College Of Nursing

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Dean: Debra C. Davis (251-434-3410)
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Rosemary Rhodes (251-434-3410)
Associate Dean for Research and Development: M. Candice Ross (251-434-3410)
Professors: Davis, Dearman, Doolittle, Rhodes, Ross
Associate Professors: Daniels, Garrison, McGuinness, Vande Waa, Roussel
Assistant Professors: Broome, Godfrey, Xu, Fruh
Clinical Assistant Professors: Azok, Broadus, Boullier, Frey, Gropp, Hamilton,
Holloway, Jacobs, Love, Majors, Myers, Peters, Ryan,
Surline, Temple, Weitzel, White, Gilligan, Lawson, Meyer, Varner, Rattie, Hyatt, King, Noonan, Pharez, Raber, Hester, Morgan, Posey-Goodwin
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 and Peggy Bouillier
Academic Advisor: Nancy Howell

College Of Nursing web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing

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 this 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:

1.	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.
2.	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.
3.	Assume responsibility and accountability for one’s own nursing practice.
4.	Evaluate research findings for use in nursing practice.
5.	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.
6.	Collaborate with health care providers and consumers in promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.
7.	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 has two locations. One is at USA Springhill on the corner of Springhill Avenue and Catherine Street in Mobile. The other is on the USA Baldwin County campus in downtown Fairhope. The resources of the University, the USA Hospitals and clinics, and numerous clinical agencies 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 accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120: Telephone 202-887-6791). 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) and for licensure to practice in the State of Alabama and U.S.

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. Students must be in good standing with all academic institutions/nursing programs that they have attended in order to be admitted to the BSN program.

Application forms are available in the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing.

For fall admission applications should be submitted semester by April 1.

For spring admission applications should be submitted semester by September 1.

Applications for admission to summer semester should be submitted by February 1.

Applications received at other times will be considered on a space available basis.

Students are selected for admission to the Professional Component based on the following factors:

1.	Submission of a completed application.
2.	Minimum GPA of 2.50 on all prerequisite courses and in good standing within the University. (When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that can be accommodated, students are admitted according to GPA ranking.)
3.	Minimum University GPA of 2.0.
4.	Minimum grade of “C” in all pre-professional courses.
5.	Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance.
6.	Evidence of CPR certification.
7.	Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen.

Students are expected to have basic computer skills. The College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean of the College reserves the right to select applicants best qualified for and most likely to succeed in the study of nursing. 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/PROGRESSION

Students will progress in 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. Those students accepted into the Professional Component must provide a negative drug test before beginning classes. Random drug screens or testing for reasonable suspicion are conducted. Students must submit to drug testing for controlled substances and background checks. Failure to submit to testing or a positive drug test and/or unsuitable background checks will result in the student's dismissal from clinical courses.

If a student’s progression is interrupted for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Student Services and apply for readmission. 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 course in the curriculum. A second “D”, “F”, or “U” will result in academic dismissal from the nursing program. The number of times a student may withdraw failing is limited to two. A third withdrawal failing will result in academic dismissal from the College of Nursing. 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 merits immediate dismissal from the program.

EXPENSES

Students enrolled in 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 students 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.

Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and required clinical equipment and supplies. Students may also be responsible for costs related to drug testing and criminal background checks.

TRANSIENT COURSE CREDIT

Any courses taken at another institution to meet degree requirements must have prior approval of the College of Nursing Dean. 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:

1.	Only course work taken at accredited programs will be considered.
2.	Only courses with grades of “C” or above will transfer.
3.	Standardized tests will be required in the appropriate areas with a score at or above the 50th percentile to receive credit.

CURRICULUM MODEL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING

FRESHMAN YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
EH 101	3	EH 102	3
PSY 120	3	MA 110/112	3
BLY Elect/Lab	4	HY/SOC/	3
History Elective	3	Beh Sc Elect
Arts Elective	3	(Rec ECO 215/
		216/300
(history or appreciation)		BLY 213/ or	3
	16	BMD 210
		Literature Elective	3
			15

SOPHOMORE YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
CH 101	4	CLS 115	4
CLS 114	4	ST 210/BMS 245	3
Humanities Elec	3	Elective Econ	3
HY/SOC/	3	Elective MGT	3
Beh SC Elect		Humanities Elect	3
(Rec. Psy 250)			16
	14

*Must have a 2 semester sequence in either history or literature.

JUNIOR YEAR (Clinicals Begin)
1st Semester		2nd Semester
NU 325	4	CMN 350	3
NU 327	3	CMN 351	3
HSC 343	3	AHN 347	3
HSC 342	1	AHN 347	3
NU 300	3	AHN 348	3
NU 301	2	HSC 332	3
	16		15

3rd Semester
NU 304	3
MCN 340	3
MCN 341	3
	9

SENIOR YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
MCN 345	3	NU 430	3
MCN 346	3	CMN 420	3
AHN 447	3	CMN 421	2
AHN 448	3	NU 460	5
NU 409	3		13
	15

Total Credits	129

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. Each applicant’s educational credentials are individually evaluated and a program of study is designed. Upon completion of the bridge course (NU 410), 36 hours of nursing credit will be awarded.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
1.	Submission of completed application
2.	Minimum GPA of 2.50 in all prerequisite courses
3.	Minimum University GPA of 2.0
4.	Minimum of "C" in all prerequisites
5.	Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance
6.	Evidence of CPR certification
7.	Completion of an accredited diploma or associate degree in nursing and a current unemcumbered license to practice in Alabama
8.	Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen.

PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT FOR RN - BSN TRACK

1st Semester
NU 410	6
NU 325	4
NU 327	3
	13

2nd Semester
NU 409	3
CMN 420	3
CMN 421	2
NU 304	3
	11

3rd Semester
NU 460	5
NU 430	3
	8
Total Nursing credits: 32

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 accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120: Telephone 202-887-6791). The program outcomes are:

1.	Integrate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into a specialized area of advanced nursing practice.
2.	Demonstrate competence in selected advanced nursing roles to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.
3.	Use scientific inquiry to identify researchable problems and participate in nursing research.
4.	Apply advanced knowledge of leadership, management, and teaching to improve nursing practice.
5.	Influence the improvement of health care delivery and the formulation of health policy.
6.	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 one of seven merged nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles. Available merged 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, Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing, or Nursing Education. The Nursing Education tracks prepares students as clinical specialists in Maternal Child, Adult-Health, or Community Mental Health.

The College of Nursing is responsive to the unique needs of nurses and has developed strategies to facilitate students achieving the MSN. Full-time or part-time study is available with classes offered almost exclusively online. Check website for current listing of courses: http://usaonline.southalabama.edu. 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 Speciality 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 Speciality track. Applications should be submitted by April 1 for consideration for fall admission, by September 1 for spring semester admission, and by February 1 for summer semester 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 Speciality track and may not change their track without prior permission. Students must be in good standing with all academic institutions/nursing programs that they have attended in order to be admitted to the MSN program. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School admission criteria (see Categories of Admission).

REGULAR ADMISSION

1.	Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program with major in nursing.
2.	Verification of a course or equivalent in research and health assessment.
3.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
4.	Submission of Health Data Forms.
5.	A grade-point average of 3.0 on all undergraduate work (A=4.00).
6.	Submission of a resumé which documents clinical experience.
	(Note: Prior to enrolling in a merged role nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist clinical course, students are required to have at least 2 years experience in an area appropriate to the Speciality track.)
7.	Negative drug test.

Note: An earned graduate degree from any accredited institution of higher education may qualify the applicant for regular standing.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

1.	Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program with a major in nursing.
2.	Verification of a course or equivalent in research and health assessment.
3.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
4.	Submission of Health Data Forms.
5.	A minimal grade-point average of 2.50 on all undergraduate work (A=4.00).
6.	Submission of a resumé which documents clinical experience.
	(Note: Prior to enrolling in a merged role nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist clinical course, students are required to have at least 2 years experience in an area appropriate to the Speciality track.)
7.	Negative drug test

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION

1.	Hold bachelor’s degree from accredited institution.
2.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
3.	A minimal grade-point of 2.50 on all undergraduate work (A=4.00)

Enrollment in selective courses may not be available to non-degree students due to class size or required prerequisite.

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	4 courses
(Including Anatomy/Physiology)
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. Nursing education requires 45 semester credits. Individualized programs of study are developed for baccalaureate prepared nurses with national certification 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 or lower is earned in a support or specialization course, the course in which the second C or lower 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 merits 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. Students must provide a negative drug test before beginning classes. Random drug screens or testing for reasonable suspicion are conducted. Students must submit to drug testing for controlled substances and background checks. Failure to submit to testing or a positive drug test and/or unsuitable background checks will result in the student's dismissal from clinical courses.

EXPENSES

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/ Public Health Care Nursing

OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration

OPTION III Nursing Education

OPTION IV Merged 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/Public

Health Care Nursing

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
HSC 568	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	NU 514	1
or
NU 599	3

Support Courses (3 credits)

NU 562

Speciality Courses (18 credits)

HSC 540	2	HSC 541	2
HSC 542	2	CMN 543	3
CMN 544	3	CMN 545	4
CMN 546	2
Total Credits		34

OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
HSC 568	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	NU 514	1
or
NU 599	3

Support Courses (3 credits)

NU 562

Speciality Courses (18 credits)

NU 565	3	NU 566	3
NU 561	3	NU 567	4
NU 568	2	HSC 571	3

Total Credits		34

OPTION III Nursing Education

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
HSC 568	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	NU 514	1
or
NU 599	3

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545	3
NU 578	3

Speciality Courses (25 credits)

NU 518	3	NU 519	1
NU 523	3	NU 526	4
NU 524	3	NU 527	3
AHN 525 or	4	NU 528	3
CMN 525 or		NU 529	2
MCN 525 or
Total Credits		45

OPTION IV Merged Role Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
HSC 568	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	NU 514	1
NU 599	3

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545

NU 578

Speciality Courses (26 credits)

Advanced Gerontological Nursing
AHN 548	3	AHN 549	1
AHN 551	3	AHN 552	3
AHN 553	3	AHN 554	3
AHN 555	3	AHN 556	4
AHN 557	3

Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing
AHN 568	3	AHN 569	1
AHN 571	3	AHN 572	3
AHN 573	3	AHN 574	3
AHN 575	3	AHN 576	4
AHN 577	3

Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
CMN 548	3	CMN 549	1
CMN 551	3	CMN 552	3
CMN 553	3	CMN 554	3
CMN 555	3	CMN 556	4
CMN 557	3

Advanced Family Nursing
CMN 568	3	CMN 569	1
CMN 571	3	CMN 572	3
CMN 573	3	CMN 574	3
CMN 575	3	CMN 576	4
CMN 577	3

Advanced Women’s Health Nursing
MCN 538	3	MCN 539	1
MCN 541	3	MCN 542	3
MCN 543	3	MCN 544	3
MCN 545	3	MCN 546	4
MCN 547	3

Advanced Child Health Nursing
MCN 548	3	MCN 549	1
MCN 551	3	MCN 552	3
MCN 553	3	MCN 554	3
MCN 555	3	MCN 556	4
MCN 557	3

Advanced Infant/Neonatal Nursing
MCN 568	3	MCN 569	1
MCN 571	3	MCN 572	3
MCN 573	3	MCN 574	3
MCN 575	3	MCN 576	4
MCN 577	3
Total Credits		45

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL NURSING COURSES:

Nursing (NU)

Adult Health Nursing (AHN)

Community/Mental Health Nursing (CMN)

Maternal/Child Nursing (MCN)

Health Sciences (HSC)