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
Assistant Dean: Broome
Professors: Davis, Dearman, Doolittle, Rhodes, Ross, Chilton
Associate Professors: Daniels, McGuinness, Vande Waa, Roussel, Temple
Assistant Professors: Broome, Godfrey, Xu, Fruh, Ryan
Clinical Associate Professor: Smith
Clinical Assistant Professors: Azok, Broadus, Boullier, Gropp, Hamilton,
Holloway, Jacobs, Love, Majors, Myers, Peters, McHaney, Walls
Surline, Temple, White, Gilligan, Lawson, Meyer, Varner, Rattie, Hyatt, King, Noonan, Pharez, Raber, Hester, Morgan, Posey-Goodwin, Fogger, Hall
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
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. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with your application. Money orders or personal checks ($20.00 fee on returned checks) are acceptable.

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 student achieving a grade of less than C in a course in combination with two withdrawal failings from the College of Nursing will also be dismissed. Successful completion of a math exam is required each term prior to promotion in clinical courses. All students are required to take a Midcurricular Exam. Students who do not successfully pass this exam are required to complete a 3 hour directed study the following semester, prior to progressing in the curriculum. Students are also required to complete an exit exam as part of the NU 460 course requirements. If the student is unsuccessful on the exit exam, a grade of "I" will be given for the course and the student must complete additional remedial requirements the next term. Students failing to complete the remedial work will receive an "F" for NU 460. 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
Fine Arts Elective	3	BLY 213/ or BMD 210	3
(history or appreciation)		Literature Elective	3
	16		15

SOPHOMORE YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
CH 101	4	CLS 115	4
CLS 114	4	ST 210/BMS 245	3
Humanities Elec	3	Economics	3
HY/SOC/	3	Management	3
Beh SC Elect		Humanities Elect	3
	14		16

*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

ACCELERTED BSN TRACK

The College of Nursing has a special Accelerated BSN track for highly academically qualified and motivated individuals. The professional component of the curriculum which normally takes 5 semesters to complete can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The curriculum and contact hours are the same as required for the traditionally taught BSN degree offered by the College, except that the course schedule is accelerated and is not confined by the traditional academic calendar. At the end of the 12-months of study, students are awarded the BSN degree and are prepared for the RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. Students are admitted fall semester only and must apply for admission to the professional component. Students are admitted based on prerequisite GPA and space available. Admission is competitive and limited. Admission criteria and application deadlines are the same for all undergraduate students.

Students in the Accelerated BSN follow the same promotion/progression policies as the students in the traditionally taught BSN. Students having difficulty maintaining the pace of the program may request a transfer to the traditional program if they are in good academic standing.

ADMISSION OF REGISTERED NURSES - RN - BSN TRACK

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 unencumbered 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 most classes offered exclusively online. Check web site 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 and on accelerated track for individuals with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. 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. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with your application. Money orders or personal checks ($20.00 fee on returned checks) are acceptable. 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 resume 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 resume 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 R.N. - M.S.N. TRACK

A RN-MSN 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 R.N. - M.S.N. TRACK

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

ACCELERATED MSN TRACK

The graduation program in the College of Nursing has a special 101 credit accelerated track for individuals with non-nursing bac