-339 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults With Chronic Health Conditions | 3 |
| Core Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| NUR-344 | Care of Adults With Acute Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-345 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults With Acute Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-346 | Families in Transition: Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Families | 3 |
| NUR-347 | Experiential Learning: Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Families | 3 |
| Core Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NUR-432 | Care of Patients with Mental Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-433 | Experiential Learning: Care of Patients with Mental Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-436 | Care of Families in Transition: Aging and End-of-Life Care | 3 |
| NUR-437 | Experiential Learning: Families in Transition: Aging and End-of Life Care | 3 |
| NUR-444 | Public Health and Disaster Response Planning | 3 |
| NUR-449 | Preparation for Professional Licensure I | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NUR-442 | Care of Adults with Complex Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-443 | Experiential Learning: Care of Adults with Complex Health Conditions | 3 |
| NUR-446 | Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NUR-450 | Preparation for Professional Licensure II | 2 |
| NUR-451 | Nursing Capstone | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
- 1
One each semester.
- 2
Students are recommended to take this in their first semester.
- 3
If needed, depending on placement.
- 4
This weekend workshop may be taken in either the fall or spring semester of sophomore year.