Nursing, B.S.

Program Director: Maryam Ghobadzadeh, Ph.D., MSN, MPH, BSN

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program (RN to BSN) is designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their careers or prepare themselves for graduate education in nursing. The program is geared toward the educational needs of RNs holding a minimum of a two-year degree (AA/AS in nursing). The program responds to the changing healthcare needs in the San Joaquin Valley and helps meet the acute shortage of BSN-prepared nurses in the area.

The modern healthcare environment is becoming more complex due to advancements in technology and medical science, as well as the increasing acuity and complexity of the patient population. Nurses must have a scientifically based liberal arts education and critical decision-making skills. This program prepares graduates intellectually, spiritually and professionally to assume roles as providers, designers, managers, and coordinators of care.

The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice by the Association of Colleges of Nursing (2008) provides the curricular elements and framework for preparing graduates for the 21st century.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements include a minimum 2.4 GPA, two years postsecondary experience, an associate's degree in nursing, and an active nursing license or proof of application for licensure.

Nursing Health Clearance

BSN students are required to meet the preceptor site's health clearance requirements before beginning a practicum. All BSN students are strongly advised to carry their own health and liability insurance.

NCLEX

An RN to BSN student may be awarded up to 10 elective units of credit for successfully completing the NCLEX-RN examination.  Elective credit may apply toward the baccalaureate nursing degree in the amount of one unit of academic credit for every unit of required pre-licensure college-level nursing course credits not previously accepted in transfer to FPU.

• Credit will be awarded toward the RN to BSN degree after successful completion of NURS 315

• A combined maximum of 30 units may be awarded for Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, military or ACE credit, NCLEX-RN, and transfer credit from unaccredited institutions.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Integrate theory and research-based knowledge and skills from arts, humanities, and sciences, to develop a foundation for professional and personal life.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate client centered care by assessing, coordinating, delegating, and supervising the care provided by the health care team, including licensed nurses, technicians, and other health professionals.
3. Demonstrate compassionate, spiritual, ethical, culturally sensitive, and professional clinical decision-making skills based on critical thinking.
4. Understand the role and responsibilities of a professional nursing leader in the health care delivery system by embracing the value of lifelong learning.
5. Demonstrate inter-professional communication and collaboration for improving client health outcomes across the life span.
6. Analyze evidence-based health care practice to improve the quality of care.
7. Utilize health care policies and healthcare economics in shaping healthcare delivery.
8. Utilize system engineering and informatics to facilitate health promotion, disease prevention, and maintenance of health in delivering community and population based services.
9. Demonstrate professional leadership through advocacy in the political process health care policy to improve the health care system.
10. Evaluate and enhance one's own professional values within the context of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice, and conflict resolution.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C or higher in all nursing, general education, and elective courses to receive credit.

Program Length

This is a scheduled, 18-month cohort program.

Locations Offered

North Fresno and Visalia Campuses

Degree Pathways

Nursing, B.S. (DC) Two Year Pathway