Nursing, B.S.

Program Director: Stacy Wise, DNP, RN, MBA, PHN

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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) One DuPont Circle, NW
Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036

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.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Theory and Knowledge: Integrate theory and research-based knowledge and skills from arts, humanities and sciences to develop a foundation for professional and personal life.
2. Client Centered Care: 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. Decision-Making Skills: Demonstrate compassionate, spiritual, ethical, culturally sensitive and professional clinical decision-making skills based on critical thinking.
4. Lifelong Learning: Understand the role and responsibilities of a professional nursing leader in the health care delivery system by embracing the value of lifelong learning.
5. Communication: Demonstrate inter-professional communication and collaboration for improving client health outcomes across the life span.
6. Analytical Inquiry: Demonstrate analytical inquiry for evidence-based health care practice to improve the quality of care.
7. Health Care Delivery: Use health care policies and healthcare economics in shaping healthcare delivery.
8. Community and Population-Based Services: Use system engineering and informatics to facilitate health promotion, disease prevention and maintenance of health in delivering community and population based services.
9. Leadership: Demonstrate professional leadership through advocacy in the political process to influence health care policy to improve the health care system.
10. Professional Values: Evaluate and enhance one's own professional values within the context of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice and conflict resolution.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia and Merced Campuses

Program Length

This is a scheduled, 18-month cohort program.

Credit-Bearing Grades

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