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Dean: Debra C. Davis (434-3410)
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Rosemary Rhodes (434-3410)
Associate Dean for Research and Development: M. Candice Ross (434-3410)
Professors: Carlson, Clements, Davis, Doolittle, Rhodes
Associate Professors: Bohannon, DeWitt, Garrison, Ross, Vande Waa
Assistant Professors: Barkley, Broadus, Broome, Daniels, Fruh, Godfrey,
McGuinness, Xu Yu
Clinical Assistant Professors: Azok, Broadus, Fox, Frey, Gropp, Hamilton,
Holloway, Holmes, Jacobs, Jenkins, Leonard, Love, Majors, Myers, Peters,
Ramsey, Ryan, Sanford, Surline, Temple, Weitzel, White
Clinical Instructors: Hyatt, Raber, Russell, Grindel
Department Chair, Adult Health Nursing: Sherry Daniels
Department Chair, Community/Mental Health Nursing: Barbara Broome
Department Chair, Maternal/Child Health Nursing: Catherine Dearman
Director of Student Services: Martha Surline
Director of RN-BSN: Bettye Odom
MISSION
The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide quality innovative,
education programs to a diverse student body, to participate in research
and scholarly activities, and to provide service to the University,
the profession, and the public. The college accomplishes the by providing
a caring, engaging environment for the empowerment of student learning
potential, the professional development of faculty, and the promotion
of the nursing profession.
GOALS
1. Cultivate a caring and engaging environment to facilitate teaching,
learning, scholarship, and service.
2. Deliver innovative quality nursing programs that meet the needs
of a diverse student body and other communities of interest.
3. Promote the discovery, communication, and preservation of knowledge
through scholarly activities and leadership.
4. Provide service to the University, the profession, and the public.
5. Develop community partnerships to promote nursing and the enhancement
of the health care delivery system.
UNDERGRADUATE
The College of Nursing is dedicated to the education of professional nurses
who provide the highest quality health care to the communities they serve. The practice of
nursing is both an art and a science; the focus of nursing is the diagnosis and treatment
of human responses to actual or potential health problems.
Upon completion of the Baccalaureate
Program, graduates should be able to:
- Deliver professional nursing care that assists individuals,
families, and communities with changing needs across the life span for health promotion
and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation.
- Use theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and
related disciplines to think critically, communicate effectively, and provide professional
nursing care in a variety of health care settings with diverse populations.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for one’s own
nursing practice.
- Evaluate research findings for use in nursing practice.
- Participate in the improvement of the nursing profession,
the health care delivery system, and the formulation of health policy through leadership,
management, and teaching skills.
- Collaborate with health care providers and consumers in
promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.
- Incorporate ethical, moral, legal, and economic values into
professional nursing roles designed to meet current and emerging health needs of a
changing society.
The College of Nursing is located at USA Springhill on the
corner of Springhill Avenue and Catherine Street. The resources of the University, the USA
Hospitals and clinics, and selected clinical agencies throughout the community provide
excellent opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for
professional nursing.
The program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing
and fully accredited regionally and nationally. Upon completion of requirements for the
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, the graduate is eligible to apply for the National
Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse (RN).
ADMISSION
CRITERIA
Enrollment into the pre-professional component as a nursing major does not
assure the student admission to the Professional Component. Enrollment in the Professional
Component is limited and competitive. Students are admitted without regard to race, color,
creed, national origin, sex, or qualified disablement.
Applications must be submitted for
admission to fall semester by March 15. All pre-professional courses must be successfully
completed by the end of the spring semester in which application is submitted.
Applications must be submitted for admission to spring
semester by June 10. All pre-professional courses must be successfully completed by the
end of the summer semester in which application is submitted.
Applications must be submitted for admission to summer
semester by October 15. All pre-professional courses must be successfully complete by the
end of the fall semester in which application is submitted.
Application forms are available in the Admissions and
Advisement Department in the College of Nursing.
Students are selected for admission to the Professional
Component based on the following factors:
- Submission of a completed application by the deadline date.
- A minimum GPA of 2.50 on all prerequisite courses. Please
note that although a 2.50 GPA is the minimum to be considered for admission, a much higher
GPA is normally required to be competitive. When the number of qualified applicants
exceeds the number that can be accommodated in clinical course, students are admitted
according to GPA ranking.
- A minimum grade of "C" in all pre- professional
courses.
- Submission of a health record and required immunizations.
- Evidence of CPR certification.
Students are expected to have basic computer skills. The
College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean of the College select the students
and reserve the right to select the applicants best qualified for and most likely to
succeed in the study of nursing. Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative
standards for licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Alabama merits
immediate dismissal from the nursing program.
In keeping with dynamic changes in health care and
nursing, the baccalaureate curriculum may undergo change. Changes in curricula and/or
admission requirements will be published as far in advance as possible. Advisors are
available to assist students in adapting to those changes and planning their course of
study accordingly.
PROMOTION
Students will progress to clinical nursing courses
according to the established sequence. The College will recommend
for promotion only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty,
satisfy the requirements of health, conduct, scholastic achievement,
and aptitude for nursing. Students continually in adjustment difficulties
may be dismissed from the nursing program.
If a student’s progression is
interrupted for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the
Admissions and Advisement Department and apply for readmission. Because of limited spaces
in clinical courses, any alteration in usual progression may lengthen the student’s
program.
A grade of "C" or higher is required for all
professional nursing courses. A student may repeat only one professional nursing clinical
course or clinical theory course in the curriculum. A second "D", "F",
or "U" will result in academic dismissal from the nursing program. A minimum GPA
of 2.0 at the University of South Alabama is required to continue in the program and for
graduation. Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards required for
licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Alabama merits immediate
dismissal from the program.
EXPENSES
Students enrolled in the clinical courses must maintain current CPR
certification and must keep all immunizations current. Students are responsible for all
personal health care expenses including expenses resulting from injury or accident, etc.
while the student is engaged in learning experiences required by the College of Nursing.
Therefore, all student are required to have adequate health care insurance. All students
are charged once a year for professional liability insurance. Students are responsible for
all travel expenses to clinical sites.
All nursing courses have a $22.00
course fee except for clinical practicum courses which have a fee of $60.00. Students are
responsible for purchase of uniforms and required clinical equipment and supplies.
TRANSIENT
COURSE CREDIT
Any courses taken at another institution to meet degree requirements must
have prior approval of the College of Nursing Dean or Director of Admissions and
Advisement. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in loss of transfer credit for the
course work.
TRANSFER
CREDIT FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING COURSES
Nursing course work taken at other institutions prior to admission to the
University of South Alabama will be evaluated on an individual basis. Courses determined
by the appropriate department chairs to be equivalent to USA courses will be accepted
based on the following data:
- Only course work taken at accredited programs will
be considered.
- Only courses with grades of "C" or above
will transfer.
- Standardized tests will be required in the
appropriate areas with a score at or above the 50th percentile to receive credit.
ADMISSION
OF REGISTERED NURSES
The College of Nursing has a track designed especially for registered
nurses pursuing the baccalaureate in nursing degree. Each applicant’s educational
credentials are individually evaluated and a program of study is designed. Registered
nurses must submit evidence of current unencumbered registered nurse licensure to be
admitted to the RN to BSN track. Six (6) hours of nursing and health science courses may
be challenged or validated. A maximum of 64 semester hours may be transferred in from a
junior college.
CURRICULUM
MODEL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING
FRESHMAN YEAR
| 1st Semester |
Hrs |
2nd Semester |
Hrs |
| EH 101 |
3 |
EH 102 |
3 |
| PSY 120 |
3 |
MA 110/112 |
3 |
| BLY Elect/Lab |
4 |
HY/SOC/Beh Sc Elect |
3 |
| History Elective |
3 |
BLY 213/ BMD 210 |
4 |
Arts Elective
(history or appreciation) |
3 |
Literature Elective |
3 |
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|
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16 |
|
16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| 1st Semester |
Hrs |
2nd Semester |
Hrs |
| CH 101 |
4 |
BLY 152/Lab |
4 |
| BLY 151/Lab |
4 |
ST 210/BMS 245 |
3 |
| HY or Lit Elect* |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Humanities Elec |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| HY/SOC/Beh Sc Elect |
3 |
Humanities Elect |
3 |
| |
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|
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17 |
|
16 |
*Must have a 2 semester sequence in either history or literature.
JUNIOR YEAR (Clinicals
Begin)
| 1st Semester |
Hrs |
2nd Semester |
Hrs |
| NU 300 |
3 |
AHN 347 |
3 |
| NU 301 |
2 |
AHN 347 |
3 |
| NU 325 |
4 |
AHN 348 |
3 |
| HSC 343 |
3 |
CMN 350 |
3 |
| HSC 342 |
1 |
CMN 351 |
3 |
| NU 327 |
3 |
HSC 332 |
2 |
| |
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|
=== |
| |
16 |
|
17 |
| 3rd Semester |
Hrs |
| NU 304 |
3 |
| MCN 340 |
3 |
| MCN 341 |
3 |
| |
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9 |
SENIOR YEAR
| 1st Semester |
Hrs |
2nd Semester |
Hrs |
| MCN 345 |
3 |
CMN 420 |
3 |
| MCN 346 |
3 |
CMN 421 |
3 |
| NU 409 |
3 |
NU 430 |
3 |
| AHN 447 |
3 |
NU 460 |
5 |
| AHN 448 |
3 |
|
|
| |
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|
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15 |
|
14 |
TOTAL CREDITS: 132
ADMISSION OF REGISTERED NURSES
The College of Nursing has a track designed especially for registered
nurses pursuing the baccalaureate in nursing degree. Once prerequisites
are completed (see previous curriculum model) the nursing curriculum
can be completed in one calendar year. Courses are offered online
or on campus in an every other weekend format. Each applicant’s educational
credentials are individually evaluated and a program of study is designed.
Registered nurses must submit evidence of current unencumbered registered
nurse licensure to be admitted to the RN to BSN track. Six (6) hours
of nursing and health science courses may be challenged or validated.
A maximum of 64 semester hours may be transferred in from a junior
college.
PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT FOR RN-BSN TRACK
|
1st Semester
|
|
| NU 410 |
4 |
| NU 325 |
4 |
| NU 301* |
2 |
| NU 304 |
3 |
| HSC 343* |
3 |
| HSC 342* |
1 |
| NU 327 |
3 |
| |
=== |
| |
20 |
| 2nd Semester |
|
| NU 409 |
3 |
| CMN 420 |
3 |
| CMN 421 |
3 |
| |
=== |
| |
9 |
| 3rd Semester |
|
| NU 460 |
5 |
| NU 430 |
3 |
| |
=== |
| |
8 |
Total credits: 37
*may be challenged
GRADUATE STUDIES
The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates
for advanced nursing practice and doctoral study. Graduates of the
program are able to synthesize and apply advanced knowledge, theories,
and research to a specialized area of nursing practice and function
as leaders in practice and to contribute to the advancement of the
profession. The Master of Science in Nursing program is fully accredited
by the National League for Nursing. The program outcomes are:
- Integrate advanced knowledge and theories from
nursing and related disciplines into a specialized area of advanced nursing practice.
- Demonstrate competence in selected advanced
nursing roles to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.
- Use scientific inquiry to identify researchable
problems and participate in nursing research.
- Apply advanced knowledge of leadership,
management, and teaching to improve nursing practice.
- Influence the improvement of health care delivery
and the formulation of health policy.
- Contribute to the focus and direction of the
nursing profession.
A common core of courses includes concepts,
theory, research, and issues related to advanced nursing practice is required of all
students. Several concentration areas are offered to meet the career goals of students.
Students may prepare for advanced nursing practice in a merged nurse practitioner and
clinical nurse specialist role in one of seven specialty tracks. Available dual role
NP/CNS tracks include Advanced Family Nursing, Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing,
Advanced Child Health Nursing, Advanced Infant/Neonatal Nursing, Advanced Women’s
Health Nursing, Advanced Gerontological Nursing, and Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing.
Concentrations are also available for students pursuing careers in Executive Nursing
Administration or Advanced Community Health Nursing. Course work in nursing education is
offered for students preparing for careers as nurse educators.
The College of Nursing is responsive to the unique needs
of nurses and has developed strategies to facilitate students achieving the MSN. For
example, full-time or part-time study is available with classes offered on a convenient
weekend format to facilitate the working nurse returning to school. The college offers a
special track for registered nurses who have bachelors degrees in a field other than
nursing. Individualized programs of study are also developed for BSN prepared nurses who
hold national certification as a nurse practitioner and for MSN prepared nurses who are
interested in returning for preparation in a new specialty area.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR ADMISSION TO REGULAR M.S.N. PROGRAM
Admission to the graduate program is limited and selective. Students are
admitted each semester as space is available in the selected specialty track. Applications
must be received by March 15 for consideration for fall admission. Applications received
at other times will be considered on a space available basis. It is recommended that
prospective students contact the Director of Graduate Studies for more information.
Students are admitted to a specialty track and may not change their track without prior
permission. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School admission criteria (see
Categories of Admission):
REGULAR
ADMISSION
- Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program
with major in nursing.
- Verification of a course or equivalent in research
and health assessment.
- Score of at least 45 on the Miller Analogies Test.
- Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
- Two letters of professional reference: preferably,
one from a faculty member and one from an employer.
- Submission of Health Data Form and verification of
Health Insurance.
- An earned graduate degree from any accredited
institution of higher education may qualify the applicant for regular standing.
- A grade-point average of 3.0 on all undergraduate
work (A=4.00).
- A minimum of two years experience in an area
appropriate to the specialty track selected.
- Submission of a resumé which documents a minimum
of two years experience.
PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
- Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program
with a major in nursing.
- Verification of a course or equivalent in research
and health assessment.
- Score of at least 30 on the Miller Analogies Test.
- Current registered nurse licensure.
- Two letters of professional reference: preferably,
one from a faculty member and one from an employer.
- Submission of Health Data Form and verification of
Health Insurance.
- A minimal grade-point average of 2.50 on all
undergraduate work (A=4.00).
- A minimum of two years experience in an area
appropriate to the specialty track selected.
- Submission of a resumé which documents a minimum
of two years experience.
NON-DEGREE
ADMISSION
1. Hold bachelor’s degree from accredited institution.
2. Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
Enrollment in selective courses may not be available to non-degree
students due to class size or required prerequisite. Non-degree students
who later decide to change to degree status must submit an application
and meet admission requirements. Special consideration will be given
to students who do not meet all admission requirements but who have
successfully completed a minimum of 12 credits of nursing courses
with a grade of A or B on all courses attempted. No more than 15 semester
hours may be applied toward the degree.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR ADMISSION TO ALTERNATIVE TRACK M.S.N. PROGRAM
An Alternative Track for entering
the Master of Science in Nursing degree program is available to persons who are registered
nurses and have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a discipline
other than nursing. Students are admitted to this track as Provisional Admission; the
admissions criteria are the same as for Provisional Admission to the Regular M.S.N.
Program (above) except for #1 (bachelor’s degree in nursing).
REQUIREMENTS
FOR STUDENTS IN ALTERNATIVE TRACK M.S.N. PROGRAM
The following undergraduate nursing and specific prerequisite
courses must be completed with a GPA of at least 2.5 prior to enrolling
in graduate nursing clinical courses. Students who have earned a GPA
of less than 2.5 on all undergraduate nursing and prerequisite courses
will be academically dismissed from the Graduate School.
| Prerequisite Courses: |
|
| Social Science |
4 courses |
Biological or Physical Science
(Including Anatomy/Physiology) |
4 courses
|
| Humanities/Fine Arts |
2 courses |
| Research |
1 course |
| Undergraduate Nursing Courses: |
| NU 410 |
CMN 420 |
| CMN 421 |
NU 325 |
REQUIREMENTS
FOR DEGREE
A minimum of 45 semester credits are required for preparation
in a merged nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist track. Preparation
in community health or executive nursing administration requires 34
semester credits. Individualized programs of study are developed for
baccalaureate prepared nurses with national certifications as a nurse
practitioner.
The program
offers a thesis or non-thesis option. Students selecting the thesis
option earn up to six credits for the thesis. Students selecting the
non thesis option earn one credit for a research project experience.
Students who do not complete the thesis in the allocated time must
register for additional thesis hours until such work is completed.
These additional hours will not apply towards the degree.
A maximum
of two (2) courses with a grade of C can be counted toward a degree,
however, only one (1) C is permitted in support or specialization
courses. If a second C is earned in a support or specialization course,
the course in which the second C is obtained must be repeated. Any
combination of three (3) courses with grades of C or less (C, D, U,
F) including C grades which have been repeated, will result in academic
dismissal from the graduate program. Two courses with a grade of D
or F will result in academic dismissal from the graduate program.
Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards required
for licensure to practice as a registered nurse mertis immediate dismissal
from the program.
If a
student’s progression is interrupted for any reason, it is the student’s
responsibility to contact the Director of Graduate Studies. Because
of limited spaces in the advanced clinical courses, any alteration
in progression may lengthen the student’s program.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR STUDENTS IN PRACTICUM COURSES
All students must submit a completed health data form and provide evidence
of required immunizations upon admission. Immunizations must be kept current. Students
must also maintain current CPR certification, and RN licensure while enrolled in the
program. Failure to comply with legal, moral, or legislative standards required for RN
licensure merits dismissal from the program.
EXPENSES
All nursing courses have a $22.00 course fee except the practicum and
internship courses which have a $60.00 course fee. Students are responsible for purchasing
equipment and supplies to be used in the clinical courses. Transportation costs to the
clinical sites is the responsibility of the student. Students are charged a fee for
professional liability insurance the semester they enter the program and then every fall
semester thereafter. Students are responsible for all personal health care expenses
including expenses resulting from injury or accident while the student is engaged in
learning experiences required by the College of Nursing. Therefore, all students are
required to have adequate health care insurance.
GRADUATE
ASSISTANTSHIPS
A limited number of graduate assistantships
is available to students of full standing. Additional information
and an application can be obtained by contacting the College of Nursing
graduate office.
PROGRAM
OF STUDIES
Students choose from the following options:
OPTION I Advanced Community HealthCare
Nursing
OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration
OPTION III Dual Role Nurse Practitioner/ Clinical Nurse Specialist:
Advanced Gerontological Nursing
Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing
Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Nursing
Advanced Family Nursing
Advanced Women’s Health Nursing
Advanced Child Health Nursing
Advanced Infant/Neonatal Nursing
CURRICULUM
OPTION
I - Advanced Community Health Care Nursing
A. Core Courses (nine
credits)
NU 506 3 hrs
NU 508 3 hrs
HSC 568 3 hr
B. Research Courses (four to six credits)
NU 513 3 hrs
NU 514 1 hr
OR
NU 599 3 hrs
C. Support Courses
(three credits)
NU 562 3 hrs
D. Speciality Courses (18 credits)
NU 540 2 hrs
NU 541 1 hr
NU 542 3 hrs
CMN 543 3 hrs
CMN 544 3 hrs
CMN 545 4 hrs
CMN 546 2 hrs
Total Credits 34
OPTION II - Executive Nursing Administration
A. Core Courses (nine credits)
NU 506 3 hrs
NU 508 3 hrs
HSC 568 3 hrs
B. Research Courses (four to six credits)
NU 513 3 hrs
NU 514 1 hrs
OR
NU 599 3 hrs
C. Support Courses (three credits)
NU 562 3 hrs
D. Speciality Courses (18 credits)
NU 561 3 hrs
NU 565 3 hrs
NU 566 3 hrs
NU 567 4 hrs
NU 568 2 hrs
HSC 571 3 hrs
Total Credits 34
OPTION III Dual Role Nurse Practitioner/ Clinical Nurse
Specialist
A. Core Courses (nine credits)
NU 506 3 hrs
NU 508 3 hrs
HSC 568 3 hrs
B. Research Courses (four to six credits)
NU 513 3 hrs
NU 514 1 hrs
NU 599 3 hrs
C. Support Courses (six credits)
NU 545 3 hrs
NU 578 3 hrs
D. Speciality Courses (26 credits)
Advanced Gerontological Nursing
AHN 548 3 hrs
AHN 549 1 hrs
AHN 551 3 hrs
AHN 552 3 hrs
AHN 553 3 hrs
AHN 554 3 hrs
AHN 555 3 hrs
AHN 556 4 hrs
AHN 557 3 hrs
Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing
AHN 568 3 hrs
AHN 569 1 hrs
AHN 571 3 hrs
AHN 572 3 hrs
AHN 573 3 hrs
AHN 574 3 hrs
AHN 575 3 hrs
AHN 576 4 hrs
AHN 577 3 hrs
Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
CMN 548 3 hrs
CMN 549 1 hrs
CMN 551 3 hrs
CMN 552 3 hrs
CMN 553 3 hrs
CMN 554 3 hrs
CMN 555 3 hrs
CMN 556 4 hrs
CMN 557 3 hrs
Advanced Family Nursing
CMN 568 3 hrs
CMN 569 1 hrs
CMN 571 3 hrs
CMN 572 3 hrs
CMN 573 3 hrs
CMN 574 3 hrs
CMN 575 3 hrs
CMN 576 4 hrs
CMN 577 3 hrs
Advanced Women’s Health Nursing
MCN 538 2 hrs
MCN 539 1 hrs
MCN 541 3 hrs
MCN 542 3 hrs
MCN 543 3 hrs
MCN 544 3 hrs
MCN 545 3 hrs
MCN 546 4 hrs
MCN 547 3 hrs
Advanced Child Health Nursing
MCN 548 3 hrs
MCN 549 1 hrs
MCN 551 3 hrs
MCN 552 3 hrs
MCN 553 3 hrs
MCN 554 3 hrs
MCN 555 3 hrs
MCN 556 4 hrs
MCN 557 3 hrs
Advanced Infant/Neonatal Nursing
MCN 568 3 hrs
MCN 569 1 hrs
MCN 571 3 hrs
MCN 572 3 hrs
MCN 573 3 hrs
MCN 574 3 hrs
MCN 575 3 hrs
MCN 576 4 hrs
MCN 577 3 hrs
Total Credits 46
DESCRIPTIONS OF NURSING COURSES
ARE FOUND AS FOLLOWS:
Nursing (NU)
Adult Health Nursing (AHN)
Community/Mental Health Nursing (CMN)
Maternal/Child Nursing (MCN)
Health Sciences (HSC)
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