Admission to the BSN Program

Students may declare the intent to pursue a nursing major at any time. However, application for admission to the upper-division program is made during the sophomore year. Nursing studies begin at the junior level with the exception of Nutrition (NURS 3305) which may be completed prior to admission to the nursing program. Admission requirements are as follows:

A completed Application for Admission to Nursing. An application form is available from the College Admissions office and in the office of the Department of Nursing or it can be filled-out as an on-line document from the nursing webpage at http://www.lagrange.edu/academics/nursing.

Completion of a sufficient number of credits in Common Core and other required courses is needed to permit an uninterrupted progression in the nursing major.

All applicants will be administered the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Skills (TEAS) as part of the screening process for admission. The TEAS is an exam of academic preparedness that covers Reading, Math, Science and English Language Usage.

A grade of C or higher is required in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development and the English Composition courses. A student is allowed one attempt to repeat one of these courses. A subsequent failure in this course or any other of these prerequisite courses will render the student ineligible to enter the nursing program. A limit of five years applies to completion of Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology courses.

A cumulative overall GPA of 2.5 or higher is required at the time of entry into the nursing program, including all courses completed or attempted at any institution.

An interview with a member of the nursing faculty will be required. Acceptance into the LaGrange College Nursing Program is based upon an Admission Score that ranks applicants based on GPA, TEAS Score, grades in science courses, English and psychological science with preference given to those who have been at LaGrange College since they were first year students.

An applicant who has completed any program of study leading to licensed employment in the health care area (such as registered or practical nursing, emergency medical technician) must present the license in person.

Unlicensed students enrolled in the nursing program may not be employed by any health care agency in the capacity of licensed nursing personnel. They shall not represent themselves in any practice setting as nursing students unless engaged in planned programmatic learning activities which are part of the nursing curriculum. 

In addition to completing the core curriculum requirements, students pursuing a major in Nursing must complete the following major program requirements:

Curriculum for the Traditional Program

Nursing courses are offered in a 4-1-4 semester sequence during the junior and senior years of study. The total BSN curriculum can be completed in four academic years (8 semesters) and includes 46 credit hours in the Common Core, 16 credit hours in other required and elective courses, and 60 credit hours in nursing major courses. Selected courses required for the BSN degree may fulfill certain Common Core Requirements; these and other required non-nursing courses are:

*These courses must be completed prior to entering the nursing courses.

Junior Year

Fall:

NURS 3305    Nutrition and Health (may be completed in advance)

NURS 3311    Health Assessment

NURS 3312    Foundations of Nursing Practice

NURS 3400    Mental Health Nursing

Spring:

NURS 3331    Pharmacology in Nursing

NURS 3330    Nursing Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Families

NURS 3350    Medical Surgical Nursing I

Senior Year

Fall:

NURS 4430    Medical Surgical Nursing II

NURS 4431    Research in Nursing

NURS 4440    Nursing Care: A Community Focus

Spring:

NURS 4432    Senior Capstone in Nursing

NURS 4433    Medical Surgical Nursing III

NURS 4450    Leadership

Progression

1. A grade of C (75%) or higher is required for successful completion of all nursing courses. Course syllabi and the BSN Student Handbook detail requirements for achieving a passing grade of C or better. A grade of D, F, or WF is a failing grade.
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained throughout the period of enrollment in nursing courses. A nursing major whose GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on program probation and has one semester in which to raise the GPA to 2.0 or higher. Failure to achieve a 2.0 in one semester will result in withdrawal from the nursing program. A 2.0 GPA is required for entrance into senior level courses.
3. Students earning a D or F in any nursing course may repeat the course one time. The course may be repeated, and if the student passes, he/she is eligible to continue the nursing program. However, any other failure in that or any other nursing course will result in dismissal from the program.
4. Should a student decide to withdraw from a nursing course at any time with a failing grade that failing grade will be recorded as the final course grade and the student will not be allowed to reenter the nursing program.
5. All Common Core and other required non-nursing courses, with the exception of an interim elective, must be completed prior to beginning the senior level nursing courses.
6. Students who fail a course in the first semester of the program must compete for readmission with the next year’s applicant pool.
7. Any student who fails clinically will not be allowed to continue in the nursing program.
8. Students must successfully complete all Junior-level courses before proceeding to Senior-level courses.
9. The faculty of the Nursing program reserve the right to dismiss at any time a student whose health, conduct (academic dishonesty, professional conduct), general attitude, clinical performance, or scholastic standing make it inadvisable to retain the student in the program. Students are expected to display qualities that are desirable in professional persons.

Refer to the BSN Handbook for further details of all nursing major policies.

Progression in BSN Completion Option

In addition to the guidelines above, the following policies apply to progression in the BSN Completion Option:      

• A valid Georgia RN license must be maintained throughout enrollment in clinical nursing courses.
• Credit for NURS 3431 (Pharmacology) may be earned through successful completion of a standardized examination. Should a passing score not be achieved on the first attempt the student is required to complete the course.
• All previously earned ADN or Diploma nursing credits will be placed in escrow when the RN student enters the nursing program. Upon satisfactory completion of 6 credit hours of BSN nursing courses, the escrowed credits will be transferred to the student's permanent academic record. Should the RN student not be successful in the initial 6 hours of nursing courses, the previously earned nursing credits will not be applied toward the BSN degree.

Assessment of Learning Objectives in the Major

In order for students and faculty to monitor learning progress and to provide for evaluation of the educational program, periodic assessment measures are used. All assessments are program, course, or College requirements. Students are provided information as to the scheduling and cost of each assessment.

• Senior Institutional Assessment. Prior to graduation, students are required to complete a senior institutional assessment that measures students’ creative, critical, and communicative abilities. This assessment is designed to determine the extent to which students have achieved the objectives of the College curriculum.
• Standardized Exams. ATI achievement exams are administered at intervals throughout the nursing program. These tests are required within selected nursing courses.
• Assessment in the Major. Standardized testing through Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) with course specific tests will be used in each course as a percentage of the course grade. Those students scoring below Level II for each test will be required to remediate using ATI study materials. The RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam will be used in the last semester as a predictor of NCLEX readiness. RN students complete an essay-type Exit examination and a Portfolio.

Course Descriptions Generic Program

Course credit hours and corresponding clock hours are shown in parentheses. One class clock hour/week equals one credit hour; three laboratory or practice clock hours/week equal one credit hour.

NURS 3305    Nutrition and Health.  (2) Summer, Fall, Spring (On-Line course)

An introduction to nutrition concepts and current dietary trends, focusing on health promotion. Nutrients are explored with regard to sources, dietary requirements, and health implications. 

Prerequisite: None

NURS 3311   Health Assessment (4) Fall

(3 hr. class, 3 hrs. lab per week)

This course provides the framework for preparing students to perform comprehensive health assessments on patients. Emphasis is placed on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. Laboratory experiences provide an opportunity to practice assessment skills.

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSN program

Corequisites: NURS 3400, NURS 3312, NURS 3305

NURS 3312    Foundations of Nursing Practice. (5) Fall

(3 hrs. class 2 hrs. lab/clinical per week)

This course provides an introduction to the professional roles of the nurse in micro- and macrosystems, as well as profession-related and patient care concepts. The nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment skills. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care while developing in the role of a professional nurse. The student is given an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in a clinical and laboratory setting.

Prerequisite: Admission to BSN program.

Corequisites: NURS 3305, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3400

NURS 3330    Nursing Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Families

(5 hrs. class, 2 hrs. lab/clinical per week) (7) Spring

This course provides an introduction to the professional roles of the nurse in micro- and macrosystems, as well as profession-related and patient-related and patient care concepts. The nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment skills. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care while developing in the role of a professional nurse. The student is given an opportunity to demonstrate theses skills in a clinical laboratory setting.

Prerequisites: NURS 3311, NURS 3312, NURS 3400

Corequisites: NURS 3331, NURS 3350

NURS 3331    Pharmacology in Nursing.  (4) Spring

(4 hrs. class per week)

This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, including: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication interactions and potential adverse medication reactions. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications and nursing care related to the safe administration of medication to patients across the life span

Prerequisite:  NURS 3311, NURS 3312, NURS 3400,

Corequisites:  NURS 3330, 3350      

NURS 3350    Medical Surgical Nursing I (5) Spring

(3 hrs. class, 6 hrs. lab/clinical per week) 

This course focuses on the care of adult patients with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with alterations in selected body functions. Concepts of patient centered care, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to adults in a variety of settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 3311, NURS 3312, NURS 3400

Corequisites: NURS 3331, NURS 3330

NURS 3400    Mental Health Nursing (4) Fall

(6 hrs. class, 2 hrs. clinical per week)

This course focuses on the care of patients across the lifespan experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing physical, sociocultural, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, anger management, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course. The community as a site for care and support services is addressed. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to patients in selected mental health settings.

Prerequisites: Admission to BSN Program

Corequisites:  NURS 3311, NURS 3312, NURS 3305

NURS 4430    Medical Surgical Nursing II (8) Fall

(6 hrs. class, 2 hrs. lab/clinical per week) 

This course focuses on the care of adult patients with complex medical/surgical health problems. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to patients and selected groups in a variety of settings.

Prerequisites:  All junior level nursing courses

Corequisites: NURS 4431, NURS 4440

NURS 4431    Research in Nursing.  (3) Fall

(3 hrs. class per week)

This course is designed to assist students in developing a sense of inquiry as well as an increased understanding of research strategies. The course will introduce students to the research process with exploration of research designs, sampling strategies, and data analysis methods. Evaluation of research findings and use of nursing research as the basis for evidence-based practice will be emphasized.

Prerequisites:  All junior level nursing courses

NURS 4432    Senior Capstone/NCLEX Synthesis (4) Spring

(4 hrs. class per week)

A seminar to assist students in synthesizing learning related to the roles and practices of professional nurses, exploring the health care system and the legal-ethical, sociopolitical, cultural, and professional issues influencing contemporary nursing. A research project is completed and presented from a proposal developed in NURS 4431.

Prerequisites: All Junior-Level Nursing & Senior Fall Courses

Corequisites: NURS 4450, NURS 4460

NURS 4433    Medical Surgical Nursing III (4) Spring

(4 hrs. class per week) 

This course focuses on advanced concepts of nursing care as they relate to patients across the lifespan with complex, multisystem alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management and organizational skills while managing the care of patients with multiple needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice, are integrated throughout the course.

Prerequisites: All Junior level courses and Senior Fall courses

Corequisites: NURS 4432, NURS 4450       

NURS 4440    Nursing Care: A Community Focus. (4)  Fall

(3 hrs. class, 3 hrs. lab/clinical per week)

This course is intended to introduce students to nursing care of individuals, families, aggregates, communities, and populations. Principles and practices of community health are discussed. Emphasis is placed on assessing factors that influence the health of populations and the use of evidence-based practices in the delivery of spiritually and culturally appropriate health promotion and disease prevention interventions. The role of the nurse as advocate for social justice is explored.

Prerequisites: All Junior-level Nursing courses

Corequisites: NURS 4430, NURS 4431

NURS 4450    Leadership (6) Spring

(2 hrs. class per week, 180 total hours of clinical practice per student) 

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to be a nursing leader who can function as a contributing member of the interprofessional team. The development of transformational leadership skills and management techniques needed to coordinate the provision of safe, quality patient patient-centered care are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on professional behaviors, communication that supports information exchange, collaboration and conflict mediation, ethical comportment and establishment and provision of evidenced based practice. Students will develop the skills of delegation and conflict management. Legal and ethical issues are discussed with a focus on personal accountability and responsibility. Students will be given the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional nurse in their preceptorship to provide care for a caseload of patients where they can demonstrate professional behaviors, communication skills, collaboration with healthcare team members and ability to use conflict mediation skills and ethical comportment.

Prerequisites:  All Junior-Level Nursing Courses and Senior level Fall courses

Corequisites:  NURS 4432, NURS 4433

NURS 4495    Independent Study in Nursing. (Variable) On demand

For students meeting requirements, the opportunity to pursue special interests beyond those in the formal course of study.

Prerequisite: Completion of 2/3 nursing major courses, 3.0 GPA, and permission.